Shiv Khori, Ransoo, Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir

The visit to this Shiv Khori cave temple at Ransoo Village in Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir was a part of AMARNATH JI yatra on 05th 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. Our team consists of 20 members. All the arrangements were made by Mr TSR Prabhakaran.  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 holy cave 

SHIV KHORI

The deities in side the natural cave are Lord Shiva, Ma Parvati, Ganesh, Rishabam, Six hood snake Adiseshan, Vishnu, Ram Lakshman, Sita and munis.

ARCHITECTURE

This temple is a natural cave, where rich mineral water trickles from the roof of the cave forms the Deities, Lord Shiva, Ma Parvati, Ganesha, Rishabam, Six hood snake, Vishnu, Ram, Lakshman, Sita and munis. The natural cave Shiv Khori is about 200 meters long  separated by small passage of  one meter wide and 1 to 1 ½ meter high.  We have crawl through this passage to the other part of the cave.

Apart from the entrance to the cave an exit path was created recently in 2014. The cave extends up to newly formed exist. It was believed that the cave end at Sri Amarnath Cave.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple is being maintained by the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine board ( SSKSB ), which was formed in the year 2003.

Initially Baba Rameshwar Giri as a Manager was performing pooja with the consent of Local people. On 31^st May 1991, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board of Katra took over the activities of  this Shiv Khori Cave Shrine, as per the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, vide 535/SQ dated 31-05-1991.  The same order was attested by the Tehsildar of Reasi vide 803 dated 29^th July 1991. However, due to legal dispute between SMVDSB & Rameshwar Giri, SMVDSB could not establish effective control over the affairs of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine. Latter the infrastructure facilities like drinking water, electricity, sanitation etc, were created for the benefit of Devotees by the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board ( SSKSB), since 1991 and officially formed from 2003.  

LEGENDS

It is believed that 33 crore deities exists in the cave.

As per the legend the Bhasmasura did a penance on Lord Shiva and obtained a boon of burning / killing and makes them as bashpam, when he touches the head of any body. After getting the boon, the Asura wants to test on Lord Shiva, who has given the boon. Fearing, Bashmasura’s threat, Lord Shiva came to this cave along with ma Parvati.

Maha Vishnu came to his rescue, to the form of Mohini and called Bhasmasura to dance with him. Followed Maha Vishnu’s steps, at one stage,  Bhasmasura touched his own head and became bashpam / ash. Since then, Lord Shiva, Ma Parvati and Maha Vishnu stayed in this Shiv Khori Cave Shrine and blesses the devotees.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, 3 days  special poojas are conducted on Maha Shivaratri day.

CONTACT DETAILS

Official web site : http://www.shivkhori.in/

e-mail address : shivkhori2008@gmail.com

Suresh Chandar Asst Manager SSKSB, Ransoo +917889697910, Sh Madan Lam Asst Manager ( P) SSKSB+91 7889484465

HOW TO REACH

A beautiful 3.5 Km trek road was formed from the village to the cave shared by pedestrians,  ponies and dolly walas. 

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

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA --- 

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine / Cave Temple, Katra, Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir.

The visit to this Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at Trikuta mountains ( three peaks ), Katra in Jammu & Kashmir 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.

 Holy cave complex looks like a multistory building 

Presiding deity : Mata Vaishno Devi

Mata Shri Vaishno Devi is in the form of 3 heads / pindies on a natural rock about 5.5 feet tall 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 and 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.

PC. website

ARCHITECTURE

All along the trek and at Bhawan there are many Photographs explaining the nature of darshan inside the holy cave are displayed. The inlet and outlet to the caves are constructed with marbles. Two additional tunnels are created, to enable the devotees quick darshan. The entrance to the cave is 98 feet.  There are about 6 Q complexes with priority for darshans.

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.

Looking from the trek path we could see the temple complex like a multi-storey building.

