Yog-Yatra in Uttarakhand

The glittering snowy Chaukhamba peak at a distance, the lit Ukhimath town at night, the calm flowing expanse of Maa Ganga, the spring blossoms and new leaves, snow peaks and deodars from Tungnath top, just a glimpse of each of these was enough to mesmerize us forever.

This Yatra, a pilgrimage infused with Yog, Pranayam, Ayurveda and much more was actually a journey of lifetime. One wise leader and a colourful group of spiritual hopefuls on all sides of age spectrum, we were fortunate pilgrims of this Himalayan sojourn. The pilgrimage started with early morning dip in the divine waters of Ganga river at Rishikesh. And then onwards it was an upward climb till we descended back in our hometowns.

Passing the majestic confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda at Devprayag, where Ganga river is born, the first stop was Dhari Devi, the guardian deity of Char Dham. The Devi has her, open to sky abode in the middle of Alaknanda river. Dhari Devi blessed us with unspoken words which stayed with us throughout just like the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers gave us company in the entire journey.

Ukhimath temple is the winter seat of Shri Kedarnanth and Madhmaheshwar. The stone temple of Ukhimath, painted partially in bright blue, red and yellow stood for the continuity of tradition carried on for ages now. Ukhimath, actually Ushamath, is also place of marriage of Aniruddha and Usha, grandson of Srikrishna and Daughter of Banasura. #ukhimath

Kalimath is one of the 108 Siddha-peeth where the divine energy of Kali manifested herself to kill the demon Raktabeej. The sealed Kund where Maa Kali is resting, gets opened only once in autumnal Navratri. That circular shrine of Kaali, adorned with silk and flowers, the everlasting burning fire in Mahalaxmi temple, the sacred Maha Saraswati temple and omnipresent Mahadev temple, carved in stone, a Bhairav temple few steps up and the river named Saraswati encircling the Kalimath premise, the entrance adorned with small bells , the temple was mystical and magical where you could feel the divine presence. #kalimath

Tungnath , one of the Panch Kedar is the highest Shiva temple in the world, standing tall at 12000+ Feet. The lower mountain path lined with pink red blossoms of Rhododendron, the upper path covered in snow, the trek meandered through snowscapes, high mountains, tall deodar trees overlooking the Himalayan beauty in all its glory. #tungnath

Guptakashi, our place of stay, is nothing short of divine. The old temple of Kashi Vishwanath, with natural springs believed to be waters of Ganga and Yamuna, the temple was abuzz with devotees for evening prayers. It was a moment of solace for all of us to soak in the sacred and vibrant environs of this temple town. #Guptakashi

So many memories and so many insights, the togetherness and bonding with co travellers, the mighty Himalayas, aptly called as abode of gods, keeps calling you silently, the star studded sky at Guptakashi, the top of the world feeling at Tungnath, the Surya namaskar facing the majestic Himalayan ranges, the hours spent on Ganga Ghat, listening to the flow, holding the Aratee, countless such pictures are part of our life now. And the realization that Yog Yatra is the real beginning of the long journey ahead.

#YogYatra #uttarakhand #ganga

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