Pushkar : A divine creation!

Ever wondered why Brahma considered the creator of the world (according to Hindu mythology) is only worshipped in one place in the whole world? For that we take you to Pushkar, a city that’s entwined with mythology! One of India’s oldest cities, this sleepy hamlet in Rajasthan comes alive during the month of Kartik (November) with its worldwide famous Pushkar Fair!

But there’s a lot to Pushkar apart from the fair… a temple town it is considered one of the five sacred dhams for Hindus, others being Puri, Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram. Indian Mythology claims that if after visiting all other Hindu pilgrim towns and temples (Four Dhams), if Pushkar is not visited for Pooja, then salvation is not achieved.

According to Hindu Mythology when the demon Vajra Nabha killed Lord Brahma’s children, the latter retaliated by striking him with his weapon, a lotus flower. While the demon died on its impact, one of the petals from the lotus fell on the earth; the Pushkar Lake is at the very same spot.

Meaning lotus flower, Pushkar is famous for its lake where devotees from across India visit during the month of Kartik to wash away their sins.  It is said that later when Lord Brahma performed a yagna to protect the place from demons, his consort Saraswati who was needed to be by his side at the time, failed to be there at the needed hour. God Brahma in order to carry on with the yagna married a girl  named Gayatri and continued with Yagna. So upset was Saraswati when she heard about it, she cursed Lord Brahma that henceforth he wouldn’t be worshipped anywhere except in Pushkar.

Of the 500 odd temples here, the Brahma Temple where Lord Brahma is worshipped is the most significant for pilgrims and tourists visiting Pushkar. Here one can find a life sized idol of the Lord. Its beautiful structure and red spire clearly distinguish it from the other temples here. The temple is also known for an  idol of Brahma having four hands and four faces,each face looking in a different direction symbolizing  the supervision of the Lord over the whole creation.

Other important temples here include the Savitri Temple, atop the Ratnagiri Hill; it too houses a magnificent statue of Goddess Savitri, a wife of Lord Brahma. The Gayatri Temple is where another consort of Lord Brahma is worshipped.

Also found here is an interesting Varah Temple, dedicated to the Varah avatar of Lord Vishnu – the head of a boar and the body of a man. While the original that was built in the 12^th century was destroyed by Emperor Aurangzeb, the same was renovated and reconstructed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur. According to mythology Lord Vishnu assumed this avatar to protect the world from the Hirnayaksh and defeated the demon,making this avatar of  Lord Vishnu a revered figure amongst Hindus.

Another brilliant temple here is the Mahadeva Temple, a beautiful temple dating back to the 19^th century, noted for its image of Mahadeva in white marble. It has been famously described by a British traveler as “By far the most remarkable, for the elegance of its structure and the nature of its ornaments, of all the temples Pushkar boasts of”…

Not only the largest but also  boasting of some of the most intricate works of art, the Ramavaikunth Temple here built in 1920 is said to have sculptures of nearly 360 different deities! The Chamunda temple is of major religious significance as it is one of the 51 Shakti peeths. According to mythology, the Panchkund Shiva temple was said to have been built by the five Pandava brothers.

Apart from the temples, the Pushkar Lake which is said to have been around from the time the earth was created and the bathing ghats that surround the lake are of major importance. While the waters are said to cleanse away the sins of a person, many also believe it to have mystical powers to cure skin diseases.

Besides the lake having religious significance, the lake surrounded by hills also adds to the beauty of the city. These hills are also believed to be the abode of the great sage Agasthya, while some  people even believe that Kalidasa chose to compose his masterpiece ‘Shakuntalam’ here.

Come October / November, and this sleepy town  transforms into one of India’s most happening places during the Pushkar Fair, when people from other towns around the area as well as other parts of India come visiting. This is the time Pushkar gets anywhere from 4000 to 6000 tourists visiting it every day.

Adding to the festivities, dance and cultural programs here is the colorful Camel Fair, said to be the largest camel fair in the world. Here camels are dressed with beads and bangles and displayed to prospective buyers, the camel races adding to the excitement that already prevails here.

