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 AMARNATH JI yatra on 05^th July 2014. This was a continuation Yatra to Kailash and Chardham ( Yamunothri, Gangothri, 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.

 

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, 1919, passed in 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, British Government had passed two bills in the British Legislative Council, known as also popularly known as Rowlet Act, since the same was recommended by a committee, headed by the Sidney Rowlet. These two controversial act gave the British tyrannical powers to arrest any individual in British India, if suspected to be involved in revolutionary activities can be put behind the bars for two years, without following any judicial procedures. 

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

 

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, was a unethical and violent event in the British rule of India. On 13 April 1919, a crowd of non-violent protesters, along with Baishakhi pilgrims 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 learnt that an English missionary was attacked by the agitated mobs. A Curfew was imposed and pass 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 Sindh Regiment fired on the crowd for ten minutes until the ammunition supply was exhausted, directing their bullets on the gathering, blocking the gate. The place where crowd assembled was surrounded by the building on three sides and entry & exit are through a one gate only.  Due to this the death toll raised to 370 leaving 1500 wounded ( The actual figure was on the higher  side estimated to be of 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 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 fund and presented 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 organising the first large scale and sustained non violent 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 Ghadar Party in revenge of Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In 1951 a memorial was set up  by the Government of India at Jallianwala Bagh to commemorate to sprit 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 homage after removing her shoes and laying wreath on the pink granite memorial.  Latter in 2013, the British Prime Minister Cameron also visited and voiced his regret of the incident  as “shameful scar on British India History”. But no official apology statement was issued by the British Government till date. On March 2019,  the Yaad-e-Jallian museum was inaugurated  showcasing an authentic account of the massacre.

 

Memorial stupi 

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'

--- 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 Yatra to Kailash and Chardham ( Yamunothri, Gangothri, 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 as a holiest place for Sikhs. The holiest text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib is always recited in this Harmandir Sahib. At the second floor all the Sikhs used to read the holiest 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 ) joins at one point from where a path leads to Harmandir Sahib. The Harmandir Sahib was built on a 67 ft square platform, in the centre 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 on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building. The bridge measures 202 feet length and 21 feet wide, connects 13 feet wide parikrama / pradakshina / Circumambulatory path with main temple / building Harmandir Sahib. The only one gate served as entrance and exit. It runs round the main shrine and it leads to the “Har Ki Paure ( steps of God )”. On the first floor of Har Ki Paure”, there is continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib.

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

Causeway

The Harmandir building is of 3 stored one.  The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches. At the top of the first floor 4 feet high parapet wall rises on all the 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 have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there.

 Second floor  of Golden temple, the central dome 

On the top of this room stands the low fluted ‘Gumbaz’ / dome,  having 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 the combination of Hindu and Muslim construction work and is considered as a best Sikh architecture. This created an independent Sikh School of architecture in the History of architecture world.

 Mural - old paintings on the ceiling - stair way to second floor

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HISTORY

This Golden temple has a long History since 16^th Century.  The Golden temple and Punjab was on the passage of Muslim invaders in to India, the Sikhs faced many challenges, which includes loss of property and lives, which are etched in the memories of Sikhs, which may continue to centuries. Golden temple was viewed as a main target by the Mughal rulers and Afghan Sultans. Thanks to Golden temple and Wikipedia web sites 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 Starts the excavation of Sarovar ( Holy Tank ) and construction of Harmandir Sahib in 1574 - 1577 CE. The construction of Sarovar and the Town believed to be started simultaneously in the year 1570 and 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 the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Sahli and many other devoted Sikhs.

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

The building work 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 in 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, Mughal Governor, posted Masse Khan as Police Commissioner and ordered to capture Mani Singh the custodian of the Harmandir Sahib. Masse Khan converted it for entertainment. Latter 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 a revenge for the death of his brother. In 1749 CE the Sikhs restored back,  when Muin Ul-Malik slackened Mughals operations against Sikhs since, He was in need of support for his operations in Multan.

In 1757, Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked Amritsar and Golden temple. He filled the tank with a 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 Golden temple was destroyed with gun powder. Sikhs returned back and celebrated  Diwali. In 1764, Baba Jassa singh Ahluwalia rebuilt the temple through the funds collected from public. A New main gate way ( Darshan Deorhi ), Causeway and renovation of Sanctum Sanctorum was  completed in 1776 CE. The Canal 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 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 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 armoury and Militant Headquarters.  When the negotiations failed, Indian Army moved to Temple complex on 3^rd June 1984. The fighting started on 05^th June 1984 and continued for 3 days and ends 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 symbolise the humble way of living.

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( PC - Web Site )

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POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

The Gregorian Calendar Year is divided in to 12 Punjabi Calendar Months. The temple activities starts around 02.00 to 03.00 hrs early morning and ends around 22 to 23 hrs night, depends on the month and season. Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts after sun set every day.

Gurpurbs.. these are the days associated with the lives of Gurus such as, First installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Golden temple by Guru Arjan Dev, Birth day of Guru Nanak ( November ), 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 day 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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( PC - Web Site )

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

Hola Mohalla... On March 17^th, an annual festival of thousand 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. Beginning of new month is announced by reading a portion Bara Maha. 

CONTACT DETAILS

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

HOW TO REACH

Amritsar is the Capital of Punjab, well connected with Road, Rail and Air. Free bus service is available from 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 )

( 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, Gangothri, Badrinath and Kedarnath ), my dream of Yatra to Amarnath  was fulfilled. When Mr Prabhaharan T S R, called me during end of January 2014 and asked me to join with them for this Amarnath Yatra. Immediately I responded his call and confirmed.   The relationship we had during Kailash Yatra continued this yathra too.  Our team consists of 20 members. All the arrangements were made by Mr TSR Prabhaharan.  Without him I could not made this yathra. After that  Medical certificate from Chief Dr of Rajiv Gandhi  Hospital Chennai and registration also done during February 2014.  I was little upset when I met with an accident and bedridden for 1 ½ months.  During Mr Chandramouli’s daughter marriage he encouraged me and I got hope of making this yathra.  The main itinerary in this yathra are 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 sight seeing – Dal Lake, Shikara ride in the fore noon. Visit to Shri Shankaracharya temple and sight seeing  of Nishat Bagh ( Park ) and Mogul Garden in the afternoon.	Night stay at Srinagar
03-07-2014	Srinagar to Gulmarg for sight seeing ( Somebody had taken the Gondola ride through cable trolley for the phase I ) and Phase II was closed	Night stay at Srinagar
04-07-2014	Left for Sonamarg ( Muslims called for  strike in connection with PM Modi’s visit to Kashmir) to escape started earlier around 05.15 Hrs. Sonamarg sight seeing	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 learnt that dharshan 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. ( original plan of staying at Srinagar dal lake house boat was changed ). Visited Kheer Bhawani Temple. After security check at 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 Maa Vaishno Devi – Helicopter travel up to Top helipad and back after dharshan.	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 left to 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 to most of us.  There are two routes to reach Amarnath. One is via Baltal and other through Pahalgam.  Even though the actual yatra begins  from Srinagar, but now from Chandanwari the yathra is 5 days. Pahalgam is 96 KM from Srinagar. Amarnath is situated above 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  are 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  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.

 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

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.

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 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 7^th 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 ...