Hindu Temples of Punjab & Haryana

PLACE	DESCRIPTION
Amritsar	Golden Temple / Harmandir Sahib
Amritsar	Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Wagah	Attari - Wagah Border Ceremony

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab, India.

The visit to this Jallianwala Bagh, a part of Amritsar, at Amritsar in Punjab state was a part of the AMARNATH JI yatra on 05^th July 2014. This was a continuation of Yatra to Kailash and Chardham (Yamunothri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath), with the same Group, but with a change of Travel agency. The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah border and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

 

The name board on the left of the building 

As per the historians, the root cause for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre was the Anarchical Revolutionary Crimes Act, of 1919, passed in the British Legislative Council. In 1919, the British Government was forced to deal with the nationalist surge amongst people in India and participating world war – I at the same time. To suppress the Nationalist movements, the British Government passed two bills in the British Legislative Council, known as also popularly known as the Rowlet Act, since the same was recommended by a committee, headed by Sidney Rowlet. These two controversial acts gave the British tyrannical powers to arrest any individual in British India, if suspected to be involved in revolutionary activities can be put behind bars for two years, without following any judicial procedures. 

Satyagraha against this Rowlett Act was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi on 6^th April 1919. Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr Satyapal. spearheaded the protest in Amritsar, Punjab against the Rowlett Act and inspired Hindu – Muslim unity among the people.  Michael O’Dwyer ordered to arrest of both Dr Saifuddin and Satyapal on 9^th April 1919 and the same was carried out on the next day.

 

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 of about 10000 people, had gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh garden in Amritsar to celebrate Baisakhi and to protest against the arrest of two leaders Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr Satya Pal. It was learned that an English missionary was attacked by the agitated mobs. A Curfew was imposed and a system of entry and exit to Amritsar was also introduced. On the orders of Brigadier General Reginald Edward Henry Dyer, the Gurkha army of 50 riflemen and the Sindh Regiment fired on the crowd for ten minutes until the ammunition supply was exhausted, directing their bullets on the gathering, and blocking the gate. The place where the crowd assembled was surrounded by the building on three sides and entry & exit are through one gate only.  Due to this the death toll rose to 370 leaving 1500 wounded (The actual figure was on the higher side estimated to be 1500 dead and more than 1500 injured).

The bullet markings

This shocked the entire nation and the Government of India ordered an investigation of this incident ( the Hunter Commission ), which in 1920, censured Dyer for his actions and ordered him to resign from the military. The attack was condemned by the secretary of state for wars Winston Churchill as unutterable monstrous and debate was held in the House of Commons on 8^th July 1920. But the House of Lords praised Dyer and gave him a sword with the motto “Saviour of Punjab”.  Dyer’s. Sympathizers collected large funds and presented them to him.  The Nobel prize laureate Rabindranath Tagore renounced the knighthood that he had received in 1915, from the British Queen.  Mahatma Gandhi was initially hesitant to act, but he soon organized the first large-scale and sustained nonviolent protest (satyagraha) campaign, the noncooperation movement, in 1920 -22 which thrust him to prominence in the Indian Nationalist Struggle.

Dyer was killed on March 13, 1940, by Udham Singh a member of the Ghadar Party in revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In 1951 a memorial was set up by the Government of India at Jallianwala Bagh to commemorate to spirit of Indian revolutionaries and the people who lost their lives in the Brutal massacre. In 1997, Queen Elizabeth visited Jallianwala Bagh and paid 30 seconds of homage after removing her shoes and laying a wreath on the pink granite memorial.  Later in 2013, British Prime Minister Cameron also visited and voiced his regret of the incident as a “shameful scar on British India History”. But no official apology statement has been issued by the British Government to date. In March 2019,  the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum was inaugurated showcasing an authentic account of the massacre.

 

HOW TO REACH

2 km from Amritsar Bus Stand and 3.6 km from Amritsar Railway Station.

Amritsar is 470 km from New Delhi, 1731 km from Mumbai, 2000 km from Kolkata, and 2649 km from Chennai.

LOCATION OF THE MONUMENT      : CLICK HERE

Name board above the historic lane 

Martyrs well'

Memorial Stupi 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Golden temple / Harimandir Sahib / Darbar Sahib / Suvaran Mandir, Amritsar, Punjab. India.

