Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Uttarakhand State - 3

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Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in  Uttarakhand State











Bagnath Temple, Uttarakhand

 

Bagnath Temple is situated in the Bageshwar city. It is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in 1450 by Kumaon ruler, Laxmi Chand, at the confluence of Gomati and Sarayu rivers.  It is flooded with devotees on the occasion of Shivratri. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year a grand fair (mela in local language) is organized here.

There are a group of ancient temples here. The main temple is the Bagnath Temple dedicated to Lord Siva. On many of the temples there are bronze bells left as offerings by devotees. It is said that Siva came to this place. Some long treks are begun from Bageshwar. This sacred shrine was constructed during the reign of the Chand dynasty and according to popular legend absolutely no one could establish the Shivlinga inside the temple sanctum and finally one Manorath Pandey of Palayn village went on penance and succeeded in installing the Shivlinga within the temple sanctum on the festival of Shivratri. Ever since a huge fair is held at this location every year on the festival of Shivratri. Pilgrims from all over the country come to this shrine on temple tours, especially during the festival of Shivratri.  

 

Bageshwar is a city and a municipal board in Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is also the administrative headquarters of Bageshwar district. The town is situated on the confluence of Gomti river with Sarju river which is a tributary of Sharda or Kali river and joins Kali at Pancheswar. (This Sarju river is not the same Sarayu river on whose bank Ayodhya is situated. This Gomti river is also not the same Gomti river on whose bank Lucknow is situated.)

Places around Bageshwar

There are many places of tourism and historic importance in Bageshwar. There are many old temples dating back to tenth century. Among them are the Baijnath temple and Bagnath temple; the latter is situated in the middle of the town just across the confluence of Saryu and Gomti. Chandika and Neeleshwar temples are other important temples in the district. These are on the top of the city (hills) and provide a nice glimpse of the city.
Other important shrines in and around Bageshwar are - Ram Ghat temple, Agnikund temple, Kukuda Mai temple, Shitla Devi temple, Trijugi Narayan temple, Hanuman temple, Nileshwar Dham, Swarg Ashram, Ramji temple, Loknath Ashram, Ashram of Amitji, Jwala Devi temple, Veni Mahadev temple, Radha Krishna temple, Bhileshwar Dham, Suraj Kund, Siddartha Dham, Gopeshwar Dham, Golu temple and Praktishwar Mahadev.
Kanda 25 km (16 mi): The charming site on Bageshwar Chaukori road near the ancient temple of Bhadra Kali temple is a nature lover's delight. Another sacred site, Pandusthal, said to be the legendary battle ground of the Kaurvas and Pandavas, is near Kanda.
Vijaypur 30 km (19 mi): It affords a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
Baijnath 26 km (16 mi): This historical and pilgrimage site on Gwaldam motor road is set on the banks of river Gomti in Katyuri valley. It was once the capital of Katyuri dynasty and the ancient temples here stand in testimony of the erstwhile era. The ancient Shiva temple here is famous for the magnificent idol of Goddess Parvati. Another important shrine is the Kotkimai temple, 8 km (5.0 mi) from here.

 

Baleshwar Temple, Uttarakhand

 

Baleshwar Temple is ancient temple dedicated to Shiva, situated within city of Champawat in Uttarakhand.
Built by the rulers of the Chand dynasty, Baleshwar Temple is a marvelous symbol of stone carving. There isn't any historical manuscript that dates the Baleshwar temple, however it is believed to have been built between the 10th and 12th century AD.

Overview

The main Baleshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (who is also known as Baleshwar). There are two other temples in the compound of Baleshwar, one dedicated to Ratneshwar and other to Champawati Durga. The temple is an example of South Indian Architecture with magnificent stone carving works. Close to the Baleshwar Temple is a "Naula" (freshwater resource) which has now dried up. On the day of Mahashivratri, a very crowded fair is held in the Baleshwar Temple compound.
The exteriors of Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga temples are carved with the different posters of the local deities.
Baleshwar temples at Champawat has been declared an Indian National Heritage Monument and has been looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1952

 

