PASHUPATI NATH TEMPLE

PASHUPATI NATH TEMPLE-                                                                                                               

Pashupati Nath temple,located about 5 kms east of  the central Kathmandu, is the oldest and most significant hindu shrine in side Nepal. This temple complex is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This temple, located at the right bank of Baghmati river, is supposed to be a very important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. The importance of  this religious place has been described in  several  religious books.As the name of the Lord reveals itself , Pashupati Nath is the Lord (Nath) of all living beings (Pashu).

The Linga of Lord Shiva at Pashupati Nath temple is "Swayambhu" and there are several beliefs about the discovery of this sacred Linga ,however the common belief is that during the ancient period, a cow from cowshed used to come hear and pour her milk at a particular place. When the Gwala (Dairy Owner) enquired about it,he found  the place where his favourite cow used to offer her milk. There after he started digging that place and found the sacred Linga of Lord Shiva and since then thousands of devotees are daily visiting this religious place.Traditionally, since the time of Adi Shankaracharya, the main four priests of this shrine known as Bhatts are the Brahmin from south India. During monarchy period, the chief priest , known as Mool Bhatt or Raval was only answerable to the king of Nepal. The Raval, during the performance of religious duties and rituals, is assisted by the other priests.
The architecture of the main temple looks like a large Nepalese Pagoda, having  ornamented doors in all the four sides. This temple, which houses the sacred  four faced Linga of Lord Pashupati Nath, stands in the middle of an open courtyard .Several rulers of Nepal ,from time to time renovated and made their contributions in beautifying this shrine. Outside the main temple but within the temple complex,there are beautiful  idols of  several other deities including the Nandi and Vasuki (the mythical snake). It is believed that Vasuki  resides in this temple to guard his Lord ,the Pashupati Nath. Visitors are not allowed to touch the sacred Linga of Lord Pashupati Nath.                                             
 It is believed that a pilgrimage to Pashupatinath temple leads to salvation (Moksha) and after visiting this shrine, the devotees are liberated from the pain and sufferings of repeated births.There are certain restrictions for Non Hindu visitors  and the photography inside the main temple is also not allowed.

While visiting this temple, devotees are also advised to visit  Guheyshwari Devi Shaktipeeth temple near the Pashupati Nath shrine.It is believed that while performing an important YAGYA at Kankhal Haridwar, Daksha Prajapati intentionally did not invited Lord Shiva in the religious gathering ,when this fact came in the knowledge of the Goddess Sati, she felt insulted and sacrificed her life by jumping in to the flames .Afterwards when the whole incident came in the knowledge of Lord Shiva, he instructed his GANAS to destroy the yagya and to punish the Daksha Prajapati. The Guheyshwari Devi temple, is believed to be one of the 51 such Shaktipeeth Sthal where the remains of Sati fell during the ancient time, when the charred body of Goddess Sati  was being carried by Lord Shiva. Guheyshwari Devi is believed to be the Shakti of Lord Pashupati Nath. 

During my visit to Kathmandu, I also got an opportunity to visit an other important religious site known as Budha Nilkanth. This is a unique religious place where  the devotees can  have a glimpse of sacred idol of Lord Vishnu, lying on the Anant Shesh ,the eleven hooded serpent, inside the cosmic ocean .This magnificent huge idol is  about seventeen ft long and carved on a single piece of stone, where the Lord Vishnu holds customarily Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Padama in his four hands.Non hindu visitors, visiting this site, are not allowed to touch  this sacred idol.

PATAL BHUVNESHWAR-

PATAL BHUVNESHWAR-

Patal Bhuvneshwar is an unique cave temple located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This religious place is dedicated to several deities and said to be as old as the universe it self .During our visit to the Patal Bhuvneshwar,we stayed in the Parvti Resorts located in the nearby Bhuvneshwar village  It is believed that a visit to this cave temple in Patal Bhuvneshwar is as important as the visit of Char Dham. The cave is located in a very picturesque surrounding having " Devdar" trees all around.The cave is under A.S.I.(Archaeological  Survey of India ) regulations and  it is not allowed to carry the mobile phone, digital camera etc inside the cave and visitors have to deposit such electronic gadget in the  front office, managed by the temple committee.Guide facility is also available for which a prescribed fees of Rs.50/- is taken and a printed receipt is issued.The main temple is in 'Patal" and is about one hundred ft.under the ground .The devotees have to pass through a narrow and uneven downward tunnel with the support of iron chains to reach the main cave temple.

