Beats of Himalaya

07/01/2024

https://youtu.be/sU8GMJOAO1s

This the part 4 of Rishikesh coverage with English subtitles. The video covers Jankijhula the biggest among the three hanging iron bridges in Rishikesh. Th...

07/01/2024

https://youtu.be/riXSa_R7KsY

This is the part 3 of Rishikesh coverage with English Subtitles. Video cover the Bhootnath Temple in Rishikesh near Rajhula and Swargashram. A must see pla...

07/01/2024

https://youtu.be/7tBwqMme5uk

This is the Part 5 of Rishikesh series with English subtitles. Video covers different ashrams like Swargashram, Gita Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, Devraha Baba ...

02/01/2024

https://youtu.be/FRjkN5sCuQw

This video covers the Part 2 of Rishikesh coverage having subtitles in English. It is believed that Lord Shiva consumed the "Kalkut" poison came out of chur...

01/01/2024

https://youtu.be/UIqAt_K0VFc

This video is part 1 of Rishikesh series. Video has subtitles in English.covers the way to Rishikesh from Delhi and Ramjhula in Rishikesh.Next video will co...

01/07/2023

01/07/2023

Bhim Pakora

One can reach here after a 2km trek downhill on a rough path from Lansdowne main market. Vehicle also can be reached here. The place is so beautiful with pine trees. There are two big stones one above the other in perfect balance and the stone above can be moved with a single finger. It never falls down.

There is a story relating to the period of exile of Pandavas. It is believed that they stayed here and cooked food. And Bhim, the second Pandav placed this rock one above the other. The rock is in the shape of a Pakora (a dish, pakoda) hence the name got.

24/06/2023

Kanvasram, Kotdvar, Uttarakhand

Bharat got her name from Chakravartin Bharat, son of Dushyant and Shakuntala, the daughter of Rajarshi Viswamitra and Menaka. Shakuntala was abandoned by Menaka near Kavasram and Maharshi Kanva adopted her and brought up. Raja Dushyant of Hastinapur came to forest for controlling the cruel animals which were attacking the Asram stayers and villagers. He was attracted to Shakuntala and married her as per Gandharva vivah. The story continues....you can read it in google easily.

This place is considered as the Asram of Maharshi Kanva which is near river Malini. Now a small built up is made for that history. One Yoga and Ayurveda centre is functional here. Some students are learning here as traditional gurukula.

One can reach within 30 minutes from Kotdwar to this place

24/06/2023

Santoshi Mata Mandir, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

One can reach this temple by driving further from Tip in Top. This place is situated higher than Tip in Top. This temple is maintained by the Garwhal Rifles. A small steep climb with steps reaches the temple. The surrounding is very beautiful and clean. There is no priest in this temple. One can remove the foot wears after reaching top at the earmarked place. The vehicle also can be parked at the base, but not allowed to take to the top.

24/06/2023

Garwali Regimental Museum and Thandi Sadak

Lansdowne is one of the nearest hill stations from Delhi. It is situated in the Pauri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand at a height of 1800mtrs. This place was established by Britishers in 1887 and named after the then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne. The Original name of this place is Kaludanda. It's the camping town of Garhwal Riffles Regiment.

As this place is not so crowded compared to other hill stations, the traffic also is very less. Hence one can enjoy a peaceful sightseeing. The mountains are filled with Oak and Pine trees and as you go more above the Devdar (cidar) trees appear. The places are well connected with motorable roads.

The Garhwali Museum, named Darwan Singh Sanghralaya, narrates the history of Garhwal Regiment. There is a road situated between Jaiharikhal and Lansdowne which is called Thandi Sadak where Indians were not allowed during the British times, it was only meant for Europeans. For the movement of Indians, a parallel road situated below this road was used.

There is a view point at this place from where we can see the valley very well. State Bank of India has a branch with ATM facility here. There is a Parade Ground near the Museum. the place is well maintained by both state government and Garhwali Regiment.

20/08/2021

The ancient Sankaracharya Temple in Kashmir

This temple in Srinagar is also known as the Jyesteswara Temple. It is built on top of the hill Takht-i-Sulaiman or Throne of Solomon, at a height of 350mtrs near the Dal Lake. Aadi Shankaracharya (788-820AC) meditated and did his Tapas (penance) here to revive Hinduism which was overpowered by Buddhism. The Shiva Lingam, he worshipped is still found in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It is believed that he attained spiritual knowledge at this particular place and later he travelled across the sub continent and propagated his “Advaita Vedanta” (non dualism) through discourses and debates with other scholars or thinkers of Hindu orthodox traditions and non Hindu traditions.

