Char dham yatra in india

Shri Badrinath Dham :-

Char Dham is referred to the four Hindu religious sites in Uttarakhand state of India. These are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Nestled in the lap of majestic Himalayas, these four sites are the epicenter of religious activity in north India. Traditionally, the Chardham yatra is undertaken from the west to the east. Thus, the yatra starts from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Amongst the four Char Dhams, Yamunotri and Gangotri are dedicated to goddesses Yamuna and Ganga respectively. On the other hand, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Moreover, people also visit Hemkund Sahib in the vicinity, which is one of the highest located religious sites in the country. Thus, pilgrims visit all these places in aspiration of washing away their sins and to attain salvation, by the blessings of the Lord.

Owing to the significance of this religious circuit, devotees from all over the world, come here to experience the eternal bliss. Char Dhams are hustling and bustling with activity during the summer months, as hundreds of devotees embark upon the holy journey. The picturesque surroundings of the mountainous region are simply enthralling, giving the visitors a perfect opportunity to unwind themselves by filling their lungs with fresh air. Moreover, these otherwise silent and tranquil locales resound with the names of the Lord as the pilgrims advance towards their destination.

Inside Badrinath Temple:-

A flight of steps takes pilgrims to the main gate & then into the Badrinath temple. The temple is divided into three parts – the ‘Garbha Griha’ or the sanctum sanctorum, the ‘Darshan Mandap’ where the rituals are conducted and the ‘Sabha Mandap’ where devotees assemble. The Garbha Griha portion has its canopy covered with a sheet of gold offered by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The complex has 15 idols especially attractive is the one-metre high image of lord Badrinath, finely sculpted in black stone. It represents Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative pose called padmasan.

Darshan Mandap: Lord Badrinath is sitting meditating in the padmasana (lotus yogic posture). As you look at the Deities, standing to the right side of Badrinarayana is Uddhava. To the far right side are Nara and Narayana. Narada Muni is kneeling in front on the right side and is difficult to see. On the left side are Kubera, the god of wealth, and a silver Ganesh. Garuda is kneeling in front, to the left of Badrinarayana.

Special pujas are also performed on behalf of individuals. Every puja must be preceded by a holy dip in the Tapta Kund. Some of the special morning pujas are Abhishek, Mahaabhishek, Geeta Path. Some special evening pujas are Aarti & Geet Govind. Such pujas are to be booked in advance. The Badrinath temple opens at 0430 hrs & closes at 1300 hrs. Once again it opens at 1600 hrs & closes at 2100 hrs after the divine song Geet Govind. Rawal is the administrator-Pujari of the temple well versed in puja ceremonials & Sanskrit language and is expected to be celibate.

Badri refers to a berry that was said to grow abundantly in the area, and nath refers to Vishnu. Badri is the Sanskrit name for the Indian Jujube trees, which has an edible berry. Some scriptural references also refer to Jujube trees being abundant in Badrinath. Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi took the form of the berries to protect Lord Vishnu from the harsh climate during his long penance.

Best Time to Visit Badrinath:-

The best time to visit Badrinath is between May-June and September-November. Due to heavy rainfall in the area, visitors may face difficulty reaching the temple during monsoon season (late June to Aug). the temple usually remains open from first week of May to 2nd week of November.

 

Jaisalmer Fort –’Rajasthan’

Brief Information on Jaisalmer Fort :-

Jaisalmer Fort is a monument worth visiting and worth retaining in your conscious mind. Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage. Though you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the Jaisalmer Fort will immediately command your attention. Made of sand stones and locally known as Sonar Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort is a dominating structure amidst sands. The city is said to be founded by one Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. Legends go by that he did it on the behest of a local hermit named Eesaal. The raja choose Trikuta hill as the new site for his fort as his earlier adobe at Luderwa(16 k.m from present Jaisalmer) was too vulnerable to his comfort. But it should always be kept in mind that these legends are most of the time product of conscious minds that are very vulnerable to the oriental exaggeration. Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high; it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a regular source of water. Even today, you will find that nearly one fourth of the old city’s population resides within the fort. If you are a student of cross-cultural merging, the subtle fusion of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles, visible in this fort, will catch your fancy. Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol are a must see.

