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ginazmemeoir · 3 years ago

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Since it's Krishna's birthday I couldn't help but write his birth story. So here y'all go, you're welcome. Oh also fun fact about Janmashtami : it always rains tonight. It might be just a drizzle, but it always rains tonight.

Devaki’s screams rent the air as she pushed and kept pushing. This was the eighth time she was giving birth to someone. The prison guards could hardly be bothered, and instead laughed at her like hyenas, their mere gazes leaving marks on her skin. Vasudev covered the prison bars with a flimsy cloth, and went back to assist his wife.

She was crying when Vasudev returned back. He bent down by her side, supporting her, and was about to go in front to assist with the delivery when Devaki squeezed his hand and stopped him. Panting, she said, “I don’t know if I want this child Vasudev.” Vasudev was stunned upon Devaki’s proclamation. She had given birth seven times, all sons, and six times had watched them being murdered by her own brother, the brother who had loved her more than any brother could love a sister. The seventh time, Vasudev had quietly given the baby to his first wife Rohini and instructed her to head to Gokul, where his friend Nanda lived. They had simply lied to Kansa and cited that Devaki had miscarried.

How cruel fate was. The couple had watched six of their children murdered in front of them in cold blood, not even a day old. The seventh, they did not know of his fate. Of his first words or his favourite food or the way he laughed. And yet, this eighth child carried hope. This child would be their salvation. Devaki continued “I cannot bear to watch another child snatched away like that Vasudev. Please I’d rather this child die on my womb, or I die while giving birth so at least I don’t have to watch him die. Please Vasudev, I cannot do this anymore” cried Devaki, tears raining down her once lustrous bronze skin, her once luxurious locks lying limp and lifeless by her side like her soul. “No Devaki. I cannot imagine the pain you endure, each time you push another life from inside you, but know this – this child is our salvation. This child is the reason six of our children were murdered. This child is the reason we sent our seventh son into hiding. This child is the reason we have wasted away in this prison for years. Devaki this child must live. Our child must live to avenge the deaths of our children. To avenge us. This child must live if the universe carries even a shred of mercy for us. For Devaki I would sooner kill both of us than watch another child tortured by your brother.” Vasudev’s eyes burned with an intensity Devaki hadn’t seen in a long time. Most of the time they were sad or scared, reminiscing their past. Their married bliss had ended the day it began, with her brother imprisoning them over a prophecy. Vasudev’s words breathed new life into Devaki. She would not let this child die. She would live. She would make sure the child lived. And she would make sure she heard her brother whimpering in agony as her child crushed his skull open.

The gods had given a prophecy. Devaki and Vasudev’s eighth child would be the death of Kansa. And Devaki did not want to prove the gods as petty liars.

With a final push and a scream, that was thankfully masked by a loud thunderclap, Devaki expelled her child out. Vasudev cut the umbilical cord with a flint stone he had dipped in cheap somaras which he had stolen from the guards yesterday, and cradled the child in his arms, lying beside Devaki, giving this child his parents’ touch one final time, the shared breath and heat warming him. He was dark, dark as the rainclouds that had gathered over the entirety of Brijbhumi that day, as the moonlit night that held secrets and wonder. A small glow emanated from his body, barely lighting his immediate surroundings. The couple kept looking at their son, prerplexed, and the baby looked back at them. He had big soft eyes, and instead of crying, he just looked up at them and gave a small laugh, reaching to grab his mother’s hair. Devaki’s tears fell on his face, as she kissed his forehead and hugged him tight. She then looked at Vasudev, and they understood what had to be done. Vasudev took the baby, and opened his prison door. Turns out if you get drunk with the guards ever so often, they don’t notice things like missing keys.

