my trip Badrinath

kanthaeikon · Jun 2, 2010

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Pilgrimage to <st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacename w:st="on">BadriNath</st1lacename> <st1lacetype w:st="on">Temple</st1lacetype></st1lace>
We 49 members a group of people have visited the following places headed by Mr. Vasudeven from 16<sup>th</sup> to 24<sup>th</sup> of May 2010. About these pilgrimage spots whatever the information collected from there I have given it, hence if there is some mistakes like additions or omissions in my write up please do not hesitate to mention it.

16/05/10 morning we went to Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal
The seventh wonder of the world. A symbol of endless love and devotion of Emperor Shah Jehan to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is a befitting tribute to so romantic-a-love story and so divine an emotion that binds two souls forever. A visit to Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of Mumtaz, is a rare experience. It has become a signature <st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacetype w:st="on">monument</st1lacetype> of <st1lacename w:st="on">Indian</st1lacename></st1lace> architecture and someone has rightly said that Taj has been designed like a palace and finished like a jewel.

Same day to Agra Fort
This was started in 1565, it took eight years and thirty-five lakh rupees to complete its construction and is second only to Taj in <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Agra</st1:city></st1lace>. Qasim Khan Mir Barr-u-Bahr supervised the construction of this building.
One of the large fortified residences built at various strategic points of Mughal Empire; it had over five hundred buildings, as mentioned by Abul Fazal in his chronicles. Most of the buildings added later use marble as the chief construction material. At the time of Akbar, River Yamuna touched the fort and thus, a number of ghats were built here. Some of these ghats were meant to load and unload goods transported through river and other covered passages were for use by the harem inmates only.

Gokulam

In the main temple an icon of a crawling <st1lace w:st="on">Krishna</st1lace> in a silver cradle is placed in the mandapam. Priest offer us to swing the cradle. Hindu religion believes those who swing the cradle will be blessed with a healthy child. Also mud images of Devaki, Vasudeva with little Krishna perched in a basketon his head, a cow, besides other things related to <st1lace w:st="on">Krishna</st1lace>'s legends.
In the same temple there is lot of sannathi’s are there which gives us the details of Lord Krishna’s playfulness.
We heard in Gokulam daily early morning and evening lot of people take a procession with a crawling image of <st1lace w:st="on">Krishna</st1lace> is cradled amidst singing of bhajans and chantings of Hare Rama Hare Krishna for hours together.

Virundhavan / Brindhavan
About 6 miles away from <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Mathura</st1:city></st1lace> lies Brindavan, where Sri Krishnar along with all other Yadhavars led their lives in peace. This is the place where Sri Krishnar spent his childhood days along with his cowherd frieds and did lots of leelas.
<st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacename w:st="on">Shree</st1lacename> <st1lacename w:st="on">Radha</st1lacename> <st1lacename w:st="on">Ras</st1lacename> <st1lacename w:st="on">Bihari</st1lacename> <st1lacename w:st="on">Ashta</st1lacename> <st1lacename w:st="on">Sakhi</st1lacename> <st1lacetype w:st="on">Temple</st1lacetype></st1lace>: In Vrindavan, the “Lila Sthan” (the place of the divine passion play) of Lord Krishna, lies the temple that is a must visit destination for devotees completing the 84 kosh Vraj Parikrama Yatra. The temple is centuries old and is the first Indian temple that is dedicated to the divine couple and their Ashta Sakhi’s - the eight “companions” of Radha who were intimately involved in her love play with the Lord Krishna. The temple is called Shree Radha Ras Bihari Ashta Sakhi Mandir and it is home to the devine of Lord Krishna and Legend has it that the Shree Radha Rasa Behari Ashta Sakhi Mandir is one of the two places in <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Mathura</st1:city></st1lace>, Vrindavan where the Lord Krishna actually indulges in the Rasa Lila with his beloved Radha and rani her sakhis.
On these nights, devotees have reported hearing the sound of the anklets, beating in tune to a divine melody.
The temple is in the centre place of Tulasi Kadu. (<st1lace w:st="on">Forest</st1lace>)
About Brindavanam, Andal has done mangalasasanam on the perumal in 10 paasurams and about Govardhanam, Periyalwar has praised the perumal in 16 Paasurams.
Govardhana
Sri Krishna, he held Govardhana up for seven days and nights to save the residents of Braja thus raising his worth infinitely.
About 8 miles away from <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Mathura</st1:city></st1lace> is a place called "Govardhanagiri" is found, where Sri Krishnar and all of his cowherd frieds grazed cows. This Govardhanagiri is a beautiful place, which has a beautiful and pleasant surroundings and a temple is built on the top of the hill by Sri Vallabhacharyar. Bhaktas after visiting Govardanagiri, at the foot of the hill of Govardhanagiri a temple for Lakshmi - Narayanar is found where worship is done as per the regulations laid down by Sri Ramanujar.
close to this temple, a river that flows deep and broad, is found and 18 Km away from Govardhanagiri, as a rememberance of Nandhagopar and yasodha, a small town is constructed with the name "Nandhi Gramam" on the hill top and a temple for Bala Krishnar is found.
On the banks of Yamuna river, a temple by named "Rangaji Mandir" is found. Separate sannadhis for Sri Ranganathar, Sri Andal, Lord Sri Srinivasar and Sri Ramar are found.
Utsavam:
In <st1:city w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Mathura</st1lace></st1:city>, the Krishna Janmashtami (Krishna Jayanthi) is celebrated in a grand way, where lots of Vishnu bhaktas come to this sthalam and worship Sri Krishnar. During that time, the entire life of Sri Krishnar is depicted as a play.
Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this Divyadesam is Govardhana Nesan. He is also named as Balakrishnan. The Moolavar is found in Nindra thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards the Eastern direction. Prathyaksham for Indiran, all the Devars, Brahma devan, Vasudevar and Devaki.

