NAINITAL pilgrimage
NATURALLY SPIRITUAL HIMALAYAS
1. JAGESHWAR DHAM
2. MUKTESHWAR DHAM
2. MUKTESHWAR DHAM
3. NAINA DEVI TEMPLE
4. CHITAI GOLU DEVTA TEMPLE
5. KAINCHI DHAM ASHRAM
Nainital region >>
1. JAGESHWAR DHAM...the eighth Jyotirlinga
Altitude : 1870 mts (6140 ft.)
State : Uttrakhand
District : Almora
Approx Distance from
Delhi : 400 kms
Nainital: 100 kms
Almora : 36 kms
Nearest Railway station : Kathgodam, 125 km.
Nearest airport : Pant Nagar, 150 km.
ROUTE SUMMARY
Delhi - Moradabad - Kaladhungi - Nainital - Almora - Jageshwar
A drive of around 100 km from Nainital through the tunnels of massive Deodars takes you to the abode of Mahadev...the tapovan of Omniscient Adiyogi, SHIVA...JAGESHWAR. |
| JAGESHWAR Temple Complex |
Nestled in a fragrant narrow valley, densely forested with old towering Deodars and a playful JATA-GANGA snaking its way through the rocky terrains at its backyard...
JAGESHWAR TEMPLE COMPLEX is an ideal center for meditation because of its tranquillity & calm environment.
It is believed that Lord Shiva himself came here to meditate.
Another less than three km uphill trek from Jageshwar group of Temples takes you to Vridh Jageshwar. It is believed that Vridh Jageshwar temple is older than Jageshwar temple, hence the name Vridh (Old) Jageshwar. It is said to be the abode of Shiva before he came down to Jageshwar. A beautiful panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas can be seen from Vridh Jageshwar.
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| VIEW from VRIDH JAGESHWAR HISTORICAL AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JAGESHWAR |
THE TWELVE JYOTIRLINGAS
1. Somnath at Saurashtra, Gujarat.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Srisailam, near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
3. Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain(Avanti), Madhya Pradesh.
4. Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh.
5. Baidyanath Temple at Deoghar, Jharkhand.
6. Bhimashankar in Dakini and located in the Sahyadri hills, near Pune, Maharashtra.
7. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Setubandanam, Tamil Nadu. This is situated on vast temple island of Rameswaram.
8. NAGESHVARA JYOTIRLINGA IN JAGESHWAR.
9. Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
10. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga shrine, Nasik, Maharashtra.
11. Kedarnath in Himalayas, Uttarakhand.
12. Grishneshwar in Devasrovar, near Ellora, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
The temple complex contains 125(earlier 124) different small and large temples and in them, there are 108 shivlings. Most of the 124 stone temples are of Nagar Architecture.
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya visited Jageshwar and renovated and re-established many temples before leaving for Kedarnath.
Tarun Jageshwar is an important temple in the temple complex. The temple has two dwarapalas (door guardians) in the form of the armed Nandi and Skandi. This is a west facing temple. Here, Shiva is worshipped in the form of Nagesh/Jageshwar.
The Mahamrityunjay temple is the largest and oldest temple in the Jageshwar complex. This Shiva temple is east facing and the Linga is worshipped as the saviour from death. The unique linga has an eye-shaped opening.
The other temples situated around are- Dandeshwar temple, Kuber temple, Surya temple, Chandi-ka-temple, Nanda Devi or Nau Durga, Nava-grah temple, a Pyramidal shrine & many more. The oldest is Mrityunjaya & the biggest is Dandeshwar temple.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION about JAGESHWAR, (safe pit-stops, road conditions, hotel information etc.), visit:
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| DEORIATAL |
MIGHTY HIMALAYAS & FAIRYLANDS around DELHI, visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/long-drive-hill-stations-around-delhi.html
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2. MUKTESHWAR DHAM...one among 18 most sacred temples of Shiva
NAINITAL region >>
State : Uttarakhand
District : Nainital
Elevation : 2,171 m (7,123 ft)
Approx Distance from
Delhi : 350 kms
Nainital : 54 kms
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| LAND of LORD...way near KMVN TRH |
ROUTE SUMMARY
#1. Delhi-Moradabad-Kashipur-
#2. Delhi - Ghaziabad - Hapur - Moradabad - Tanda - Bazpur - Kaladhungi - Nainital - Bhowali range - Mukteshwar
#3. Delhi - Ghaziabad - Hapur - Moradabad - Rampur - Rudrapur - Haldwani - Kathgodam - Bhimtal - Bhowali range - Mukteshwar
#2. Delhi - Ghaziabad - Hapur - Moradabad - Tanda - Bazpur - Kaladhungi - Nainital - Bhowali range - Mukteshwar
#3. Delhi - Ghaziabad - Hapur - Moradabad - Rampur - Rudrapur - Haldwani - Kathgodam - Bhimtal - Bhowali range - Mukteshwar
The Mukteshwar Mahadev temple is located on a densely forested hilltop. There are two approaches to the temple. The first one, which is more popular, comes first while coming from highway, at temple's car parking. Also, two most popular treks of the area bifurcate from this passage, one towards the Lord Shiva's temple and another towards 'Chauli Ki jaali', the next most visited tourist attraction of the town. Whereas the second approach which is about 30-40 mts away, is more peaceful.
