21, July 2014
Sri
AMARNATH JI blessed us on 05th July 2014. After my Yatra to Kailash and
Chardham (Yamunothri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath), my dream of a Yatra
to Amarnath was fulfilled. When Mr Prabhaharan T S R, called me
at the end of January 2014 and asked me to join them for this Amarnath
Yatra. Immediately I responded to his call and confirmed. The
relationship we had during Kailash Yatra continued this yatra
too. Our team consists of 20 members. All the arrangements were made
by Mr TSR Prabhaharan. Without him, I could not made this yatra.
After that Medical certificate from the Chief Dr of Rajiv
Gandhi Hospital Chennai and registration was also done during February
2014. I was a little upset when I met with an accident and was bedridden
for 1 ½ months. During Mr. Chandramouli’s daughter's marriage, he
encouraged me and I got hope of making this yatra. The
main itinerary in this yatra is Amarnath, Shiv Khori Cave, and
Shri Vaishno Devi Cave.
The schedule of our Yathra. There were many
deviations from the original and the actual schedule is as given below.
DATE
|
DESCRIPTION
|
REMARKS
|
01-07-2014
|
Departure from Chennai and reach Jammu through Air
India flight and from Jammu to Srinagar through Rao Travel Bus.
|
Night
stay at Srinagar
|
02-07-2014
|
Srinagar
sightseeing – Dal Lake, Shikara ride in the fore noon. Visit Shri
Shankaracharya temple and sightseeing at Nishat Bagh ( Park ) and Mogul Garden in the afternoon.
|
Night
stay at Srinagar
|
03-07-2014
|
Srinagar
to Gulmarg for sightseeing (Somebody had taken the Gondola to ride through the cable trolley for Phase I) and Phase II was closed
|
Night
stay at Srinagar
|
04-07-2014
|
Left
for Sonamarg (Muslims called for a strike in connection with PM Modi’s visit to Kashmir) to escape
started earlier around 05.15 Hrs. Sonamarg sightseeing
|
Night
stay at Sonamarg.
|
05-07-2014
|
Sonamarg
to Baltal. Shri Amarnathji yatra started around 06.30 Hrs. Reached Amarnath
around 17.30 Hrs (It was learned that darshan will take around 3 hours and
closed by 19.00 Hrs. Decided to do darshan on the next day morning.
|
Night
stay at Amarnath Hill very close to Holy Cave ( 2 KM ).
|
06-07-2014
|
Very
good darshan of Shri Amarnath Ji and started for Baltal
|
Night
stay at Baltal in a tent.
|
07-07-2014
|
Started
for Pahalgam. (the original plan of staying at the Srinagar Dal Lake houseboat was
changed). Visited Kheer Bhawani Temple. After security check at the Pahalgam
gate of Shri Amarnath Yatra Route
|
Night
stay at Pahalgam
|
08-07-2014
|
Pahalgam
to Katra and visited Shiv Khori cave shrine of Lord Shiva.
|
Night
stay at Katra
|
09-07-2014
|
Darshan
of Ma Vaishno Devi – Helicopter travel up to Top Helipad and back after
darshan.
|
Night
stay at Katra
|
10-07-2014
|
Started
for Amritsar. Visit Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Wagah Border flag
lowering ceremony. Return to Jammu
|
Night
stay at Jammu.( Problems in accommodation in a single hotel )
|
11-07-2014
|
Visit to
Shri Raghunath Ji shrine and shopping
|
Night
stay at Jammu
|
12-07-2014
|
Shopping
and leaving for the airport around 12.30 Hrs. Reached Chennai around 00.30 Hrs on
13-07-2014 through Air India flight via New Delhi.
|
This
trip was the first time for most of us. There are two routes to reach
Amarnath. One is via Baltal and the other through Pahalgam. Even though the actual yatra begins from
Srinagar, but now from Chandanwari the yatra is 5 days. Pahalgam is 96 km from
Srinagar. Amarnath is situated 3888 meters above MSL and 16 km ( in
the map it is 14 km) from Baltal and 46 km from Pahalgam. So we had chosen the
short route through Baltal.
During our Amarnath yatra some of the tourist places like Srinagar
Dal Lake, Shikara ride (Boat ride), Nishat Garden, Mogul Garden, and Sri
Sankaracharya temple, Sonamarg, Gulmarg were also added, since
it may not be possible to make a second trip to these places.
SHRI
AMARNATH JI HOLY CAVE / SHRINE
Lord Shiva The destroyer is in the form of Ice Lingam The
lingam is formed naturally, which is believed to wax and wane with the moon.
