DISCOVERY
OF AMARNATH CAVE
When
Maa Parvathi asked Shiva’s secret of immortal, Shiva agreed to tell the
same in a place where no living beings were present. So he had chosen the
place Amarnath cave. Before reaching the cave he left Nandhi, at
Pahalgam, Moon at Chandanwari, Snakes at Lake Sheshnag Ganesha at Mahagunas
hill and five elements ( Earth , water, Air, Fire and Sky ) at Panjtarni.
Lord Shiva entered in to the cave along with Maa Parvati and took Samadhi
. Lord Shiva started narrating his secret of immortality two pigeons heard the
same and the two birds also become immortal. Even today we can see the two
pigeons in this climate and altitude.
REDISCOVERY
OF THE CAVE
A saint gave coal to shepherd Buta malik and when he opened
at home he found they changed to Gold coins. When ran out to thank the
saint. When he reached the cave the saint disappeared and a ice Shiva
Lingam was there. Then on wards Amarnath cave has become holy place
for the Lord Shiva devotees.
MY
EXPERIENCE DURING AMARNATH JI YATHRA
The route to the cave was very
risky. We have started our yatra from Baltal gate around 06.30 Hrs through
Horse. Since the trek was tedious we have preferred the pony ride. Even
though I had the problem of walking after the accident, I was
forced to walk in the deep slopes. In some of the places there was land slides.
We had crossed with warn signs of shooting stones, falling boulders, land
slides. The pony ride took about 11 Hrs, which is 5 hours than the normal due
to traffic jam ( Traffic jam applicable to pony rides also ). For the
ongoing ponies the down coming ponies gave way by stopping on one side Also
many places there was not enough width to cross two ponies. Finally we reached
the hill top around 17.00 Hrs. Considering the closing time of the temple and
time to move in the Q, decided to go for darshan on the next day
(06-07-2014).
Early morning we started our
trek towards Holy cave on the ice route from the tent. It was too
slippery and only few people could manage without falling. After security check
up climbed through steps from the base and had good darshan. It was almost
14.00 all of our peoples gathered after darshan and returned to Baltal through
pony. On the way it was drizzling with ice crystals to a short while. On
reaching the Baltal base station we had our dinner at langer ( Free meals supply
). The crowd was too large than expected. It was due to diversion of devotees
from Pahalgam route and those who could not go to Chardham preferred for
Amarnath Yatra.
LOCATION OF THE CAVE SHRINE : CLICK HERE
Rest at langer at 9th Km
At the 9th Km bridge -ponies are waiting to come down.
Ponies are travelling on the ice path
At the centre of the valley we can see the Holy cave
SOME
OF THE TIPS FOR SRI AMARNATH JI YATHRIS.
- The clothes to be carried are one set of dress with winter clothes
( Sweater, monkey cap and shawl). Thermal wear is not necessary. Take
medicines for head ache, diarrhea and suitable medicines for their regular
intake for pressure, diabetes, heart problems.
- Chocolates, dry pickles, dry fruits etc.
- Sun screen lotions and Vaseline.
- Yoga/ Breathing exercises / walking to be practiced at
least before starting of the this yathra to meet the low oxygen content at the
Amarnath Holy cave area.
- Bottled Drinking water is available through the route at a cost of Rs 20 to 40
Rupees. If you have strength you can carry. In addition to this hot drinking
water is supplied by military personnel.
- Langer is available in two places on the route in addition to the private shops
from Baltal gate. But langers are available through out the Yathra route from
Jammu and Srinagar.
- Water melons, tea, water bottles, beverages are available in the private shops.
- Telephone facility is available at base station at Baltal, 3 KM from the base
and near the Holy cave.
- Only Post paid sim cards will work in Jammu & Kashmir areas including
Amarnath route. Alternately Yathri can purchase a new mobile connection using
the Yathra permit at Sonamarg, Baltal or Pahalgam.
- Walking stick is necessary to trek up to the Holy cave. ( Stick is available at
base at Baltal Gate and Near the Pony parking area.
- Drinking water and foods are served by the langers even to the devotees
standing in a Q.
- Camera and Mobiles are not allowed to the holy cave but can be taken up to the
security point. Depositing of these cane done at the security point for which a
receipt will be given on free of cost. This arrangement is done by the shrine
board.
- We may handover the mobile and camera in any of the for which they will issue
receipts on free of charge for which we have to buy pooja prasads.
- Shoes and chapels may be deposited at the middle of the steps for which a token
will be issued. But most of the people leave on the steps itself.
- Pen, leather belt, leather wallet is not allowed to carry
to the Holy cave.
