BABA'S SUCCESSFUL PILGRIMAGE

Char Dham Yatra
Gangotri Temple

Hindus from all part of the world visit this state for a trip to Char Dham or four religious temples located inside this state. Not only Hindus but all nature lovers visit these places for the scenic beauty of the snow capped hills, rivers etc. The four temples are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. By visiting to these places one will cover most parts of Uttarakhand state and will have a life time experience of Himalayan culture and life style. This religious tour is operational only during April to October months of the year. Out of the four place road connectivity is not there at the last phase for two temples. Read more on this Char Dham tour here;

Gangotri Temple

Gangotri is located at a height of 3048 meter and at a distance of 98 KM from Uttarkashi. This shrine of goddess Ganga is one of the four pilgrim place ( char Dham ) of Hindu religion. It is 228 KM from Yamunotri temple, another pilgrim place of Char Dham Yatra. Uttarakashi is the gateway to Gangtri and there is no other way to reach Gangotri by road. Here road ends and trekking rout to Gomukh starts. Goumukh is the glacier from which river Ganga starts. The temple of Gangotri remains open from May 1st week and closes at 3rd week of October. The exact date changes every year as they are based on the Hindu calendar. It opens on Akshaya tritya day which falls around Ist week of May or before that. The temple closes on Diwali festival day which falls during last week of October. After closing of the temple goddess Ganga is taken to a place located at a lower height than the Gongotri as these areas get heavy snow fall during winter. A causal visit of the temple will take one hour. After Darshan you can take the holly water of river Ganga ( known as Bhagirathi here ), light weight cans are sold here to carry water from Gangotri. At Gangotri hotels are there & there is a small market selling various puja items and other materials. You can stay at Gogotri as there are hotels available. If you are planning to trek upto Gomukh then better to stay at night at Gangotri and start early morning from Gangotri. Take your woolen dress while going to Gangotri from Uttarakashi even for one day trip to Gongotri temple. By Road to Gangotri This road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri passes through many hills and very dangerous road and the driver has to be in alert throughout. Usually it takes 5 hours from Uttarakshi to reach Gangotri with some break for tea and food. There are restaurants available on the way to Gangotri. Most of the time while traveling towards Gangotri, river Bhagirathi will be at your right. There are many villages and one of the small town is Bhatwari. You need to start early from Uttarkashi if you are planning to return in same day without any night stay at Gangotri. Make every thing ready on previous day including fuel. Diesel stations opens only after 6.30 AM. By starting early you can get the advantage of spending more time on the beautiful hill & valleys and return before evening to Uttarkashi. After 8 PM driving is not allowed in hill roads. On the way there are many apple gardens and during the closing seasons of October you can see locals selling apples by the side of the road. Fresh apples available here has some good test with lot of juice & sweetness. There are some view points on the way to enjoy the journey. Snow peak mountains can be seen while approaching Gangotri. There are some bridges joining two hills and rivers flowing at a very low level from the bridges. These breath taking views are not to be missed. Idea and BSNL mobile phone signals are available on the way to Gangotri. Near the Gangotri temple there is a BSNL tower.

Gangotri to GomukhFrom here you can start your 18 KM trek to Gomukh. River Ganga comes out of Gomukh glacier which is at a height of 4225 meter and this is the starting point of the Ganga river. This part of river Ganga is also known as Bhagirathi. The rivers Bhagirathi joins river Alakananda at Rudra Prayag and became Ganga.

Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri temple at a height of 3185 meter is located at the foot-hill of Kalind Parvat ( hill ). Usually the famous Char Dham Yatra ( visit to four pilgrim places for Hindus ) starts with Yamunotri temple. There is a beautiful water fall located back of the temple. Further up by one KM the frozen lake on top of Kalind Parvat is the origin of river Yamuna. There are some hot water springs located near the temple. One of them is Surya Kund. Devotees hang rice or potatoes tied by cloth into this water tank and after it gets cooked they are taken as Prasad. Another water tank is Yamuna Bai Kund, where devotees take bath before visiting the temple. This place is located at the western flank of the famous Banderpoonch peak ( 6315 meter ) Yamunotri temple remains close during winter times. The temple opens at the starting week of May month on the religious day of Akshaya-tritya ( based on Hindu calendar ). It closes on Diwali festival day which fall in the month of October. During the closing of the temple in winter the goddess Yamunotri is kept at Karsali village. The pujari or Pandas of this temple are from Kharsali village. Traveling to Yamunotri templeThere are some different routs but from Mussoorie side the road passes in front of beautiful Kempty fall. After crossing Yamuna bridge the road goes through Nainbagh, Damta, Nowgaon. From Nowgaon the road divides in two, the right side road goes to Barkot, Hanumanchatti ( end of road & starting of trek), Yamunotri and the left side road goes to Mori, Purola, Sankri. The small town of Sankri is popular as base camp for many trekking routs of this area. The road further goes upto village Taluka and then trek route to Hari-ki-Doon valley. You can read more on this section in our Kedarkantha trekking details. There are many photo galleries available in our gallery section on this trek route. Nawgaon is at a distance of 171 KM from Haridwar. From Nawgaon the right side road goes to Barkot ( + 9 KM ). Then the road passes through Gangnani, Kuthnur, Paligad, Sayanachatti, Ranachatti and ends at Hanumanchatti. The trekking to Yamunotri starts from Hanumanchatti. Here there are some private hotels and GMVN tourist rest house is there. Ponies and dandies are available here for the hill route to Yamunotri. In Char Dham Yatra , trekking is required for Yamunotri and Kedarnath temples, where as Gangotri and Badrinath Dham is well connected by road. Out of the two trek routs Yamunotri is difficult one if compared with Kedarnath trek. It will take 6 hours for a normal trekker to cover this hill road. The last half kilometer is of high elevation and most beautiful stretch of the trip. Distance of Yamunotri temple from Haridwar is 279 KM including 14 KM of trek in last phase. From Yamunotri Gangotri is 228 KM.