It is believed that this temple was built by Jalauka, son of the Great Emporer Ashoka in 200 BC. Later King Gopadatta of Kashmir (79 AD to 109 AD) rebuilt it and dedicated to Jyesteswara. He named the hill as Gopadri. It is believed that during his dynasty, Yusu Asaph reached to this valley. He was known as the messenger of God. Yusu had great acceptance among the people of the kingdom with his preaching. The dome of the temple was broken and the King ordered Sulaiman who came from Persia and was a servant in King Gopadatta’s kingdom. But the Hindus in the kingdom objected as he was a non believer of Hinduism. But with the suggestion of Yusu people agreed to that and Sulaiman repaired it. He engraved inscriptions on the stones leading to the stairs of the temple – “during this time Yusu Asaph declared his Ministry. He is Yusu, the prophet of the Children of Israel”.
The present structure dates back to 9th century AD. The temple has the early Kashmiri style.
After Sankaracharya’s stay in this temple the name has got changed to Shankaracharya temple. There are four Persian inscriptions on the stones.

• The mason of the pillar is Bihishti Zargar, year fifty and four.
• Khwaja Rukun son of Murjan erected this pillar.
• During this time Yusu Asaf proclaimed his Ministry. Year fifty and four.
• He is Yusu, the prophet of the Children of Israel.

Is it believed that Yusu himself was Jesus by the natives. Other historians also point out to this.

Best time to visit: May to September. In winter snow covers the area.

One can trek from the Durganag temple, civil lines area. The climb will be approximately 7 kms. After that there is around 100 odd steps to climb up.
Otherwise can take a vehicle to the footsteps from the Boulevard road.

Temple timing : from 7AM to 8PM

Photos are outsourced as photography not allowed

27/05/2021

Karthik swami Temple Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Kartik Swami temple is located near Kanak Chauri village on Rudraprayag- Pokhari route in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is just 40 kms away from Rudraprayag with a mild 3kms trek from Kanak Chauri village. One can very well reach by road by sharing jeep from Rudraprayag to the trekking point.

According to mythology, Lord Shiva told his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya that one of them, who will be the first to take seven rounds of the universe will have the privilege of being worshiped first. Ganesha took seven rounds around Shiva and Parvati, his parents, while Kartikeya faithfully circled the universe on his peacock. Impressed by Ganesha, Shiva gave him the honour of being worshipped before anyone. Kartikeya became angry and sacrificed his body and gave his bones to Lord Shiva as reverence. It is believed that this incident happened at this place.

Another version of story tells that Narada gave a divine fruit, the fruit of knowledge, to Shiva and he told his sons that who comes first after completing three rounds of the universe will be getting the fruit. Karthikeya, the elder son went on his peacock and Ganesha circled his parents saying they are the universe for him. Shiva became happy on his logical answer and gave the fruit to Ganesha. While returning after completing the rounds Karthikeya saw his younger brother with fruit and heard the story. He became angry and sacrificed his body and gave his bones to his father. His soul went to south and rested in Pazhani in meditation or Samadhi.

Height: 10000feet

24/04/2021

Mana Village, Vyasa Gufa, Ganesh Gufa and face of River Saraswati

Mana is the last village near the Indo Tibetan border. It is just 3 kms away from Badrinath Temple. This is situated at 3200 mtrs in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand State in the Himalayas. A very beautiful place surrounded by mountains with snow caps. We can reach to the entry of Mana Village by road. The village will be closed and all the villagers will be moved to down in winter season.

Vyasa Gufa & Ganesh Gufa

It is believed that Maharshi Vedavyasa narrated Mahabharata to Ganesha sitting in a small cave of this village, called Vyasa gufa. There is one more cave near to vyasa cave known as Ganesh gufa where Ganesh sat and wrote the whole Mahabharata. One can visit these caves by walking from the entry of Mana Village.

Face of River Saraswati

We can see the Saraswati River starting from the gaps of the huge rocks and coming down with roaring sound. It then calms down and vanishes under the earth.

Bheempul

As per Hindu belief, the Pandavas went through this way for Swargarohan (way to heaven). Bheem made a bridge to cross river Saraswati by putting a huge rock, hence it is known as Bheempul (pul means bridge).