How To reach Champawat

By Air: The nearest airport for Champawat is Naini Saini, Pithoragarh(80 kms). The nearest operational airport is at Pantnagar Udham Singh nagar.
By Rail: Nearest rail head for Champawat is Tanakpur at a distance of 75 kms
By Road: Champawat is well connected by road. Nainital (233 kms), Haldwani(193 kms), Pithoragarh (75 kms) and Tanakpur (75 kms)

 

Aditya temple, Uttarakhand

 

Surrounded with gigantic and ecstatic peaks, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, beautiful flora and fauna Ramak is situated at a distance of about 75 kms from Champawat. This village is famous for its Aditya temple, which is a temple of god Sun. It is sun temple like Kornarka in Orissa. This temple is very ancient heritage and it is said that Chand Raja has established this temple.

Two other temples “Adi Mandir and Bhumia Mandir are also near this Aditya Temple. The Adi Mandir and Bhumia Mandir are situated under huge trees, which enhance the beauty of these.
The very first story of his first book (Man Eaters of Kumaon) is related to Champawat.

General Information

•Season :Round the year
•Clothing Summer: light Woolens or cotton, Winter: Heavy Woolens
•Language: Kumaoni, Hindi and English

 

Purnagiri temple, Uttarakhand

 

At a height of 3000 mts. above sea level, Purnagiri is 20 kms. from Tanakpur, 171 kms. from Pithoragarh and 92 kms. from Champawat. Purnagiri temple is visited throughout the year by devotees from all parts of the country, who come here in large numbers, particularly during Chaitra Navratri in the month of March - April. The surrounding valleys echo with the holy chantings of the devotees climbing up to the top for darshan, creating an atmosphere of spirituality. From Purnagiri, also known as Punyagiri, the river Kali descends into the plains and is known as Sharda. For visiting this shrine one can go upto Thuligaarh by vehicle. From this place one has to trek (the road is under construction upto Tunyas ). After the ascent of Bans ki Charhai comes Awalakhan (the new name is Hanuman Chatti).The south - western part of 'Punya Parvat' can be seen from this place. Another ascent ends at the TRC of Tanki. The region of temporary shops and residential huts start from this place upto Tunyas. From the highest point (the temple) of Purnagiri hill the pilgrim can see the expanse of Kali, its islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages. The old Buram Deo Mandi is very close to Purnagiri. From Tanakpur or Purnagiri it is possible to trek to Tamli and even to Jhulaghat along the Kali river.
The very first story of his first book (Man Eaters of Kumaon) is related to Champawat

 

General Information

•Season :Round the year
•Clothing Summer: light Woolens or cotton, Winter: Heavy Woolens
•Language: Kumaoni, Hindi and English

 

 

Abott Mount, Uttarakhand

 

This place was discovered by Britisher John Abbott (whose descendants now live in Jhansi) in the pre-independence era and he decided to name the hill after himself. He built 13 cottages here and some of these still survive. Panorama takes a new meaning as you treat yourself to views of peaks like Trishul, Nanda Kot, Nanda Ghunti and the Nanda Devi spanning in an arc in front of you across a valley. This is the place where you just walk around amidst the woods with no traffic or sounds, sip tea with clouds below and watch beautiful sunsets.   You can even play a game of cricket on what is claimed to be the second highest pitch after Chail in Himachal Pradesh at just under 7,000 feet.
Where to Stay: The Abott Mount (Asian Adventures) is a very well managed cottage and just the place to stay when exploring this district. Where to Eat: At the cottage where you are staying. No real options otherwise.

The very first story of his first book (Man Eaters of Kumaon) is related to Champawat.

General Information

•Season :Round the year
•Clothing Summer: light Woolens or cotton, Winter: Heavy Woolens
•Language: Kumaoni, Hindi and English

 

Lohaghat, Uttarakhand

At an elevation of 1706 mts., Lohaghat is 62 Kms. away from Pithoragarh on way to Tanakpur and 14kms.from Champawat district headquarters. Lohaghat which is situated on the bank of river Lohawati is a centre of historical and mythological importance. In 1841, so overcome was Pilgrim (Barron) by its beauty, that he had surprised why the Government of India was not developing it as its summer capital. In summer season Lohaghat is full of Burans flowers.