Kedarnath Temple

Sri Kedarnath temple located at height of 3584 meter is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This temple of Lord Shiva is one of the five Kedars or five Shiva temples of this region. As a part of the famous Char Dham Yatra, this place is third in series as per the popular movement of devotees completing the visit of the four holy places. However some tourist visit this place as part of Do Dham Yatra ( Two pilgrim place tour ) by coving Sri Badrinath Dham along with Kedarnath Dham. Kedarnath temple remains close during cold months. The temple opens during last week of April or first week of May. From May till middle of October the Char Dham Yatra continues. Exact opening and closing dates are finalized based on the Hindu calendar. The month of May & June are the peak seasons for tourist to visit these areas. The temple closes after Diwali festival as the area became inaccessible due to snow flow. During the closing duration of the temple at Kedarnath the pujas are formed at Okhimath. As per the legend the famous Pandva brothers came here in search for Lord Shiva after killing their teachers, seniors and brothers in Mahabharat fight. Lord Shiva unwilling to give darshan to Pandavas tried to escape by taking the shape of a bull. One of the Pandav brother Bhima could identify Lord Shiva among a group of cattle. Lord Shiva in the shape of a bull tried to escape into ground and finally agreed to give Darshan to the Pandav brothers. While escaping the hump alone remain above the ground. Satisfied with the effort Lord Shiva exonerated Pandavas and told them to worship the hump as Lord Shiva. Near this in the same place Adi Guru Sankaracharya constructed the present temple in 8th century AD. Since the hump is worshiped here at Kedarnath, the other parts of the body of Lord Shiva are worshiped at different parts of Uttarakhand and they combined known as Panch Kedar or Five Kedars. The other parts of Shiva worshiped are
Tunganath the Arms ( Bahu )
Rudranath the Face ( Mukh)
Madhyamaheshwar for the Stomach ( nabhi )
Kalpeshwar for the Hire ( Jata ) Sri Kedarnath Dham is located at a distance of 252 KM from Haridwar. The road ends at 338 KM near Gourikund and balance 14 KM is trek route. From Gourikund trek route passes by the side of river Mandakini. Ponies, dandies, coolies are available here for hire for the journey to Kedarnath Dham. From Gouri Kunda the trek of 14 KM to Kedarnath can be covered in 5 to 6 hours. Horses can be used and the rate varies from Rs 600 to Rs 1000 or 1500 during peak seasons of May & June. You can also take horses in one direction only depending on your plan to stay at Kedarnath. You can take both ways ( up & down ) if you want to return in same day. However one day stay at Kedarnath is advisable and all basic facilities for stay are available at Kedarnath. You may have to take extra care during peak season of May & June months. From Gourikunda you can take rain sheet to protect from rain as weather changes frequently. Take your medicines and an oxygen cylinder ( if required ) from Gourikund. These are available at Kedarnath also. Unused oxygen cylinders can be returned to the shop. The price of a small oxygen cylinder is Rs 360/- out of which Rs 300 is returnable if the same is not used. These are the prices of the year 2008. In return journey it will take 3 to 4 hours to reach Gouri Kund. Gourikund the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath Dham can be reached from different direction. One of the frequently used road is from Uttarkashi, Chamba, New Tehri, Tilwar, Agastyamuni, Chandrapuri, Guptkashi, Sonprayag then Gourikund. In this route the Rudraprayag is not covered as the same can be visited while returning from Badrinath Dham. The other route is via Srinagar & Rudraprayag. From Rudraprayag one road goes to Kedarnath and other road goes to Sri Badrinath Dham. Mandakini RiverThe river Mandakini starts from the melting ice of Chorabari glacier near Kedarnath peak. It joins Sone Ganga & Vasuki Ganga at Sonprayag ( 5 KM before Gourikund ). This Mandakini river joins Alaknanda at Rudraprayag. Finally Alaknanda joins river Bhagirathi and became Ganga. Bhaironath temple near KedarnathLord Bhaironath guard the Kedarnath town in winter from evils as the venue is shifted to Okhimath. Mahapanth or road to heavenLocated behind the Kedarnath temple, it is believed that from this Pandav brothers perished to heaven. Here the Samadhi of Adiguru Shankaracharya who died at the age of 32 exists. He established the four Shankarachrya Mathas at four pilgrim places in India. Gandhi Sarovar – Chorabari LakeThis lake at a distance of 3 KM from Kedarnath is also know as Gandhi Sarovar as it received the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi.

BADRINATH DHAM

Badrinath temple is located in a small plain area sorounded by snow capped hills at an height of 3133 meter. This 15.25 meter temple is located by the side of the river Alaknanda ( Rishi Ganga ). Behind the temple there is the hill named Nara Parbat ( Nara Hill ), back of this hill is the snow capped peak of Neelkhant. This majestic Neelkhat peak adds lot of beauty to the surroundings of the Sri Badinath temple. The source of Alaknanda river is Alkapuri glacier located at a distance of 16 KM from Badrinath. It is popularly known as JAI BADRI VISHAL Badrinath Dham is located at a distance of 525 KM from Delhi & 296 KM from Rishikesh. There is no entry fee to the main temple. There is a queue arrangement to handle the devotees during peak seasons. There is a hot water spring near the temple. It is very difficult to walk bare foot inside the temple complex particularly during the starting of the winter months ( before closing of the temple ) for the pilgrims from plain areas who are not accustomed to cold. There are good restaurants available outside the temple. There are many hotels, dharmasalas ( free accommodation for pilgrims ) to stay . Just before the temple there is a big market selling various puja and stationary items. Woolen dresses, handicrafts, gift items, bangles are some of the items tourist buy from here.