 

Mahashivaratri Festival Celebration In India

India is a land of Festivals:-

Maha Shivaratri Festival or the ‘The Night of the worship of Shiva’ is celebrated all over the India, by followers of Lord Shiva. Shivaratri Festival is the time for the to appease Lord Shiva, The Celebration includes day and night, many performances and rituals make the day dedicated to Shiva Shambhu.

Why Maha Shivrati ( Information):-

There are various interesting stories that relates to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends ,Shivaratri is celebrated as it is the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi. Some believe that was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that lord Shiva performed the ‘Rudra Tandava’ i.e. the dance of destruction that shows the anger part of Lord Shiva . Another popular Shivaratri story in Linga Purana says that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva displayed himself in a very complex symbol of Hinduism, known as “Linga”. All the above stories and believing of Shiva devotees gives them a chance to celebrate this very night as Maha Shivaratri – the Grand night of Shiva.

Maha Shivratri 2012:-

This year the Festival of Lord Shiva will be celebrated on 20th of February. Normally the great festival of Maha Shivaratri celebrated on the 13th or the 14th night of the new moon during Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu Calender. Krishna Paksha is a Sanskrit word that is the period of waning moon or the dark fortnight and Phalguna corresponds to the month of February – March in English Calenda. This night is the dark nights as its celebrated with no moon visible.

Rituals and Culture for Shivaratri :-

Majorities of traditions and culture related to Shivaratri Festival are followed everywhere by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. The followers observe fast for Shiva that means, they go on a diet of fruits and milk and some don’t even drink water the whole day. Devotees strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins and liberate him from the cycle of birth and Death. Apart from these things , Shivaratri is considered very auspicious for women.While married women pray for the well being of their husbands unmarried women pray for a good husband in their future married life.

Tradition of Drinking Thandai:-

Very Commonly known as the Bhang, this drink was actually a mixture of milk and cannabis or better known as Marijuana. Bhang is a drink prepared with the help or marijuana leaves, with milk, sugar, kesar, badam, and many other ingredients. The Bhang tastes really good if prepared well. After drink some people go spiritual in their own world of peace. Apparently Lord Shiva loved this and this. The whole festival have great environment and this festival strongers the faith that people had in their Lord Shiva.

Jai Shambhu Bhole !!!!

 

Places to Visit in Goa

Beautiful Goa :-

State of Goa is located on the western coast of India, Goa is well known for its best sun kissed beaches, churches and temples. You can find beaches everywhere in Goa, whether its North Goa or  South Goa. The further you go, the more isolated beaches you get. If you want to enjoy the crowded parties then Baga and Anjuna Beach are the best suited for you. The Beaches  Restaurant in Goa offers you  shacks  for sun bath and are specialized in sea food. Apart from this you can enjoy trance parties, and other big events like Sunburn, Goa carnival etc. Because of these happening parties, water sports and Music carnivals, Goa has got the power to attract  vacationers from all over the world. The year 2011 was great year for the Goa Tourism, as the foreign travelers visiting India  had Goa on their hit list .  The budget hotels and luxury resort  in this state have been awarded a number of times.

Sandy Beaches :-

The combination of beaches and magnificent monuments makes this state a great destination for a perfect holiday in India.Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Calangute, Dona Paula, Miramar,Bogmalo, Colva, Benaulim etc. are just some of the famous beaches of the state.Goa has always been a tourist hub in India for the Foreign travelers since 1970’s  because  of stunning beaches, peaceful environment. During Hippie Era i.e 1969 Goa was full of Hippies and they find this place so good, that they never felt like leaving this place, that’s how Goa can mesmerize people.