We preferred the second approach as it was nearer to our rest house (KMVN). Immediately after climbing a few steps there was a signboard indicating that the temple was only 200 mts away. The trek to the top is scenic and very beautiful. A lush passage of deodars and pines make the walk memorable. Ascending through magnificent and refreshing surroundings, the trek is short and not very steep. So, I believe that almost every body can make it except for someone with medical issues.
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| Relax, you are in good hands! |
The temple complex is a simple cluster of temples is on the hilltop surrounded by lot of greenery, breathtaking valley with pillows of clouds floating around and a panoramic view of multiple layers of Himalayas is a treat to watch. Though for us, horizon was opaque, and the snowy peaks remained elusive behind the layers of mist. A consistent cool breeze of inconsistent velocity with cloudy and fogy surroundings were adding to the charms of the serene temple. Lal Chunnies along with many bells of faith (devotees offer them on fulfilment of their wishes) hanging all over the terrace must be the regular components of this highland. It looks like a tradition prevalent in this region, as the same can be seen in various temples around Kumaon, particularly Golu Devta temple(on the way to Jageshwar).
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| BELLS of FAITH |
Main deity at Mukteshwar Mahadev temple is Lord Shiva. A white marble Shivalinga with a copper yoni is worshiped here along with the deities of Ganesh, Nandi, Hanuman, Vishnu and Brahma. According to Puranas, Lord Shiva's Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the 18 Temples that are highly revered.
Devi mandir(Shiva's consort), Hanuman temple and Guru Ram mandir(enshrines Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman) are some other temples of this complex. An idol of Kalki, the future 10th incarnation of Lord Vishnu to end the kalyuga, is also there.
At car parking, there are many stalls selling fast food like Maggie, dal-chawal, lemon drinks etc.
HISTORY
Mukteshwar literally means " God of salvation" (Mukti+Eshwar),i.e., the God who releases you from the cycle of births and deaths. Legend has it that Lord Shiva killed a demon here. Later with the grace of Lord Shiva the demon attained salvation. Mukteshwar temple was built here by a Pandiya King from the Tamil kingdom during the 15th century.
It is believed that childless couples offer their prayers, with earthen lamps in their hand, on the Shiva-ratri to the Lord and get blessed with a child.
Yet another story about this land of meditation states that Lord Shiva impressed by the tapasya (meditation) of a Saint Shri Mukteshwar Maharaj ji, gave darshan at Mukteshwar. Later on, Maharaj ji went to Calcutta and attained samadhi there (Pushan Ashram, Bandhaghat, Halishahr, West Bangal). One of his disciples, Swami Sanshudhanand ji, still stays at SAMADHI MANDIR within Mukteshwar temple complex.
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| Samadhi Mandir
FOR MORE INFORMATION about MUKTESHWAR DHAM (safe pit-stops, road conditions, driving experience, altitude, distances, tourist attractions, HOTEL INFORMATION WITH TELEPHONE NUMBERS etc.), visit:
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Altitude -2,084 mtr.(6,837 ft.)
State - Uttrakhand
District - Nainital
DISTANCE :
Nainital - Delhi - 298 km.approx.