Gate Opneing time at Joshimath to travel to BadrinathJoshimath is the entry point for Sri Badrinath Dham or temple town. Badrinath Dham ( temple ) is located at a distance of 43 KM from JoshiMath. The journey will take around two hours. This road is highly dangerous road and traffic is controlled by allowing vehicles in batches from both sides. Timings for vechiles to start from Joshimath to Badrinath is 6.30 AM, 9.30 AM, 11.00 AM, 2.00 PM & last batch at 4.00 PM. At the same time vehicles are allowed to start from Badrinath to return to JoshiMath. Vehicles are to be in queue for upward journey to Badrinath at Joshimath. Same timing is maintained at Badrinath side for down ward movement of vehicles. . After traveling 21 KM from JoshiMatha there is a check post where vehicles from one side is stopped and vehicles from return side is allowed to pass. This is to avoid crossing of up & down vehicles in the narrow hill road. Plan your arrival at JoshiMath to match the gate opening time for batches to travel. While your vehicle is in queue at Joshimath you can have your food and visit the Narasingha temple located by the side of the gate. This is the temple where the statue of Badrinath is brought down during the winter season ( after Diwali festival ) as the Badrinath road is closed as this area became inaccessible because of snow fall and sever cold.

Tapta Kund & Panch ShilasTapta Kund is the name of a hot water spring just by the side the Badrinath temple and Alaknanda River. Pilgrims take a dip here before going for Darsan ( Visit ) to the holly serine of Sri Badrinathji. There are five stones known as Panch Shilas around this Tapta Kunda. There names are Narad, Narsingh, Barah, Garur & Markandey. These shilas or stone blocks have legends associated with based on the Hindu religion.

Neelkantha Peak

This hill at a height of 6597 meter, located behind the temple will never go unnoticed by any visitor to this place. This is a shining pyramid visible from almost all parts of this small temple town of Sri Badrinath. It is advisable to take photo or enjoy the beauty of this snow peak during early hours of the day. This peak receives the first sun sine and it colors changes from golden in early morning to white as the day progress. Afternoon time as the chance of weather change is more this hill may not be visible. This peak is popular among mountaineers.
Mana villageThis village known in Hindu scriptures as Manibhadrapam is located at a distance of 3 KM north of Badrinath Dham ( temple town ). The village is the last village in Indian side of the border. There is a post office and restaurants are there to server you coffee, breakfast dinner etc. At the end of the village the tea shop proudly display the last tea shop of India. It is a different filling to drink tea at the last shop of the country. The villagers mostly Rajputs and Marchyas had lost ties with Tibat. Like others these villagers moves down to Joshimath or Chamoli in winter when thick snow covers all these areas.

Rishi Vyas Gupha ( caves )

There are two caves towards the end of the Mana village one is Ganesh Gumpha ( cave ) and other one is known as Vyas Gumpha . From Mana village climb up the steps and you will reach near these Gumph within ten minutes. This is the cave where Rishi Vyas composed the Mahabharat and gave the words of Lord Sri Krishan in the book Bhagavat Gita. For a casual visitor it will take 30 minutes to go round the village and caves including 10 minutes for a cup of tea. If you have time and energy then you can visit some more places around the temple. Some of them are Sesh Netra, The temple of Celestial Nymph-Urvashi, Chanrapaduka, Braham Kapal ( Here Lord Shiva get ride of the unwanted head), temple of Mata Murti. Carry your woolen ( heavy ) clothes as this place became very cold in afternoon. Occasionally there will be rain or snow fall in the afternoons . If you are going in late October then carry heavy woolen cloths as chances of snow fall & temperature going down is there. It was 9th of Oct when we were there. So evening was bit cold we prefer to stay inside our hotel. There are plenty of hotels of all ranges available in this small temple town. Morning we wakeup to find that there was snow fall in the night. All peaks around us were covered with snow. It was a very beautiful. Our plan was to start at 9 AM as soon as the gate opens so we left for Mana village at 7.45 AM. We left Badrinath Dham at 9.00 PM and reached at foot hill of cable car to Auli ( Joshi Math) at 11.45 AM. There is a strong presence of Reliance at Badrinath Dham town. Reliance mobile (RIM) mobile tower is there and you can browse the internet by using Reliance Data modem card. Other than Reliance BSNL and Idea mobile services are available at Badrinath Dham. However BSNL signal was even available throughout the road upto Badrinath Dham.

Posted by: Sisyanil
Source: india online

Guru Poornima

Baba We wish you a blessed Guru Poornima

गुरूर्ब्रह्मा,गुरूर्विष्णुः,गुरूर्देवो महेश्वरः

गुरूर्साक्षात् परब्रह्म् तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः॥

अखण्डमण्डलाकांरं व्याप्तं येन

चराचरम्तत्विदं दर्शितं येन,

तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः॥

The day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh of the Hindu calendar is traditionally celebrated as Guru Purnima (IAST: Guru Pūrṇimā, sanskrit: गुरु पूर्णिमा) by Hindus. On this day, devotees offer puja (worship) to their Guru.
This was the day when Krishna-dwaipayana Vyasa – author of the Mahabharata – was born. Veda Vyasa, did yeoman service to the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns extant during his times, dividing them into four parts based on their use in the sacrificial rites, and teaching them to his four chief disciples – Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu. It was this dividing and editing that earned him the honorific "Vyasa" (vyas = to edit, to divide).
"He divided the Veda into four, namely Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. The histories and the Puranas are said to be the fifth Veda."- Brahmanda Purana 1.4.21
The spiritual Gurus are revered on this day by remembering their life and teachings.
Seekers try to get as much opportunity to do Satseva of the Guru as possible during this period. As the Guru principle is 1000 times more active during this period, when compared to any other day during this year, the satseva done on Guru Poornima fetches substantial grace of the Guru for their spiritual progress. (Ref : Sanatan Prabhat)
The relationship between the Guru and the Disciple is considered very sacred. This relationship is purely spiritual in nature and is independent of age of the two. It is based on maturity of Gyan (Spiritual Knowledge) and Sadhna (Spiritual Practice). The only awareness that a Disciple should foster is, ‘I should be uplifted spiritually’. The Guru too harbours only one thought, ‘May this Disciple be uplifted’. Relationships other than Guru-Disciple are bound by worldly restrictions wherein the ego constantly manifests itself while Gyan and other Sadhna have no value. Since these worldly relationships presuppose ego for their sustenance, such relationships are albeit false on the spiritual level. (Ref : Sanatan Prabhat)