Vasudev stepped out, and half thought that he and his son were going to be hacked into pieces, but the entire cellar was quiet. The whole world seemed to hold its breath, time itself felt suspended. Only minutes ago the guards were cackling, and yet they now slept a deep slumber. Vasudev quickly stole a dagger, and placed the baby in the laundromat’s basket, covering him with a heavy warm cloth. He exited the prison quarters and entered into Indra’s wrath. The clouds overhead boomed with thunder, and rain covered everything as far as the eye could see. Unperturbed, Vasudev kept walking eastwards, until he reached the Yamuna. He looked for a boat, searching the banks of the usually idyllic river, which now coursed with the strength and vigour of the mighty Saraswati, and yet found no boat to carry him and his son. Time was running out, and his son’s life outweighed a safe passage for him, he could already imagine Kansa’s men running towards him. Vasudev then did the only thing he could – let the river decide his life. He walked into the river, determined to reach the other side. The yojana wide river divided Mathura and its outskirts from the countryside – where his son was to find sanctuary. Vasudev kept walking, and the Yamuna’s waters kept rising and rising. The heavy rain pelted Vasudev, and he kept his swaddled baby on his head in his basket. The spaces between the bamboo basket refused water from filling in. Somehow, he reached the middle, when he felt the water threatening to reach his chin, the river hell bent on drowning him and his son. No mere river was going to stop the descendant of the mighty Shuri, the prince of the Vrishnis today though. Vasudev held his breath and kept swimming forward, the basket safely above the surface of water. Surprisingly, there were no crocodiles in the river. Vasudev had only swam a bit further when the river level started lowering and lowering, until it reached his waist. Vasudev was perplexed, the river was usually the deepest at this point, then why did it suddenly lower down to below his waist? Lost in his thoughts, Vasudev almost missed the giant creature slithering towards him, and that is when he realized he and his infant son were about to be devoured by a sea monster that liked toying with its prey. The creature reached Vasudev, its smooth obsidian scales emitting a green glow, extending to its full length, spreading out its thousand hoods and shielding Vasudev and his son from the merciless rain. Had he not known better, Vasudev would’ve thought it was Adi Shesha, the thousand hooded snake, upon whose infinite coils Narayana rested. Time was running out, and Vasudev picked up speed, the serpentine creature slithering along. Climbing out of the river, he kept picking through the wilderness and hamlets, the creature’s presence scaring off any hungry predators.

At last, Vasudev glimpsed the village of Gokul. Overjoyed, Vasudev rushed down the hillock, which was dotted here and there by the occasional cow. He entered the safety of the village, his frayed nerves calming down, and started searching for Nanda’s home. Even though he was the village chief, his house was tough to spot, the only thing differentiating it from others was a larger gateway and a bigger courtyard. Surprisingly, Nanda was already standing at the gates, waiting for him. Vasudev rushed up to him, and began to speak when Nanda asked, “Vasudev, how did you come here? How are you barely wet?” Vasudev looked behind him, and found the creature had returned. Maybe it was scared of society? “There’s no time for that Nanda. I have come to entrust my last son to you,” said Vasudev, as he hastened to enter Nanda’s home. There was a lantern in front of each room, and the large house was empty except for the cows in the outside stables. Vasudev kept searching along the corridor, until he found Nanda’s wife’s room. He expected to see his elder son sleeping with her, but instead found her snoring loudly, with a baby lying beside her. Vasudev quietly placed his son beside her. The baby started crying, clutching onto his father even as he laid him on the bed. Vasudev quietly removed his hand from his grip, and sang him a lullaby. It was about a bee returning to its hive after a busy day in the meadow. He had never got a chance to sing this lullaby before. Devaki and he and spent each day perfecting it in prison. The baby quietened and went to sleep, and Vasudev left, his vision blurry, when he was stopped by Nanda. “Wait here.” he said. Nanda then returned from his wife’s room, his baby with him, and handed it over to Vasudev. “Here you go Vasudev. You may take my daughter home with you.” Vasudev looked at Nanda with disgust. Was his friend so lowly that in favour of a son he would condemn his daughter to the confines of a prison, frequented by a monster that would kill her the moment he got to know? “I know what you were thinking, and I would never do that Vasu” said Nanda, sensing his friend’s thoughts. “Yashoda gave birth to her yesterday, and hasn’t seen her since. I took her to Goddess Gauri’s temple the same day, to seek her blessings. I can’t explain what happened Vasu, but I heard Gauri. She spoke to me and she instructed me to give her to you when you came. Why do you think I was waiting for you outside?” “Oh come on Nanda, you’re just making up stories now.” said Vasudev, even more repulsed now. “Why would I lie Vasu? Is this what you think of me, a murderer? Trust me Vasu, Gauri Devi spoke to me, she told me to give my daughter to you! Who are we to defy the will of the gods?” Nanda reassured him.

“The gods don’t care about us Nanda. They stopped existing for me when they made me watch my sons’ heads being bashed against walls or crushed by hammers. But even so I will take your daughter. Maybe Kansa might spare a girl?”

Saying so, Vasudev took Nanda’s daughter and vanished into the night, heading back to his prison. Even though the babe wasn’t his, he had already named her – Maya – after this night, an illusion, a reality that felt like a dream. He did not know what fate awaited this girl, but at least his boy was safe for now.