Thaayar:
The Thaayar found here in this sthalam is Sathyabama Naachiyaar.
Mangalasasanam:

Periyalwar - 4 Paasurams

Andal - 6 Paasurams

Thondaradipodialwar - 1 Paasuram

Thirumangaialwar - 4 Paasurams

Nammalwar - 10 Paasurams

<st1:city w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Mathura</st1lace></st1:city>

Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi
Believed to be the place where Lord Krishna was born 5,000 years ago in the prison of his maternal uncle King Kansa, the site now houses a beautiful and magnificent <st1lace w:st="on">Krishna</st1lace> temple. The museum inside the temple exhibits many old statues that have been excavated here and in the surrounding areas.

Vishram Ghat
The sacred spot on the bank of River Yamuna has an interesting legend attached to it. It is said that it was here that Lord Krishna rested after the fierce fight with his uncle Kansa, who was a cruel king and had not only abused his power and crushed his citizens but had also imprisoned his own father and had usurped his rights as the king.

Janma Masjid
Built by Nabir Khan in 1661, the mosque looks quite impressive with its four delicate minarets and the traces of the bright colored plaster mosaic that had once graced its panels.
Rishikesh

The Gateway to Himalayas, is on the holy cities Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh in <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1lace>. The majestic Himalayas, the holy river <st1lace w:st="on">Ganges</st1lace>, myths and legends, ancient temples, rishi and monks make Rishikesh a peaceful destination where the believer finds peace of mind and soul. The splendid nature is a major draw for the non-believer.

The spectacle of the <st1lace w:st="on">Ganga</st1lace> rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples dot the banks of the <st1lace w:st="on">Ganga</st1lace> at Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practised penance here. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.

Tapovan on the other bank of the <st1lace w:st="on">Ganges</st1lace> houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana carried out penances here. It is also believed that his brother Bharata meditated here, and there is a temple to Bharata here. Also seen here are the Swargashram and the Geeta Bhavan temples.

The Lakshman Jhula, a 450 feet long suspension bridge was built in 1939.

Devprayagai

Devprayag is a small town near Rishikesh. The place is famous due to being the confluence point of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, where river <st1lace w:st="on">Ganga</st1lace> is formed.

The two different colours shows the sangamam of Devapriyagai.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacename w:st="on">Raghunathji</st1lacename> <st1lacetype w:st="on">Temple</st1lacetype></st1lace> : The city is also known for a 10,000 years old temple of lord Rama. The <st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacetype w:st="on">temple</st1lacetype> of <st1lacename w:st="on">Raghunathji</st1lacename></st1lace> is dedicated to lord Rama. The temple is claimed to be 10,000 years old. It is one of the oldest existing temples of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">India</st1lace></st1:country-region>. Raghunathji temple is made of huge uncemented stones, kept one over another, in a pyramid shape. The <st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacetype w:st="on">temple</st1lacetype> <st1lacename w:st="on">recieves</st1lacename></st1lace> lakhs of pilgrims every year. The shrine of Rama was destroyed during an earthquake in 1803, and was later rebuilt by Daulat Rao Scindia. According to a local legend, the shrine is dedicated to lord Rama, when he came back to Ayodhya after his victory over Lanka. The temple compound also hosts Annapurna Devi temple, Hanuman temple, Shankaracharya temple and Garud temple.
Joshimutt
This Divyadesam is found around 154 miles away from Haridwar, while travelling from Devaprayag to Badrinath.
There is no firm agreement on the where this Divyadesam is situated. Many of the pilgimage believe that Joshimutt is the Divyadesam which is called as "Thiruppirudhi" and some say that Thiruppirudhi is found in the interior of <st1lace w:st="on">Himalaya</st1lace>.
Specials:
The Speciality of this sthalam is Sri Aadhi Sankaracharyar, who came all the way from Kerala in the 8th Century A.D., performed Tapas under a tree here and after getting enlightment, established a MUTT known as "Jyothirmutt". This Jyothismutt later became "Joshimutt".
Sthalapuranam
Thiruppirudhi which is otherwise called as Joshimutt explains that it has a close relation between the Emperumaan and his bhaktas. The bhaktas shows their Pireethi (affection) towards the Emperumaan and they get the same from the Emperumaan. Thats the reason this sthalam got the name as "Thiruppirudhi".
This Thiruppirudhi Kshetram is found about 154 miles away from Haridwar while travelling from Devaprayag to Badrinath.
The Salagrama Narasimhar who is found in the Sankara Mutt is being worshipped by the bhaktas as considering him as the Emperumaan.