sabhakti: Radhe Sisyanil/Sashya Salini & Sadhika

Holy Puranas

The Puranas are the richest collection of mythology in the world. The Puranas deal with many religious and moral matters of importance, and document Hindu religious concerns from about 400 to 1000 CE. The aim of the Puranas is to impress on the minds of the masses the teachings of the Vedas and to generate in them devotion to God, through concrete examples, myths, stories, legends, lives of saints, kings and great men, allegories and chronicles of great historical events. The sages made use of these things to illustrate the eternal principles of religion. The Puranas were meant, not for the scholars, but for the ordinary people who could not understand high philosophy and who could not study the Vedas.The Puranas are a class of literary texts, all written in Sanskrit verse. There are eighteen main Puranas and an equal number of subsidiary Puranas or Upa-Puranas.Below is the list of main Puranas -The Brahma Purana - This is in the form of teachings by Brahma to Daksha. This contains twenty-five thousand verses. This is called Adi Purana also. There is a special treatise in this book on Orissa, an ancient holy region of Bharata. There is in this a special annexure explaining the intimacy between Shiva and Surya which is a deviation from other Puranas. Brahma Purana states about a suryakshetra (sun-temple) situated at a place called Konarka near the holy place of Puri, installed there in the year 1241 A.D. If this Purana along with Jaladhenu is given as a gift on the full-moon day in the month of Vais akha (May) the donor will attain heaven.The Padma Purana - This book is divided into six Khandas comprising fifty-five thousand verses. The six Khandas are Srustikhanda, Bhumikhanda, Svargakhanda, Patalakhanda, Uttarakhanda and Kriyayogasara. The Uttarakhanda describes the importance of all months and also the lotus, the seat of Brahma. This contains the stories of Sakuntala and Sri Rama as described by Kalidasa in his works Sakuntala and Raghuvamsa which has made some believe that this Purana was written after Kalidasa. If this Purana is given as gift with a cow in the month of Jyestha (June) it brings prosperity. Contains the glory of Srimad-Bhagavatam; the stories of Rama, Jagannatha, Matsya, Ekadasi, Bhrgu, etc.The Vishnu Purana - This is one of the most important of all the Puranas. This contains the five technical divisions of the Puranas. This is divided into six adisas. This deals with the events of Varahakalpa and contains twenty-three thousand slokas. The theme is the ten incarnations of MahaVishnu. Vishnu Purana is the most ancient of all the Puranas and has got the name Puranaratna (gem of Puranas). The method of narration is in the form of teaching his disciple Maitreya by sage Parasara. Since there is a reference in it to the Maurya dynasty it is to be surmised that this was composed in the first or second century A.D. The narrator himself states thus: "Vyasa an adept in the compositon of Puranas' composed this Puranasarirhita with akhyanas, Upikhyanas, githas and Kalpanirnayas. A Suta named Romaharsana was Vyasa's chief disciple. The broad-minded Vyasa gave that samhita to that suta. Romaharsana had six disciples named Sumati, Agnivarcas, Mitrayus. S`arhsapiyana, Akrtavrana, and Savarni. Of these Akrtavrana, Savarni and 8arirsapayana born in the Kasyapagotra have composed Puranasamhitas. There is yet another sarirhita composed by komaharsana which was the basis of the sarirhitas of his three disciples. I have composed Vishnupurana basing on the above four samhitas." If a man gives as gift a book of Vishnu Purana on the full moon day in the month of asadha (July) with Jaladhenu he will attain Vishnupada. Stories of various devotees; a description of varnasrama; the six angas of the Veda; a description of the age of Kali; description of Sveta-Varaha Kalpa, Vishnu dharmotara.The Bhavishya Purana-This is what is told to Manu by Surya (Sun). This contains statements about future events. The book praises the worship of Surya (Sun), Agnes (fire) and Naga (serpent). There is an annexure dealing with the several holy places of Bharata and the rights of pilgrims. The book contains fourteen thousand verses and it is considered to be uttama (best) to give this book along with treacle as a gift to a brahmin on the full-moon day in the month of Pausha (January). Contains the glories of devotional service; prediction of Lord Chaitanya.The Bhagavata Purana - This is the most popular and widely circulated of all the Puranas. It is dear to Visnu-devotees. Divided into twelve Skandhas this contains eighteen thousand shlokas. All the incarnations of Visnu are described in this. The most interesting Skandha is the tenth Skandha in which the author has described the life and activities of Sri Krishna. There was once a belief that it was Baladeva who lived in the thirteenth century A.D. that had composed this Purana. But this belief was smashed when it was found that Valialasena of Bengal who lived in the eleventh century A.D. had made references to this Purana in some of his works. Bhagavata accepts Kapila and Buddha as incarnations of Vishnu. The Bhagavatam has been translated into all Indian languages. This book has to be given as gift on the fullmoon day in the month of Prosthapada (September). Agni Purana instructs that this book is to be given along with a golden image of a lion.The Shiva Purana - The Shiva Purana has twenty-four thousand shlokas. These are divided into six samhitas or sections. This purana narrates the stories connected with Lord Shiva.The Markandeya Purana - This is one of the ancient Puranas. There are many stories regarding Indra, Surya and Agni in this. This includes a division called Devimahatmya containing praises about the goddess Durga. This contains nine thousand verses and it is considered as uttama (best) to give this book as a gift to a brahmin on a full-moon day in the month of Karttika (November). Stories of Rama and Krishna are also present.The Agni Purana - This Purana was instructed to the sage Vasishtha by Agnideva. There are several references in this to Shivalinga and Durgadevi. The incarnations of Rama and Krishna are also dealt with in this. Distinct from other Puranas this book deals with arts and science like Kavyalankaranatakas (Poems, dramas, figures of speech), Jyotish shastra (Astronomy) and Shilpakala (architecture). This Purana is capable of imparting knowledge on all arts and sciences.The Brahmavaivarta Purana - This was instructed to Savarnika by Narada. The theme is the story of Rathantara. There are four kandas in this Purana called Brahma-kanda, Prakrtikanda, Ganesa-kanda and Krsnajanma-kanda. This deals with Prapancasrsti (creation of the universe). It says that Prapanca is nothing but the Vaivarta (transformation) of Brahman. It is considered to be holy to give this book containing eighteen thousand verses as a gift on the full-moon day in the month of Magha (February).Contains the glories and pastimes of Radha and Krishna.The Linga Purana - This contains instructions of Shiva on Dharma sitting in the form of linga (Phallus). The twenty-eight different forms of Siva are described in this. This contains twelve thousand verses and if this book is given as a gift to a brahmin with tiladhenu on the full-moon day in the month of Phalguna (March) the donor will attain Shivasayujya. Contains the glory of Lord Nrismhadeva; Janardhana; the story of Ambarisha; the glories of Gayatri.The Varaha Purana - The mode of narration is in the form of narrating the story by Varaha, the third incarnation of Vishnu. The theme is about holy places and mantras. It states that the goddess of earth prayed to Mahavishnu and that prayer took the form of a goddess. This book contains fourteen thousand verses. If one copies down this Purana and gives it as gift along with a golden image of Garuda on the full-moon day in the month of Caitra (April) one will attain Vishnuloka. Describes different vratas; Lord Vishnu's glories.The Skanda Purana - This Purana is narrated by Skanda. The theme is the slaughter of the demon Tarakasura by Skanda (Subrahmanya). There is a great similarity between this Purana and the Kumarasambhava of Kalidasa. There are eighty-four thousand verses in this Purana and giving this book as a gift is thought to be good.The Vamana Purana - There is a great similarity between the contents of this Purana and that of Varaha Purana. All the incarnations of Vishnu from Vamana downwards are described in this Purana. The scene of Shiva marrying Parvati is vividly described in this book. This Purana contains ten thousand verses and it is considered to be uttama (best) to give this book as a gift in the autumn season or at the time of Visuva to a Brahmin. Contains the story of Lord Trivikrama.The Kurma purana - This Purana is taught by Kurmamurti (incarnation of Visnu as Kurma (tortoise) while narrating the story of Indradyumna at Patala. All the seven islands and seven oceans are described in this book. Bharata is situated in the centre of all these and is called Jambudvipa. Though it is believed that there were four samhitas for this, only the Brahma-samhita is available now. It includes varagita and Vyasagita. The book is to be given as gift along with a golden image of tortoise. Contains the conversation between Krishna and the Sun-god (mentioned in Bhagavad-gita); Danvantari; Describes the Lakshmi Kalpa.The Matsya Purana - This Purana was taught to Manu by Matsya, the incarnation of Vishnu, The incarnation of Matsya is dealt in this. Several subjects like Jainamata (religion of Jainism), Buddhamata (Buddhism), Natyasastra (histrionics) and Andhraraja-vamsa (kingdom and Kings of Andhra) are discussed in this book. The book contains thirteen thousand verses and this is to be given as gift along with a golden image of a fish at the time of Visuva. Temple construction; describes Vamana and Varaha Kalpas.The Garuda Purana - This is in the form of instructions to Garuda by Vishnu. This deals with astronomy, medicine, grammar, and with the structure and qualities of diamonds. This Purana is dear to Vaishnavites. The latter half of this Purana deals with life after death. The Hindus of north-India generally read this Purana while cremating the bodies of the dead. This has given great importance to the origin of Garuda. There are eight thousand verses in this book. This book should be given as gift along with an image in gold of a swan to get prosperity. Subject of Bhagavad-gita; reincarnation; vishnu-sahasranama; description of Tarsya Kalpa.The Brahmanda Purana - This deals with the origin of the universe as told by Brahma. In the beginning there was a golden egg and the prapanca (universe with its activities) was formed out of it. Portions of Adhyatma Ramayana, references to Radha and Krsna and the incarnation of Parasurama are included in this. This book contains twelve thousand verses and it is believed to be uttama (best) to give this book as a gift to a brahmin. Describes the vedangas; describes the Adi Kalpa.The Vayu Purana - The Vayu Purana itself states that the Puranas were originally recited by the great god Brahma and that one has to understand the Puranas if one is to appreciate the Vedas and the Upanishadas. A person who has learnt the Vedas and the Upanishadas, but has not bothered to study the Puranas, can never be wise. The knowledge of the Puranas supplements that of the Vedas and the Upanishadas. As such, the Puranas contain many stories and history. There is no race on earth that does not have its own history. But the immense volume of the Puranas is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world.

