Trip to Nasik

         Trip to Nasik 

During one of my visits to west region was able to visit Nasik. My visit was coincidence to the start of Kumbh Mela which happens once in 12 years and the Mela goes on for at least 6 months. Nasik is famous for temples, all with a interesting history behind it. 

I was able to visit Ramkund, in Panchvati. There are 5 banyan trees hence the name Panchavati. Here , Lord Rama is believed to have taken a bath here hence,  it is named Ramkund. Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman have stayed here so the place Panchavati has gained holy importance.

In the evening, I visited Kalaram Temple. The specialty of the temple is that it was built with black stones and dedicated to Lord Rama. It is probably the most important Hindu shrine in the city.It also has statues of Sita and Lakshman and Hanuman. The main entrance has a Lord Hanuman deity which is black.

I was able to cover up Anjaneri Phata, Nashik which is on the main road connecting Nasik to Trimbakeshwar. This  is a relatively new Hanuman Temple at Anjaneri Phata with a tall hanuman murti in a sitting posture. Anjaneri is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and named after Hanuman's mother Anjani. One can see the scenic backdrop of Anjaneri Hills covered in mist as I was travelling during the monsoon worth clicking snaps.  One should  visit Anjaneri temple, Anjani Mata temple and the Sita caves which is all close to each other which I could not do so unfortunately.

Another place of holy importance is Trimbakeshwar temple which is some 30 km away from Nasik. This place has the 10^th sacred Jyotirlinga. The unique thing about this temple is that  it has  three faces embodying Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. And also because river Godavari originates from this place. There is always a huge crowd to see the temple and one needs to stand at least 2-3 hours in the queue to be inside the temple. I also stood in the queue for at least an hour but as I was hard pressed for time had to leave in between without seeing for which I did feel bad. But this place is definitely in my list in my next visit.

 

Haridwar Trip-2015

                               Haridwar Trip

I was lucky enough to visit Haridwar  last month during my official visit. In all my  years spent in Delhi was not able to visit any of the north places.

 I  stayed in Hariwar for 5 days and was able to visit Har Ki Pauri.Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the banks of theriver Ganga ,in Haridwar ,  Uttarakhand state in India. This holy place is the major landmark in Haridwar. Har Ki Pauri means Lord Shiva of the steps". Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the Vedic times.
It is believed that it is precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains.There are various small temples within the premises of Har Ki Pauri-Temples of Goddess Ganga, Lakshmi Narauyan and Godess Kali ,Satya Narayan etc.

Haridwar like Allahabad is famous for the daily Aarti that takes place , every morning and evening on the banks of the Ganga.i was able to make time in the evening to witness the Ganga Aarti being performed at Har Ki Pauri. Each evening at sunset , the priests perform Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri . A large crowd of people gather every evening to witness the Aarti ,on both the banks of river Ganga and chant prayers . People also offer flowers and earthen diya- to river Ganga .The diyas floating in the river is a lovely sight.During the Aarti , the priests hold large fire bowls in their hands, singing prayers and the temple bells echoing the surroundings.

It sure is an Awesome Sight. A view not to be missed!!

The other place I visited was Mansa Devi hills, Bilwa Parvat. Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi. The temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. The temple also known as Bilwa Tirth is one of the Panch Tirth within Haridwar.
The temple is known for being the holy abode of Manasa, a form of Shakti and is said to have emerged from the mind of the lord Shiva. Devotees who want their wishes to be fulfilled by Mansa Devi tie threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple. .Once their wishes are fulfilled, people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree.

Mansa Devi Temple can be reached in two ways: on foot or by cable car. Walking requires a one and a half kilometer hike uphill. I definitely Enjoyed the trek which was very rejuvenating and a good workout as it was a steep climb .But one needs to be careful of the monkeys when carrying eatables. One of them grabbed a packet of peanuts which I was carrying , from my hand which was anyways meant for them only.

One can view River Ganga and the plains from atop which is an amazing view.

In the evening after work I would explore the lanes of Har Ki Pauri  trying out various dishes at the local road side Dhabas for dinner- Poori, Kachori, Aloo Tikki, Phulkas, Baingan Ka Bhurta, Gulab Jamoon , Chole, Paratha, Pani Puri ,Lassi, Rabri, Kulfi Falooda. Though I am not much of a foodie but did not want to resist the temptation to try out the dishes.
Yummy it was!!!

 One should try and visit at least once  Haridwar in your lifetime.