ROUTE SUMMARY
Delhi - Moradabad - Kaladhungi - Nainital
Nainital, with Naina Devi Temple, a Shakti Peeth, is situated at less than 300 kms from Delhi. This tourists' friendly 'Lake District' of north India, traces its origins back to the ancient mythology. A Gurudwara next to the Temple & a Mosque opposite to it...another heart-warming sight! Located on the northern shore of the lake, this Temple is a nice place to catch the glorious view of the lake. It is always entrancing to watch the movement of light on water. The intense rays of the Sun produce scintillating shows throughout the day on the choppy lake. And at night...the city lights continue with the job. Kids will enjoy watching fishes and the colorful boats sailing in the lake. |
| View of the LAKE from the temple |
The main entrance of the temple has two lion statues posted outside. There is quite vast courtyard in the temple. There is an old peepal tree on the left and idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman on the right, inside the temple. Inside the main sanctum, one can do darshan of three deities- Maa Kali Devi on the extreme left, the center representing two Netras(Nainas,i.e., eyes) representing Maa Naina Devi and towards the right is the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Nanda Ashtami, a 5-6 day long festival, is a native festival of Uttrakhand. It is celebrated in almost all cities in Kumaon region, but in Nainital and Almora it is performed at a huge scale. Thousands of devotees assemble during the Nanda Ashtami in the premises of Naina Devi temple. Other festivals such as Navratri and Chaitra too attract a massive crowd.
HISTORY
According to the mythology, Sati was the wife of Lord Shiva and daughter of the king Daksha. Daksha was unhappy over his daughter's choice of the husband. So, while performing Grand Yagna, Daksha intentionally avoided inviting Shiva and Sati. Feeling betrayed, Sati threw herself into the fire of the yagna knowing that this would make the sacrifice impure (one of Maa Durga’s 108 names is Dakshyagnavinashini, which means-one who destroyed the yagna of Daksh).
When Lord Shiva came to know about the fate of Sati, he got extremely angry. He put Sati's burnt body over his shoulder and began his tandava, the dance of destruction. Demigods got worried and prayed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu, with his Sudarshan Chakra, cut Sati's body into 52 parts which fell on the different places on the earth to become holy spots called Shakti Peeths.
Maa Sati's eyes fell on the ground where Naina Devi temple currently stands. Therefore, Goddess in this holy temple is represented by her two eyes. The town, the lake, and the temple borrows its name from the same.
NOTE* : There are 51 SHAKTI PEETHs linking to 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. Each Temple has shrine for Shakti and Kaalbhirava. Most Shakti and Kaalbhirava at different Shakti peeths have different names. Bhirava is fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION about NAINA DEVI TEMPLE, (safe pit-stops, road conditions, hotel information etc.), visit:
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Mussoorie, KANATAL - at 10,000 ft.
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For Weekend Hill Stations around Delhi(THE 7 HOURS' DESTINATIONS), visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/weekend-hill-stations-around-delhi.html
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3. CHITAI TEMPLE GOLU DEVTA..the God of Justice
State - Uttrakhand
District - Almora
DISTANCE from
Delhi : 370 kms (approx)
Nainital : 73 kms (approx)
Almora : 10 kms (approx)
ROUTE SUMMARY
Delhi - Moradabad - Kaladhungi - Nainital - Almora - Chitai Temple
Many villages in Kumaon has the temple of Golu Devta. The most popular of them is Chitai Temple. Believed to be constructed back in the 12th century by a general of the Chand Dynasty, devotees visit this temple in large number to offer brass bells and sacrifice goat after their wishes get fulfilled. |
| Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Around 10 km away from Almora and 4 km from Binsar, this is the temple of GOLU DEVTA(also called Golju or Gollu Devta), the local deity of the area. It is believed that Golu Devta was a great warrior. Local folk-artists sing his tales of bravery during various fairs and jagars.
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Golu Devta, regarded as God of justice, is seen as an incarnation of Lord Shiva (in the form of GAUR BHIRAV), his brother Kalva Devta is the form on Bhairava and Garh Devi is the form of Shakti. Golu Devta is prayed as Kul Devta (key deity) in Kumaon and Garhwal region of Uttrakhand.
The uniqueness of the Temple is that disappointed people come here to seek the justice from their Devta. It is believed that with his blessings every honest wish comes true. People come here with their unresolved issues written on stamp papers & request to Golu Devta for justice. Therefore, thousands of bells of various sizes, applications & wish-letters written by the devotees to their Devta, can be seen hanging in the premises of the Temple. During the prayer, Golu Devta is offered Ghee, Milk, Curd, Halwa-Poori, Pakauri and head of Goat. Golu Devta is also offered White Cloths, white pagari and white shawl.