Posted By: Sisyanil

UTTARAKAHANDA CHARDHAM YATRA

UTTARAKAHANDA CHARDHAM YATRA

FROM 1st JUNE TO 30th JUNE 2009:

It was a great opportunity for Baba to reach such a Holy place "The great deva Bhumi". Baba has arranged a package pilgrimage tour for one month Haridwar, Yamunottari, Gagotarri, Kedarnath, Badri Nath, Basudhara, Rishikesh and finally to Shridham Vrindavan. Baba participated in the Shreemad Bhagwat Anushthan by his Gurudev in Badrinath.

Posted By: Sisyanil

Narayan Baba HAS VISITED DIFFERENT PILGRIMAGE SPOT AND SOME OTHER PLACES

NEPAL: Nearly all pilgrimage places of Nepal, namely some of them are like Pashupatinath, Baudha, Swyambhu, Lumbini, Gosainkunda, Pathivara, Manakamana, Devaghat Dham, Janakpur, Jaleshwor Dham, Pindeshwor, Muktinath and Baraha Kshetra etc.

मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरू ।

मामेवैष्यसि युक्तवैमात्मानं मत्परायण ।। गीता ९।३४

INDIA:Different pilgrimage and historic places of India like Haridwar, Dwaraka Nath, Rishikesh, and some particular spots of Kolkota, Hydrabad, Banglore, New Delhi and other different cultural and historic Places including "Taj Mahal" in Nov. 2002 and 2004. As well as he have been blessed to reach with his Gurudeva to the Holy Vaisnava's Dham of Vrindavan, Mathura, Nandagown, Barsana, Gokul on Nov.2002. On this way again he had been to same place with his Swiss friend-Sisya (Udhabsharan) on Nov. 2004.