DISCOVERY
OF AMARNATH CAVE
When
Maa Parvathi asked Shiva’s secret of immortality, 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 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 became 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 it at home he found they changed into Gold coins. When ran out to thank the
saint. When he reached the cave the saint disappeared and an ice Shiva
Lingam was there. Then onwards Amarnath cave has become a holy place
for the Lord Shiva devotees.
MY
EXPERIENCE DURING AMARNATH JI YATHRA
The route to the cave was very
risky. We started our yatra from Baltal gate around 06.30 Hrs through
Horse. Since the trek was tedious we preferred the pony ride. Even
though I had the problem of walking after the accident, I was
forced to walk on the deep slopes. In some of the places,, there were landslides.
We had crossed with warning signs of shooting stones, falling boulders, and landslides. The pony ride took about 11 Hrs, which is 5 hours more than normal due
to traffic jams (Traffic jams apply to pony rides also). For the ongoing ponies the downcoming ponies gave way by stopping on one side Also
many places there was not enough width to cross two ponies. Finally, we reached
the hilltop around 17.00 Hrs. Considering the closing time of the temple and
time to move into 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 a few people could manage without falling. After the security check
up climbed through steps from the base and had a good darshan. It was almost
14.00 all of our people gathered after darshan and returned to Baltal through
Pony. On the way, it was drizzling with ice crystals for a short while. On
reaching the Baltal base station we had our dinner at langer (Free meals supply). The crowd was too larger than expected. It was due to the diversion of devotees
from the Pahalgam route and those who could not go to Chardham preferred Amarnath Yatra.
LOCATION OF THE CAVE SHRINE: CLICK HERE
SOME
OF THE TIPS FOR SRI AMARNATH JI YATHRIS.
- The clothes to be carried are one set of dresses with winter clothes (Sweater, monkey cap and shawl). Thermal wear is not necessary. Take medicines for headaches aches, and diarrhea, and suitable medicines for their regular intake for pressure, diabetes, and heart problems.
- Chocolates, dry pickles, dry fruits, etc.
- Sunscreen lotions and Vaseline.
- Yoga/Breathing exercises/walking are to be practiced at least before starting this yatra to meet the low oxygen content at the Amarnath Holy cave area.
- Bottled Drinking water is available through the route at 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 throughout the Yathra route from Jammu and Srinagar.
- Watermelons, tea, water bottles, and beverages are available in the private shops.
- Telephone facility is available at the base station at Baltal, 3 KM from the base and near the Holy cave.
- Only Post-paid SIM cards will work in the Jammu & Kashmir areas including the Amarnath route. Alternatively, Yathri can purchase a new mobile connection using the Yathra permit at Sonamarg, Baltal, or Pahalgam.
- A walking stick is necessary to trek up to the Holy Cave. (Stick is available at the 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.
- Cameras and Mobiles are not allowed into the holy cave but can be taken up to the security point. Depositing of these can be done at the security point for which a receipt will be given free of cost. This arrangement is done by the shrine board.
- We may hand over the mobile and camera in any of the for which they will issue receipts free of charge for which we have to buy pooja prasad.
- Shoes and chapels may be deposited in the middle of the steps for which a token will be issued. But most of the people leave on the steps itself.
- Pen, leather belts, and leather wallets are not allowed to be carried to the Holy cave.
- Stay the night at the hilltop near the Holy cave in a tent provided by the private parties is an ideal choice over the langers. The private tents will charge Rs 500, which includes rent, Rugs, and woolen blankets.
- Hot water can be availed on cost for bathing and toilets. The toilet facility is not up to the mark (ZERO) by the Shrine board.
- It is not advisable to trek during the night and during rain. It is advisable to trek in groups. If you prefer to trek by walking, walk slowly and do not strain much especially going up the hill. Medical facilities are available at the base, middle of the trek route, and top of the holy cave.
- Less weight will be a more comfortable yatra since the Ponywalas will prefer fewer 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 problems and hip pain are not advised to take a pony.
- Those who are traveling by helicopter will have to trek for 5 KM, or by pony or dolly.
SHRI
MATA KHEER BHAWANI TEMPLE
After
finishing our yatra to Amarnath Ji, we proceeded to Pahalgam from
Baltal we went 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 tension that exists always. During the 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 around the year and perform hawans to please the mother. The
historic temple of Ksheer Bhawani was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1912
and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh surrounded by streams. The place
abounds in Chinar trees in and around the temple complex within which a hexagonal
spring wherein the 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 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-fourth
of the world, where numerous Nagraj and their Ashtkul-Nag Devas reside. Sh.