Disappointed justice seekers come here...to the court of God!
FOR MORE INFORMATION about GOLU DEVTA TEMPLE, (safe pit-stops, road conditions, hotel information etc.), visit:
https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2017/12/destination-jageshwar-via-nainital.html?m=1
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| Bajrangbali upstairs...LANSDOWNE |
PILGRIMAGE IN HIMALAYAS - 22 SPECIAL TEMPLES around famous HILL-STATIONS, click here to know more;
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State - Uttrakhand
District - Nainital
DISTANCE from
Delhi : 315 kms (approx)
Nainital : 17 kms (approx)
ROUTE SUMMARY
Delhi - Moradabad - Kaladhungi - Nainital - Kainchi Dham.
On Nainital-Almora road, 17 km from Nainital, Kainchi Dham was built in 1964. The founder of this temple was a Hanuman devotee, Sh. Neem Karoli Baba or Neeb Karori Baba is also known to followers as Maharaj-Ji. He is known outside India for being the guru of a number of Americans who travelled to India in the 1960s-70s. During his life, two main ashrams were built, first at Vrindavan and later at village Kainchi. The Kainchi Dham ashram is where he stayed in the last decade of his life.
Situated at the banks of river Kosi and a captivating backdrop of lush green Deodar forest, Kainchi Ashram is a placed at an altitude of 1400 mts above sea level. Kainchi is a term used for two sharp hairpin bends of the road (in front of ashram) in the local dialect, hence the name "KAINCHI ASHRAM".
Steve Jobs, along with his friend Dan Kottke, traveled to India in April 1974 to study Hinduism and Indian spirituality. They had planned to meet sh. Neem Karoli Baba, but the Maharaj-ji had already died the previous September. Hollywood actress, Julia Roberts was also influenced by Neem Karoli Baba. It's believed that a picture of him drew Roberts to Hinduism. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, influenced by Steve Jobs, visited Kainchi ashram in October 2015. During the town hall meeting with PM Modi, Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) revealed that when his company was going through a rough patch, Steve Jobs (Apple) advised him to visit the temple in India.
HISTORY*
The concept of this place came into existence in 1942 when Maharaj Neem Karoli along with Shri Poornanand of the Kainchi Village proposed building an Ashram here dedicated to Sombari Maharaj and Sadhu Premi Baba who used to perform yagnas in this very place. Later in 1962, their dream materialized and the forest from this area was cleared and a rectangular platform was constructed. After due permission from the Forest Conservator, Maharaj Ji acquired the lease of this land and constructed a Temple devoted to Lord Hanuman over that rectangular platform and adjacent to it is the Kainchi Temple and an Ashram built for devotees.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on KAINCHI ASHRAM, (safe pit-stops, road conditions, hotel information etc.), visit:
https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2017/12/destination-jageshwar-via-nainital.html?m=1
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KNOW ALL ABOUT HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH (safe pit-stops, road conditions, driving experience, altitude, distances, tourist attractions, HOTEL INFORMATION WITH TELEPHONE NUMBERS etc.), visit:
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| NOTE : ALWAYS drive carefully there...remember, mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence. |
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PHOTO GALLERIES
1. NAINITAL & JAGESHWAR...the lake city & the land of Shiva
2. MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI
3. MUNSIYARI...the lofty Himalayan sequence
2. MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI
3. MUNSIYARI...the lofty Himalayan sequence
QUICK READS
Respect Nature. She Reciprocates!
Mountains are the World’s Water Towers. Water, stocked as Glaciers, flows downwards in form of rivers. Besides satisfying our thirst, it also sustains most of the food production in addition to the maintenance of various green belts that generate the basic requirement of our life, the oxygen.
My birthplace, Delhi is a wonderful place, just a few hundred kilometers away from world's most famous water towers, The Towering Himalayas. And whenever we want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city we head straight into the lush green wilds of the Himalayas to breathe easy in the lap of raw nature. With an almost endless list of destinations, blessed with delightful landscapes and colourful trails for all tastes, capacities & capabilities, Himalaya, we believe is the abode of Gods. However, spending time in such serene surroundings brings its own responsibilities too...
...avoid littering around. Use eco-friendly produce during the journey.
* Compiled from Google
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The Himalayan escape...around Delhi
"Tourists don't know where they've been. Travellers don't know where they are going"
-Paul Theroux
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| Wanderer's Wonderland |
* Compiled from Google
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