 

Gwal Devta, Uttarakhand

A deity of widespread faith and influence, Gwal Devta also known as Goril or Goll, is considered to be the presiding deity of justice. It is believed that when approached, Gwal Devta dispenses justice to a helpless victim of injustice and cruelty. Historically, Goril a Katyuric prince of Champawat, known for his unwavering justice and fair play, was himself a victim of planned conspiracy hatched up by his step mother, who had thrown him into a river, locked up in an iron cage. Held in high esteem as a symbol of justice, a temple was dedicated to him at Gwarail Chaur at in Champawat and ever since he has grown into a deity of great influence attracting innumerable pilgrims around him. As per a story, Harish Chandra was a famous king of Champawat, who after his death, was worshipped as the folk god 'Haru'. Haru's mother's name was Kainer and he is said to be Gwall's maternal uncle.

 

Pancheshwar, Uttarakhand

40 kms. from Lohaghat at the confluence of river Kali and Saryu, Pancheshwar forms the borders with Nepal and is famous for the temple of Chaumu, its fair and a dip at the confluence is considered to be very sacred. The Jaat (jamaan) of Chaumu comes down from villages Sail, 5 km. above the temple. Chaumu is worshiped as a protector of animals. Bells and milk are offered in the temple of Pancheshwar. Chaumu Jaat of Pancheshwar has its unique way of cultural expression. The temple at Pancheshwar is devoted to Lord Shiva.

 

How To reach Champawat

By Air: The nearest airport for Champawat is Naini Saini, Pithoragarh(80 kms). The nearest operational airport is at Pantnagar Udham Singh nagar.
By Rail: Nearest rail head for Champawat is Tanakpur at a distance of 75 kms
By Road: Champawat is well connected by road. Nainital (233 kms), Haldwani(193 kms), Pithoragarh (75 kms) and Tanakpur (75 kms)

 

Advaita Ashrama (Mayavati Ashram), Uttarakhand

 

Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, is a branch of the Ramakrishna Math, founded on 19 March 1899 at the behest of Swami Vivekananda, by his disciples Captain James Henry Sevier, and Mrs Charlotte Sevier. Today it is entrusted with the publication of the original writings of Swami Vivekananda.  As an ashram dedicated to the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta, no images or idols are worshipped here, not even of Sri Ramakrishna; and no images were kept in the premises according to the Ashram ideals set by Swami Vivekananda himself.
Also referred as the Mayawati Ashram,  it is located at an altitude of 1940 meters, 22 km from Champawat in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, and 9 km from the town of Lohaghat. Advaita Ashrama is a major publication centre of the Ramakrishna Order for books in English and Hindi, mainly through its branch in Kolkata, and also maintains a charitable hospital at Mayavati. Among its important publications are The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda in English and as well as a Hindi translation, The Life of Swami Vivekananda, and English translations of important Hindu scriptures.
Some of the old manuscripts of the Ashram have now been microfilmed and preserved at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Delhi

 