Maybe the gods did have a plan. A plan that was tucked away under Yashoda’s arms in the tiny hamlet of Gokul, snuggling against the only mother he would ever know.

#india #hinduism #hindu mythology #mythology #bhajan #kanha #janmasthami #krishna's birth story #vasu #story time

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theindiaexplorer · 3 years ago

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Kuari Pass Trek: An easy trek for a beginner

Kuari Pass Trek is the most beautiful and easy trek for beginners. The place is open all time that means the whole of the year. The forests cover the area of the walk by themselves, that means by their leaves and shadows. The location celebrates the great environment the whole year. You can view the most famous mountains too from the peak named Mount Nanda Devi and Mount Dronagiri in any season. The snow covers the path in the winter season, and it looks like a white carpeted path.

The trek is extremely beautiful, and it approximately takes four days to complete the trek towards Kuari Pass. The forest has perfectly crafted snow on the leaves and the path. The tour starts from a small village nearby Joshimath in the Garhwal region, the place named Dhak. The village is in the Nanda Devi National Park. The trek seems hard to trek but, it is a myth. The path is easy to trek on, especially for those who want to start hiking in the Himalayas.

Dhaka: starting point of Kuari Pass Trek

Dhaka is the starting point of the journey towards Kuari Pass Trek. You can reach the starting point by bus only. The place has all the facilities to make you stay, like hotels, restaurants to eat, shops for shopping, and other necessary things. It will take 4-5 days to reach the Kuari Pass from Dhaka.

The path from here is not covered with ice in winters too. The trek covered with ice will come upside of the hike. The walk offers you many exciting views and fascinating places in the middle of the trip.

Kuari Pass Map (Image Source: Trek The Himalayas)

Mana Village

Mana is the most beautiful and the last Indian village from India’s border and Tibet and China in the Himalayas. The Uttarakhand Government makes mana village a tourism spot. The village is mainly located in the Chamoli district. Mana village is located nearby Badrinath, and it is a tourism spot that is approximately 5 kilometers away from Badrinath. The village is on the banks of the River Saraswati. It is at the height of 3300 meters. Himalayan Hills surround the whole Mana village.

The place has all the facilities to make your trip memorable. Mana village has scenic views of the hills. As mentioned above, the village is covered with Himalayan Hills.

Gangotri: attraction of Kuari Pass Trek

Gangotri is the highest temple of the river Ganga at such a height. In India, people use to worship the river Ganga. Gangotri is a small town at such a height where there is Gangotri temple. The temple is a place that is counted in the Char Dhams in India.

The river Ganga originated from the Gaumukh. It is in the Gaumukh Glaciar in the Himalayas. We all know that, but some people believe that the water from the Gaumukh is coming continuously because Lord Shiva opened his hair locks a little to finish the villagers’ thirst. The Gaukmukh Glaciar is located approximately 20 kilometers from Gaumukh temple.

Auli Hill Station

The Auli hill station is amazingly planned. It has snowy slopes of skiing and other adventurous activities. Ski resort of India is a famous destination of Auli. Auli has everything to enjoy, like the fantastic Himalayan Views, Meadows, sporty adventure activities, romantic vistas, cable cars, and much more.

The wooden huts and ultimate nature of the place shows you grace. The area is not far behind from fun. It is called a small fun village by the local people. The village is at the height of approximately 2500 meters, offering you a clear view of the great Himalayas.

Gorson Bugyal: attraction of Kuari Pass Trek

The Gorson Bugyal is located approximately 4 kilometers from the Auli hill station. It is at an altitude of around 3400 meters. Gorson Bugyal has a large land covered with green pastures surrounded by coniferous forest and oak trees. You can also have a little trek towards Chattarkund which is 1 kilometer from Gorson Bugyal.

The post Kuari Pass Trek: An easy trek for a beginner appeared first on The India Explorer.

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royalrajcabs · 4 years ago

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The King Of Pushkar | Rajasthan Tourism I 2021

This record is found in the Padma Purana, Srstikhanda, Chapter 17:

Once Lord Brahma got here to recognize that a demon, Vajranash, turned into killing human beings. During this technique, the parts of the flower fell on 3 places which were later called Jyestha, Madhya, and Kanistha Pushkar.

Later followed by using Brahmanas and different devas, or demigods, Lord Brahma went to Puskar to carry out a sacrifice. To carry out his yajna peacefully without being attacked by the demons, he created the hills around the Pushkar. Ratnagiri within the south, Nilgiri in the north, Sanchoora in the west, and Suryagiri inside the east and placed demigods there to guard the yajna overall performance. Such Yajna sacrifices are to be completed in conjunction with one’s spouse, so whilst the preparations for the sacrifice have been whole, Lord Brahma despatched Narada rsi, the sage many of the devas, to convey Sarasvati, Lord Brahma’s consort. But Sarasvati becomes now not geared up to go away, so Narada returned to Puskar on my own.