One can have the sip of hot tea near Vyasa Gufa from the last tea stall. It is written in several languages.....

21/04/2021

Triund

This hill station is one of the easiest trekking stations in Himachal Pradesh. It’s in Kangra District of Himachal at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges and a part of Dharamkot. The nearest town is Mcleodganj. The trekking route gives panoramic views of the picturesque landscape. It may take around 4 to 5 hours to reach the up hills of camping area from Dharamkot through the deodar forests with a 7 km of distance. One can experience the mesmorising sunset here which will be definitely memorable forever in life time. The Bhagsunag falls on the way will refresh one by restoring the energy.

Triund is accessible in all seasons, with blanket of snow in winter and beautiful meadow in summer. Weekends will be crowded with visitors as it is one of the weekends trekking camp in Himalayan ranges.
Height: 2828 m

16/04/2021

Manikaran

According to Hindu belief Lord Shiva and Parvati stayed here for around eleven hundred years seeing the beauty and calmness of the place. Devi Parvati lost her mani (precious stone) of her ear ring and Lord Shiva asked to find out it. But his Bhootgan (attendants) failed in it and Shiva became angry. By seeing his anger, Sheshnag (a serpent deity) hissed and hot water fountain came out from the earth. Many precious stones of the type of Devi Parvati came out through the water which pleased both Devi and Lord Shiva. The name mani karan came from this story. It is believed that one who made visit to this place, is not needed to visit Kashi.

Sikh tradition says that Guru Nanak ji, the founder of Sikhism came to this place with his disciple Mardana. He asked to collect food for Langar and Mardana collected atta (flour) for making roti. But there was no fire to cook and Nanak ji asked him to lift a rock and there found a hot spring under that. He asked to cook roti in that hot water and it drowned. Mardana became desperate. Nanak ji asked him to offer one Roti as donation in his name. He did it and the drowned roti came back as cooked. A beautiful Gugudwara is made there and Langar is going on daily for all those visit.

The hot water spring is still there which is very hot (60 deg to 80 deg celcius). The water has curative powers and contains no Sulphur. Rice can be cooked in this water directly.

There is one Shiva temple and Ram temple nearby.

Location: District Kullu, 45kms from Kullu town, in Parvati valleys and on river Parvati.

13/04/2021

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is situated around 51 kilometers from Manali in Pir Panjal Ranges of Himalaya. The former national highway 21 terminates at Manali and from there another road starts towards Leh. This pass is very famous and also one of the deadliest motoring routes in Himalaya. As the word meaning of Rohtang says “pile of dead-bodies”, it is very much true if we see the unpredictable snow storms and accidents happening here. The narrow and boundary less road leads to Leh and sometimes traffic becomes heavy with military vehicles and vehicles of visitors. The pass takes one from one culture to another (Hindu to Buddhist). The Rohtang pass was known as “Bhrugu Tung” in Hindu beliefs.

Visitors reach here for seeing and experiencing first snow fall in Manali region after summer. One should take prior approval to visit Rohtang pass by registering in portal (https://rohtangpermits.nic.in/). Outside taxies are not permitted to Rohtang and can avail taxies from local taxi stand who are authorized to take visitors to the pass. But personal vehicles are allowed to the pass with prior registration and permit. The pass will be closed in winter for visitors due to heavy snow fall.

The Beas River (Vipasa in Hindu beliefs) originates from Beas kund above this region. It is believed that Alexander had to stop his expedition here as his troops mutinied here in 326 BCE. They refused to go further as they had been away from their home land for eight years. Alexander stayed in his tent shutting himself for three days. Still his men did not change their decision of going back. It is said that he raised twelve colossal altars here to mark the limit and the glory of his journey for conquering the world.

Height: 3978 meters (13051 ft)
Open: April to October (date should be confirmed through site)

03/04/2021

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital not even for India but for the whole world. People who are fond of spiritualism and yogic culture visit here, stays for months and years in search of the ultimate truth. It is the gate way to the Himalayan Char-Dham pilgrimage.

It is believed that Sriram and Lakshman came here to do penance for killing Ravana, the Lankesh (king of Lanka) who was a son of a sage, Vaisravas. Lakshman made a bridge with two jute ropes to cross the river Ganga. A permanent bridge was made later and renewed it at the place where he built the jute rope bridge. It is known as Lakshman Jhula now.