In winter season, when Badrikashramam sthalam is closed, the Badrinath utsavar is took from Badrinath and kept in this sthalam and gives his seva as Badri Narayanan for his bhaktas for six months.
Among 108 divyadesams, there are two divyadesams where we cant go with our body, only our Aathma (soul) can go. That two divyadesams are Paramapadham and Thirupparkadal. But, the perumal gives his Kidantha kolam how he is found in Thiruppaarkadal, to his bhaktas in this Thiruppirudhi divyadesam.
Only, Thirumangai alwar has done the Mangalasasanam on his perumal. Among his 10 Paasurams, in 3 Paasurams he compares the perumal as 3 avathaars (ie) as Rama, <st1lace w:st="on">Krishna</st1lace> and Narasimha avathaar of Sri Vishnu.
Sri Aadhi Sankarar has constructed a temple wher Sri Narasimhar and Nindra kola Vasudevar are found. To reach the temple, one has to go downwards in the step which is found around 3/4 miles away. Sri Aadhi Sankarar has established a peetam and got the Gnana by doing tapas here and wrote "Sankara Bhashyam".
Moolavar:
The Moolavar of this sthalam is Paramapurushan. He is found in Kidantha kolam in Bujangha sayanam facing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Parvathi devi.
Thaayar:
The Thaayar of Thiruppirudhi sthalam is Parimalavalli Naachiyaar.
Mangalasasanam:
Thirumangai Alwar is the only Alwar who has done Mangalasasanam on this sthala perumal in 10 Paasurams.
SHRI BADRINATH
The present temple was built about two centuries ago by Garhwal Kings. It is a conical structure, 15 m. tall and has small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. There are 15 idols in the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone. The principal idol represents Vishnu in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nara-Narayan. Legend dates it prior to the Vedic age though it is believed to have been re-established by Adi Shankaracharya, an important Hindu saint in 8th century A.D. Some of the other images include Laxmi (Vishnu's consort), Garud (Vishnu's mount), Shiva & Parvati and Ganesha.

The temple has been renovated several times due to damages by avalanches. It looks fairly modern now due to the colourful "Singh Dwara" or the main entrance gate. It has three parts- Garbha Griha (the sanctum sanctorum), Darshan Mandap (for pujas) and Shobha Mandap (for devotees to assemble). The revered shrine is still alive with myriad legends from mythology. Its sanctity is emphasised in the ancient scriptures as "There are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be".
On the right bank of Alaknanda lies the sacred spot perched at an altitude of 3,133 metres above the sea level. Encircled by a beautiful valley, the 15mtrs. High temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of gilt bull and spire. Built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya - the philosopher-saint of the 8th century, the temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches. Its colourful 'Singh Dwara' or the main entrance gate gives it a new, modern look.

The temple divided into three parts - the 'garbha griba' or sanctum sanctorum, the 'darshan mandap' where the rituals are conducted and the 'sabha mandap' where devotees assemble.The complex has 15 idols. Especially attractive is the one metre high image of Badrinath, finely sculpted in black stone. It represents Lord Vishnu seated in meditative pose.
Tapt Kund
Devotees take a holy dip in the natural thermal springs on the banks of the river Alaknanda, before entering the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacename w:st="on">Badrinath</st1lacename> <st1lacetype w:st="on">Temple</st1lacetype></st1lace>. The water of the kund is believed to have medicinal properties.

