Narasingh Devta Temple / Joshimath / ஜோசிமத், Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India.

The Visit to this Joshimath temple was a part of Chardham Yathra conducted by the Super Yathra Service, Kumbakonam. ( Originally this temples visit was written without much details. Hence this part was written as a separate post in Diva Desam List of Temples ). Since there was  systematic allotment of buses to climb, we started little earlier. On the way we had the darshan of Sri Narasimhar, which is one of the 108 mangala sasana Vishnu sthalams at JOSHIMATH. From Joshimath our guide had shown me the back side of Indira neela Parvatham ( Ie. the hill opposite to Sri Badrinath Temple ).

This Maha Vishnu Temple at JOSHIMATH is the 67th Divya Desam of 108 Divya Desam. ( The temple claims as 105th Divya desam ). Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Alwar in Nalayira Divya Prabandham. 

வாலிமாவலத்தொருவனதுடல்கெட வரிசிலைவளைவித்து,அன்று

ஏலநாறுதண்தடம்பொழிலிடம்பெற இருந்தநலிமய்யத்துள்,

ஆலிமாமுகிலதிர்தர அருவரை அகடுறமுகடேறி,

பீலிமாமயில்நடஞ்செயும்தடஞ்சுனைப் பிரிதிசென்றடைநெஞ்சே.

இரவுகூர்ந்திருள்பெருகியவரைமுழை இரும்பசியதுகூர,

அரவமாவிக்குமகன்பொழில்தழுவிய அருவரையிமயத்து,

பரமனாதியெம்பனிமுகில்வண்ணனென்று எண்ணிநின்றிமையோர்கள்,

பிரமனோடுசென்றடிதொழும்பெருந்தகைப் பிரிதிசென்றடைநெஞ்சே.

....... திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் இரண்டாம் திருமொழி ( 958- 967 )

This image is in the Oppiliappan Temple Praharam

Moolavar  : Sri Narayana Perumal / Narasimhar / Sri Paramapurushan

Consort    : Sri Parimalavalli Nachiyar

Some of the salient features of this temple are....

During our Visit to Joshimath, the new temple was not constructed. The temple was like a residential building. 

The Vigrahas are small in size. In the sanctum Sanctorum Narasimhar, Sowmiya Narasimhamurthy, Ramar, sita, Lakshmana, Aanji, Badri Naranarayan, Chandi Devi, Kuberan, Utsavar, Gurudan are on a platform. Thayar and Rajarajeswari, are in a separate sannidhs ( Rooms ). 

HISTORY

The Temple was believed to be built during 8th Century with the effort of Adi Sankara. Joshimath was the original capital of Katyar Dynasty before it moved to Kartikeyapur, the present name as Baijnath. The present temple was built 2016 - 17. 

 

Sri Narasimha Perumal Temple - one of the 108 Vaishnava temples at Joshimath

PC : Web site 

PC : Web site 

PC : Web site 

PC : Web site ( New Temple )

View of the himalayan mountain from Joshimath

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Badrinath Dham / Badrinath Temple / பத்திரிநாத் கோயில், Badrinath, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India.

The Visit to the Sri Badrinarayanan Temple was a part of Chardam Yathra conducted by the Kumbakonam Yathra Service. When we landed Badrinath, there was a long q, waiting  for ( about 1.5 Km ) the darshan of Sri Badrinarayanan. It took us nearly 2 1/2 hours for the darshan. Originally this part of this temple was written without much details, so this part alone separated and written as a separate post with more details. 

This Sri Badrinayan Temple at Badrinath is the 69th Divya desam of 108 Divya Desam of Maha Vishnu. Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Alwar in Nalayira Divya Prabandham. This place is also called as Thiruvathariyacharamam and the same is mentioned in the pasuram as Vathari - வதரி. 

முற்ற மூத்து கோல் துணையா  முன் அடி நோக்கி வளைந்து

இற்ற கால் போல் தள்ளி மெள்ள  இருந்து அங்கு இளையாமுன்

பெற்ற தாய் போல் வந்த பேய்ச்சி பெரு முலை ஊடு உயிரை

வற்ற வாங்கி உண்ட வாயான்  வதரி வணங்குதுமே.

...... திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார்  

Moolavar  : Sri Badrinarayanan

Consort    : Sri Aravinda Valli

Some of the salient features of this temple are....

There are sannadhi for Anjenear and  Mahalakshmi. 

This Badrinath temple is facing east on the banks of river Alaknanda. The moolavar Sri Badrinarayan is in sitting posture, about 1 feet made out of saligram, under a Badri Tree ( It is believed that MahaLakshmi as Berry tree ). The upper hands, holds shankha and Chakra and lower hands are in yoga mudra. Kubera, Narada, Udhava and Nara Narayana are also in the sanctum sanctorum. 

In the praharam, there are 15 sub sannidhis, Lakshmi, Garuda, Nava Durga ( noine from of Durga ), Lakshmi Narayan, Adi Sankara, Nara Narayan, Ghandakama, Vedanta Desika and Ramanuja. 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple construction is the combination of both South Indian and North Indian architecture with dwarapalakas and bas-reliefs on the pillars in the inner mandapam. 

HISTORY

From the history the temple was constructed constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, who lived here for about 6 years from 814 to 820 CE, who belongs to Kerala. Hence the pooja are conducted by the Namboothiris from Kerala.

As per Govt web site, Adi Shankara discovered a black stone image of Lord Badarinarayan made of Saligram stone in the Alaknanda River. He originally enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. In the sixteenth century, the King of Garhwal moved the murti to the present location of the temple.

LEGENDS

The hill on the opposite side of the Badrinath Temple is called as INDRANEELA PARVATHAM and also believed to be one of the Paadal Petra Thevara Sthalam. We  could see the difference in colour compared to other hills during day time also ( It will be in blue colour during early morning ).  It was believed that Indran had worshiped this hill as Lord Shiva.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open 6 months from April to November. Between 04.00 hrs to 21.00 Hrs.  And the best time will be May, June and July. 

 

An ice covered mountain at the back of  Shri Badrinath temple ( some claims this as Indraneela Parvatham one of the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam )

Shri Badrinath Temple 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Wagah – Attari Border Ceremony, "Lowering of the flags Ceremony", at Wagah, Punjab, India.

The visit to this Wagah Border Ceremony 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.

Entrance to the ceremony area

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 1959 (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 is a part of the Grand trunk Road, which links 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 with perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nation’s flags. One Jawan (BSF) stands in attention position on each side of the gate. The march past by the BSF jawans looks very great and the legs goes up to 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. The entry time will be from 10.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH

Wagah is on the highway between Amritsar and Lahore.

Wagah Border is 3.4 KM from Attari, 32 KM from Amritsar, 22 KM from Lahore.

Train and Flights are available up to Amritsar.

LOCATION OF THE WAGAH BORDER         : CLICK HERE

 BSF Office 

 A section of the crowd

 Another section of the crowd 

Pakistan

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

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.

( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

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

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Colour fishes in the Amrit Sarovar 

Free Hygiene food ( PC - Web Site )

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--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---