The visit to this Golden Temple, a prominent spiritual site in Sikhism at Amritsar in Punjab state was a part of AMARNATH JI yatra on 05^th July 2014. This was a continuation of Yatra to Kailash and Chardham (Yamunothri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath), with the same Group, but with a change of Travel agency. The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah border and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

 Golden temple in the center of Amrit tank

The Harmandir Sahib or the Amritsar Golden Temple is considered the holiest place for Sikhs. The holiest text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib is always recited in this Harmandir Sahib. On the second floor all the Sikhs used to read the most sacred text of Guru Granth Sahib.

Palanquin for taking Guru Granth Sahib (PC - Web Site)

ARCHITECTURE

The Golden Temple also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib at Amritsar, has a unique architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding ground level. The 4 entrances around the Sarovar ( Parikrama ) join at one point from where a path leads to Harmandir Sahib. The Harmandir Sahib was built on a 67 ft square platform, in the center the temple was constructed 40.5 ft square. The door frame of the arch is about 10 ft in height and 8 ft 6 inches in breadth. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens onto the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building. The bridge measures 202 feet in length and 21 feet wide and connects 13 13-foot wide parikrama / pradakshina / Circumambulatory path with the main temple / building Harmandir Sahib. The only gate served as an entrance and exit. It runs around the main shrine and leads to the “Har Ki Paure ( steps of God )”. On the first floor of Har Ki Paure”, there is a continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib.

 The corridor/parikrama / circumambulatory path outside 'Amrit' (அமிர்தம் ) Sarovar

Causeway

The Harmandir building is 3 storeyed.  The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of 26 feet and 9 inches. At the top of the first floor, 4 feet high parapet wall rises on all 4 sides which has also four ‘Mamtees’ / a mandapa with a small kalash on the top supported by 4 pillars on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctum Sanctorum rises the third story. It is a small square room and has three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there.

 On the second floor  of the Golden Temple, the central dome 

On the top of this room stands the low-fluted ‘Gumbaz’ / dome,  having a lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the "Kalash" having a beautiful "Chhatri" at the end.

The architecture is a combination of Hindu and Muslim construction work and is considered the best Sikh architecture. This created an independent Sikh School of Architecture in the History of architecture world.

 Mural - old paintings on the ceiling - stairway to the second floor

( PC - Web Site )

HISTORY

This Golden temple has a long history since the 16^th Century.  The Golden Temple and Punjab were on the passage of Muslim invaders into India, the Sikhs faced many challenges, which included loss of property and lives, which are etched in the memories of Sikhs, and may continue for centuries. Golden Temple was viewed as a main target by the Mughal rulers and Afghan Sultans. Thanks to Golden Temple and Wikipedia websites for the information and Photographs.  The History goes like this….

The land for the Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar, Sri Harmandir Sahib, and the Township was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from Zamindars ( Land Lords ) of native Villages. As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass, the 3^rd Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Ram Dass Started the excavation of Sarovar ( Holy Tank ) and construction of Harmandir Sahib in 1574 - 1577 CE. The construction of Sarovar and the Town is believed to have started simultaneously in the year 1570 and was completed in 1577 CE. 

Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on the 1^st of Magh month 1645 Bikrmi Samvat ( December 1588 CE ). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Sahli, and many other devoted Sikhs.

The Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar was later brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev, the 5^th Sikh Guru on December 15^th, 1588 CE.

The building work was completed in 1601 CE on Bhandon Sudi 1^st 1661 CE. Bikmi Samvat ( August / September 1604).

Guru Arjan Sahib installed the  Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy Text of Sikhs after its compilation at Sri Harmandir Sahib on August 1604 CE. A devout Sikh Baba Budha was appointed as a head priest or Granthi ie the reader of Guru Granth Sahib.  

In 1606 CE, Guru Arjan was arrested and executed under the order of Jahangir, since he refused to convert to Islam. His son Guru Gobind Singh left Harmandir Sahib and moved to Shivalik Hills to avoid prosecution. For about 100 years the temple was not occupied by the actual Sikhs. 18^th Century Guru Gobind Singh and his newly founded Kalsa Sikhs came back and fought to liberate Harmandir Sahib.

In 1709 CE, the Muslim Governor of Lahore sent his army to suppress and prevent Sikhs from gathering for the festivals.

In 1737 CE, the Mughal Governor posted Masse Khan as Police Commissioner and ordered to capture of Mani Singh the custodian of the Harmandir Sahib. Masse Khan converted it for entertainment. Later in 1740 CE, Masse Khan was assassinated by the Sikhs.