 Foot path is covered for shade

PC Website

HISTORY

The cave was discovered about 700 years before by Pandit Shridhar. One day, Mata Vaishno Devi came in Sridhar’s dream and told him, where she is on the hill. Sridhar followed her instruction and identified her. Mata Vaishno Devi gave darshan with her 4 sons and blessed him. Even to day, his descendents takes care of Mata Vaishno Devi.

The temple activities are being maintained by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board ( SMSVDB ), established since 1986.

A Rope car way to reach 5200 feet altitude, 12 KM stretch from Katra was established at a cost of 55.77 lakhs, and starts function since 24^th, December  2018, for the benefit of pilgrims ( Rs 100 was charged initially ). The rope way will transport 1000 Devotees per hour. This will cover the Bhairon Mandir also.

A stampede occurred on January 1^st 2022, resulting 12 people lost their lives and 16 others injured. This was due to scuffle between two groups. It was told the, suffocation was the main reason for the death.

LEGENDS

It is believed that unless Mata Shri Vaishno Devi calls, we cannot have the Darshan at this Holy cave. This is the Place where Mata’s skull was fallen, hence it is believed that this is one of the Sakthi Peedams.

It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine exists before epic Mahabharat period. As per the legend, Krishna advised Arjuna to worship Devi before going to the Kurukshetra war.  Devi appeared before him in the form of Mata Vaishno Devi and blessed him. Arjuna praised Mata Vaishno Devi as highest Yogin, immortal, mother of all Vedas, science of Vedandhas, the Giver of Victory and this place as Jambhu. It is believed that the name Jambhu has got corrupted to the present name of Jammu. It is believed that Pancha Pandavas constructed temples for Vaishno Devi  opposite to the hill and 5 rocks opposite to the cave are believed to be of Pancha Pandavas.

In another legend, The tantric Bhairon Natha happened to the Young Vaishno Devi, fell in to love and chased her. Mata Vaishno Devi assumed the form of Durga and cuts off the head of Bhairon Nath, in this cave. In another version of the same legend, Mata Vaishno Devi, asked Sridhar to arrange a feast to the Locals near Bhumika stream. In that, Bhairon Nath also joined and demanded for meat and liquor. Mata Vaishno Devi told him that the feast is for the Brahmins and only vegetarian food will be served. On seeing young Mata Vaishno Devi, Bhairon Nath lusted on her and chased. To escape from him, Mata Vaishno Devi, came to this cave after stopping at Banganaga, Charan Paduka, Ardh Kunwari  and finally Bhawan in the Trikuta hills. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi stayed for about 9 months in this cave and finally killed Bhairon Nath by cutting off his head. Bhairon Nath prayed Mata to pardon him. Mata Vaishno Devi granted him salvation and a temple was constructed midway to this Cave for him. It is believed that the Vaishno Devi yatra will be fulfilled only after the darshan of Bhairon Nath.       

DARSHAN PROCEDURES AND FACILITIES

Dharshan, poojan, accommodation, Helicopter travel from the base of the Hill has to be reserved through official website of Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board ( SMVDSB ). The final stretch of 3 KM from the helipad to Holy cave, has to be walked or dolly is available. A Rope way was established in 2021 from the base of the Hill to transport 1000 devotees per hour.

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. Each person is checked for security before entering the holy cave. Even the prasad being distributed by the security personnel.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular daily poojas, special poojas are conducted during Navratri days ( September – October ), Deepavali,  etc. On all Navratri nights, all leading artists from our country will perform at Vaishno Devi darbar.  Devotees used to offer the traditional mangal materials like Chunri ( red colour drape ), Sarees, Dry fruits, Silver and Gold ornaments, Cholas and flowers.

CONTACT DETAILS

Official Web site: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/index.aspx

Phone number 01991 234 053

HOW TO REACH

Mata Vaishno Devi Cave is about 13 KM from Katra Town.

Nearest Railway station is Katra and nearest Air Port is Jammu ( 63 KM ).