- Stay in the night at hill top near Holy cave is in a tent provide by the
private parties is an ideal choice than the langers. The private tents will
charge Rs 500, this includes rent, Rugs and woolen blanket.
- Hot water can be availed on cost for bathing and toilets. Toilet facility is
not up to the mark ( ZERO ) by the Shrine board.
- It is not advisable to trek during night and during raining. It is advisable to
trek in groups. If you prefer trek by walk, walk slowly do not strain much
especially going up the hill. Medical facility is available at the base, middle
of the trek route and top of the holy cave.
- Less weight will be more comfortable yathra, since the pony walas
will prefer less weight persons.
- Pony will be charging Rs 1600 for up and Rs 1600 for down and we have to pay
for their meals. Dolly will be charging Rs 16500 for one way. Those who are
suffering from spinal problem and hip pain are not advisable to take pony.
- Those who are travelling through helicopter will have to trek for 5 KM, or
through pony or dolly.
SHRI
MATA KHEER BHAWANI TEMPLE
After
finishing our yatra to Amarnath Ji, we were proceeding to Pahalgam from
Baltal we had been to Shri Kheer Bhawani Temple 6 KM before Sambal. The
temple is in the midst of Chinar trees. This Hindu temple is surrounded by
masques. Hence there will be a tension exists always. During annual festival
all the Kashmir Pandits will assemble in this village for the mela.
The
history of the temple goes like this.......
Shree
Bhawani temple situated at Tullamulla, in the Ganderbal District, is an
important shrine. The temple is associated with the Hindu Goddess Ragnya Devi.
An annual festival is held here on Jesht ashtami ( May – June ), when Hindus
visit this place in large numbers. Pilgrims also throng on every shukla paksha
ashtami round the year and perform hawans to please the mother.
The
historic temple of Ksheer Bhawani was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1912
and latter renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh surrounded by streams. The place
abounds in Chinar trees in and around temple complex within which hexagonal
spring wherein deity of Goddess Ragnya is decorated and housed in a small white
marble temple.
The
legend goes that worshiped mother Ragnya who showered her blessings on his
kingdom of Ravana. The goddess thus resided in Srilanka. Later on due to
Ravan’s misdeeds the Goddess cursed him and ordered Hanuman Ji to take her to
the “Satisar” ( Kashmir), a place out off from the outside world by snow clad
mountains. The mother on her vehicle along with 360 Nagas was installed at
Tullamulla, exclusively preferring milk, sugar and vegetarian forms of
offerings. The mother is worshiped by the name Maha Ragnya.
The
abode of Mata Maha Ragnya is a mystic spring. The mystic is only one and four
of the world, where numerous Nagraj and their Ashtkul-Nag Devas reside. Sh.
Ganpati, Bhimraj and Kumar resides at the door of amrit Kund. In the middle of
the amrit kund towards east resides AsthNag Devas namely Vasukinag, Neel
Nagaraj, Taksheq Nagaraj, Takshek Nagaraj, Padbnagaraj, Maha Padamnagaraj etc,.
In
the centre of the amrit kund Anant Nagraj resides which is surrounded by one
thousand core Nagas having two thousand eyes and two thousand tongues. Mata
Maha Ragnya is seated on this Anantnagraj on the one thousand petaled rose. The
temple in amrit kund is a divine invitation to all the devotees to
see how Para-Prakriti functions. It is vivid that the colour of the spring
changes serving as an oblique omen about what is going to happen in near
future. The pink, milky and light green colour of the spring suggests the
auspicious omen and the black and dark red indicates the wrong in auspicious
signals.
Tullamulla
Nag were the mata Rangya resides in the form of Jal-rupi having the form of
water or serpent has allegorical meanings. The surrounding water of
island is the ocean of infinite life energy full of dormant
potentialities which spread unfold expand and transport in the
precious stone that grants all desires.
As
late as 1844 people used the cross the marshes by walking our reeds growing in
the sump. The legend has it that the curiosity about the spring spread further
from the learned Brahman Sh. Govindjoo Gadoo had a vision of the Goddess who
manifested herself as a serpent. The devotee Brahman carried a vessel
of milk arranged a boat rowed through the marshes of Tulmul and upon
reaching the sacred spot to which the serpent spring Goddess had led him slowly
poured out the milk.
Supreme
mother Ragnya is verily “Maha Ragnya”. The world “ Ragnya” means the divinity
of establishing preservation and protection of manifested world. She is the
most adorable mother who brings forth the entire universe. She keeps the cycle
/ the life in the process through different tires of consciousness known
as “ Chita-agni-kunda-sambhuta”, which refers to the consciousness aspect. She
accepts no trace of ignorance. She is the Vaishnavi spirits always in the
tune with her concert adored as “Thousand faces Bhuteshu”.