In 1746 CE, Lahore Diwan Lakhpat Rai, who was working for Yahiya Khan, filled the Amrit Sarovar with sand, as revenge for the death of his brother. In 1749 CE the Sikhs were restored back when Muin Ul-Malik slackened Mughal operations against Sikhs since He required support for his operations in Multan.

In 1757, Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked Amritsar and the Golden Temple. He filled the tank with entrails of slaughtered Cows, before departing to Afghanistan. The Tank was restored again by the Sikhs.

In 1762, Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani returned back and the Golden Temple was destroyed with gunpowder. Sikhs returned back and celebrated  Diwali. In 1764, Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia rebuilt the temple with the funds collected from the public. A New main gateway ( Darshan Deorhi ), Causeway, and renovation of Sanctum Sanctorum were completed in 1776 CE. The Canal was also excavated to bring fresh water from the river Ravi to Amrit Sarovar.

The ceiling of the Harmandir Sahib is made with gold and precious Stones. In 1830 CE, Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the temple with 162 Kg of Gold worth Rs 65 lakhs after 200 years of completion of the Temple. 24 Carat Gold was used against 22 Karat Gold was used in making ornaments.  Back in the 90s, the temple was renovated with 500 KG of Gold worth more than 150 crores.

The worst destruction of the temple, property, and lives occurred during Operation Blue Star, in which the Indian military took action against the Sikh Militants and to evacuate the Sikh Militants headed by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the Harmandir Sahib Complex. Indian Government claims that Bhindranwale and his followers used the temple complex as an armory and Militant Headquarters.  When the negotiations failed, the Indian Army moved to the Temple complex on 3^rd June 1984. The fighting started on 05^th June 1984 continued for 3 days and ended on 08^th June 1984, resulting a causality of 83 dead and 249 injured. The actual figures may be much more. 

LEGENDS

The Harmandir Sahib is built at a level lower than the surrounding ground level. The Gurdwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

The stairs that enter the temple go downwards. This is designed in this way to symbolize the humble way of living.

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POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

The Gregorian Calendar Year is divided into 12 Punjabi Calendar Months. The temple activities start around 02.00 to 03.00 hrs early morning and end around 22 to 23 hrs a night, depending on the month and season. Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts after sunset every day.

Gurpurbs.. these are the days associated with the lives of Gurus such as the first installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev, the Birthday of Guru Nanak ( November ), the Birth Day of Guru Gobind Singh, Martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, Martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

Vaisakhi... Guru Amar Das First institutionalized this as one of the special days to receive Guru’s blessings in the year 1567 CE. This is celebrated on March 14^th.

Bandi Chhor Divasi.. 1619 CE, on this day the Golden Temple will be illuminated with lights to welcome home and celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in Gwalior Fort.

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Kirtan on this day to commemorate the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals.

Hola Mohalla... On March 17^th, an annual festival of thousands will be held at Anandpur Sahib.  It was started by Guru Gobind Singh as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the Indian festival Holi,

Sangrand.. This is the day when the Sun passes from one sign of the Zodiac to the next. The beginning of the new month is announced by reading a portion of Bara Maha. 

CONTACT DETAILS

Web site: https://www.goldentempleamritsar.org/

HOW TO REACH

Amritsar is the Capital of Punjab, well connected by Road, Rail, and Air. Free bus service is available from the  Railway Station and Central Bus stand for the Devotees.

2 km from Amritsar Bus Stand and 3.6 km from Amritsar Railway Station.

Amritsar is 470 km from New Delhi, 1731 km from Mumbai, 2000 km from Kolkatta, and 2649 km from Chennai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:     CLICK HERE

 Front of Golden Temple complex - construction (complete with marble)  in progress

 Amrit Sarovar with guard

Ber tree

( PC - Web Site )

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Colour fishes in the Amrit Sarovar 

Free Hygiene food ( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shri Amarnath Yatra, Anantnag District, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

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.

 

My yatra permit

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.

ROUTE MAP

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

 Rest at langer at 9th Km 

 At the 9th Km bridge -ponies are waiting to come down. 

 Ponies are traveling on the ice path 

 At the center 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 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

This part of the Group post was written as a separate post. For the details of the updated post please click this Link.

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

The main entrance is guarded by Military personnel.

 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

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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

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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

 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.

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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 7^th 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
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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.

NISHAT BAGH ( PARK ).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

The name board on the left of the building 

Name board above the historic lane 

The bullet markings

Martyrs well'

Memorial stupi 

WAGAH BORDER.

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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.

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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

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 ...