If typical Rajasthani culture is what you’re on the lookout for, then this is the place to be! While nights are filled with song and dance by locals dressed in traditional attire and fine jewellery; this is also a perfect time to catch up on some shopping. From bags to handicrafts, exquisite jewellery or fabrics one can find it all here. Puskar is a delight for shoppers.

No trip to Pushkar is complete without trying out the amazing camel safaris here, also a great way to explore the rugged Thar Desert.

Welcoming all with special warmth, while other destinations in Rajasthan are mostly about the palaces, havelis, and reliving the glory of the bygone days, here’s one that offers typical Rajasthani culture. For life beyond its palaces and havelis in Rajasthan, try Pushkar!

The Char Dham – A Divine Journey!

It’s one of the most noted pilgrim circuits in India with each site offering a history and significance of its own… Want to know more about Char Dham, the pilgrimage which according to Hindus is a yatra to the most revered sites they undertake to free themselves from sin and rebirth?

A pilgrimage that constitutes visiting the four sacred places of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, this yatra usually begins from Yamunotri and then proceeds onto Gangotri and Kedarnath finally culminating at Badrinath.

At 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri the source of the Yamuna River and one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Hindus is known for its temple of Goddess Yamuna built in 1839, hot springs and breathtaking beauty. Located on a division of the Bandar Poonchh peak, it is found opposite the Gangotri.

While the shrine is a must visit, the Surya Kund a hot spring located close to the temple is indeed a sight with the spring bubbling with hot water in the midst of the snow capped mountains. While the waters from this hot spring are used to cook food which is then offered to the deity of the shrine, devotees also believe the waters to be a natural cure for many an ailment.

Saptarshi Kund is the source of the River Yamuna, an extremely difficult trek as the place is covered with ice. Once here, the beauty of the place is unmatched. Besides its dark blue waters, and slate stones… a rare lotus known as the Brahma Lotus is also found here. Other attractions here include the Divya Shila, a rock pillar near the temple and Janki Chatti.

Gangotri is the source for the River Ganga. It is 99 kms from Uttarkashi. Blessed with an exceptional scenic beauty Gangotri has a breathtaking holy environment with thousands of people visiting it every year as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage.

Moving from Yamunotri to Gangotri, the source of the Ganga, there is an interesting legend associated with the place. According to mythology, Ganga came down on earth as a reward to King Bhagirath by Lord Shiva for the penance done by him. This is why the Ganga is also referred to as the Bhagirathi. As Lord Shiva felt it would be disaster if the Ganga came down in full force, and locked the Ganga with his hair to avoid the nearby cities from being submerged. Anatural rock Shivling, found submerged here in the river, is said to be the spot Lord Shiva sat to contain the Ganga with his matted locks.

Some pilgrim attractions here include Gaumukh Glacier; the origin of the holy river that is around 19 km from here. Though the waters are icy cold, one can find many pilgrims bathing here.

A beautiful white granite temple constructed here in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa. it was said to be near the place King Bhagirath used to pray to Lord Shiva; the slab on which the King used to meditate is known as the Bhagirathi Shila.

Around 10 km from Gangotri is Bhaironghati, it is known for a small temple of Bhairon, said to have been appointed by Shiva to safeguard the place. Besides the temple another attraction is the bridge over the Jhanvi River said to be the highest bridge in Asia.

Sat – Tal is a wonderful picnic spot around 5 km from here, where trekkers and tourists can enjoy the beauty of the seven lakes.

At an altitude of 3584 m, Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrim sites for Hindus as it is believed to be the seat of Lord Shiva. This was also the place an ancient temple was built by the Pandavas after they emerged victorious in their battle against the Kauravas and the place Lord Shiva absolved them of their sins for killing their own cousins during the battle. Adjacent to this temple is the temple built by the Great India sage and scholar Adi Guru Shankaracharya.

The 1000 year old exquisitely carved Temple of Kedarnath is the main attraction here. Built out of large slabs of stone it looks magnificent with the snow capped mountain peaks as its backdrop. While the walls are decorated with various figures relating to mythology, at the gates is a statue of Nandi, while Lord Shiva is worshiped in his Sadashiva form.