LOCATION OF THE CAVE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Helipad at the top of the hill - from here 3.5 KM to holy cave 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shri Kheer Bhawani Temple / Kheer Bhavani Mandir / Kshir Bhawani, Tulmulla / Tullamulla, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

The visit to this Shri Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla / Tulmulla before Sambal on Pahalgam to Baltal road in Jammu & Kashmir 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.

The name Kheer obtained from the Indian dessert Kheer ( A mixture of rice and milk ), offered to the Goddess. This Hindu temple is surrounded by mosques. Hence there will be a communal tension exists always, especially during annual festival all the Kashmir Pandits will assemble in this village.

Main entrance guarded by Military personnel.

The presiding deity  :  Goddess Ragnya Devi

She is also called different names like Ragniya Devi, Maharagya Devi, Ragnya Devi, Rajni Devi, Ragnya Bhagwati etc,.  

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

The abode / sanctum Sanctorum of Mata Maha Ragnya is surrounded by a mystic spring called amrit kund. Mata Maha Ragnya is seated on this Anantnagraj on the one thousand petaled rose. Hanuman, Shri. Ganpati, Bhimraj and Kumar are in the praharam. In the middle of the amrit kund towards east resides AsthNag  Devas namely Vasuki nag, Neel Nagaraj, Taksheq Nagaraj, Takshek Nagaraj, Padbnagaraj, Maha Padam Nagaraj etc,.

Shri Kheer Bhawani  

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS 

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 Shri. 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.

Latter on the same place this historic temple of Kheer Bhawani was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh of Jammu & Kashmir in 1912 and latter renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh surrounded by streams / holy springs. The temple complex is in the midst of Chinar trees and the main deity Goddess Ragnya is in a hexagonal marble Sanctum sanctorum surrounded with spring, called amrit kund.

LEGENDS 

The legend goes that worshiped mother Ragnya as Shayama, who showered her blessings on his kingdom of Ravana. The goddess thus resided in Sri Lanka. Later on due to Ravana’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. The mother is worshiped by the name Mata Ragnya. The mata in Srinagar is as Tirupurasundari and Vaishnav.

In another legend Rama worshiped Mata Ragnya during his exile. After the exile, Mata Ragnya was shifted to Shadipora, from where shifted to this present place as per Mata Ragnya’s wish. It is further believed that Sita was the incarnation of mata Ragniya.

The mystic is only one and four of the world, where numerous Nagraj and their Ashtkul-Nag Devas reside. It is believed that, at 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. 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. It was told that during 2014 flood in Kashmir, the colour changed to black.

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.

Shree Bhawani is praised as Goddess of learning and knowledge on the mean level and the Goddess of wisdom & enlightenment on the spiritual level. She values education and grants blessing for various examinations to all her devotees. It is believed that all leading saints like Swami Vivekananda, Prasad Joo Parimoo, Swami Rama Tirtha, Bhagwan Gopinath Bhan, etc, did penance / meditated in Kheer Bhawani Temple Complex and got the spiritual enlightenment.

Shree Bhawani is being praised as....

"I make obeisance to that one Goddess, who having taken the position of the supreme God is the Queen in reality, whose form is made of light and is adorned by the lustre of 12 suns who cannot be observed through senses, who is seated on a throne and is wrapped with serpents."

The Presiding deity Goddess Ragnya Devi with amrit kund

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

An annual festival / mela ( on the 8^th day of full moon in the month May ) 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 poojas  to please the mother. Navratri also celebrated in a grand manner.

 

Milk, Sugar and Vegetarian food offerings is done at this temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 05.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs during summer and 06.30 hrs to 20.00 hrs during winter.