It is believed that here, the whole of the Bhuvan (Universe) has been created by Lord himself. While passing through the cave,our guide showed us sacred idols and representation of several  God and Goddess. Some of them are as follows-

Sheshnag,Takshak&.Vasuki

Ashta Kamal,Ganeshji,

Eravat,having 1000 legs,Kamdhenu& Parijat tree.

Tongue of Kal Bhairav

Jatayu , Garud

Mund of Mundmal and Farsa.

Havan Kund erected by Vishwarma

Panch Kedar,Badrinathji and Amarnathji

Brahmaji ka kapal and the milk pouring over this Kapal .

Long hair (Jataiyen) of Lord Shiva,and the Gangaji emerging from them.

Narvadeshwar and the thirty three corores Devtas.

Seat (Ashan) of Saptarishi.

Four Yug,namely -Satyug, Tretayug, Dwaparyug and Kaliyug in which Kaliyug is growing with the passage of time.

Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh.

Seventh Kund of Saptakund being filled by the droplets of Amrit and simultaneous fall of overflowing  amrit downwards.

Shivling, who is being worshipped at present and where rituals are being performed every morning.
However students of science, may interpret them as to be the limestone rock formations or stalagmite.

The main cave leads to several other caves.The entrance of two caves emerging from this cave temple known as "Pap Dwar" and "Ran Dwar"are presently closed with huge rock stones.It is believed that the Pap Dwar was closed after the Lord Rama killed Ravana and the Ran Dwar was closed after the defeat of Kauravas in the famous battle of Mahabharat. Our guide told us that there are other caves leading to "Char Dham " located in the four corners of India.

The facts about the discovery of this temple have been written on a stone board near the main entrance.It is believed that during the "Treta Yug", king Ritupurna of Ayodhya was the first fortunate person to enter in this cave and during his visit the Sheshnag accompanied and guided him in this cave temple.It is  said that Pandavas were the next human beings who could reach and enter in this cave temple ,there after the cave remained closed during the whole Dwapar Yug .During the "Kali Yug",when Shankaracharya explored the religious places in Himalaya, he rediscovered this cave temple and there after the local rulers took the responsibility of regular worship and rituals ,which is still being performed by the local "Bhandari" community, from one generation to another.

Some of the photographs of the Patal Bhuvneshwar are as follows-  

KEDARNATH IN UTTARAKHAND -

KEDARNATH -

This article is based on my two visits of Kedar Nath temple under taken in the last decade.In the third week of June 2013,the burst of clouds and unexpected heavy rains in this region caused a  lot of damage in this area.Land routes suffered extensive damage and the trek route from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath temple  washed away.There were loss of human beings and property also,however all the idols including the Jyotirling as well as the main temple structure are still safe.Perhaps that is why Lord Shiva is worshipped in all the three forms as a creator,as a preserver and as a destroyer of the Universe..
The Uttarakhand Government along with A.S.I.,temple committee and with the assistance of security forces and volunteers has started clearing of debris there ,and efforts are on to restart worship and regular rituals ,In the mean time symbolic worship of Kedarnath is being performed in the Ukhimath, at the same place where Kedarnath is worshipped during the winter season after the close of main temple.The chief Minister of Uttarakhand as well as the Raval of Kedarnath temple have announced that regular worship and rituals in  temple will start from September 2013. 

 