Other attractions here besides the temple includes the several kunds (pools) each important for religious purposes, the temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who it is believed  to guard the main temple here during the harsh winters, when everything else is closed and lastly the Samadhi of Shankaracharya.

Other places of interest from here include Chorabari just a km away where tourists can enjoy the crystal clear lake, Trijuginarayan is another interesting excursion; legend has it that this was the place the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized.

The last leg of this important journey Badrinath provides pilgrims with not just solace but also some breathtaking scenic views. Said to be the holiest of the four shrines in Garhwal, Badrinath is nestled between the Twin Mountains of Nar and Narayan, the Neelkanth Peak providing an excellent backdrop for this divine city.

Once  carpeted with wild berries or ‘badris’ this is the spot chosen by Lord Vishnu to meditate after being admonished by Lord Narada for being engrossed in worldly delights.   Thus, the idol of Vishnu is seen in the meditating posture in the Badrinath Temple. Situated in the lofty Himalayas at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level, while the trek here is a difficult one, it is also a rewarding one for the spectacular beauty tourists are a witness to.

While the Badrinath temple was renovated by Shankaracharya in the 8th century during his pilgrimage here, legends date the temple back to the Vedic age. Other important pilgrim sites here include the temple of Bhavishya Badri, which literally translates to the “Future Badri”, It is believed that a day will come when the current  route to Badrinath will become inaccessible and Lord Badrinath will then be worshipped here, thus the name.

Yogdhyan Badri is one of the five badris, where the image of the lord is worshipped in a meditating posture.

Vridha Badri is the place where the idol of Badrinath was worshipped before Adi Guru Shankaracharya built the present day temple. Adi –Badri is a group of 16 temples made by Adi-Shankaracharya, each containing an idol of Lord Vishnu to spread Hinduism to even remote comers in the country. Mata Murty Temple is another important temple dedicated to the mother of Lord Badrinath.  And in Charanpaduka, in a beautiful meadow one can find a boulder bearing footprints said to be that of Lord Vishnu when he descended from Vaikunth (his heavenly abode).

Tapt kund, natural hot water pool that is a part of the sulphur spring here is said to be the abode of ‘Agni’, the god of fire. The Narad Kund, a bay in the river, is where the Badrinath idol was recovered by Adi Shankaracharya.

Other places associated to mythology include Bhim Pul a colossal rock formation over the Saraswati River, which forms a natural bridge. According to Mythology it was put there by Bhim the second of the five Pandava brothers. Vyas Gufa (cave) is the rock-cave where Ved Vyas is said to have composed the Mahabharata and the Purana. Sheshnetra also known as Sheshnag’s eye is a boulder having an impression of the legendary snake.  While last but not the least is Brahama Kapal  the spot where Lord Brahma is said to reside.

Nestled in the snow capped Himalayas, the CharDham is an amazing journey undertaken by pilgrims that proves to be a life changing experience not just from a spiritual point of view but also the beauty experienced along the way, one which stays on with all those visiting it for a long time to come.

Haridwar : The Gateways of the Gods

Referred to by people as the ‘Gateway of the Gods’, according to Hindu mythology, it is one of the seven holiest places (sapta-puris) and the getaway to four of the most sacred pilgrimages of India – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, together known as the Chardham! Read up about Haridwar the place according to legends, where the Gods are believed to have left their footprints.

Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, Haridwar is a famous pilgrimage hub located in Uttar Pradesh at a distance of 214 km from Delhi, at a height of almost 300 meters above sea level. A place shrouded in ancient Indian mythology and history, this holy city at the foothills of the Shivalik Ranges is one that attracts millions of devotees for its unique Kumbh mela and Ardh Kumbh mela.

A city as old as Varanasi, it has been glorified in ancient epics as Mokshadwar, Mayapuri, and Gangadwar. Legends have it that the holiest of all rivers, the Ganga, which flows through this sacred city has actually been consecrated by the powerful Trinity of Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.