TIBET: He participated a very nice 14-days package-tour with 21 devotees from different parts of the world to the world's highest sacred land of Tibet in 7-20 August 2002, the sacred Mt. KAILASH and Holy Lake MANSAROVAR from where the Holy Bramhaputra River originates. He visited the Holy lake Mansarovar and circumnavigated the Holy Mt. KAILASH/ SUMERU PARBAT, which absolutely changed the way to look at things...!!! ......................Radhe ! Radhe !!!

EUROPE :

"SORROW AND HAPPINESS ARE EQUALLY SPREAD IN
THIS WORLD IN DIFFERENT FLAVOR, FORM AND NAME"

He visited some parts of Europe on invitation of his Swiss friend-Sisya (Wolfgang Kaufman), from 6 to 29 August, 2005. During those days they, he, visited different places of France, Italy and Switzerland. Paris was the great for him to look the different activities of Metro Train as well as Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, Le Louvre, The Gate of Victory, Versailles Palace, Holy heart Scare Coeur, Center Pompidou etc…. He stayed in Paris for five days and two days in Venice, Verona and Milan of Italy where they visited different part of Venice including San Marco Palace. At Verona he visited different tourist places like Arena, Vie Marazzi and Der Balcon der Julia etc.

Then he returned to beautiful city of Switzerland, Luzern. As according to his understanding before somehow he had thought to visit some parts of Germany and Austria as well, but Narayan Baba felt not to visit any more country if he have already visited places like Paris, Milan, Verona and Venice and if he is already again in the beautiful country like Switzerland. In that understanding maybe he preferred to visit different parts of Switzerland. So he went to Geneva, Zurich and Bern also. He visited some other local areas of Luzern like Seelisberg (Maharshi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram) and the Ashram of Saint Vanja Palmers in Rigi Mountain, one of the nice meditation places in Mountain. He honored the Buddhist Zen Saint Vanja, who had recently saved a bull, named 'NANDI', from being killed from a butcher's hand. There was nice management for him to stay in Luzern at Hotel Alpha at Pillathese Road as well as for Paris Hotel Marchlow near poissonniere Metro station and At Verona they stayed at the Hotel Sanmicheli of Via Vatverde. Udhabsharan managed and guided the whole trip, which Narayan Baba considers a great gift..

SECOND EUROPE :"Narayan Baba visited Switzerland for second time from 19 November 2007 to 17 December 2007. This tour was specially to teach the Bhakti Yoga, Meditation and Kundalini Sadhana tot the western devotees. There he took the Classes on Bhakti Yoga, Meditation and Kundalini Sadhana from 23 Nov to 15 Dec. During the period a Swiss devotee Lalita Manjari had initiation in the traditional family of Nimbarka Vaishnava. Narayan Baba was invited by Buddhist Zen Vanja in his office for Elephant protection campaign where Babaji inagurated the statue of Maha Ganaesh by 1008 names of Maha Ganesh."

Posted By: Sisyanil

ASHRAM OF BABA NARAYANSHARAN

BHAKTI YOG SADHANA ASHRAM (BYSA)

Baba Narayan Sharan with his Sishyas From European World

The cycle of life turns over again and again quintessentially in the search for the place from where one can behold the essence of this ceaseless hustle. What have we got after so much of wars and unrest; upturned relationship and untoward outcome of actions? Life is slowly loosing its natural warmth and converting into robot like. The love and happiness that we possess within is being masked by social expectations and obligations. It is time to wait, and silently meditate within to see what we actually possess. Every being have got boundless energy that gives vitality to the life itself and the circumstances. This is the power of devotion (Bhakti), the unconditional love.

Bhakti Yoga Sadhana Ashram literally means the place to connect with to Almighty by nothing but the complete surrender and devotion. Narayan Baba, the founder of this Ashram, himself is a humble Sadhak (devotee) of Bhakti Yoga. According to him, the sadhak of Bhakti yoga looks normal in the eyes of world. This normalcy and simplicity is the identity of the Sadhak. This is the quality of the Sadhak in this field, ie the Sadhak is nothing special, non superior to anyone. In this Bhakti Yoga Sadhana Ashram, Sadhak can experience the simple way, the way of devotion or Bhakti to the supreme. Beyond this, interested devotee will also experience the light of different aspects of Aastanga Yoga. One can also know about the six cycles of Kundalini Power in this Ashram. When the inner conscience of the Sadhak purifies then the Sadhak can also experience the divine spirituality in the presence of Baba.

There are many instances when different Sadhakas have experienced spiritual benefit in the presence of Baba. Though the matter of special identity in the society hardly makes any difference to the Baba but for the purpose of benefit of the society Baba is ready to present his experience at the risk of his own personal spiritual practice. The Ashram located on the lap of Himalayas is a planned and sustained, environment friendly relating Eastern spiritual sequence comprising the ecological factors from eastern to the far-western region and terrain to the peak of the world Mt. Everest. The centre is fully focused on spiritual behaviors, nature, human attitudes, civilization, meditation, etc.; Nimbarka tradition of Hinduism, hence can be fruitful to those interested to know Nepal and eastern culture within a specified area and short span of time. The Ashram will accomplish through wise utilization of our religious natural resources and sound technology.

The Ashram also plans to provide a pro-active peaceful meditation centre with a glimpse of Lord RadhaKrishna empowered by nature and wild life along with domestic participants.In near future a beautiful temple of Lord Radhekrishna will be built in this Ashram under the guidance of Baba. All the devotees will get Sattwic foods and accommodation facilities within the premises of the Ashram. There will be regular series of prayers and meditation classes and special programs at weekends.