         A visit to Kedarnath , located in the state of  Uttarakhand, is supposed to be a very important pilgrimage for Hindus. The importance of  this religious place has been described in  several  religious books.This temple is also included among the 12 Jyotirling (the most important twelve shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva) located in the different parts of India.
  Kedarnath  temple is about 11755 ft.above the sea level along the sacred Mandakini river. Lakhs of devotees visit this shrine every year.The present temple  structure was built by Adi shankaracharya.
The traditional Yatra to Kedarnath , which is a journey of about 241 kms, starts from Haridwar and passes through several important religious places like Dev Prayag, Rudraprayag and Gauri Kund. The name "Gauri Kund" derives from  the hot water spring at this  place  which is dedicated to Mata Parvati or Godess Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva. Some religious devotees prefer to take bath in this pond, before starting the trek route along the river Mandakini.It is customary to worship Gauri & Ganesh at the temple situated at Gauri Kund as this holy place is also believed to be the birth place of Ganesha.The trek to Kedarnath temple is about 14 kms from this place.Young and energetic people like to travel on foots however some prefer to ride over ponies.Palkies, a more comfortable means of travelling, is also available for old and sick persons.The trek route is so beautiful that  for  devotees, it is just like a visit to  the paradise.
 Devotees are advised to carry woollen cloths with them because of the cold prevailing at this height.While travelling in Monsoon,visitors are supposed to be cautious about heavy rains and landslides in this route.Their are several  Dharmshallas to accommodate the visiting devotees at Gauri Kund.
The temple is picturesque and majestically placed . The  three parts of the temple are known as Garbh Grih,,Darshan Mandap and Sabha Mandap. In the main sanctum, the holy Shila representing the Jyotirling, the presiding deity, is an evolution from the earth. The temple also houses the idols of Goddess Parvati Ganesh,a copper Nandi and five Pandavas.
It is believed that after the famous battle in Kurushektra, where Pandavas defeated and killed their cousins Kauravas,they were cursed with a sin of killing their own brothers.Lord Krishna told them that the redemption from this sin can only be granted by Lord Shiva , so they should now worship him and do all efforts to get blessing from Lord Shiva.There after all the five Pandavas prayed and  started a search for Lord Shiva. It is said that in view of the sin committed by Pandavas, Shiva was reluctant to give his blessings.Ultimately when Pandavas reached in the Himalayas, Lord Shiva transformed himself in the form of a buffalo to disguise the Pandavas,but the Bhima after recognising him, ran after him and Lord Shiva in the form of buffalo started sinking in the mountain,but Bhima was able to touch the hump of buffalo.There after Lord Shiva gave his blessing to all of them and Pandavas got a passage to the heaven.It is believed that then the hump of buffalo transformed in the shape of Shila ,which is now the present Jyotirling of Kedarnath.
  Traditionally, since the time of Adi Shankaracharya, the head priest of this shrine has been a Namboodari Brahmin from south India and is known as Raval. The Raval, during the performance of religious duties and rituals , is assisted by the local  Brahmins.The present Raval of Kedarnath temple is Shri Bhima Shanker Lingam. These local Brahmins take there the devotees visiting this shrine according to place from where devotee has arrived.
The other places of religious significance near Kedarnath temple are Bhairavnath temple and the Samadhi Sthal of Adi Shankaracharya.This is the place where Shri Adi Shankaracharya achieved his Nirvan.
The temple situated at Kedarnath Dham is also known as Shri Kedarnath Jyotirling, which is the main temple of Lord Kedarnath . The other temples of Lord Kedarnath in Uttarakhand are Shri Tung Nath , Shri Rudra Nath, Shri Madhya Maheshwar and Shri Kalpeshwar Nath .All the five temples together is known as 'Panch Kedarnath".The Kedar Nath temple opens in the month of May and closes in the month of October every year.In the winter season when this shrine becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, symbolic worship of Lord Kedanath  continues at the Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath.