History

The Advaita Ashram has its origins in 1896, when Swami Vivekananda was travelling through the Alps recuperating, and expressed the desire to have a similar place in India, for retreat and study of Vedas.
Earlier, in 1895, Captain James Henry Sevier   who had served the British Indian Army for five years, and his wife Charlotte Elizabeth Sevier, met Swami Vivekananda in England. Later in 1896, for nearly nine months, they travelled with him through Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. It was at the Alps that Swami Vivekananda, while travelling with the couple that he expressed his desire to have a similar retreat for the monks in the Himalayas. So, in December 1896, the couple moved to India, with Swami Vivekananda on board a steamer from Naples, Italy, with an objective to find a place near Almora, and set up an Ashram,  and arriving at Madras in February 1887.  Soon just as Swami Vivekananda left for Calcutta, the couple left for Almora, here they rented a bungalow and this became the residence of Swami Vivekananda and the Seviers for next two years.
Later when he left for Kashmir, the Sevier couple along with Swami Swarupananda, a monastic disciple of Vivekananda, started travelling to the interior area looking a suitable place, which was eventually found in July 1898, set amidst dense deodar, pine and oak forests; the land which was until then a tea estate was promptly purchased, and decided upon for the new Ashram. Finally, with the help of Swami Swarupananda, the Ashram was set up,  along with a small dwelling for the monks, ashramites and the couple themselves, around the same time as the Belur Math was being established near Kolkata, when they moved in on 19 March 1899, which happened to be the birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna (Hindu calendar) that year.
After the sudden death of its first editor, 24-year old B. R. Rajam Iyer at Chennai, the publication of the English Journal Prabuddha Bharata was discontinued for a few months in May 1898. Meanwhile in Almora, Swami Vivekananda asked the Sevier couple to revive the magazine, and the editorship was given to Swami Swarupananda, who not only became the first head of the Ashram upon its opening on 19 March 1899, but also remained its editor, at its new base hence forth; and the held the position until his death in 1906.
Upon its foundation, Swami Vivekananda sent the following letter, in March 1899, entailing the prospectus of the Ashram:
"...To give this One Truth a freer and fuller scope in elevating the lives of individuals and leavening the mass of mankind, we start this Advaita Ashrama on the Himalayan heights, the land of its first expiration.
Here it is hoped to keep Advaita free from all superstitions and weakening contaminations. Here will be taught and practised nothing but the Doctrine of Unity, pure and simple; and though in entire sympathy with all other systems, this Ashrama is dedicated to Advaita and Advaita alone."  
Captain Sevier died on 28 October 1900, and was cremated the near by river Sarada, according to Hindu traditions as he has wished.  Swami Vivekananda visited the Ashram from 3–18 January 1901, primarily to console her, and his place of residence has now been turned into a library. Mrs. Sevier continued to stay at the Ashram for several years.

Publications

Advaita Ashrama publishes many important books in English and Hindi, as well as the English Journal Prabuddha Bharata which is being published since July 1896, making it the oldest running Journal by Ramakrishna Mission. A list of its most well-known other publications is as follows.
 

Presidents of Advaita Ashrama

The first three presidents of Advaita Ashrama were also editors of the Prabuddha Bharata. Thereafter, the post of President and Editor were held by different persons. From 1959, the Ashrama President was also called the Editor of Prabuddha Bharata, and the actual editor called the “joint editor”. From September 1993, the Ashrama President is known as the Managing Editor, and the Editor is known as the Editor.
Presidents of Advaita Ashrama
×
Period
President
1
1899 to 1906
Swami Swarupananda
2
1906 to 1913
Swami Virajananda
3
1914 to 1918
Swami Prajnananda
4
1918 to 1927
Swami Madhavananda
5
1927 to 1937
Swami Vireswarananda
6
1937 to 1947
Swami Pavitrananda
7
1948 to 1953
Swami Yogeswarananda
8
1953 to 1963
Swami Gambhirananda
9
1964 to 1968
Swami Chidatmananda
10
1969 to 1976
Swami Budhananda
11
1976 to 1977
Swami Vandanananda
12
1977 to 1978
Swami Tadrupananda
13
1978 to 1988
Swami Ananyananda
14
1988 to 1990
Swami Swananda
15
1991 to 2006
Swami Mumukshananda
16
2006 to present
Swami Bodhasarananda

 

 

“ You should cultivate a noble nature by doing your duty. By doing our duty we get rid of the idea of duty; and then and then only we feel everything as done by God. We are but machines in His hand. This body is opaque; God is the lamp. Whatever is going out of the body is God's. You don't feel it. You feel 'I'. This is delusion. You must learn calm submission to the will of God. Duty is the best school for it. This duty is morality. Drill yourself to be thoroughly submissive. Get rid of the 'I'. No humbuggism. Then you can get rid of the idea of duty, for all is His.”  Swamy Vivekananda



 

Swami Vivekananda



Biography



Teachers


Influences


Works and philosophy


Foundations


Disciples and friends


Influenced


Memorials


Artistic depictions
Films


Dramas


Books on Swami Vivekananda

 

 

 

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar

 

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar (Hindi: चण्डी देवी मंदिर, हरिद्वार) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. Chandi Devi Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh in his reign as the King of Kashmir. However, the main murti of Chandi Devi at the temple is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest priests of Hindu religion. The temple also known as Neel Parvat Teerth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) located within Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple is highly revered by devotees as a Siddh Peetha which is a place of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.