According to the Skanda Purana, the meaning of Hrishikesh is Lord of the senses, one of the names of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Raibhya Rishi, a great saint performed prolonged Tapa (meditation) on the banks of the sacred river Ganga in this place. In the Satya Yuga (the first of the four yugas) Lord Vishnu, killed two asuras (demons) named Madhu and Kaitabha taking the form of Hayagriva (haya means horse and greeva means neck). The battle lasted for 5000 years. After killing them, Vishnu went into the forest to do penance. Seeing Rabhya Rishi meditating, pleased Vishnu appeared to him in the form of Lord Hrishikesh and blessed the Rabhya Rishi and said that as he had performed his highly controlled Tapa (meditation) by controlling his senses, this place would be known as Hrishikesh (controller of senses).

In 8th century Jagadguru Aadi Shankaracharya visited this place and stayed for long. He made temples for Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna (the brother’s of Lord Ram). He established some ashrams too here. These temples are still alive here. Many people come and pay their austerities here. There are many temples and ashrams for worshipping and yogic practices for a seeker .

Later yogis like sivananda and Maharshi Mahesh Yogi made this city famous for Yoga by establishing ashrams for teaching yogic practices.

Water in Ganga is clear and non-polluted here as the contaminations and pollutions start from the down streams. Many camping and rafting facilities are available now nearby the banks of Ganga which are becoming a concern towards polluting the river.
Visiting time: through out the year. But August and September month, rainfall will be higher.

29/03/2021

Institute, Dharmashala

The Norbulingka Institute in Sidhpur, Dharamshala is a true testimony to the great influence of Tibetan life and culture in India. Norbulingka is a community of artisans that fuels a sustainable business model with a strong social mission, keeping Tibetan culture alive by training people for the future. Currently more than 300 people work at Norbulingka. It is built in traditional style and follows a ground plan based on the proportions of the deity of compassion and patron Bodhisatva of Tibet, thousand armed . It is an authentic representation of Tibetan art and craft, way of life, food, religion and culture. There is also a Tibetan temple located in the premises which is one of the most significant places to visit in Dharamshala if you seek a spiritual experience in Tibetan way.

Highlights
• The Deden Tsuglagkhang temple which is a specimen of Tibetan architecture, culture and religion
• The Doll Museum having over 150 dolls from Tibet, dressed in the traditional costume of the country
• Wood carving studio, silkscreen studio, wood painting studio, Thangka painting studio, metal sculpture studio, weaving studio
• Tibetan library
• A gift shop for souvenirs where you can purchase Tibetan handicrafts
• The Hummingbird Cafe, which serves a range of local and international cuisines to guests and locals

Location: Palampur - Road, Sidhpur, Himachal Pradesh 176057.

Best time to visit: one can visit this place throughout the year

Timings: Monday to Sunday (9:00 am – 5:30 pm)

Entry Fee: 50 INR for tourists

23/03/2021

Devi Temple

This temple is one of the 108 Peethas dedicated to Goddess Durga. Here Durga is worshipped as Vaishno Devi. She is also known as Mata Rani. She was formed from the combined energies of three Devis. Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati.

Puranas narrates that during Treta Yuga, the second Yuga in which Lord Vishnu took incarnation of Ram, Asuras (evil forces/ demons) started to threaten the earth. For help mother earth, the Bhumi Devi approached the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). But they became helpless in rescuing her. Then their consorts, Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati combined their forces and created a goddess named Vaishno Devi. After numerous battles, the goddess defeated Asuras and was asked to stay back on earth to protect mother earth.

It is believed that after many years, Vaishno Devi was reborn as the daughter of a Brahmin couple. From childhood, the goddess was attracted towards Lord Vishnu and wished to marry only him. She started to do Tapasya (meditation) for pleasing Lord Vishnu when she became younger. One day, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Ram came to her in search of his lost wife Sita whom Ravana had stolen. While knowing him as Avatar of Lord Vishnu Rama shed requested him to marry her, but Ram refused and told that he was searching for his lost wife. But while seeing her in misery, Ram promised her that he would return one day and if she could recognise him that time he would definitely marry her. Years later, Ram came there as an old man, but she couldn't recognise him. She became sad and Ram again promised her that he would marry her as Kalki in Kaliyug.

Story behind the present temple.