Nearby is the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacename w:st="on">Lakshman</st1lacename> <st1lacetype w:st="on">Temple</st1lacetype></st1lace> where Lakshman - the brother of Lord Rama performed his penance. The reflection of surrounding snow-clad peaks in its placid waters offers a scenic sight.
Brahma Kapal
A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda where Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.
Neelkanth
A Pyramidical-shaped snowy peak towering above Badrinath, popularly known as the 'Garhwal Queen'.
Haridwar

Haridwar literally means Gateway to the Lord. One of the holiest Hindu pilgrim sites on the banks of the sacred river <st1lace w:st="on">Ganga</st1lace>, Haridwar is a bustling town with crowded markets, a multitude of temples, ashrams and ghats overflowing with pilgrims desirous of attaining a measure of salvation - in this

According to Hindu belief, Haridwar is the land that was sanctified by the footprints of the Lord. Associated with both Shiva and Vishnu, it is believed to have been the place where Sati (Shiva’s consort) consigned herself to the sacrificial fire. The terrible ‘Tandava’ (dance of destruction) performed by Shiva in grief led to Vishnu dismembering Sati’s body, with the different parts scattering across <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">India</st1lace></st1:country-region>.
Haridwar is also famous for two temples located at hill tops. Both these temples are connected by Cable cars one is Mansa Devi temple and Maa Chandi Devi temple.

At the top of one hill two temples are located and they are connected by cable cars. One temple is of Maa Chandi Devi and other one is Maa Anjni Devi. Anjni Devi is the mother of Lord Hanuman. From the bases of these hills ticket for this cable car and for other cable car located within the city ( <st1lace w:st="on"><st1lacename w:st="on">Manasa</st1lacename> <st1lacename w:st="on">Devi</st1lacename> <st1lacetype w:st="on">Temple</st1lacetype></st1lace> ) can be purchased. Only for Chandidevi temple ( or Anjni Devi temple ) the price is Rs 80/- both ways. For the same counter ticket for Manasa Devi cable car also can be taken by paying for combined ticket of Rs 128 /-. There is a package offer of Rs 165/- for both the cable cars including transport between them.

Manasa Devi temple is located at the top of the Vilwa Hill or Parvat and is connected by cable car. Here also the cable car for both the temples can be purchased for both ways by paying Rs 128/- per person. Each trip can be planned by paying the fee. Good arrangement is done at the base and top of the hills for the cable car entry queue and exit arrangements to handle the rush during tourist seasons of May and June.. From the temple good top view of the river The Ganga and Haridwar town can be seen.
The stretch of cable car for Chandi Devi & Anjni Devi temple is long and there is a distance map for comparison of different cable cars in <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1lace>.
In the sanctorum the Devi is worshipped in its anthropomorphic form sculpted on marble. The bust is enshrined in a silver plated small vaulted shrine showing a beautiful decoration of silver embossing works throughout the body of the miniature vaulted shrine. Here also the pindi (stone) is worshipped along with the marble bust. She is beautifully decorated with crown and other ornaments

Prettina · Jun 2, 2010

Onion mami,

An awesome writeup on your holy trip....

Good information for others who wish to travel...

Fotos were awesome...You could attach some here too...

Keep Writting...

Pavithra55 · Jun 2, 2010

hi very nice information thanx for posting

Yashikushi · Jun 2, 2010

Oh long narration and good write up Kantha.
Dunno when i will be there in those places,but virtually enjoyed reading along with the pics(personal)
Why not atleast a single snap for each place.Will be more delightful for the viewers.
Please review.

malathyj · Jun 2, 2010

very nice write up mami...

kanthaeikon · Jun 2, 2010

Re: my trip Badrinath- photos

Hi
I attached two photos will be posting much more later
kantha

first one is way to Badrinath
second one is at Devpriyagi where the Alaknandha and bagirathi river meets. You can see two colour joints.

iyerviji · Jun 2, 2010

Dear Kantha

Nice write up. Felt as if I also travelled along with you, well narrated.

love
viji

kanthaeikon · Jun 2, 2010

Dear Saroj
Thanks dear. A day will come for you dear. As I was waiting for Badri tour, now waiting for Nepal and Saligramam. Then Kailash and Manasarover.
kantha

kanthaeikon · Jun 2, 2010

Dear Prettina Pavithra and Malathi
Thanks for FB dear you may please see my photos I will be uploading two at a time
and give the FB dear
kantha

kanthaeikon · Jun 2, 2010

Dear Viji Mam
you have to see the photos will be posting two at a time dear. It will be feast to our eyes.
:rotfl
I thoroughly enjoyed no leg pain, because of water I had stomach problem but some how I managed. I had only water, water nothing else for five long days. I had only in my mind that I have to see Nara Narayanan at Badri. Oh god what a memorable moment it was. I had 10 full mints in the Sannadhi. Thoroughly I enjoyed but we were waiting for 5 hours in the Queue. On 14th of May only the temple (that village badri was opened) was opened after six months closure.
kantha
:rotfl