A renowned pilgrimage site of northIndia, some of its must visit attractions include the Har-Ki-Pauri that literally translates to “the footstep of God”. This is said to be the exact spot theGangesleaves the mountains for the plains. It is also known to be the spot Lord Vishnu’s footprint is said to be embedied on a stone. Devout Hindus believe a dip in these holy waters of theGangesis considered as salvation of the soul and will relieve one from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Every evening the temple priests perform the Ganga Aarti i.e. a ceremony of worshiping the river, a soulful experience where priests take part in intricate rituals, and diyas are set to drift along the river.

Just 500 m from Har ki Pauri is the Bhimgoda Tank, named after one of the five Pandava brothers, Bhima. According to a legend, this tank came into being when Bhima banged the ground with his knee whilst journeying to Haridwar.

Situated on the eastern banks of the river Ganges, a temple built in 1929 by Suchat Singh, the former king of Kashmir, dedicated to the Goddess Chandi is another must visit. 3 km from this temple is Chandi Ghat Another popular temple is theMansaDeviTemple, situated atop Bilwa Parwat, a popular attraction amongst tourists as this goddess is said to grant wishes. Legend has it that this is the spot the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen. Another attraction is the amazing view of the valleys below, which one gets while trying the cable cars here.

A replica of the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu & Kashmir, the Vaishno Devi temple here is also known for its share of tourists visiting important pilgrim sites. And last but not the least, unlike other temples here, Pawan Dham is a modern temple made completely out of glass, the Bharat Mata Temple, and more.

While temples here are the main attraction, do try the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, a paradise for bird watchers, for this sanctuary situated on the main River Ganges at the Bhimgoda barrage is home to many a migratory bird during the winters. Other sanctuaries tourists can enjoy a bit further away from Haridwar include the Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of theRajajiNational Park, where tourists if lucky can view tigers, jungle cats, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, barking deer and more.

Being the gateway to other pilgrim destinations, devotees can also visit the many temples near by which are worth a visit, such as Daksh Mahadev Temple, an ancient shrine constructed in 810 AD. According to mythology, it is said when King Daksha Prajapati, Sati’s father performed a yagya at this place, he did not invite Lord Shiva. Insulted Sati (Lord Shiva’s first wife) threw herself in the yagya kund and burnt herself.

Situated along the Haridwar – Rishikesh road, is the Sapt Rishi Ashram, named after the seven sages- Kashyap, Vashit, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jaindayani, Bhardwaj and Gautam ashram who meditated here. According to legend the Ganga split into seven channels around each Rishi not wanting to disturb them whilst they were meditating!

Haridwar is also famous for its Gurukul Kangri University,  one ofIndia’s most esteemed universities, noted for the traditional system of education students receive here.

But temples are not the only attraction here, Piran Kaliar is known for its ancient tombs. The tomb of Shabir Shahib, a famous Dargah is also visited by tourists coming from all over the world. The URS festival  a popular festival is celebrated here every year.

Other great getaways include Rishikesh, 24 kms from here a great place for its white water rafting; and the mesmerizing destinations of Mussorie about 89 kms from here or Dehradun 54 kms away.

A pilgrim destination, one can pick up some interesting souvenirs from here such as intricately carved stone idols, Rudraksh, beads, kitchen set toys made from stone,  brass and copper utensils etc.

If you’re looking at adding a bit of religion and mythology to your holiday, this destination with a magical aura around it is definitely one that you should consider, a favorite amongst tourists, pilgrims and devotees.

A soulful experience! Rishikesh!

It’s the perfect place to pray and play! A place for parents to relax and unwind while kids get their share of fun and adventure!

Located at the foothill of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is not just one of India’s important pilgrimage centres, but also the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and a great destination to catch up on adventure sports such as white water rafting, camping, trekking and mountaineering & more.

A famous pilgrim destination in the newly carved state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), it is the gateway to the Himalayas and other pilgrim centers like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Derived from the word Hrishikesh, Rishikesh means ‘he who has conquered his senses’, rishik meaning ‘senses’ while ish meaning ‘master’, this holy land is where the sages and saints of ancient India chose to do their penance, as it was believed that meditation at this place lead to attainment of salvation.