According To Oldest History

According to astrological calculations, the sacrifice needed to begin right away, so Brahma requested Indra, the king of the heavenly planets, to provide him an appropriate spouse to help within the sacrifice. Lord Indra selected a cowherd female, but the sacrifice required that the girl be of the brahmana caste. So the devas purified the woman, or elevated her caste, by means of passing her thru a cow (into the cow’s mouth and out the alternative cease), due to the fact in Vedic culture cows are taken into consideration natural and of the identical caste because of the Brahmanas. The lady then became known as Gayatri, “one who was pulled thru a cow.” She married Brahma and carried out the yajna. When Saraswati arrived and noticed that Brahma had married without her permission, so she cursed Brahma saying that he would be worshiped in Pushkar only. Saraswati (Savitri) additionally cursed Indra to be effortlessly defeated in battles, Lord Vishnu to suffer the separation from his spouse as a human, the hearth-god Agni who was supplied the yajna to be all-devouring and the monks appearing the yajna to be poor. Endowed by means of the powers of yajna, Gayatri but diluted Saraswati’s curse, blessing Pushkar to be the king of pilgrimages, Indra could continually retain his heaven, Vishnu would be born as the human Rama and eventually unite together with his consort and the monks might end up scholars and be commemorated. Enraged Saraswati (Savitri) went and established a temple on the pinnacle of Ratnagiri, the hill a touch south of Pushkar. Today pilgrims to Pushkar can visit temples of each Sarasvati Devi and Gayatri Devi. Five branches of that river Sarasvati, Supapra, Candra, Kanaka, and Nanda flow inside the Pushkar place, but at present, they're invisible to regular eyes.

Lord Rama

It is likewise said that Lord Varaha regarded at Varaha ghat here, and Lord Rama came and bathed here. The sage Parasara is said to were born here. His descendants, referred to as Parasara Brahmanas, are nonetheless observed in Pushkar and the encompassing vicinity.

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rajasthantourplanner · 5 years ago

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Places to Visit in Pushkar, Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Pushkar

Pushkar

Pushkar in Rajasthan is a favored destination of North India. Hundreds of foreigners throng this place all through the year. The Pushkar fair is an important occassion when tourists flock Pushkar, however it is not only at this time of the year when tourism flourishes. Pushkar is the flavour of every season. Pushkar is a pilgrimage site and is considered one of the holiest sites in India. The semicircular Pushkar Lake is believed to be extremely holy and has 52 bathing ghats or steps along its banks. Devotees bathe in Pushkar Lake and pray at the Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma nearby. Pushkar is home to the only Brahma Temple in India. The town of Pushkar is far from the noisy environment of the city. When he reaches the Ghats, particularly the Ghats near the Sarovar Tourist Bungalow, he gets refreshed and loses his tiredness of his journey. Pushkar is situated at the foot of the hills which add to its beauty. Five rivers, Suprabha, Kanaka, Prachi Nanda, and Saraswati flow here and make the place more beautiful and serene.

Top Most Attractions in Pushkar

Pushkar Lake

The scenic lake of Pushkar is situated in a valley about 10 kms to the northwest of Ajmer. Pushkar Lake is enclosed by hills and desert. Pushkar Lake is one of the most holy place for Hindus. There are about 52 Ghats and 400 temples in Pushkar which are situated on the banks of the Pushkar Lake. It is considered that the famed waters of the Pushkar wash away the sins of whole life.

Pilgrims from all over come to take bath in the holy waters of Pushkar on the day of Kartik Purnima or on any of the four days before the day of Kartik Purnima and also worship at the Ghats. The spiritual water of the Lake is also considered to treat skin diseases, making Pushkar "the Lourdes of the East".

History of Pushkar Lake -

The history of Pushkar Lake dates back to 4th century BC. The creation of Pushkar Lake, as an artificial lake goes back to12th century. In 1615–16, the Mughal emperor Jahangir set up his hunting lodge on the shores of the Pushkar Lake. He came to this lodge for hunting when he was staying in Ajmer, about 20 kilometres from Pushkar. This act breaks the local custom of in which animals are not to be killed in the areas of the holy lake. Later, grandson of Jahangir named Aurangzeb (1618–1707) destroyed some of the temples of the pushkar which were built again afterwards. The Rajput rulers of Amber, Bundi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer put their maximum efforts to re-establish the significance of the lake and its nearby temples.