BADRINATH DHAM-

BADRINATH DHAM-

Badrinath Dham, located in the state of  Uttarakhand, is supposed to be the ultimate shrine for  the Hindus. The importance of  this religious place has been described in the Shrimad Bhagwat and several other religious books.This temple is also included   among the Char Dham (the most important four shrine, the abode of God) located in the four corners of India.
Badrinath  temple is approximately 24 km before the Indo-Tibetan border and is about 10,250 ft.above the sea level along the sacred Alaknanda river. Lakhs of devotees visit this shrine every year.The present temple structure is the contribution of kings of Garhwal to this shrine.
The traditional Yatra to Badrinath Dham, which is a journey of 324 kms, starts from Haridwar and passes through several important religious places like Dev Prayag, Rudraprayag. The temple is picturesque and painted with vibrant  colours. The temple is about 50 ft high and the  three parts of the temple are known as Garbh Grih,,Darshan Mandap and Sabha Mandap. In the main sanctum, the idol of Lord Visnu as Badrinath, the presiding deity, is in black colour stone.The sanctum also houses the idols of Godess  Lakshmiji ,Nar- Narayan , the idols of Ganeshji , Kuber and Uddhav and some other deities. Uddhav has been the great friend of Lord Krishna during Dwapar period.It is believed that Narad and Garud have mediated thousands of years and prayed Lord Badrinath at this place. The Narad Shila and Garud Shila ,the two rocks established near the temple, symbolises their great devotion to Lord Vishnu. This court of Lord Badrinath is known as Badri Panchayat in which Lord Badrinath sits in Padmasan. Traditionally, since the time of Adi Shankaracharya, the head priest of this shrine has been a Namboodari Brahmin from south India and is known as Raval. The Raval is the only priest, who can touch the idol of Lord Badrinath but he himself  has to take bath every time, he touches the sacred idol  The Raval, during the performance of religious duties and rituals , is assisted by the local Dimeri Brahmins. These local Brahmins are from Dimeri village near Karn Prayag. The temple opens in the month of May and closes in the month of October every year.It is said that during winter ,when the temple remains inaccessible,Naradji himself performs all the religious rituals in this temple. It is believed that when Adi shankaracharya visited this holy place,he prayed and humbly requested Lord Badrinath to provide his darshan during the kaliyug period so that devotees can attain Moksha even in Kaliyug. Lord Badrinath granted his wish and when Adi Shankaracharya took a dip in the Narad Kund,he recovered tho sacred idol of Lord Badrinath .
It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself mediated here for a very long time and during this period Goddess Lakshmi stood  next to her and sheltered him. There is also  a "Tapta-Kund" or hot water spring near the temple which may be the miracle of nature or the blessings of God in such harsh cold environment. Some religious devotees prefer to take bath in this pond, before visiting the temple.
The other places of religious significance near Badrinath temple are Adi Kedar Nath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vyas Gupha(Cave having an idol of Shri Ved Vyas) and Bhimpul (a natural rock bridge made be Bhim) over the Saraswati river . Brahm Kapal Tirtha near the origin of Saraswati river is the place where people perform Shradh  for the peace of their ancestors.
 Devotees are advised to carry woollen cloths with them because of the cold prevailing at this height.While travelling in Monsoon,visitors are supposed to be cautious about heavy rains and landslides in this route.Their are several hotels and Dharmshallas to accommodate the visiting devotees. Some tourists may like to visit Mana village,which is the last village near the Indo-Tibetan border.
The temple situated at Badrinath Dham is also known as Shri Badri Vishal temple, which is the main temple of Lord Badrinath. The other temples of Lord Badrinath in Uttarakhand are Shri Adi Badri ,about 18 kms from Karn Prayag, Shri Bhavishya Badri,about 17 kms from Joshi Math, Shri Vridh Badri on Peepal koti -Joshi Math Marg and Shri Yog Badri,near Pandukeshwar.All the five temples together is known as 'Panch Badri".  

According to local belief Bhavishya Badri is the future sacred seat of Lord Badrinath. Certain Hindu scriptures contain references, that at one point of time in future, Badri Vishal temple will become inaccessible. It is believed that when the arm of the sacred idol of Shri Narsingha at Joshimath falls off and the mountains of Jai and Vijai near Visnu Prayag collapse, it will not be possible to reach the present shrine at Badrinath Dham and there after  the worship of Lord Badrinath will begin at this sacred place. 

RUDRAKSHA-

RUDRAKSHA-

In India Rudraksha beads  are treated as a divine gift from nature. It is also believed that Rudraksha and Rudraksh Mala are the favourite ornaments of Lord Shiva. Rudraksha are the holy seeds of Rudraksha fruit obtained from Rudraksha trees which are mainly found in Nepal. These trees are also found in Indonesia and India . During my visit to Kankhal, a prominent religious place associated with Lord Shiva in Haridwar,I personally collected Rudraksha fruit from the ground beneath the Rudraksa trees. Rudraksha beads are a traditional wear of Indian Sadhus and Yogies. It is an essential wear for all Naga Sadhus. For students of botany, these beads are known as ‘Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb”.

The word Rudraksha is supposed to be the combination of two words namely Rudra and Aksha which means the eyes of Rudra (Lord Shiva) .Reference of  Rudraksha  is also available in Shiv Puran. It is believed that after a long mediation for the welfare of his creation ,when  the Lord Shiva opened his eyes, a drop of tear from his eyes fell on the earth and thereafter the first Rudraksha tree came in existence  from that place.