Ganpati, Bhimraj, and Kumar reside at the door of Amrit Kund. In the middle of
the Amrit kund towards the east resides AsthNag Devas namely Vasukinag, Neel
Nagaraj, Taksheq Nagaraj, Takshek Nagaraj, Padbnagaraj, Maha Padamnagaraj, etc,. In
the center 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 color of the spring
changes serving as an oblique omen about what is going to happen soon. The pink, milky, and light green color of the spring suggests the
auspicious omen, and the black and dark red indicate the wrong auspicious
signals. Tullamulla
Nag where the mata Rangya resides in the form of Jal-rupi having the form of
water or serpent has allegorical meanings. The surrounding water of the 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 CE 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 very “Maha Ragnya”. The word “Ragnya” means the divinity
of establishing preservation and protection of the 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 spirit always in 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 suggested by the sutras for the 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 an undeniable fact. Supreme
power therefore is approached and worshiped as mother. The mother is thus the
supreme reality, supreme love, supreme beauty, the realization of the truth
supreme sublime and divine as a mother is the final beatitude of life. Shree
Bhawani is eulogized as the 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 blessings for various examinations to all her
devotees. It is a fact that all leading saints have undergone penance sadhana in
Khir Bhawani Complex and got the spiritual blessing at this place. LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK
HERE
Second entrance
Sri Ganpathi and Hanuman Shrine
Shri Kheer Bhawani
Moolasthanam with Amrit Kund
A small shrine under a 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 applies to human beings, which means - that outside they may look calm but they 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 to crawl
through this passage to the next part. They are natural formations of Lord Shiva,
Maa Parvati, Ganesha, Nandhi, Six hood snake, Vishnu, Ram Lakshman, Sitha, and Munivars. As per the legends 380 million deities exist in the cave. Apart from
the entrance to the cave, an exit path was created recently in 2014. The cave
extends to the newly formed existence. It was believed that the cave ended at Sri
Amarnath Cave.
Water trickles from the roof of the cave. Maha
Shivaratri is being celebrated every year. A beautiful 3.5 Km trek road was
formed from the village to the cave shared by pedestrians, ponies, and
dollywalas. The temple was maintained by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board and
later 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.
LOCATION OF THE CAVE SHRINE: CLICK HERE
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 the holy cave
Another view of the valley
A bridge - still we have to go further.
Entrance to 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 had fallen.
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) inside the cave. The three pindies have a common base at the bottom. The three heads are called the holy Pindies. The entire rock body is immersed in the water and a marble platform was constructed later. The three Pindies each are distinctively different from the other two in color and texture. The three Pindies represent Maha Kali (Right), Maha Lakshmi (Middle), and Maha Saraswathi (Left). There are 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 displayed explaining the nature of darshan inside the holy cave. The inlet and outlet to the caves are constructed with marble. The entrance to the cave is 98 feet. The cave was discovered about 700 years ago 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 later stage.
A locker facility is available to lock the valuables on showing the ID card free of charge. 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 onward and returned yatra to the hill by 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 a multistory building.
LOCATION OF THE CAVE TEMPLE: CLICK 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) inside the cave. The three pindies have a common base at the bottom. The three heads are called the holy Pindies. The entire rock body is immersed in the water and a marble platform was constructed later. The three Pindies each are distinctively different from the other two in color and texture. The three Pindies represent Maha Kali (Right), Maha Lakshmi (Middle), and Maha Saraswathi (Left). There are 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 displayed explaining the nature of darshan inside the holy cave. The inlet and outlet to the caves are constructed with marble. The entrance to the cave is 98 feet. The cave was discovered about 700 years ago 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 later stage.
A locker facility is available to lock the valuables on showing the ID card free of charge. 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 onward and returned yatra to the hill by 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 a multistory building.
LOCATION OF THE CAVE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Holy cave complex looks like a multistory building
The footpath is covered with 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-foot (300-meter) hilltop 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 a Buddhist monument at that place that dates back to 250
BC built by Emperor Ashoka’s son Jhaloka and later it was replaced by King Lalitaditya during the 7th century. There is
also another version that Shri Shankara had built the temple up the base of
20 feet high octagonal plinth with stones and steps of 250 and an odd superstructure was built later by Shah Jahan. (The Persian inscriptions were
also found – Now I could not see anything). In the center of the sanctum, there is a Shiva Lingam was installed. The Original ceiling was dome-shaped and the present brick ceiling was replaced a century ago.