About nine hundred years ago Vaishno Devi appeared in the form of a young girl and asked a Brahmin named Shridhar from a village Hansali (next to present day Katra) to give a feast (bhandara) for local people near Bhumika stream. At the time of feast, Bhairon Nath, a Tntric Magician and a disciple of Gorakhnath came there and demanded meat and liquor. But Vaishno Devi told him that he would get only vegetarian food as it was a Brahmin's feast. Bhairon Nath was attracted on here beauty and tried to catch her. She ran away from him stopping at various places on the way up to the Trikuta Mountain. These places are now known as Banganga, Charan Paduka, Adkumari (the place where she remained for nine months in a cave) and finally at Bhavan, the cave which is now known as her abode. In this cave she took the form of Chamundi, she cut off the head of Bhairon Nath. His body held at the entrance of the cave, and his head fell down on top of the mountain at a place where the Bhairon Nath temple is now located. Bhairon Nath then apologised, and the Goddess granted him salvation. She said that the darshan of her devotees will not be complete if they do not do the darshan of the head of Nath. Their darshan will be fruitful only after the darshan of him. Vaishno Devi later manifested into 3 small rocks (pindis). Shri Dhar began doing Pooja to the pindis at the cave, and his descendants continue to do so even now.

One can travel by walking 12 kms (one way) from Katra through well-constructed brick paved road. Otherwise can walk half way and can catch a battery operated rikshaw from there till the shrine. Otherwise can use helicopter service. Ponis and carry service also available. Resting benches, shades over road, street lights are arranged for shelter and halting along with drinking water facilities. Washrooms and refreshment facilities are available throughout the rout. Emergency medical facilities too are arranged on the way. A bandara (free food) facility is operational at half distance in the new route. There are two routes available. One can take the new route which is not allowed for ponis or carry facility. Hence it is not crowded and polluted with wastes of ponis.

Location: Trikuta Mountain, Katra District of Jammu & Kashmir State.

22/03/2021

Temple ( temple)

The story narrates from the second avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, the Kurma Avatar (form of Turtle). Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons) started to churn the milky ocean (palazhi) for taking out Amrut (nector). They used Vasuki (a poisonous serpent) as rope and Mandhara Parvat (peak) as plunger. But the parvat went down into the ocean and Vishnu took the form of a big turtle and supported the peak with his back from drowning. The process went on. Asuras caught the head and devas the tail. The “mandhan”(churning process) was going on and different objects came out of the ocean, the Airavat (four tusked white elephant), Lakshmi, the moon, kalpavruksha and many. But then came “Kalakootavisha” (a very harmful poison which can destroy the universe and life). All were afraid and Lord Shiva took it in his hands and swallowed it. The poison struck in his throat and his neck became dark blue and he got the name (Neelkanth). Neel means blue and kanth means neck.

This temple is believed to be in that sacred position where Lord Shiva stood while consuming the poison.
The temple is surrounded by dense forest at a height of 1330 meters. It is made with the southern style of temple architecture (Dravidian style). This peak is situated adjacent to the ranges of Nar Narayan mountain ranges. It is located at the meeting point of two rivers Pankaja and Madhumati and surrounded by the Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot valleys.
The shikhara (top) of the temple is having many sculptures of Devas and Asuras performing the Samudramanthan (churning of milky ocean). Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of a Shivalinga, a 6 feet tall single black stone. A natural spring is there near by the temple where devotees take holy bath before entering the temple. It is believed that the temple was made in 14th century and renovated by King Sanga Rana in 16th century.

Location: 32 kms from in Pauri Garhwal District, State.

temple, temple

21/03/2021

Temple

The story says, Lord Vishnu was in meditation at this place. His wife Lakshmi Devi protected him from cold by taking the form of a Badri tree (jujube tree or Indian date, “ber ka ped” in Hindi). Pleased by the devotion of Lakshmi, Vishnu named this place as Badrika Ashram. Lord Vishnu in the form of Badrinath is sitting in Padmasana here. There are four Vishnu shrines called Pancha Badri, named Badri, Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Vridh Badri and Aadi Bhadri. The Badrinath Temple is known as Vishal Badri. The main idol is made with 1ft Shaligrama stone having four arms. Two hold Shankha (conch) and chakra (wheel). The other two resting in lap in yoga mudra in Padmasana. Just below the temple there are Tapta kund, Narad kund and Surya kund, hot water springs where pilgrims take holy bath before visiting Lord Badri.