Chandi Devi

Goddess Chandi also known as Chandika is the presiding deity of the temple. The story of the origin of Chandika is as follows: Long time ago, the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha had captured the kingdom of the god-king of heaven - Indra and thrown the gods from Swarga (heaven). After intense prayers by the gods, Parvati assumed the form of Chandi, an exceptionally beautiful woman and amazed by her beauty, Shumbha desired to marry her. On being refused, Shumbha sent his demon chiefs Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were killed by goddesss Chamunda who originated out of Chandika's anger. Shumbha and Nishumbha then collectively tried to kill Chandika but were instead slain by the goddess. Thereafter, Chandika is said to have rested for a short while at the top of Neel Parvat and later a temple was built here to testify the legend. Also, the two peaks located in the mountain range are called Shumbha and Nishumbha.

The Temple

The Temple is located at a distance of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Har ki Pauri. To reach the temple one has to either follow the three kilometre trekking route from Chandighat and reach the shrine by climbing a number of steps or climb the recently introduced rope-way (cable car) service. The rope-way service known as Chandi Devi Udankhatola was introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims and it caters to the pilgrims also to the nearby located Mansa Devi shrine. The rope-way carries the pilgrims from the lower station located near Gauri Shankar Temple on the Nazibabad Road directly to the Chandi Devi Temple located at an altitude of 2,900 metres (9,500 ft). The total length of the ropeway route is about 740 metres (2,430 ft) and height is 208 metres (682 ft). There is a dense forest on the other side of the hill and the ropeway offers scenic views of the Ganges River and Haridwar.
The temple is run by the Mahant who is the presiding priest of the temple. On a normal day, the temple is open between 6.00 am. to 8.00 pm. and the morning aarti at the temple begins at 5.30 am. Leather accessories, non vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited in the temple premises.

Significance

The temple is one of the most ancient temples of India. Thousands of devotees flock to the temple, especially during the festivals of Chandi Chaudas and Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar, to seek the blessings of the goddesses who is believed to fulfill their wishes. The temple is a must visit for the pilgrims going to Haridwar.
Very near to the Chandidevi temple, the temple of Anjana, mother of the monkey-god Hanuman is located and devotees visiting Chandi Devi temple also visit this temple. Neeleshwar Temple is also situated at the foot of the Neel Parvat. It is said[citation needed] that Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of goddess Parvati always reside close to each other. The temple of Mansa is exactly on the other side of the hilltop on the Bilwa Parvat on the opposite bank of River Ganges. This belief can also be found true in other case since near to Mata Mansa Devi Mandir in Panchkula, Haryana, there is a Chandi Mandir located nearby in Chandigarh

How to reach Haridwar

Chandigarh to Haridwar
205 km
Delhi to Haridwar
210 km
Lucknow to Haridwar
492 km
Jaipur to Haridwar
505 km
Kanpur to Haridwar
617 km

 

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar (Hindi: मंसा देवी मंदिर, हरिद्वार) is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat  on the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. The temple also known as Bilwa Tirth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar.
The temple is known for being the holy abode of Manasa, a form of Shakti and is said to have emerged from the mind of the sage Kashyapa. Mansa is regarded as the sister of the Nāga (serpent) Vasuki. The term Mansa means wish and it is believed that the goddess fulfils all the wishes of a sincere devotee. Devotees who want their wishes to be fulfilled by Mansa tie threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple. Once their wishes are fulfilled, people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree. Mansa is also offered coconuts, fruits, garlands and incense sticks in order to appease her.
Mansa Devi Temple is a Siddh Peetha which are the places of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple. The inner shrine has two deities installed, one with eight arms and the other one three headed with five arms