From the base we can go through the auto and the proper motorable road was laid. The steps were constructed neatly to climb up to the shrine. It was a panoramic view of Srinagar with Dal Lake when viewed from the top. There is also a meditation hall a level below the sanctum sanctorum, believed that the same was used by Shri Shankaracharya.
DAL LAKE
This part of the Group post was written as a separate post. For the details of the updated post please click this Link.
From the base we can go through the auto and the proper motorable road was laid. The steps were constructed neatly to climb up to the shrine. It was a panoramic view of Srinagar with Dal Lake when viewed from the top. There is also a meditation hall a level below the sanctum sanctorum, believed that the same was used by Shri Shankaracharya.
DAL LAKE
This part of the Group post was written as a separate post. For the details of the updated post please click this Link.
It is the second largest lake in the
state known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “ Srinagar’s Jewel”.
The shoreline of the lake is about 15.5 KM. On the banks of the lakes Mogul
Gardens, Houseboats are located. The small boats are called Shikaras
and the boat ride is called Shikara Ride. The lake covers 26 square
kilometers and is a part of a wetland covers approximately square Kilometers,
which includes Vegetable gardens (Potato, Tomato, Cucumber, Radishes, pumpkins, etc.), and Shopping for textiles and dry fruits in the intricate waterways maze. The floating gardens are 4 Kilometers wide and 8 KM long spread over 26
sq kilometers and approximately 12 meters in depth. The gardens consist of reed
rafts of three meters and are covered by a 1-meter thick layer of earth and
mud vegetables and melons are grown on these artificial floating islands.
The lake is a combination of three lakes.
Some of the wet lads inside the lake are possessed by private parties who have their own boats for their transportation. We enjoyed the shikara ride and took photographs in Kashmiri Traditional dress. And had been to a garden inside the lake.
Some of the wet lads inside the lake are possessed by private parties who have their own boats for their transportation. We enjoyed the shikara ride and took 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 the 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 color - Dark violet
MUGHAL GARDENS.
This is the Persian style of
architecture. These gardens were developed during Mogul ruler Jahangir.
Waterfall at the entrance of the park
Chinar tree
beautiful color of the leaves and bud
See the color of the leaves and flower
Water flows from the mountains at the 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 Sindh, which is a large
tributary to the Jhelum River in the Valley of Kashmir. It has a historical
gateway for the Silk Road to China and Gulf Countries.
The snow-capped mountains are a beautiful sight. During the snow season, this is an important place for skating. There was little skating activity in the valley.
We stayed at SonaMarg before leaving
for Amarnath. In the evening at the 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 without 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 a commercial route between the Moguls and British rulers. It would be a
wonderful place for skating during the snow season. 52 Km from Srinagar at an
average elevation of 2690 meters (8825 feet). The previous name was Gaurimarg,
named 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 the wife
of a king. The original name was changed to 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 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. On 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 into the Golden Temple only after the head (Hair) is covered with
cloth. The Golden Temple is situated at the center of the Amrit tank
where a large number of colored fishes are grown. Some of the Sikhs take a bath in
the tank before entering the Golden Temple. A neat walkway with a coir mat
to reduce the heat on all four sides/corridors with four entrances is
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 on the existing side. A
separate building is constructed for keeping the footwear and shoes on free
of cost.
It was learned that free meals supplied
by the Golden Temple, 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
The second floor of the Golden Temple
Mural - old paintings on the ceiling - stairway to the second floor
Colour fishes in the Amrit tank
JALLIANWALA BAGH.
The Jallianwala
Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, was an unethical
and violent event during 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 that prevailed 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 rose 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-cooperation movement in the years 1920 to 1922.
WAGAH BORDER.
Witnessed the
Wagah border “lowering of the flags” ceremony with music and 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 at approximately 18.15 Hrs at the Wagah border, which as part of the
Grand Trunk Road is one of the road links between India and Pakistan.
Before the flags were lowered 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 sides and ends with 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 go above their heads (Before the 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 visit Amritsar also proceed to the 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 praharam sannadhis for Parvathi Shiva (including Spadikam in Natarajar Sannadhi), Sri Saibaba. Sudhai Sirpangal of
various forms 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 vehicles with armed personnel are stationed
Before the construction of this bridge lot of accidents happened
After constructing the Bajranki Baba temple accidents came to Zero
Before the construction of this bridge lot of accidents happened
After constructing the Bajranki Baba temple accidents came to Zero
A lot of memory stones and plaques with inscriptions of the demised relatives were installed
on the side of the road. Many such memory stones are quite common in the Jammu
& Kashmir area.
... OM SHIVAYA NAMA ...
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