Till my college years I have been in Uttarakhand and visited lot of places on various ocassions. Religion is in blood of uttaranchalis as they are in Devbhoomi. They worship different gods, trying to gather information on them and some of them are listed below..
Khetrapal
Narsingh
Sidhwa
Vidhwa
Vandev
Jakh
Naag
Aidi
Aanchari
Bhumyal
Bhairon
Chandi Maata
I will keep adding more as and when I will have more information. Request the Uttaranchali visitors to provide information/tales/stories on these if they know any.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Golu Devta Temple in Kumaon near Nainital
Golu Devta Temple is near Nainital and is one of most visited temple in Kumaon. Most of the tourist who visit Nainital try to visit this temple while returning from Nainital.
This is said Golu Devta is incarnation of Lord Shita (Gaur Bhairav) and is worshiped all over the Kumaon.
There are a lot of stories (Tales) about Golu Devta and couple of them are already published on Wikipedia and other websites.
I have been there recently and I must say these temples make you think of God in real sense, where you see nature and you believe that at some point of time the Gods must been living on these hills. You can see lots of bells offered by the devotees after their wishes are fullfilled after visiting the temples.
There are couple of other temples spread all over kumaon and most famous among them are in Champwat, Chitai and Ghorakhal.
This is said Golu Devta is incarnation of Lord Shita (Gaur Bhairav) and is worshiped all over the Kumaon.
There are a lot of stories (Tales) about Golu Devta and couple of them are already published on Wikipedia and other websites.
I have been there recently and I must say these temples make you think of God in real sense, where you see nature and you believe that at some point of time the Gods must been living on these hills. You can see lots of bells offered by the devotees after their wishes are fullfilled after visiting the temples.
There are couple of other temples spread all over kumaon and most famous among them are in Champwat, Chitai and Ghorakhal.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand
Deoprayag
Deoprayag is regarded as the most complete showcase of legends, heritage & traditions. 70 km from Rishikesh , here the Bhagirathi from Gaumukh & the Alaknanda from Satopanth unite and for most Indians, this confluence is no less holy than the Sangam at Allahabad. These three rivers flowing majestically through sculptured channels carved through the rocks have carved angular blocks of land around the confluence & the town is set into these three angles. Located at a height of only 618 m, Deoprayag is an invocation to the gods who have gfenerously endowed this spot with tremendous natural beauty. It is believed that Lord Rama and his father King Dashratha did penance here. The temple of Raghunathji houses a tall image of Lord Rama made of black granite. The most celebrated event at Deoprayag is the congregation of devotees, who come here to worship at Raghunath temple. There is also a small temple popular as Bharat Mandir of Rishikesh in recluse. It is said that on fearing attack by Aurangzeb the pujaris from Rishikesh installed the same idol at Deoprayag as makeshift arrangement & later took it back to Rishikesh.
Srinagar the ancient capital of Tehri Garhwal is at a distance of 35 km from here.
Rudraprayag
Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 km from Srinagar. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, the sage Narad worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra incarnation to bless the sage. It was here, also, that Shivas wife, Sati, was reborn after her self immolation because her father humiliated her husband. In her new life, as the daughter of Himalaya, she did penance here to ask the boon of Shiva as a husband once again. The ancient temple of Rudranathji is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rudraprayag is the point where the two roads branch off to the holy Shrines of Kedarnath (84 km) & Badrinath (159 km).
The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religions importance, lakes 8c glaciers.
Karna Prayag
Situated 11 km from Gauchar, the icy flow from the Pindari Glacier becomes the Pindari river, and when it meets the Alaknanda at 788 m, the confluence is known as Karnaprayag. The wooded thickets of the hills surrounding Karnaprayag were the meeting ground for Shakuntala C Raja Dushyanta, immortalised in Kalidasa’s immortal classic and a favourite ballad ever since. The place derives its name from Kama, the son of the Queen Kunti and her fiery lover, Lord Surya (sun), Kama’s lineage was kept a secret, but he propitiated the Sun God here, and acquired a pair of earrings & armour that made him invincible. Ultimately, he fell in the battle between the Pandavas & Kauravas, but remains a tragic hero for in life he never had the legitimacy he desired. Besides the temple dedicated to Kama, the temple dedicated to Goddess Umadevi, Narayan & Gopal stand at the confluence.
69 km from Gwaldam, Karnaprayag is on the main Rishikesh Badrinath highway. From here, the road to SriKedarnath (115 km) goes through Rudraprayag & the road to Sri Badrinath (128 km) through Joshimath.
Karnaprayag is the base for treks to Roopkund and the Bedni Bugyals and the approach to the Pindari Glacier.
Nandprayag
22 km from Kama Prayag, Nand Prayag at 914 m forms the confluence of the Alaknanda & Mandakini (flowing from a glacier near Nanda Devi Peak) rivers. On their way to Tapovan across Kunwari Pass or on their way to Roopkund, it is popular with trekkers. It is said that the confluence is named for the pious Raja Nanda. According to one legend, the king had been promised the boon of Vishnu as a son. Unfortunately, the same boon had been granted to Devki, the imprisoned sister of the tyrant king, Kansa. Ultimately, the gods found an ingenuous if wily solution: Vishnu would be born as Krishna to Devki but would be brought up by Raja Nandas wife, Yasodha.