As
we know the “Vedas, tantras and sutras are the rare source of knowledge of the
supreme reality which on the practical realization give true solace and eternal
joy. Among the paths suggests by the sutras for realization of the truth, sufficient
importance has been laid on the path of devotion. The sincere clear and true
devotion lies in the sense of motherhood which is the undeniable fact. Supreme
power therefore is approached and worshiped as mother. The mother is thus the
supreme reality, supreme love, supreme beauty, realization of the truth
supreme sublime and divine as mother is the final beatitude of life.
Shree
Bhawani is eulogized as Goddess of learning and knowledge on the mean done
level and the Goddess of wisdom and enlightenment on the spiritual level. She
values education and grants blessing for various examinations to all her
devotees. It is fact that all leading saints have undergone penance sadhana in
Khir Bhawani Complex and got the spiritual bless at this place.
Main entrance guarded by Military personnel.
Second entrance
Sri Ganpathi and Hanuman Shrine
Shri Kheer Bhawani
Moolasthanam with amrit kund
A small shrine under chinar tree
A duck is swimming in a nallah outside the temple ( Above water it seems to be
calm but to move and keep balance the legs will be struggling always. This is
applicable to human beings, means - out side he may look calm but he will
be struggling with worries.
SHIV KHORI
Shiv Khori is located at village Ransoo, in Reasi
District of Jammu & Kashmir. Khori means cave. Shiv Khori is about 200
meters long with two parts. From the main entrance part to the other part the
passage is one meter wide and 1 to 1 ½ meter high. We have crawl
through this passage to the next part. The are natural formation of Lord Shiva,
Maa parvathi, Ganesha, Nandhi, Six hood snake, Vishnu, Ram Lakshman, Sitha and
munivars. As per the legends 380 million deities exists in the cave. Apart from
the entrance to the cave an exit path was created recently in 2014. The cave
extends at the newly formed exist. It was believed that the cave end at Sri
Amarnath Cave.
Water trickles from the roof of the cave. Maha
Shivaratri is being celebrated every year. Beautiful 3.5 Km trek road was
formed from the village to the cave shared by pedestrians, ponies and
dolly walas. The temple was maintained by the Shiv Khori Shrine board and
latter Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board is looking after.
HOW TO REACH :
Bus service is
available from Katra ( 80 KM ), Udhampur ( 120 KM ) and Jammu ( 140 KM ) on the
north side.
Pony is ready to take you to the cave shrine
View of the valley
A small shrine on the way.
Sri Ram mandir under construction
The neatly paved path to holy cave
Another view of the valley
A bridge - still we have to go further..
Entrance of the holy cave
Entrance to the holy cave
Entrance to the holy cave
SHRI
MATA VAISHNO DEVI SHRINE
It
was believed that unless Mata Shri Vaishno Devi calls we cannot go to this Holy
cave. This is the Place where Mata’s skull was fallen here.
This
is a cave temple located in Trikuta mountain , which has 3 peaks. Mata Shri
Vaishno Devi is in the form of natural rock form ( Pindies ) in side the cave.
The three pindies has the common base at the bottom. The three heads are called
the holy pindies. The entire rock body is immersed in the water an a marble
platform was constructed latter. The three Pindies each are distinctively
different from the other two in colour and texture. The three Pindies represents
Maha Kali ( Right ), Maha Lakshmi ( Middle) and Maha Saraswathi ( Left ). There
is no statues, Pictures or Idols. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is
considered to be an incarnation of the above supreme energies.
All
along the trek and at Bhawan there are many Photographs explaining the nature
of darshan inside the holy cave. The inlet and outlet to the caves are
constructed with marbles. The entrance to the cave is 98 feet. The cave was
discovered about 700 years before by Pandit Shridhar.
There
is a Shiva shrine in a cave a level below Shri Mata Vaishno Devi’s Cave. Ram,
Lakshman and Sita temple with Sri Anjaneya in front was constructed at a latter
stage.
Locker
facility is available to lock the valuables on showing the Id card on free of
charges. Camera and Mobile are not allowed inside the Holy cave. There are
about 6 Q complexes with priority for darshans. Each person is checked for
security before entering the holy cave. Even the prasadhams are being
distributed by the security personnel.
Since
we had booked our onward and return yathra to the hill through Helicopter, we
had to walk only 3 KM from the helipad to Holy cave. Looking from the trek path
we could see only the temple complex like multistory building.