Holy Temples :-

Among the temples, Saraswat temole is the most significant and popular one that attracts visitors. Shanta Durga temple, Ganapati Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple, etc are also important tourist attrctions.

Goa Carnival in 2012 :-

Goa carnival is a world famous events to be enjoyed here and is full of dance and performance with colorful masks and floats. the continuous celebration of three days makes Goa lively and Jazzy. Music parades are the major highlights of this carnival that attracts uncountable tourist from everywhere to be a part of this carnival.In 2012 the carnival held between 18 Feb to 21st February.Among the many and various colourful feasts and festivals that are celebrated in Goa, the Goa Carnival is the most eagerly awaited event.

 

Famous Hill Stations in India

Dalhousie Hill Station Himachal Pradesh :-

Dalhousie is a quite town, with a sense of enchantment situated in northern state of Himachal Pradesh. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the dhauladhar range on east of the Ravi River. Dalhousie is a hill station full of colonial charm that holds lingering echoes . Avenger of Tibetan Culture has added a touch of the exoticness  to this screen resort and along road sites there are huge rocks carved in low relief  painted in the Tibetan style. Dalhousie is a Municipal Town and popular Tourist Spot in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh (Himachal Pradesh is among the best Hill Stations in India). The Travel to this place will make you explore the various Himalayan ranges passing through. As the place is filled with the majority of Tibetan Community and vintage British Homes, you can experience tibetian culture and heritage India sites.

Heart of Himachal, Manali:-

Manali in Himachal Pradesh is a great hill station that is a must visit for anyone travelling in northern India, famous for its adrenalin Sports there are many things to do  in Manali  year round including Skiing, Hiking to Paragliding, Kayaking and even mountain biking. For tourist looking for Adventure tours in India, Manali is the answer. For trekkers this region has a great scope for adventure, there are places like Kheer Ganga, Pulga, Rudranag, Tosh etc that are ideal for trekkers. These places have  got scenic beauties along with the blessing of Lord Shiva, hence you can feel the PEACE in the environment. Many foreigner visit the place for meditation and spirituality. Manali is the gateway to the Rohtang Pass and the barren snow lands of Lahaul and Spiti. Keylong, in the midst of the region, has a number of Buddhist monasteries. During the Dussehra festival the whole valley comes alive with music and dance, fairs and festivals. Best Time to Visit October to April. What are you waiting for. Plan your trip now.

Indian Paradise Nainital :-

Nainital is a town/hillstation  in the Indian State of Uttrakhand and the headquarters of Nainital disrtict is in the kumaon foot hills of the outer Himalayas.Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, blessed with scenic natural speldour and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes Nainital has earned the epithet of Lake District of India including the most prominent of the lakes in Naini lake, ringed by hills. Nainital has a varied topography. Some of the Important places in the district are Nainital itself , Haldwani, Ramnagar, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal,etc. Nainital Weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. The best time to visit the place is between April to June. Apart from its lakes and nice views there is Jim Corbett National Park for tourist interest in Indian Wildlife. Overall Nainital has got enough to attract tourist all over the globe.

The Summer Capital Shimla :-

This Beautiful hill station was formed by the British in 1819 and became the summer capital of India in 1864. Shimla or Simla, the hill station seems to have lost much of it’s grandeur to mindless expansion of concrete

but still boasts of grand old buildings, spectacular mountain views, beautiful walks away from the mall and a center point for exploring this part of Himachal.Shimla the most beautiful and most popular hills resorts of India has abundance to fetch its visitors. Large range of Eco activities and excursion is most favourite among the vacationers and honeymooners.Places of Interest In Shimla where you can do somthing different.
The Mall :- Mall is the main road in shimal .
State Museum :- State Museum in Shimla is situated 2.5 km from Scandal Point.Chadwick falls :- chadwick falls are 7 kms from shimla and are as high as 1586 mts.

Jakhu Temple :- Jakhu Temple in jakhu hills is dedicated to lord Hunuman.

Christ Church :- is the second oldest church in North India.