Some belief says that this temple was a Budhist temple and Aadi Shankaracharya converted it into Temple (Hindu Temple). Some belief says that it was originally established by Shankaracharya. He discovered the deity idol from River Alkananda and enshrined it near the Tampa Kunds (hot springs). In 16th century a Garwal King shifted the idol from the Taptakunds to present temple.

The chief priest of the temple is known as “Rawal” and is from Kerala.

Badrinath temple comes in both and Chardham (Himalayan Chardham) Yatra. Chardham comprises of Badri, Rameswaram, Dwaraka and Puri. Choti Chardham consists of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Location: Garhwal Hills, near River Alka Nanda in Himalayas. District Chamoli or Uttarakhand.
Height: 3133 meters (10279 feet) between Nar Parvat and Narayan Parvat.

, , chardham,

20/03/2021

Jyotirmath (Joshimath)

Aadi Shankarachaya is the greatest revivalist who propagated Advaita Vedanta, the oneness of Aatman (self or individual soul) and Brahman (the universal soul). Through his doctrines he stated that both are not different but one itself. He criticized the rituals based Mimamsa theory and schools of Hinduism.

In his time Budhism was at its peak and he objected the principles of Budhism with his Advaita principle. Born at Kerala with a destiny to become a Sanyasin (monk) he traveled extensively through out Bharat (India) debating with scholars propagating his vision about Sanatana Dharma. He established four ‘mathas’(monasteries) in four locations in India. Jyotirmatham in Badri (north), Dwaraka Peetham in Gujarath (west), Sharada Peetham, Karnataka (south) and Govardhana matham, Odisha (east).

Location: Chamoli District of Uttarakhand in Himalaya.
Height: 6150 feet (1875 meters)

This Matha is having two temples, Badrinarayana temple and Rajarajeshwari Devi Temple. It also has a sacred cave where Adi Shankaracharya was believed to practice Tapasya.

Narasimha Temple
The idol of this temple was established by Aadi Shankarachaya. This ancient temple is the main temple of Jyotirmath of Lord Vishnu in Narasimha Avtar (half man half lion). During the winter season when the Badrinath temple is closed an idol of Badrinath is brought to Narasimha temple and worshipped for six months.

temple temple

19/03/2021

Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Hadimba Devi Temple, known as Dhungiri Temple locally, is located in between a cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar in the Himālayasa. The ancient cave temple dedicated to Hadimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, the second Pandava in the Indian epic Mahabharata. On their exile they came to Manali in Himalayas and stayed there. Hadimba, the brother of Hadimbi, a strong Rakshasa (demon) attacked Bhima and his brothers including their mother for meat and blood as food. Bhima killed him after a very furious fight. Hadimbi was alone and she requested Bhima to marry her. He married her with the permission of his mother Kunti and stayed with her in Manali for some days. Later they had a very strong son, Ghatotkacha who had a very prominent role in Mahabharata war. His son was Barbarik and another story leads to Khatusham. Devi Hadimbi stayed back in the forests with her son and did “Tapasya” for long time and attained the state of a goddess.
The Hadimba temple is built over a huge rock with a big foot print carved on it is worshiped as an image of the deity. The wooden and stone structure was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. We can see the skulls of wild animals on the walls of the temple. Near to this temple there is another worshipping place for Ghatotkacha, the son of Hadimba and Bhima, under a tree. Here too we can see lot of horns of animals affixed to the tree by local tribes who worship there. The local people worship Devi Hadimbi as their Kuladevta.
The think forest with huge trees and the temple is very attractive and peaceful. We can go back to thousands of years to the era of Mahabharata by closing the eyes while sitting alone.

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16/03/2021

Vasisht Kund & temple at Manali

The belief takes us back to more than 5000 years. The Sage Vasisht lived here for some time after his sons were killed by Viswamitra who was a king formerly and became a sage later. Sage Vasishta could not bear grief and tried to commit su***de at the river. The river refused him and he was rescued. He started to meditate there and led a new life. The river got name ‘Vipasha”, freedom from bo***ge, later shortened the name as “Beas”.

The hot spring in the village known as Vasisht kund is said to be created by Laxman, the younger brother of Lord Ram for Sage Vasisht to take bath by sending an arrow into the earth. The spring is having hot water and it is believed that the water in the spring is very good for skin diseases. The place offers an excellent view of Beas River and nature. One can feel the vibrations of nature and look inside to own soul.