LOCATION
OF THE CAVE TEMPLE :CLICK
HERE
Holy cave complex looks like a multistory building
Foot path is covered for shade
Helipad at the top of the hill - from here 3.5 KM to holy cave
SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE, SRINAGAR.
The sacred
Shankaracharya temple is also known as Jyeshteswara located on a 1000 feet (
300 meters )hill top from the base in the heart of Srinagar City. Now it is
under the control of ASI ( Archaeological Survey of India ). It
was believed that there was Buddhist monument at that place dates back 250
BC built by Emperor Ashoka’s son Jhaloka and latter it was replaced by the
king Lalitaditya during 7th century. There is
also an another version that Shri Shakarar had built the temple up the base of
20 feet high octagonal plinth with stones and steps of 250 and odd and
super structure was built latter by Shah Jahan. ( The Persian inscriptions was
also found – Now I could not see any thing ). In the center of
sanctum there is a Shiva Lingam was installed. The Original ceiling was a
dome shaped and the present brick ceiling was replaced a century ago.
From the base we can go
through auto and proper motor able road was laid. The steps were
constructed neatly to climb up to the shrine. It was panoramic sight of
Srinagar with Dal lake, when viewed from top. There is also a meditation hall a
level below the sanctum sanctorum, believed that the same was used by Shri
Shankaracharya.
DAL LAKE
It is the second largest lake in the
sate known as “ Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “ Srinagar’s Jewel”.
The shore line of the lake is about 15.5 KM. On the banks of the lakes Mogul
gardens, House boats are located. The small boats are called as Shikaras
and boat ride is called as Shikara Ride. The lake covers 26 square
kilometers and is a part of wet land covers approximately square Kilometers,
which includes Vegetable gardens ( Potato, Tomato, Cucumber, radish, pumpkins
etc.), and Shopping of textiles and dry fruits in the intricate water ways like
maze. The floating gardens are 4 Kilo meters width and 8 KM long spread over 26
sq kilometer and approximately 12 meters depth. The gardens consists of reed
rafts of three meters and are covered by 1 meter thick layer of earth and
mud vegetables and melons are grown on these artificial floating island.
The lake is a combination of three lakes.
Some of the wet lads in side the
lake are possessed by private parties who has their own boats for their transportation.
We have enjoyed the shikara ride and taken the photographs in Kashmiri
Traditional dress. And had been to a garden inside the lake.
NISHAT BAGH ( PARK ).
Located at the banks of Dal
Lake and the Zabarwan mountains is at back side of the park. This was
built by Asif khan, the elder brother of Nur Jahan in the year 1633. It
was built like 12 terrace type of architecture. The garden is about a KM from
Rajbhavan, in Srinagar.
Entrance to the park
Zabarwan mountain at the backdrop
Persian style of architecture
Beautiful colour - Dark violet
MOGUL GARDENS.
This is Persian style of
architecture. These gardens were developed during Mogul ruler Jahangir.
Water fall at the entrance of the park
Chinar tree
beautiful colour of the leaves and bud
See the colour of the leaves and flower
Water flows from the mountains at back
SONAMARG.
The meaning of Sonamarg is “ Meadow
of Gold “. This is about 84 KM from Srinagar and it lies at an altitude of 2800
meters above MSL. The river/ Nallah is called as Sindh, which is a large
tributary to Jhelum River in the Valley of Kashmir. It has a historical
gateway for the silk road to China and Gulf Countries.
It is a beautiful site to see the
snow capped mountains. Also this is an important place for skating during snow
season. There was a little activity of skating at the valley.
We stayed at SonaMarg before leaving
to Amarnath. In the evening at bazaar we met two Tamil Military personnel, who
guided us and gave important tips for the Amarnath Yathra.
A beautiful view of the valley
water flows under the frozen ice
The other side of the mountain with out ice
Enjoying time with local children
Beautiful valley
our team member Mr Velsamy palsamy posing with an aged lady ( Age must be 90+ )
GULMARG
It is a hill station often used as
commercial route between the Moguls and British rulers. It would be an
wonderful place for skating during snow season. 52 Km from Srinagar at an
average elevation of 2690 meters ( 8825 feet). The previous name was Gaurimarg,
name after Maa Shri Devi Parvathi. ( Gauri – Parvathi Marg – meadow ). So it is
called as Meadow of Shri Parvathi devi. There is also a Shiva temple by a wife
of a king. The original name was changed as Gulmarg Mogul King Yousuf Shah and
Jahangir. The LOC lies within a KM from Gulmarg.
It was raining when we reached
Gulmarg also phase II was also closed. There was no activity of skating. After
rain thick mist was also covered the mountains and some of us skipped the
cable car ride. Instead we went for horse riding to see the flowers.