There are various varieties of Rudraksha depending on from which place they have been collected. Rudraksha trees  are found in the foothills of Himalaya in India ,Nepal and some of southeastern countries like Indonesia. There also different mukhi (grooves or faces over them) Rudraksha. Generally Rudraksha are available from one mukhi to twenty one mukhi, however some of them are are rarely available. In India ,many people wear Rudraksha  like gems & stones only after consulting astrologer. It is believed that wearing of Rudraksha brings peace, high spirit ,good health and other healing effects . It is believed that wearing of Rudraksha also controls high blood pressure and diabetes. Generally people wear Rudraksha beads from one mukhi to fourteen mukhi. There characteristics are as follows-

One mukhi Rudraksa represents the Lord Shiva , provides spiritual power and a honourable place in society. 

Two mukhi Rudraksha is known as Shiv-Shakti Rudraksha. This variety of Rudraksha helps to get rid of  all mental tension and anxiety.

Three mukhi Rudraksha represents the three Lords namely Brahma,Vishnu & Mahesh ,recommended for keeping good health.

Four mukhi Rudraksha represents the Lord Brahma, specially recommended for scholars

Five mukhi Rudraksha represents the five faces of Lord Shiva and is a commonly available Rudraksha ,which helps to control high blood pressure , brings peace of mind and provides relief from anxiety and stress.

Six mukhi Rudraksa represents the Swami kartikeya the son of the Lord Shiva, recommended for students and women, removes all obstacles in life.

Seven mukhi Rudraksha represents the great "Sapta Rishis",provides wealth and satisfaction in life.

Eight mukhi Rudraksha represents the Goddess Astabhuja and Lord Ganesha, brings good results in life, recommended for students.

Nine mukhi Rudraksha represents the Goddess Ma Jagambey. This variety of Rudraksha is specially recommended for ladies, blesses the wearer with power and energy.

Ten mukhi Rudraksha represents the"Dasha Avtar" of Lord Visnu, provides success and glory in life.

Eleven mukhi Rudraksha represents the eleven rudra of Lord Shiva, People can wear .this variety of Rudraksha without any consultations,brings concentration and tranquillity in life

Twelve mukhi Rudraksha represents the Sun, provides a  honourable place in society .

Thirteen mukhi Rudraksha represents the Indradev,brings  progress and prosperity in life
Fourteen mukhi Rudraksha represents the Lord Shiva,brings good health and healing effect in all diseases.
Gauri-Shanker Rudraksa is very special in which two Rudraksha are found joint together like other joints fruits or flowers found in nature. It is believed that this variety of Rudraksha incorporates the power of all other Rudraksha,specially recommended for peace and happiness in married life.

Jap Mala,which is made of 108 beads of Rudraksha in red thread, is used for jap or repeated pronouncement of the name of God during worship. 

One mukhi and fourteen mukhi Rudrakshas are rarely available ,that is why they are more costly in comparison to other varieties of Rudraksha.

RUDRAKSHA AND PEARL  MALA

SINGLE SIX MUKHI RUDRAKSHA  IN PEARL MALA

FIVE MUKHI RUDRAKSHA MALA

SINGLE MUKHI RUDRAKSHA

TRIMBAKESHWAR-

Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirling temples devoted to Lord Shiva.This Jyotirling temple has special significance due to the fact that it located at the foothills of Brahmgiri , the source of sacred Godavari river.

Trimbakeshwar temple in the Nagra style of architecture,is located about 27 kms from Nasik.The entire structure of this black stone temple , in the shadow of imposing foot hills of Brahmgiri , is breath taking. An other extra ordinary feature in this this Jyotirling temple, is that three Swayambhu Lingas representing Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh are seen in, on the floor of the sanctum and the  sacred water of river Godavari pours at the top of the above  three Lingas.

   Devotees should also visit nearby Kushavart Tirtha which is also a very sacred place and located at a walking distance from the main temple.  This is the place from where Godavari takes her course towards the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that a dip in this sacred pond  wipes off all the sins. During the Singhastha Khumbh, a dip in Kushavart Tirtha is supposed to be very auspicious. 

   After visiting this holy temple, devotees are also advised to visit the Hanuman temple at Anjaneri Hills,which is located about 7 kms from Trimbakeshwar along the Trimbakeshwar-Nasik road . It is believed to be the birth place of Hanumanji.

Some of the photographs of Trimbakeshwar are as follows-



TRIMBAKESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA TEMPLE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF BRAHMGIRI



TRIMBAKESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA TEMPLE

HANUMAN TEMPLE LOCATED IN THE HILLS OF HIS BIRTHPLACE