Latest news with #PanchKedar
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Ex-BKTC chairman meets CM Dhami seeking conservation of Tungnath temple
Dehradun, Former chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Ajendra Ajay on Monday requested Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take necessary steps for the conservation of the Tungnath temple. Ex-BKTC chairman meets CM Dhami seeking conservation of Tungnath temple Standing at a height of 12,073 feet above the sea level at a picturesque location in Rudraprayag district, the centuries-old Tungnath temple is the third among the Panch Kedar group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The former BKTC chairman who met the chief minister at the secretariat also handed him a letter stating in detail why it was necessary to take steps for the conservation of the temple. Over the last few years, micro-subsidence in the area has adversely affected the structure of the main temple, he said. Cracks have developed between the stones part of the temple structure through which water leaks into the sanctum sanctorum during the rainy season, he said. It is believed that the Pandavas built the temple to please Lord Shiva as he was unhappy with them due to the Mahabharata war. In view of the historicity of the temple and its mythological links, a detailed study of the temple complex was done by the Archaeological Survey of India , the Geological Survey of India and the Central Building Research Institute during his tenure as the BKTC chairman, Ajay said. These institutions as well as the state government had endorsed the idea of the temple's conservation, he said. As the temple committee chairman he had also prepared a comprehensive action plan for the renovation, repair work and beautification of the Tungnath temple and the temple complex. However, his tenure came to an end before actual work could be started on it, he said. Tungnath temple is important not only historically but also mythologically and is also a symbol of India's glorious heritage, he said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Lost in Kanwar noise, devotion to the divine
Let me share three snapshots from the biggest pilgrimage during the monsoon season in North India. Scene 1: Modinagar, Ghaziabad district: The Kanwar procession stood still with hundreds of devotees clapping and surrounding a woman and her physically challenged husband chanting 'Har Har Mahadev'. The reason? This villager, Asha Devi, was undertaking Kanwar pilgrimage carrying her husband on her back. She believed it would not only cure him of his disability but also fetch him a job. Scene 2: Lachhiwala in Dehradun: A large contingent of Kanwariyas is resting with boom speakers playing devotional songs inspired by Bollywood music. A large elephant emerges from the neighbouring Rajaji National Park and charges at them. Utter pandemonium ensues. After flipping a tractor trolley the elephant retreats into the jungle. Wildlife experts say high decibel sounds disturbs the sleep pattern of wild animals, making them irritable and aggressive. Scene 3: Mirzapur: A video of young Kanwariyas in which they are roughing up a soldier has gone viral. The man in uniform isn't giving in. Each time he falls, he gets up to take on his attackers. The video evokes memories of the disturbed areas in Kashmir and the North East. Tell me which one would you like to witness in your neighbourhood. I guess none! I have nothing against the Kanwar processions. I am a Hindu — by birth and in deeds. I have endured long queues leading to the temple in the freezing cold, pouring rains and oppressive heat. I have walked for miles carrying my young children in my arms so they can take a dip at Triveni (the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati). Even today I feel rejuvenated and complete after undertaking the Panch Kedar journey performing the rudrabhishek. I have no doubt that 99% of the people participating in such a pilgrimage are inspired by deep devotion to the divine. Unfortunately, miscreants and anti-social elements are able to muscle their way in such journeys of faith targeting passing vehicles and harassing the travellers, sparing not even women and children. They feel no remorse in attacking places of worship of other religions. Reel makers are a class of nuisance in themselves. They desecrate the pious and holy flavour of pilgrimage with flippant and debased behaviour. They aren't alone in abusing faith, traders and politicians alike treat it like a profitable venture. The state of Uttar Pradesh will go for village pradhan (headman) elections this year. The probables have gone out of the way to not only sponsor a large number of young men to undertake the Kanwar pilgrimage but also organised langars (community lunches) along the way. It has resulted in record crowds at Haridwar. The Uttarakhand government says this year 4.5 crore people gathered to procure Ganga water. Last year, the numbers were at 4.14 crore. It's okay to support the kanwariyas but creating inconvenience for others is where it gets tricky. Spare a thought about the ordeal of those living in almost curfew like situations. Going to school becomes a challenge. Businesses and government offices along the way come to a standstill for a fortnight. Even nights don't offer any respite. Loud music played by kanwariya boom boxes creates intense noise