Valley of flowers
Valley of flowers
A private hotel
A Shiv mandir
The cable trolley service station
Enjoying the horse ride in the rain
AMRITSAR
The Harimandir Sahib of the Amritsar
Golden temple is considered a holy place for Sikhs. The holiest text of
Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib is always
recited in the Gurdwara. At the second floor all the Sikhs used to read the
holiest text of Guru Granth Sahib. It is a custom that people are allowed to
enter in to the Golden temple only after the head ( Hair ) is covered with
cloth. The Golden temple is situated at the centre of the amrit tank
where large number of colour fishes were grown. Some of the Sikhs takes bath in
the tank before entering in to the Golden temple. Neat walk way with coir mat
to reduce the heat on all the four sides/ corridors with four entrances are
provided for the devotees. Fans were provided for those who are standing the Q.
Drinking water is being supplied at the four corners of the inside
corridor. Prasad/ sweet is also supplied at the exist side. A
separate building is constructed for keeping the foot wears and shoes on free
of cot.
It was learnt that free meals supplied
by the Golden temple, which are prepared through a modern kitchen. Many friends
advised us to have the food, but we missed the opportunity.
Front of Golden temple complex - construction (complete with marble) in progress
Amrit tank with guard
The corridor outside 'Amrit' (அமிர்தம் ) tank
Golden temple in the center of Amrit tank
Second floor of Golden temple
Mural - old paintings on the ceiling - stair way to second floor
Colour fishes in the Amrit tank
JALLIANWALA BAGH
The Jallianwala
Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, was a unethical
and violet event in the British rule of India. On 13 April 1919, a crowd of
non-violent protesters, along with Baishakhi pilgrims, had gathered in the
Jallianwala Bagh garden in Amritsar to protest against the arrest of two
leaders despite a curfew which prevails at that time. On the orders of
Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, the Gurkha army of 50
riflemen fired on the crowd for ten minutes until the ammunition supply was
exhausted, directing their bullets largely towards the open gates through which
people were trying to run out. Due to this the death toll raised to 370
leaving 1200 wounded ( The actual figure was on the higher side ).. This
shocked the entire nation and a proper inquiry was not conducted
on Dyer . This leads to the non-co-operation movement in the year 1920 –
1922.
Name board on the left of the building
Name board above the historic lane
The bullet markings
Martyrs well'
Memorial stupi
WAGAH BORDER
Witnessed the
Wagah border “'lowering of the flags” ceremony with music and
the commentary is a daily military practice that the Border security
forces ( BSF ) of India and Pakistan have jointly followed
since Oct 1947. Indian BSF guards one of the longest border between India and
Pakistan in the world. This ceremony takes place every evening
before sunset approximately 18.15 Hrs at the Wagah border, which as part of the
Grand trunk Road is one of the road link between India and Pakistan.
Before flags lowering the Girls and young children from the visitors were
encouraged to dance to the patriotic songs with Indian flags on their
hands.
The ceremony starts with
a blustering parade by the soldiers from both the sides, and ends up in the
perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations' flags. One
Jawan (BSF) stands at attention on each side of the gate. The march past
by the BSF jawans looks very great and the legs goes above their heads ( Before
actual drill – warming up is done at the back of the office ). As the sun
sets, the iron gates at the border are opened and the two flags are lowered
simultaneously. The flags are folded and the ceremony ends with a retreat that
involves a brusque handshake between soldiers from either side, followed by the
closing of the gates again. The spectacle of the ceremony attracts many
visitors from both sides of the border, as well as international tourists.
Those who visits Amritsar, also proceeds to Wagah border in the evening.
BSF Office
A section of the crowd
Another section of the crowd
Entrance to the ceremony area
SHRI RAGHUNATH TEMPLE - AT JAMMU
The main deities are Sri Ram, Sri
Seetha and Sri Lakshman. On the prakaram sannadhis for Parvathi Shiva (
including Spadikam in Natarajar Sannadhi), Sri Saibaba. Sudhai Sirpangal of
various form of Hanuman, and Kadha pathirangal of Ramayan.
Main Entrance
Vimanangal view from the street
Shiva sannadhi vimanam
GENERAL
& SOME OF THE OBSERVATIONS
Throughout Kashmir army vehicle with armed personnel are stationed
Before construction of this bridge lot of accidents happened
After constructing the Bajranki Baba temple accidents has came to Zero
Lot
of memory stones, plaques with inscription of the demised relatives installed
on the side of the road. Number of such memory stones are quite common in Jammu
& Kashmir area.
... OM SHIVAYA NAMA ...