Ghats of the Pushkar Lake are also renovated and also temples are built around it by various rulers like Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber, Daulat Rao Scindia, Maha Rana Pratap etc.

Savitri Temple

The Savitri Temple Pushkar is dedicated to the desolated wife of Lord Brahma, Savitri. The temple was built in 1687, on the top of the Ratnagiri Hill behind the Bramha Temple. Both the idols of Savitri and Gayatri are installed here. The idol of Savitri dated back 7 century A.D and Bangar family built this temple in early 20th century.

It is believed that goddess rested upon this hill on her arrival to Pushkar. The temple has its route through hills, and it takes about an hour to reach the temple. Savitri temple also the best place for enjoying the scenic beauty and view of the lake and its surrounding picturesque villages.

Brahma Temple in Pushkar

Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the most famous and only few of the temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the holy city of Pushkar, Rajasthan. This Pushkar Brahma Temple is the place of deep spirituality and thousand of devotees come here to pay homage to the many gods that reside in this temple town. Pushkar city has over 500 temples with the main Pushkar temple. It is dedicated to lord Brahma and the only Brahma temple anywhere in the world. Although the structures of the temple dates back to 14th century but it is believed that the temple is about 2000 years old.

Pushkar Fair

The sprawling annual festivities of the 100 year old Pushkar Mela through its dramatic collage of diversified pictures, mirrors the vibrancy of the gracious state of Rajasthan. It is celebrated for five days from the Kartik ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, the full moon day of Kartik (October–November) in Hindu calendar. The full moon day is the main day and the day, according to legend, when the Hindu god Brahma sprung up the Pushkar Lake, thus numerous people swim in its sacred waters. This iconic fair attracts thousands of livestock and almost a million tourists including many from across the world.

Images of silver bells making heart pleasing jingles, animals walking over sparkling sand dunes and beautifully decked up camels with their owners sitting on their backs has become the most fascinating norm at this stunning cultural retreat. A huge carnival is held, with an array of musicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and carousel rides to entertain the world.

Thus, the grand occasion of the Pushkar Mela is definitely a priceless treat for those who wish to eye the vibrant culture and traditions of Rajasthan.

Panch Kund Shiva Temple

Centrally located in the town, the Panch Kund Shiva temple is just 2 to 3 kilometers away from the famous Pushkar Lake. If you’re interested to know more about the stories of Mahabharata, visit this beautiful Temple which is known to have been built by the Pandavas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Ghats of Pushkar

Pushkar has 52 ghats around the lake, each one constructed for a Rajput Maharaja, who used to worship and pay respect to their local deities and other Hindu gods. However, two of them are the most notable. The Gau Ghat is famous because the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Lal Bahadur Shastri were scattered into the lake here. The Brahma Ghat is where it’s believed that Lord Brahma himself worshipped.

#Rajasthan Tourism

#Rajasthan Tour Packages

#Udaipur Tour Planner

#Jaipur Tour Planner

#Jaisalmer Tour Planner

#Jaisalmer Travels

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indiatourplann-blog · 7 years ago

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Top Most Attractions in Pushkar

Pushkar

Pushkar Lake

History of Pushkar Lake -

Ghats of the Pushkar Lake are also renovated and also temples are built around it by various rulers like Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber, Daulat Rao Scindia, Maha Rana Pratap etc.

Savitri Temple

Brahma Temple in Pushkar

Pushkar Fair

Thus, the grand occasion of the Pushkar Mela is definitely a priceless treat for those who wish to eye the vibrant culture and traditions of Rajasthan.

Panch Kund Shiva Temple

Ghats of Pushkar

Pushkar has 52 ghats around the lake, each one constructed for a Rajput Maharaja, who used to worship and pay respect to their local deities and other Hindu gods. However, two of them are the most notable. The Gau Ghat is famous because the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and Lal Bahadur Shastri were scattered into the lake here. The Brahma Ghat is where it’s believed that Lord Brahma himself worshipped.