Vishnuprayag
Hormed by the confluence of the impetuous Vishnu Ganga (known after this point, as the Alaknanda) and the Dhauliganga river, Vishnu Prayag, 1372m, has an ancient temple called Vishnu Kund. It is said that the sage Narad worshipped Vishnu at this sanctified spot. Visitors will find the Kagbhusandi Lake bewitching with its emerald green depths giving it a still surface, while on the banks, blossoms evoke the colours of nature in all her glory. The lake can also be approached from Vishnuprayag beside from Bhundhar village near Ghangaria.
This content was published on http://www.all-indiatravel.com/panch-prayag/index.html . Thank you for the website owner.
Deoprayag is regarded as the most complete showcase of legends, heritage & traditions. 70 km from Rishikesh , here the Bhagirathi from Gaumukh & the Alaknanda from Satopanth unite and for most Indians, this confluence is no less holy than the Sangam at Allahabad. These three rivers flowing majestically through sculptured channels carved through the rocks have carved angular blocks of land around the confluence & the town is set into these three angles. Located at a height of only 618 m, Deoprayag is an invocation to the gods who have gfenerously endowed this spot with tremendous natural beauty. It is believed that Lord Rama and his father King Dashratha did penance here. The temple of Raghunathji houses a tall image of Lord Rama made of black granite. The most celebrated event at Deoprayag is the congregation of devotees, who come here to worship at Raghunath temple. There is also a small temple popular as Bharat Mandir of Rishikesh in recluse. It is said that on fearing attack by Aurangzeb the pujaris from Rishikesh installed the same idol at Deoprayag as makeshift arrangement & later took it back to Rishikesh.
Srinagar the ancient capital of Tehri Garhwal is at a distance of 35 km from here.
Rudraprayag
Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 km from Srinagar. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, the sage Narad worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra incarnation to bless the sage. It was here, also, that Shivas wife, Sati, was reborn after her self immolation because her father humiliated her husband. In her new life, as the daughter of Himalaya, she did penance here to ask the boon of Shiva as a husband once again. The ancient temple of Rudranathji is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rudraprayag is the point where the two roads branch off to the holy Shrines of Kedarnath (84 km) & Badrinath (159 km).
The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religions importance, lakes 8c glaciers.
Karna Prayag
Situated 11 km from Gauchar, the icy flow from the Pindari Glacier becomes the Pindari river, and when it meets the Alaknanda at 788 m, the confluence is known as Karnaprayag. The wooded thickets of the hills surrounding Karnaprayag were the meeting ground for Shakuntala C Raja Dushyanta, immortalised in Kalidasa’s immortal classic and a favourite ballad ever since. The place derives its name from Kama, the son of the Queen Kunti and her fiery lover, Lord Surya (sun), Kama’s lineage was kept a secret, but he propitiated the Sun God here, and acquired a pair of earrings & armour that made him invincible. Ultimately, he fell in the battle between the Pandavas & Kauravas, but remains a tragic hero for in life he never had the legitimacy he desired. Besides the temple dedicated to Kama, the temple dedicated to Goddess Umadevi, Narayan & Gopal stand at the confluence.
69 km from Gwaldam, Karnaprayag is on the main Rishikesh Badrinath highway. From here, the road to SriKedarnath (115 km) goes through Rudraprayag & the road to Sri Badrinath (128 km) through Joshimath.
Karnaprayag is the base for treks to Roopkund and the Bedni Bugyals and the approach to the Pindari Glacier.
Nandprayag
22 km from Kama Prayag, Nand Prayag at 914 m forms the confluence of the Alaknanda & Mandakini (flowing from a glacier near Nanda Devi Peak) rivers. On their way to Tapovan across Kunwari Pass or on their way to Roopkund, it is popular with trekkers. It is said that the confluence is named for the pious Raja Nanda. According to one legend, the king had been promised the boon of Vishnu as a son. Unfortunately, the same boon had been granted to Devki, the imprisoned sister of the tyrant king, Kansa. Ultimately, the gods found an ingenuous if wily solution: Vishnu would be born as Krishna to Devki but would be brought up by Raja Nandas wife, Yasodha.
Vishnuprayag
Hormed by the confluence of the impetuous Vishnu Ganga (known after this point, as the Alaknanda) and the Dhauliganga river, Vishnu Prayag, 1372m, has an ancient temple called Vishnu Kund. It is said that the sage Narad worshipped Vishnu at this sanctified spot. Visitors will find the Kagbhusandi Lake bewitching with its emerald green depths giving it a still surface, while on the banks, blossoms evoke the colours of nature in all her glory. The lake can also be approached from Vishnuprayag beside from Bhundhar village near Ghangaria.