A land also known for its share of legends and myths – according to some legends, Hrishikesh is another name of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have slayed the demon Madhu here. Yet another legend, says that on the advice of the sage Vasishtha, this is the place Lord Rama sought penance after having killed Ravana, while some say that the sage Rabhiya Rishi, after completing his penance on the riverbanks of Ganga, was blessed with the appearance of god Vishnu or Hrishikesh and this is how Rishikesh got its name!

Of the many attractions here some of the notable ones include the Lakshman Jhula, (a 450-feet-long suspension bridge built in 1939 to commemorate the journey of Lakshmana across the river on a jute rope). It is said that the breathtaking scenery of the majestic mountains covering the area and the waters flowing below cannot be viewed anywhere else in Rishikesh.

Believed to be one of the holiest sites in India, the Triveni Ghat can leave tourists mesmerized! Believed to be the place of confluence of three holiest Hindu rivers in India…the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, this Ghat is most frequented by tourists in the mornings who visit it to take a dip in its holy waters, as a dip here is believed to wash away one’s sins. Whilst it is visited by devotees through the day, the Ghat is transformed into an enchanting place during the evenings when vedic chants praising the goddess of River Ganga fill the airs, accompanied with sounds of conchs, presence of priests performing pujas and leaf boats with flowers and lamps immersed into the water as a part of rituals followed here.

Of the temples here one that is a must visit is the Bharat Temple, one of the oldest temples in Rishikesn, built in the 12th century by Adiguru Shankaracharya dedicated to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram. Here the main attraction is an idol of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single Saligram (the divine stone of Mahavishnu).In the inner canopy above the idol is Shree Yantra installed by Adi Shankraya Charya. Old statues, coins, pots and other things have also been discovered here.

For a great view of the place, try the Tera Manzil Temple, a 13 storey temple; it contains sculptures of all the gods and goddesses and an excellent view from the top floor of the temple.

One of the oldest temple complexes in Rishikesh, the Geeta Bhawan is known for its paintings, statues and scenes from the great Indian epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana, which adorn its walls.

Another temple with an interesting legend to it is the Nilkanth Mahdeo temple; it is said that this is the place that Lord Shiva drank a venom that came out of the sea during the churning the sea, thus earning the name ‘Neelkanth’, the one with blue neck.

One of the most renowned temple complex and ashrams here is Parmarth Niketan.It organises ‘Ganga Arti’ and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat every evening and is known for its great work on Hinduism.

A haven for wildlife enthusiasts is the Rajaji National Park just 6 km from Rishikesh, that is home to some exciting wildlife.Animals found here include the tigers, cheetahs, leopards, Sambhar, hog deer, barking deer, bears, hyenas, wild elephants and more. Also home to migratory birds from across the world, it is said one can spot around 400 species of birds from the Himalayas here! Some birds one can look out for here are Sunbirds, Jungle Owlets, Great Hornbills, Red Jungle fowl, and kingfishers.

Being the ‘Yoga capital of the world’, Rishikesh is known for its yoga and Ayurveda that has been practiced since time immoral. Here one can relax in the many resorts and spas practicing Ayurvedaand Naturopathy.

For those who need that dose of adrenalin flowing, try the amazing white water rafting that Rishikesh provides! Beginners need not worry for providing courses for one and all is the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam.

A must try for the thrill it provides, rivers here provide the best rafting opportunities in the world! Besides rafting one can also indulge in some gentle canoeing here, while trekking trips are organised to Binsar and Gopeshwar, and the upper ranges of the Himalayas.

The markets here have something for everyone and everyone’s budget, from accessories to garments, paintings to wooden furniture. Do look out for the carved wooden furniture in particular sold in the bazaars here. Tourists can select from a wide range of carved furniture that include chairs, tables, cradles, stools, or chests. Other items that can be picked here are Rudraksha beads, Ayurvedic medicines, books and clothes of religious importance.

While Rishikesh is mostly accessible by road from almost all the cities and towns in and around it and has its own railhead, the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun.

A place that gained instant fame back in the 1960s, when The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, this destination is still known across the globe for its yoga, meditation, ayurveda and white water rafting, and is a perfect place if you’re looking forward to rejuvenating the traditional Indian way!