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planetleaftfc-blog · 7 years ago

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Amazing Facts About 5 Holy Prayagas || పంచ ప్రయాగలు గురించి మీకు తెలియని నిజాలు || With Subtitles SUBSCRIBE TO PLANET LEAF :- https://goo.gl/RR0KVV SUBSCRIBE TO SLATE KIDS :- https://goo.gl/OFUfuc SUBSCRIBE TO TFC SPIRITUAL :- https://goo.gl/anQFRb SUBSCRIBE TO PLANET MOJO :- https://goo.gl/91hwWS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK - https://goo.gl/9nah8Q TWITTER - https://goo.gl/jpw19v GOOGLE+ - https://goo.gl/TuwAQm Blogger - https://goo.gl/mKEIe4 SCOOP IT - https://goo.gl/yKaf2o TUMBLER - https://goo.gl/xI2385 REDDIT - https://goo.gl/tbAjsV GOOGLE+ COMMUNITIES -https://goo.gl/epJ2op Panch Prayag is an expression in Hindu religious ethos, specifically used to connote the five sacred river confluences in the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The five prayags - prayag meaning "place of sacrifice" in Sanskrit - also termed as “Prayag pentad”, namely the five river prayags, are Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag, in the descending flow sequence of their occurrence. Prayag in Hindu tradition signifies confluence of two or more rivers where ablutions (bathing) before worship, religious rites called the Shraddha (the last rites) for the departed and worship of the river itself as manifestation of God are a prevalent practice. While the Prayag at Allahabad, where the three rivers namely, the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati confluence, is considered the holiest, the Panch Prayag of Garhwal Himalayas are the next in the order of piety. The Prayags are rich not only with stories from puranas and legend but also in scenic beauty of the Himalayan snow-covered peaks and enchanting valleys. It is also deduced that the Panch Prayag located on the road to Badrinath refer to the Svargarohana (ascend to heaven) route followed by the Pandavas to attain salvation after they completed circumambulation of the earth. It starts with the Vishnu Prayag on the Alaknanda River, which is one of the two source streams of the most sacred river Ganges in the Garhwal Himalayas; the other streams are the Dhauliganga, Mandakini, Pindar and the Bhagirathi - the head stream of the Ganges. Alaknanda descending from the foot of the Satopanth (a triangular lake, which is located at a height of 4,402 m (14,442.3 ft), above the sea level and named after the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers near the Nanda Devi peak, in Uttarakhand cascades over a length of 229 km (142.3 mi) encompassing the five prayags and is joined at Dev Prayag by the Bhagirathi, a shorter river source vis-à-vis Alaknanda to form the main stream of the Ganges. It flows down south towards Rishikesh and Haridwar, two holy places on the bank of the Ganges in Uttarakhand. At each of the confluences, with large influx of pilgrims who visit the state for the pilgrimage of the Panch Kedar and Sapta Badri temples, large religious towns have developed. Pilgrims take a dip in the river at these locations before embarking on visiting the holy shrines in the “Deva Bhumi” (god's land) as Uttarakhand is commonly known. The religious towns are named after the confluence sites as: Devaprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, except Vishnuprayag, where there is no town but it is about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Joshimath town another famous Hindu religious centre), along a winding road that further leads to Badrinath Temple and beyond. Some pilgrims do ablution at all the five prayags before worshiping Vishnu at Badrinath.

#Amazing Facts About 5 Holy Prayagas #Planet leaf #tfc

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vitalmindandbody · 7 years ago

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Top 10 yoga retreats in India

India is a dream destination for many yogis, but with so many ashrams and courses, how do you choose wisely? From the hardcore to the boutique, we select 10 of the best places to practise yoga

Though this list includes some of the best ashrams, retreats and shalas India has to offer, there are three notable omissions: BKS Iyengars school in Pune, Pattabhi Joiss in Mysore, and the pan-Indian Sivananda Centre, excluded on account of their existing popularity and fame. They are highly recommended nonetheless. Several other places were vetoed on account of various scandals and disputes, and I have also excluded luxurious and obscenely priced retreats.

As with many things in India today, yoga doesnt necessarily come cheap but all of these are very good value given the quality of teaching on offer. Be advised that customer service in India isnt always the best, and some of the more traditional places might prove hard to contact. But be patient, persevere, switch to Indian-time and, if you must, see it as the first step in letting go of your ego.

One last thing: while yoga in the west focuses almost exclusively on the physical postures and sequences (asana), in India, particularly in traditional ashrams, asana is only one aspect of a wider whole. In this case one can expect a greater emphasis on meditation, breathing and cleansing techniques, along with devotional practices such as mantra chanting, tuition in philosophy, and karma yoga (community service).

Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar

At the sprawling Bihar School, yoga is a lifestyle not a practice, and karma yoga is given precedence over asana. So alongside classes expect hours of seva (service) including gardening, kitchen work and toilet cleaning supplemented by cold showers and a simple diet.