This content was published on http://www.all-indiatravel.com/panch-prayag/index.html . Thank you for the website owner.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Trekking to Hidimba temple
I have been to Hidimba temple some 3 years back, this was one of the best trips I had.Its at the top of a hill, approximately 4 KMs from Saat Taal Camp. Saat Taal is a place near Bhimtal (approx 24 KMs), having 7 lakes in its surroundings and thats why this is called Saat Taal.
At starting its a bit difficult to think of climbing 4 KMs, but when you start than this doesnt make you feel tiring because of the fresh air in the jungle and beautiful surrounding. When you reach to temple all of your tireness just vanishes.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Panch Badri, Panch Kedar, Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand
Route to Panch Kedar, Panch Badri and Panch Prayag.
Uttarakhand is famous for its pilgrimage. Every place is a Teerth Sacred Place).
Panch Badri - Five temples of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath
YogdhyanBadri
Bhavishya Badri
Vridha Badri
Adi Badri
Panch Kedar - Five temples of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath
Madhmaheshwar
Tungnath
Rudranath
Kalpanath
Uttarakhand is famous for its pilgrimage. Every place is a Teerth Sacred Place).Panch Badri - Five temples of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath
YogdhyanBadri
Bhavishya Badri
Vridha Badri
Adi Badri
Panch Kedar - Five temples of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath Madhmaheshwar
Tungnath
Rudranath
Kalpanath
Panch Prayag - Five convluences of River Ganga. 
Vishnuprayag
Nandprayag
Karnaprayag
Rudraprayag
Devprayag
Vishnuprayag
Nandprayag
Karnaprayag
Rudraprayag
Devprayag
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
TungNath-Arms of Shiva
Tungnath is situated 13072 ft by the sea level. This temple is the highest Shiva temple of Uttaranchal. This pilgrim place is attractive tourist place. Although this place is on high altitude but it is early and easily accessible, any one can reach here; age and health is not a big hurdle. There is a legend behind this temple is that after Mahabharata battle Pandavas were searching Lord Shiva to get rid of the sin of killing their brothers but lord Shiva didn’t want to meet them. Once Pandavas reach Kedarnath in search of Lord Shiva by seeing them lord Shiva Incarnated himself as bull, but Bhima recognized him and tried to catch him but Shiva refuge himself underground and later his body parts appeared in different places. Head to Pashupatinath, hump to Kedarnath, Arms to Tungnath, face to Rudranath and hair lock to Kalpnath. ungnath trek route is approximately 4km start from
Chopta (Gopeshwar-Ukhimath road).This trek route is occupied with dense forest. Tungnath is 50 feet high Ancient temple.There is Shiva's ling which is 1 feet tall and slightly bent to the North known as arm of Shiva. Along with Lingam there is idol of Veda Vyas, Adishankracharya and Kal bhairav.when we straight climb about one and half km far from the temple there is hill top called Chandrashila this is known as meditation place of Chandra (moon).Beside to Tungnath there is a mount which is smaller than this is called Ravan Shilla, it is believed that Ravana devouted here. Tourist while climbing pile up the small stone in shape of small temple to regard their ancestors. From here one can see Wide range of the Himalayas.Chaukhamba(25000 foot)look near and touchable.There is proper facility for accomodation in chopta and Tungnath.G.M. V. N. has made some small lodges which looks realy beautiful.tourist who visit here go with sweet memories.
Chopta (Gopeshwar-Ukhimath road).This trek route is occupied with dense forest. Tungnath is 50 feet high Ancient temple.There is Shiva's ling which is 1 feet tall and slightly bent to the North known as arm of Shiva. Along with Lingam there is idol of Veda Vyas, Adishankracharya and Kal bhairav.when we straight climb about one and half km far from the temple there is hill top called Chandrashila this is known as meditation place of Chandra (moon).Beside to Tungnath there is a mount which is smaller than this is called Ravan Shilla, it is believed that Ravana devouted here. Tourist while climbing pile up the small stone in shape of small temple to regard their ancestors. From here one can see Wide range of the Himalayas.Chaukhamba(25000 foot)look near and touchable.There is proper facility for accomodation in chopta and Tungnath.G.M. V. N. has made some small lodges which looks realy beautiful.tourist who visit here go with sweet memories.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Uttaranchali Gods
Till my college years I have been in Uttarakhand and visited lot of places on various ocassions. Religion is in blood of uttaranchalis as they are in Devbhoomi. They worship different gods, trying to gather information on them and some of them are listed below..
Khetrapal
Narsingh
Sidhwa
Vidhwa
Vandev
Jakh
Naag
Aidi
Aanchari
Bhumyal
Bhairon
Chandi Maata
I will keep adding more as and when I will have more information. Request the Uttaranchali visitors to provide information/tales/stories on these if they know any.
Khetrapal
Narsingh
Sidhwa
Vidhwa
Vandev
Jakh
Naag
Aidi
Aanchari
Bhumyal
Bhairon
Chandi Maata
I will keep adding more as and when I will have more information. Request the Uttaranchali visitors to provide information/tales/stories on these if they know any.
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