disturbing citizens, pets and wildlife alike. Residences along the Kanwar pilgrimage routes with elderly people in need of a good night's sleep bear the brunt of this loud and very public display of devotion. Newborns and toddlers are subjected to intense stress. The traffic jams caused by the large movement of people is a veritable nightmare for the hospital goers and those running to meet a deadline. Religion means peace and well being, not cacophony and chaos. During the past two weeks, I asked many people and found them to be favourably disposed towards the Kanwar pilgrimage. But they were uncomfortable with the growing new trends around this time of the year. The Supreme Court orders are clear that loud music should stop at 11 pm. But these processions seem above the law of the land. Anyone wanting to lodge a complaint is flummoxed whom to approach as senior police officers in uniform are seen attending and pampering the kanwariyas. Such politicisation of the bureaucracy is dangerous. The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, who has gone the extra mile to make the Kanwar pilgrimage more comfortable and safe, is aware of the deterioration creeping in to the age-old tradition. It's no surprise that he warned miscreants hiding behind the kanwariyas, insisting that everyone's CCTV footage was available. He said those who are trying to malign the Kanwar yatra will be exposed and their posters pasted everywhere. We should remember that apart from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Kanwar yatras are organised in other parts of the country. But these places don't witness such hooliganism. Not only the Kanwar yatra, many religious processions are organised throughout the country on different occasions round the year. Millions attend them but rarely do we witness such chaos and mess. I am reminded of France where once I got a chance to witness a religious procession. I saw thousands of people moving quietly in single files. It set a beautiful example that religion and spiritual peace are complementary. There's no place for noise and nuisance. At that time I thought the oldest religion in the world should also reflect maximum discipline. But why is it lacking? Hinduism and thousands of years of our Hindustaniat (Indian identity) are testimony to the fact that we always deal with our weaknesses and emerge stronger and better. I have firm belief we'll pause, reflect, and recalibrate our approach for restoring the pristine glory of the pilgrimage for present and future generations. Shashi Shekhar is the editor-in-chief, Hindustan. The views expressed are personal.
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Climate
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand: Thousands take holy dip at Pushkar Kumbh in Keshav Prayag
Chamoli (Uttarakhand) [India], May 18 (ANI): A large number of people gathered on Sunday to take a holy dip at the Pushkar Kumbh, held at Keshav Prayag near Mana--the border village of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand--after a 12-year interval. According to a release from the Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office (CMO), thousands of devotees have so far taken a holy bath on the banks of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers. This year, the Kumbh is being held from May 14 to May 26. From dawn to dusk, the ghats of Keshav Prayag resonate with bhajans and kirtans. This fair, organised every 12 years at Keshav Prayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers, is associated with great saints like Maharishi Vedvyas, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya, to whom most people from South India go for bathing. Notably, most people from South India come to bathe during this occasion, the CMO said in a statement. Uttarakhand's official said that the police and administration have ensured effective arrangements for devotees' safety, route management, and emergency services. Earlier in the day, the doors of the sacred Rudranath temple, known as the fourth Kedar, reopened for devotees on Sunday morning after being closed during the winter months. Located at over 10,000 feet in Chamoli district, the Shiva shrine of the Panchkedar group of temples draws lakhs of pilgrims from across the country and abroad every year. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the reopening, saying, 'Today, the name of Rudra echoed once again in the peaceful valleys of the Himalayas!'He praised the religious significance of the event and emphasised the state's continued efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience. The Rudranath temple, nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayas, holds great importance among the Panch Kedar temples. The shrine had remained closed during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government said on Saturday that the helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra have resumed and are running smoothly. The Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began on April 30 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham on Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and rituals. The doors of Kedarnath Dham were opened on May 2, and those of Badrinath on May 4. (ANI)
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand: Doors of Rudranath temple reopened for devotees