It may sound daunting, but comforts loss is authenticitys gain, and former students attest to the life-altering qualities a stint in this ashram can give. Days begin at 4am, and end with twilight satsangs (discourses) or kirtans (mantra chanting) before lights out at 8pm. Many yoga styles are taught, including Hatha, Raja (mental discipline), Kriya (breathing, chanting and ritual gesture) and yoga therapy, as well as Yoga Nidra, a deep meditative technique lulling the mind into a state neither awake nor asleep, developed by the ashrams founder Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Open to all (beginner to advanced), year round (though in May-July, temperatures can reach 45C). The four-month residential course in yogic studies starts every October, around 1,200 for international students including accommodation and all meals. biharyoga.net

Purple Valley, Assagao, Goa

Photograph: Coni Hrler/Purple Valley Yoga

If youre a modern yogi craving India plus detox juices and fast Wi-Fi, with access to the worlds best Ashtanga teachers (John Scott, Petri Raisanen, Alexander Medin), Goas Purple Valley is your place. Despite its hardcore reputation, beginners are not only welcome but encouraged, making it a great place to kick-start your Ashtanga training, with Mysore-style self-practice in the morning and special classes in the afternoons, including philosophy, yogic living, kirtans and pranayama.

The retreat is spread over two Portuguese-style houses and landscaped gardens with a tropical forest feel. Two international and one Ayurvedic chef prepare buffet meals that include the likes of masala millet crepes and soy burgers. Consultations with Ayurvedic doctors and massage therapists are also offered. Once the preserve of foreign students, Purple Valley now has a growing Indian following. Open from mid-October to late April. Full-board is 590/890 for one/two weeks in a shared room, or 750/1,100 in a single room. yogagoa.com

Kaivalyadhama Ashram, Lonavala, Maharashtra

Set within 180 acres of parkland at Lonavala, a hill-station between Mumbai and Pune, this ashram, designed as a yogic research centre when it opened in 1924, is the kind of place you can spend days, months or even years immersed in its myriad programmes. The ashrams school offers diplomas and fully accredited degrees for yoga teachers, along with shorter courses for both beginners and advanced students, while the health centre where Gandhi was an early patient after a breakdown in 1927 has week-long packages that include yoga with a focus on either relaxation, naturopathy or Ayurveda. Youll stay within the leafy, old-fashioned campus, at the health centre or in the rooms of the main hall, some of which are air-conditioned. The diet throughout is organic Indian vegetarian. Open all year. 42 a week for yoga with naturopathy, 115 a week for yoga with Ayurvedic treatment; accommodation starts at 67 a week for a shared room and goes up to 425 for a cottage. The year-long diploma in yoga therapy is 4,255, including accommodation and all meals. kdham.com

Mysore Krishnamachar Yoga Shala, Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore, in the southern state of Karnataka, is one of Indias most popular yoga destinations. Photograph: David Pearson/Rex

BNS Iyengar, who has taught quietly in his Mysore shala for the last 38 years, was one of the original students of super-guru Krishnamacharya, the teacher of the famous BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, founders of Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga respectively.

His classes include Ashtanga yoga asanas (the sequence differs from the main Ashtanga institutes, with a 55 minute primary series) pranayama (breathing), kriya (breathing, chanting, gesture), neti and dhauti (cleansing techniques), meditation and philosophy, all of which are taught as part of a teacher training course. BNS has a steady following despite or perhaps because of his brutal style.

Think of him as a cantankerous old kung-fu master whose tough love hides a deep-seated desire for his students to prosper. Students are required to register for a minimum of one month. Accommodation is provided nearby at extra cost, otherwise there are plenty of rooms to rent around this yoga-friendly city. Open all year; next teacher training begins on 4 July 2016. 65 for a month of morning classes; 650 for a month-long teacher training course (excluding accommodation). bnsiyengar.net.

Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre, Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh & Arambol, Goa

Downward dog Arambol beach in northern Goa is wide quiet, perfect for practising yoga. Photograph: Ami Vitale/Getty Images

An old student of BKS Iyengar, Sharat Arora became well-known in yoga circles for his serious and dedicated approach to the tradition. His school, the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre (HIYC), spends summers in Dharamkot, a picturesque Himalayan village above the Tibetan refugee settlement of Mcleodganj, and winters in Arambol, the former hippy beach town in the far north of Goa.