HOW TO REACH 

Kheer Bhavani Temple is about 22 KM from Srinagar,

Nearest Railway station and Airport are at Srinagar. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

Second entrance

Sri Ganpati and Hanuman Shrine 

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 they may look calm but they will be struggling with worries.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shri Raghunath Temple, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir

The visit to this Shri Raghunatha Temple at Jammu was a part of AMARNATH JI yatra on 05th July 2014. This was a continuation Yatra to Kailash and Chardham ( Yamunothri, Gangothri, Badrinath and Kedarnath ), with the same Group with the change of Travel agency. Our team consists of 20 members. All the arrangements were made by Mr TSR Prabhakaran.  The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah - Attari border Ceremony and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

PC Website

The presiding deities        : Sri Ram as Raghunath, Sri Sita
                                        and Sri Lakshman

Some of the salient features of this temple are…
Shiva Lingam with Parvati ( a big size Shiva Lingam, phallic form of Lord Shiva including Spadikam and Saligrams in Natarajar Sannadhi ), Suriyan, Sri Saibaba. Stucco images of various forms of Hanuman and the heroes of Epic Ramayana are in the praharam.

Maharaja Ranbir Singh and Hanuman’s big size images are at the entrance of the temple Complex.

The temple complex also has a School with a huge library, which houses more than 6000, rare books and manuscripts, in Sanskrit  and other languages.  

The main sanctum Sanctorum walls adorns with 15 painted panels depicts the epic, Ramayan, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Geeta. Out of 15 paintings, some are secular paintings depicting Kabir, a saint engaged in weaving, and army personnel of Dogra and Sikh Communities. These paintings depicts the Culture, customs, weapons  prevalent during that time.

  

PC Website

ARCHITECTURE
One of the Largest temple Complex in North India consists of 21 individual and small Shrines, with lofty Vimanas around the Main Shrine. The kalasas on the top of Vimanas / Shikaras are gold plated. These structures are built with brick and lime mortar. These Vimanas ( Shikara – mountain peak ) architecture  followed the North Indian style of architecture especially Sikh. The Presiding Deities sanctum sanctorum was not with Vimanam, but with a dome style shikara was constructed. Also some of the structures followed Mughal style of architecture. The structures has the stucco intricately carved sculptures, lotus medallions, motifs and arches. The niches / koshtas  ( about 300 ) contains the various images of Hindu deities, particularly Maha Vishnu’s avatars of Rama and Krishna.

The interior walls of 3 shrines are covered with Gold plated sheets, which includes the presiding deities shrine.

PC Website

PC Website

PC Website

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The temple was built during Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son Maharaj Ranbir Singh’s period ie 1853 – 1860 CE. But as per the inscription at the entrance of the temple, the temple ws built by Maharaja Gulab Sing and his brother Dhyan Singh  in the year 1827, in honour of Mahant Jagannath.
 
The temple was subjected due to fidayeen – (  militants ) terrorist attack on 24^th November 2002, resulting  about 10 deaths and injuring several devotees. Hence a tight security was posted then and all the Devotees are screened before entering the temple complex.

The temple was renovated / restoration at a cost of Rs 40 lakhs during 2020, 30 years after demolition ( may be after terrorist attack.  

PC Website

PC Website

LEGENDS
It is believed that the presiding deity is the family Deity of then King and Dogra people.  

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular morning and evening Aarti poojas, special poojas are conducted on Rama navami day, Krishna Jayanthi, Deepavali, Dasara, Hanuman jayanthi, etc,. 

PC Website

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
Web site : http://raghunathtemple.com/

HOW TO REACH
The temple is at Fatthu Chaugan Dhaki, Majhini, Jammu and Kashmir.
Nearest Railway Station is Jammu Tawi about 3 KM and Air port is Jammu, about 8 KM.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE    : CLICK HERE

 

Main Entrance

Vimanans view from the street

Shiva sannadhi vimanam

GENERAL & SOME OF THE OBSERVATIONS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

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 ...

Kedarnath Temple / Kedareswara Temple/கேதாரீஸ்வரர் கோயில், கேதார்நாத் / Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand State, India.

This is the 271^st Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 4^th Temple of Vada Nadu in Uttarakhand State on the Himalayan Hills. It is a great ambition of every Shiva Devotees to visit this temple at least once in a life time. Visited this temple as a part of Chardham Yatra during on 15^th & 16^th June 2013, ie on the previous day of Himalayan Tsunami / flash flood and the experiences are written in a separate post in the form of a Dairy, which will be interesting to the readers. The historical name of this place is “kedar Khand”. This temple is one of the Char Dhams ( The other three temples are Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri ), one of the Panch Kedars ( the other four are Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar ), in Uttarakhand, and one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva Temples of India.

In periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that both Thirugnanasambandar and Sundarar has sung hymns on Lord Shiva of this temple from Kalahasti without coming here.

அங்கண் வடதிசை மேலும் குடக்கின் மேலும் அருந்தமிழின் வழக்குஅங்கு நிகழாது ஆகத்

திங்கள்புனை முடியார்தம் தானம் தோறும் சென்று தமிழ் இசைபாடும் செய்கை போல

மங்கையுடன் வானவர்கள் போற்றிசைப்ப வீற்றிருந்தார் வடகயிலை வணங்கிப் பாடிச்

செங்கமலர் வாவித் திருக்கேதாரம் தொழுது திருப்பதிகஇசை திருத்தப்பாடி

..... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்புராணம்

Thirugnanasambandar, Sundarar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Both worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple from Kalahasti.

தொண்டர் அஞ்சு களிறும் மடக்கிச் சுரும்பார்மலர்

இண்டை கட்டி வழிபாடு செய்யும் இடம் என்பரால்

வண்டுபாட மயில்ஆல மான்கன்று துள்ளவ்வரி

கெண்டைபாயச் சுணைநீல மொட்டலரும் கேதாரமே

...... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

வாழ்வாவது மாயஇது மண்ணாவது திண்ணம்

பாழ்போவது பிறவிக்கடல் பசிநோய்செய்த பறிதான்

தாழா(து)அறம் செய்ம்மின்தடங் கண்ணாள்மல ரோனும்

கீழ்மேலுற நின்றான்திருக் கேதாரம்என் னீரே

..... சுந்தரர்

                                                                  -“சிங்காது

தண்ணிறைந்து நின்றவர்தாஞ்சார் திருக்கேதாரத்திற்

பண்ணிறைந்த கீதப் பனுவலே

..... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Kedareswara. 

Consort    : Sri Kedara Gauri.

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

The temple is facing south on the banks of Mandakini River a tributary to River Ganga at an altitude of 3584 meters above the sea level. The Moolavar is of irregular triangular shape ie in the form of a back side of a bull with a pedestal or Avudayar on the ground level. An unusual feature of the Moolavar is a man’s face, image,  may be Lord Shiva is carved on the Shiva Linga. Nandi is in front of the Temple on a pedestal.

 

In Mandapam, Utsava Murthis, Pancha Pandavas, Draupadi, Krishna, Nandi vahana and Veerabhadra.

Bhairavar, Vinayagar, Pandavas, Kannan, Adi Sankara, Anjaneyar, Eesanar, mahavishnu, Karthikeyan and Ardhanareeswarar are in the prakaram as Parivara deities.

ARCHITECTURE

The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, main Maha mandapa and a front porch. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of Porch.

The temple measures 85 feet high, 187 feet long and 80 feet width. It was told that the width of the wall is of 12 feet.. ( ?). The temple was built with North Indian style architecture especially those found in hilly regions.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The details of construction of this temple, like by Whom and when are not Known. As per the legend It is believed that the temple was built by the Pancha Pandavas. It is believed that the Adi Sankara had revived this temple along with Badrinath during 8^th Century.

Due to flash flood / Himalayan Tsunami on 16^th and 17^th June 2013, ( due heavy down pour  - leads to occur of Himalayan Tsunami ), most of the structures around the temple were washed away. Boulders rolled down from the mountain, damaged the surrounding places and many settled around the temple even after the flood. Gaurikund was also washed away. The flash flood leads to a loss of property, human lives and ponis. The Adi Sankara’s samadhi just behind the temple ( where we had done the prayers on the previous day ) was also washed away.

Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ) and IIT, Madras studied the temple structure by making many visits found foundation, walls are in good condition. Stability Certificate was also submitted to concerned authorities. A Minor damage found out by the ASI was also rectified latter. Yatra to this temple was suspended for an year. In the mean time the alternate path was created by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, under the leadership of Veteran Mountaineer Colonel, Ajay Kothiyal. Yatra to temple was was resumed from the subsequent year.

With Sri-La-Sri Kasivasi Muthukumaraswamy Thambiran’s effort, Thirugnanasambandar’s Thevaram pathigam inscription tablet was installed in this temple.      

LEGENDS

It is believed that Pandavas died around this region. The tribals used to perform the Pandav leela in memory of Pancha Pandavas. Pandu died at Pandukeshwar. It is believed that the Pandavas went to Swarga from the top of the Mountain called “Swargarohini”, near Badrinath. While leaving this earth to swarga, Yudhisthira’s one of the finger had fallen down, where he installed a Shiva Linga of Thumb size. To gain Mashisharupa Lord Shiva and Beema fought with maces. Due to this Bheema was suffered with remorse. So he massaged Lord Shiva’s body with ghee. In memory of this event, even today the Moolavar is massaged with Ghee and worshiped with bilva leaves and water. In another legend  Pancha Pandavas came to this temple to get relieved from the sin caused due to killing of their relatives in the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva didn’t gave darshan to them immediately. He changed his form as bull. Bheema starts fight with the bull and half of the body was dropped in this plce and formed a Shiva linga. Hence the moolavar is of a triangle or Pyramid shape.

It is believed that the Shiva’s one of the form of Ardhanareeswarar happened from this temple. Once at Kailash Lord Shiva and ma Parvati are alone, Bhrigu Muni went and worshiped only Lord Shiva. He went through the gap between Lord Shiva and Parvati. Angered ma Parvati made him to lose his strength. Lord Shiva gave him another leg to stand. When ma Parvati thought all her effort went in vain, started a viratham on Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva pacified Ma Parvati by giving the half of his body to Ma Parvati. The viratham is called “Gowri Viratham”, and still followed by the ladies.

It is believed the Lord Shiva is worshiped 6 months by Devas and 6 months by the human beings.   It is believed that Arjuna received Pasupata Astra from Lord Shiva from this place, Ravana tried to lift Mount Kailash, his effort was not succeeded due to Lord Shiva by pressing his leg big toe. This incident is believed to be happened at this place.  

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS and TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened for darshan from Akshaya tritiya to Deepavali ie May to November. The timings will be 06.00 hrs to 15.00 hrs.

Regular Poojas are conducted during Summer and during winter season ie after Deepavali, Utsava murtis will be brought to  Ukhimath and Poojas will be conducted. During Winter Kedarnath temple will be closed and poojas will not be conducted at the temple. So, the best season to Visit the temple will be from May to November ( May, June, July, August, September, October and November ).  It was told that the priests are from Veerashaiva community of Karnataka. Usually the poojas are not conducted by the head priest, but by his assistants.   

CONTACT DETAILS

The temple’s web site : https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/

The e-mail Address: support-ucdb@uk.gov.in

Office related Enquiry - 0135-2741600

General Enquiry & Online Prasad Services - +91-7302257116

Pilgrims Help Line for Shri Kedarnath Temple - +91-8534001008

Pilgrims Help Line for Shri Badrinath Temple - +91-8979001008

Online Services/International Pilgrims Help Line +91-7060728843

Media Related Quarry - +91-7302257115

Publicity Office Rishikesh - 0135-2430261

Shri Narsingh Temple Joshimath - +91-1389-222083

HOW TO REACH

The temple can be accessed up to Gaurikund by road. From Gaurikund Devotees can reach the temple either by trekking  or on Poni. There is a Helipad constructed near the temple, so can be reached through the Helicopter also.

Nearest Railway Station is Rishikesh ( 224 KM )

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

AFTER HIMALAYAN TSUNAMI 

( All the Photos after Himalayan Tsunami are taken from Website ) 

An 18th Century Photograph

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---