The Temple

Mansa Devi Temple is an ancient temple that attracts people from both far and near due to its significance. The temple is considered a must visit for the pilgrims going to Haridwar. It enhances the holy tradition of Haridwar which persists in the place from many past centuries. It offers views of the River Ganges and the plains of Haridwar. To reach the shrine one has to either follow the trekking route up to this holy shrine or ride on the recently introduced rope-way service. The rope-way service known as "Mansa Devi Udankhatola" was introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims and it caters to the pilgrims also to the nearby located Chandi Devi shrine. The rope-way carries the pilgrims from the lower station directly to the Mansa Devi Temple. The total length of the rope-way is 540 metres (1,770 ft) and the height it covers is 178 metres (584 ft). On a normal day, the temple is open between 8 am and 5 pm, except for lunch closings of 12 pm to 2 pm.
This temple along with the nearby located Chandi Devi temple is visited by thousands of devotees from various parts of the country, and especially during the Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar. It is said that goddesses Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of goddess Parvati always reside close to each other. This belief can also be found true in other case since near to the Mata Mansa Devi Mandir in Panchkula, Haryana, there is a Chandi Mandir located nearby in Chandigarh.

Sivalik Hills

he Sivalik hills is a mountain range of the outer Himalayas also known as Manak Parbat in ancient times. Shivalik literally means 'tresses of Shiva’. This range is about 2,400 km (1,500 mi) long enclosing an area that starts almost from the Indus and ends close to the Brahmaputra, with a gap of about 90 kilometres (56 mi) between the Teesta and Raidak rivers in Assam. The width of the Shivalik hills varies from 10 to 50 km (6.2 to 31 mi), their average elevation is 1,500 to 2,000 m (4,900 to 6,600 ft)
Other spelling variations used include Shivalik and Siwalik, originating from the Hindi and Nepali word 'shiwālik parvat' शिवालिक पर्वत. Other names include Churia hills Nepali: चुरिया पर्वत, Chure hills Nepali: चूरे पर्वत, and Margalla hills.

 

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar (Hindi: माया देवी मंदिर, हरिद्वार) is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Maya in the holy city of Haridwar of Uttarakhand state in India. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell in the region where the temple stands today and thus it is sometimes referred to as a Shakti Peetha.
Goddess Maya is the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. She is a three-headed and four-armed deity who is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. Haridwar was previously known as Mayapuri in reverence to this deity. The temple is a Siddh Peetha which are the places of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple.

Description

The temple dates back to the eleventh century. It is one of the three ancient temples of Haridwar which are still intact, the other two being Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple. The inner shrine consists of murtis (icons) of goddesses Maya in the centre, Kali on the left, Kamakhya on the right. There are also two other goddesses who are also forms of Shakti, present in the inner shrine. The temple is located to the east of Har ki Pauri and is easily accessible by buses and auto rickshaws. It is regarded as a must visit for devotees going to Haridwar.  The temple is visited by many devotees from various parts of the country especially during the Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar.

 

Chandrabadani Devi, Uttarakhand

Chandrabadani is a mountain (2,277m above sea-level). On the border of tahsil Devaprayag and Pratapnagar is the well known temple of Chandrabadni Devi, lying at the top of the mountain about 10 km. north of Kandi Khal ( a place on the Devaprayag-Kirti Nagar metalled road).

In Indian mythology

The legend says that the torso of Sati fell here and her weapons got scattered all around the place. Thus, even today huge number of iron trishuls (tridents) and some old statues can be seen lying around the revered temple of Chandrabadani.

Sight-seeing

The place commands a beautiful view of the Sirkanda, Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks. The temple here is very small and contains a Shri-yantra carved out on a flat stone instead of any idol. Traditionally, a cloth canopy is tied to the ceiling over this Shri-yantra once a year and the Brahmana priest doing it has to do it blind-folded.
   

Access

By road, one can reach Jamnikhal which is about 22 km from Devprayag, and 109 km. from Narendra Nagar. From Jamnikhal it is a 3 km walk uphill to Chandrabadani Temple. Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh and nearest airport is Jolly Grant of Dehradun.[

 

 

 


 






Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...)                                                                                                                              



(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )
Posted by gopalakrishna Monday, March 11, 2013
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