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 18 (ANI): The doors of sacred Rudranath temple, known as the fourth Kedar, reopened for devotees on Sunday morning after a period of closure during the winter months. Located at a height of over 10,000 feet in Chamoli district, the Shiva shrine of the Panchkedar group of temples draws lakhs of pilgrims every year from across the country and abroad. Announcing the reopening, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, 'Today the name of Rudra echoed once again in the peaceful valleys of the Himalayas!' He praised the religious significance of the event and emphasised the state's continued efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience. The Rudranath temple, nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayas, holds great importance among the Panch Kedar temples. The shrine had remained closed during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather. Highlighting the government's commitment, the chief minister said, 'Our government is continuously working to make the journey of devotees coming to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand from the country and abroad smooth and safe.' All necessary arrangements including medical assistance, accommodation, and improved road connectivity in the area have been made for the pilgrims. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government said on Saturday that the helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra have resumed and are running smoothly. State Director General of Information, Bansidhar Tiwari, told ANI that the services to the four Dhams, including Badrinath and Kedarnath, are operational from all helipads, including the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun. In a post on X, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami said the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is proceeding smoothly, with over 4 lakh devotees having visited the sacred shrines so far. 'Dear Devotees, Chardham Yatra is being conducted smoothly in the state. So far, more than 4 lakh devotees have visited the Dhams. Heli services for Shri Kedarnath Dham are also fully operational. You are requested not to pay attention to any kind of rumour,' he wrote on X. 'The state government is constantly trying to make your travel experience safe and smooth. For any information and assistance, you can call helpline numbers 1364 and 0135-1364. #CharDhamYatra2025,' he added. 'Every year a large number of devotees visit Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra,' the chief minister said, adding, 'Our government is continuously working to make the journey smooth, safe and well organised,' CM Dhami said. The Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began on April 30 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham on Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and rituals. The doors of Kedarnath Dham were opened on May 2, and those of Badrinath on May 4. (ANI)
News18
29-04-2025
- News18
Heading To Chardham Yatra 2025? Consider Visiting These 10 Scenic Places Near Uttarakhand
Last Updated: Ahead of the Chardham Yatra 2025, here are some scenic places in Uttarkhand that you can add to your list to make your trip even more memorable. As thousands of Hindu devotees prepare for the revered Chardham Yatra, many pilgrims and travellers also look forward to exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness that surround this pilgrimage. The Chardham Yatra, set to begin from April 30, is surrounded by some stunning locations. Whether you're seeking moments of peace before your spiritual journey or looking to extend your trip into a memorable vacation, Uttarakhand offers a wealth of nearby destinations around the Chardham circuit. Auli A famous skiing destination near Joshimath, Auli offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Valley of Flowers National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site near Badrinath, this stunning valley blooms with exotic alpine flowers during the summer months. Hemkund Sahib Located near Govindghat, this revered Sikh pilgrimage site is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and a crystal-clear lake, accessible via a high-altitude trek. Known as the Mini Switzerland of India, Chopta is a scenic spot that leads to the world's highest Shiva temple (Tungnath) and a breathtaking sunrise point at Chandrashila. Just 3 km from Badrinath, Mana is the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border and holds mythological significance from the Mahabharata. Tehri Lake and Dam A great spot for water sports and lakeside relaxation, Tehri Lake also offers boating and jet-skiing amidst stunning mountain views. Rudranath One of the Panch Kedar temples, Rudranath, is a less crowded yet spiritually enriching trekking destination nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayas. Kausani A peaceful hill station known for its scenic views of the Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks, and often called the Switzerland of India. Munsiyari A remote village in the Kumaon region, ideal for trekkers and photographers, with its dramatic mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Located near Almora, Binsar is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife lovers, offering forest trails and panoramic views of the Himalayan range. First Published: April 29, 2025, 15:06 IST