All students, regardless of ability, must first complete the compulsory five-day course before progressing onto teacher training and specialised courses such as yoga therapy, yoga for Vipassana, and yoga with Ayurveda. Besides the respected teaching, the centres summer location, a mountain in the shadow of glaciers, set amid oak, rhododendron and pine forests not to mention the Dalai Lamas nearby residence is a real draw. Dharamkot open mid-February to late October; Arambol from November to end of March. Five-day courses start at 42 (accommodation extra). hiyogacentre.com

Phool Chatti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Built beside an ancient pilgrimage route on the banks of the river Ganges, 5km upriver from Rishikeshs famous Laxman Jhula suspension bridge, the ashram taps into the holy towns spiritual vitality while eschewing its chaotic hustle.

Though the ashram is under the stewardship of Swami Dev Swarup Nanda, most classes are led by yoga director Sadhvi Lalitambay, who has lived here since she was 15. The seven-day yoga course includes meditation, mantra chanting, neti-pot cleansing (a nasal cleaning technique), pranayama, asana practice, prayer, kirtans and plenty of discussion around yoga philosophy. Meditative walks, hiking and river dips are also included.

The ashram itself is over 100 years old but the building was renovated recently, so rooms come with some modern comforts, including hot showers. Couples can share rooms. Outside treats are permitted, but the food prepared in-house is very good. Open February-May & September-December. The seven-day course is 110, including accommodation in a shared room, all yoga classes and three meals. phoolchattiyoga.com

Mysore Mandala, Mysore, Karnataka

With a tranquil, century-old house and charming cafe supplied by the owners organic farm, this is Mysores prettiest yoga space closer to a western style studio than a traditional ashram, but no less authentic for it. Ashtanga is the focus (this is Mysore after all) but theres a wide range of other classes to choose from, including hatha, shatkriya (cleansing), backbending and pranayama as well as instruction in Sanskrit and lessons in the yoga sutras. Teacher training is very highly regarded here; led by a team of nine teachers, it includes the aforementioned branches, alongside classes in anatomy and Ayurveda. Daily drop-in is 6; 95 for a month of morning classes, 990 for the one-month teacher training, including food and accommodation. ashtanga.org

Omkarananda Patanjali Yoga Kendra, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Swiss born Usha Devi is a strict adherent of BKS Iyengar and his famously precise but therapeutic style, and the ashram in which she teaches, on the banks of the Ganges just outside Rishikesh, is as functional and austere as her instruction is straight from the source. You wont find any teacher training or certifications here, only daily drop-in classes (for beginners and intermediate) for which no early registration is required, and a nine-day intensive course for which three years regular practice in Iyengar yoga is a prerequisite. Rooms are available on site, and the nearby town is teeming with guesthouses. Classes run from October to May. One week (beginners) is 11; one week (general) 16; accommodation in the ashram from 6-9 per night. iyengaryoga.in

International Center for Yoga Education and Research, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu

Walking the elephant to the temple in Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry). Photograph: Alamy

This coastal gurukul (guru centre) is arguably the most traditional and immersive on this list, teaching a classical style that embraces all eight limbs of yoga. Famous for their six-month teacher-training course which requires the completion of a year-long correspondence course before youre even eligible to apply, and to which only 10 students per year are accepted this is not for the casual yogi, but, for the bold, the rewards are abundant, with a depth and breadth of teaching thats remarkable.

Having said all that, they run a three-week course on Yantra, the science of number, name and form, alongside daily yoga and pranayama practice. All courses are residential, with a strict vegetarian diet, a no-alcohol, no-drugs policy, and very limited contact with the outside world. The three-week Yantra course is held once a year in February and costs 625, including accommodation and all meals. icyer.com

The Yoga House, Mumbai, Maharashtra & Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Morning prayers on the ghats of the river Ganges in Varanasi, that most holy of Indian cities. Photograph: Bhishma Choudhary

A modern, bright and welcoming space in the lively Mumbai neighbourhood of Bandra, which seeks to link traditional Indian knowledge and practice with a contemporary health-conscious lifestyle. If youre coming from, say, London or New York, or are desperate to discover the real India (whatever that might be) it could feel a little too close to home, but youd be foolish to dismiss this place. The Yoga House is a sanctuary, the teaching is first-rate, and the cafe food (both western and Indian vegetarian) is exceptional. Whats more, they recently opened a new shala and boutique hotel in Varanasi, that most holy of Indian cities. Styles (for beginner and advanced) include Hatha Vinyasa, Iyengar and Ashtanga. Daily drop-ins and monthly class passes are available. They also run retreats around the country. In Mumbai, drop-in classes 7 or 42 for an eight-class pass; no accommodation. In Varanasi (open Oct-March), 5 for a yoga class; rooms 28-35 per night including breakfast. yogahouse.in