Ashram will have a cowshed where devotees can serve the cows. The Ashram will be according to the glorious tradition of the Nimbarka Sampradaya, a Vaisnava Sampradaya that has mutual respect and relation with other Sampradaya, and this awareness is slowly rising even in Western devotees through Narayan Baba. The philosophy of this Sampradaya is simplicity and harmony with the existence. It never challenges other sects, or any incidents. Since it has the principle accepting 'dual-non-dual' philosophy, other Sampradayas also see Nimbarka Sampradaya with love. Nimbarka Sampradaya has a very glorious tradition of Gurus. This is because the revered Srimad Bhagwat was first told to Shree Narada Muni by the Sanakadik rishis, the first Gurus in Nimbarka tradition, who were enlightened through the Hamsa Bhagwan.

Then from Narada Muni this tradition was transferred to Nimbarka Bhagwan through the divine "Gopal Maha Mantra". So this tradition has authentic relation with Srimad Bhagwat. The devotees of these days are also blessed by the same ancient "Gopal Maha Mantra". This is a great achievement in itself for a devotee of Shree Radhakrishna. Narayan baba is also blessed by this glorious Maha Mantra through his Gurudeva in the Nimbarka Sampradaya.

The Vaishnava way is very genuine path from where the devotee can experience the raising of Prem Lakshyana Bhakti (the fifth Purusartha) of Shree Radhekrishna. The devotee can be blessed when he understands this secret and works accordingly. In this Samradaya the devotees normally have non-interfering relation with the society and the incidents and continue their internal purification silently. It is rare to find the devotee in this Sampradaya who expose his inner experience.

Narayan Baba is among the few devotees who have come forth to try to share his experience to the outside world through this Ashram. The Ashram is expected to be the ideal place for all people interested to acquire knowledge on Nimbarka Family of Hinduism through music, calmness, harmony and meditation and all categories of people of this globe. The Ashram also boasts to provide sound knowledge on Kundalini.

Master Plan

1. Radha Krishna Temple
2. Meditation Hall and Bhakti Kirtan Hall
3. Baba's residence
4. Technical/ operational division
5. Library
6. Natural vegetations
7. Bhojanalaya (Kitchen)
8. Shelter house
9. Cowshed
10. Garden
11. Guest house
12. Water Supply

The Land for the purposed Ashram has been purchased in the beautiful village of Anayakot-9, in the lap of serene mountains, on the tourist track route from Nagarkot to Paanchkhal.

Working committee of the Ashram

Chairman

Baba Narayansharan
Vice Chairman
Sushil Raut
Treasurer
Dhana Maya Shiwakoti
Office Secretary
Deepika Bhardwaj
Member
Bhima Devi
Member
Suneeta Shiwakoti Bhardwaj Raut
Member
Sanjeev Bhardwaj

Posted By: Sisyanil

Devotional Philoshopy of Baba Narayan Sharan

In this web-site there are mentioned seven sutras to understand norms and values of human life. To implement these sutras in life sor to identify the meaning of the sutras one would get more support by this DEVOTIONAL PHILOSOPHY. The detailed explanation of this devotional philosophy is given in a book that is still unpublished. If anybody or any institution wants to publish this book then they can contact us.

HERE IS GIVEN SOME OUTLINE OF DEVOTIONAL PHILOSOPHY

To get the proper understanding why human beings need to devout towards God, first of all we should be clear about why or why not ? In this regard we DECLARE here that the ultimate work of human being is -PROPER DEVOTION TOWARDS THE GOD

According to Vedic devotional Philoshophy there are nine ways of devotion called "Navada Bhakti." . There are nice different example for each of these nine way of Bhakti as following. 1.Shrawan (Pariksyita), 2. Kirtan (Sukadeva), 3.Smaran (Pralada) 4. Padasewan (Laxmi), 5.Acrhan (Prithu), 6.Bandan (Akrur), 7.Dasya (Hanuman), 8. Sakya (Arjun) and 9.Aatmanibedan (Bali)

The main hurdle in the way of devotion is the piles of illusions or so called understanding deposited in our mind from the time immemorial, on the base of which we stand to look upon the things in the world. We think we know something, but in reality the truth is beyond the capacity of human mind. When one realizes this fact then he reaches to the state of devotion. So we suppose to clarify this topic by using both tools, the Mind and the Wisdom. Still the debate will continue to exist in the society forever .....!

Let us look upon some of the debates going on in society today. What comes first? An egg or a hen? Since, it is an argument about material subject, its solution should be deduced according to scientifically proven logics; it is natural for human mind to think this way. Whatever sides have more logic to support, it is considered to be true. SO SOMETIMES THE EGG IS FIRST AND SOMETIME THE HEN.

Similarly, which is first, energy or vibration? Many scholars have thought about it, and many will continue thinking over it. But no one can say that energy comes first or vibration comes first. From the very early time in nature, such questions are raised but the actual answer, without any contradiction, is still not possible, nor will it be in future.

· WHAT IS THE REASON BEHIND NOT HAVING ANY SOLUTION OF THIS SUBJECT WITH SUBJECT ?

The last resort or the base for existence of every subject and object in universe is the subject without subject. When it is seen that every subject without subject is the mother of every other subjects, then it is natural that every subject in universe is controversial. It is so because the base of every subject is contradictory subject of first category.

What is meant by first category of contradiction? Why it has indirectly played omnipresent role in the universe with no any apparent reason? To try to feel this subject less subject is the major duty of Sadhak (student). This is said as the element or the knowledge. Every scripture tries to disclose this mystery and every creature has tried from infinity to analyze this mystery by his own understanding but hardly is anyone satisfied. That, which is not encompassed in any definition, is the natural behavior of this contradictory subject.

In above example, though an egg and a hen both are physical object, there is still contradiction that which is first?

Since this is the contradiction of material level (second category), any scholar can attract the society by giving some strong logics on any one of the above. The society believes in this until it doesn’t find any logic stronger than it. So sometimes the logic support that the egg is first and sometimes the hen. So the series of logics and ideas continue eternally.

Society cannot make a decisive conclusion on the subject of second category. Sadhak should understand the core of this situation of society without considering any logic. If that is not possible then also the Sadhak should stir the deep intellect and meditate on the situation before coming to a conclusion.

This subject with subject cannot be understood by the use of logic and the nature of society to find its solution through the logic given by a scholar is fruitless because when another scholar comes with better logics then the truth established in the society can be turned upside down. Actually this contradictory character of second category is the ultimate subject of mystery that cannot be solved by science. Here the debate within different subjects is the reason for contradiction, but science cannot admit the contradictory character of subject. So again it proves that this debate doesn't lie in the working field of the science.

It is already shown that since this is the contradictory subject of second category, it cannot be proved by science. But also the relative objective proofs and logic are thought to be necessary for understanding it because the society assumes to find its solution with relation to these logics, due to which the piles of assumptions are deposited in the understanding of society without finding any proper solution to the mystery.

The one that has infinite manifestations and quality but is considered to be quality less and beyond qualities, the one that is omnipresent but is not seen anywhere, the one that does every activities but is considered to be non-doer, the one that has created this universe but is considered to be non-possessor, the one that is not relative of anybody but is considered to be in heart of everybody, the one that is overlooked by everybody but is considered to look after everybody, the one that is base of existence of universe but is considered independent, that one is the element of contradiction. Not only this much, it is the contradictory in contradiction. Not even this, it is everything but nothing. What is it? What is not it? It is no subject anymore!

Meanwhile there is no any intention to get fame or prestige in the society by publishing this book. The only objective of this book is to solve the illusions that are prevailing in the present society and make peace in the society. It may help to uplift spiritual and mental situation of the individual. Let human civilization read it, contemplate over it and think about it. Then it can be their friend. This would be great thing for us. There are some shortcoming in the way of expression in this book. That is the expressions in this book are based on certain religious community but readers should take them in broad sense encompassing every existing religion and culture. Like we all know that the truth is one but we try to express it on the base of local language and situation. Due to this reality, one should not narrow the range of this thoughts because of some words used in it. Rather one should think over the thought behind the expression of the words used, how these thoughts can be beneficial to human community, one should think over it.

This book is divided in mainly two parts. In the first part there is philosophical analysis about different aspects of human life while in the second part there is explained about the actual understanding of human life and the ultimate result of the human life. Saying it in one sentence, the second part is the ultimate target of human life and the first part is the seven arrows to aim the target. Today, man can read many books and it is yet another book that one can read, rest depends upon the thought of the reader.

This philosophy doesn't want to challenge your current culture and religion but gives the suggestion to understand the norms and values of your culture and religion rightly. In this way you can do the right justice to yourself and liberate yourself.

Posted By: Sisyanil (www.radiokat.wordpress.com)

Source: www.babanarayan.org/devotional.php

हरेर्नामैव नामैव नामैव मम जीवनम्

Biography

http://www.babanarayan.org/

नमो भगवते तुभ्यं वासुदेवाय धीमहि ।

प्रद्युम्नायानिरूद्धाय नमः सर्ङ्कष्ाणाय चः ।।

Narayan Prasad Shiwakoti, was born at a cow shed of Eastern Hilly district of Terathum, Nepal, on the 3rd of July, 1963 or 19th Ashad 2020 BS (Bikram Sambat) - Ashad Sukla Dwadashi Tithi, Anuradha Nakshetra, Singha Lagna, Bipra Barna, Dev-Gana, (astrological description of birth) as the first child of mother Bhima Devi and father Late Nanda Lal.
He cried very much after his birth, so he was taken to Holy Pathivara Temple, which is situated above 13000 ft. on the lap of Himalayas. After darsan (sight) of the Holy Pathivara he stopped crying. He moved to Charpane village of the south-east Terai belt at the age of 6 yrs with his parents and completed his secondary level of school there. From his early childhood he was curious and questioning about the philosophy of life

After completing secondary level, he came to Katmandu to proceed on his higher studies in Law. It was hard for a student with background of middle-class farmer's family to fill up the expenses. Moreover his father had already left his physical body before his arrival to Katmandu. At the early stage of living in Katmandu he had also a common thinking like other social people used to think. On this way somehow he had an idea to be a famous advocate and have nice house, family life and physically enjoying different ways like other common people think. He had even try to attempt to get achievement on that way for couple of year.

After all deeply observing the real scenario of social understanding, after all, he was attracted towards the devotion for the God. As like natural gift, he always liked and looked up on devotees, saints or monks. Although by birth he belongs to Hindu religion and culture, still his understanding is beyond the barrier of religion or culture. Till the time he completed his Bachelor in Law and became qualified for a profession in Law, he already started to feel Bairagya (material renunciation). He practiced law for 2 years then left the profession. Until this time there had occurred vast change within him. Coincidentally, a pro-democratic moment was taking its place in Nepal. He wrote his first book about the martyrs in the moment, which encouraged him in the field of writing. After that, he got some other incidental opportunities to write few more books. Along with those incidents, his mind meditated and became devoted towards the spiritual.

On this way of Sadhanas (Spiritual way of practice), from 1990 he started fasting (take fast for Spiritual purpose) and Parayan (Holy reading) of Holy Bhagwatam (devotional scripture about the meaning of god) on every Holy Ekadashi (11th day after every no-moon and full-moon day) day with deep love. During a night in 1996, he had a dream where he got the Darsan (Sight) of Bhagawan (Bal Krishna /God). He considers because of that dream he met his Guru. After sometime he became inaugurated through his teacher by the GOPAL MAHA MANTRA (A special uttering for secret pray of Lord Krishna) in Jystha Sukla Nirjala Ekadashi in 2053 Vikram Era, or in 1997 AD. according to the tradition of Nimbarka Sampradaya (A spiritual school which has been found by Holy Nimbarka Muni five thousand years before and he shown the Vaisnava path accepting the 'DUAITAADYAT PHILOSOPHY' ( To accept dual and non-dual equally). He was then named Narayansharan by his Spiritual teacher (Gurudev). Later on, his disciple and other people started calling him as Narayan baba.

Sushil Raut, Capital Reporter