Saturday, August 29, 2020

Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh have the world’s largest Shivalinga

The Shivalinga at Kardo Village near Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh believed to be the biggest in the world at 25 feet height.

A tree cutter Prem Subba was working in a forest around the Kardo village (on a hill by the same name), about 4 kms from Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh a few years ago. Unfortunately for him, the tree fell the wrong way. When he went down the slope to retrieve it, he noticed a pointed rock sticking out from a mass of mud and shrubs. Upon clearing it, he chanced upon what looked like a Shivalinga, the symbol of Hindu God Shiva.

Not quite sure what to make of it, he brought back the local Hindu priest who confirmed it to be a Shivalinga, made by nature. And thus a holy spot was established. With locals believing it to be the largest Shivalinga in the world with a height of 25 feet and circumference of 22 feet. The site is referred to as Sidheshwarnath Temple.

[Click on any image for a larger view]

No doubt it is an impressive creation, and could well pass for a Shivalinga. A coiled featured going around is seen as the serpent king usually associated with Lord Shiva. Smaller stone formations around are believed by locals to be depicting another Hindu God Ganesha, Shiva’s wife Parvati and their son Kartik.

Whatever one’s religious convictions, there is little to beat the natural setting of this temple; Hindu places of worship are usually marked by crowds and filth sadly. And here comes the tragic part of the story: plans have been approved for a full fledged temple structure to be built around this Shivalinga. A road is already being made to transport materials, some additional Government funding has been approved and donations are being collected. Wish someone would drill sense into the heads of the head priest and others that if this Shivaling is indeed one made by nature, one should not disturb its current state. But big temples mean prestige for those concerned, God’s message be damned.

You can reach this temple after a two hour hike from Ziro. Or take your car (preferably a 4-wheel) up to the road head and take a long flight of steps taking half hour to negotiate.

A view of the base of the Shivalinga at Kardo Village near Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh believed to be the biggest in the world at 25 feet height.

A view of the base of the Shivalinga at Kardo Village near Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh believed to be the biggest in the world at 25 feet height. The stone seen here is believed by worshippers to be depicting Hindu God Ganesha.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

HARMUKH ADOBE OF BHAGWAN SHIVA

Published on June 29, 2020

Vipul Koul Follow

Government Employee

Harmukh Ganga Yatra The turquoise lake of Gangabal, also known as Harmukh-Ganga is situated at the height of around 13500 feet above sea-level. Since centuries, This pious lake has been revered by the Kashmiri Pandits(KP ).The pundits of the Kashmir used to climb-up to the mountain and immerse the ashes of the dead in the lake of Gangabal, and do the obligatory-“Shraddh”-of their ancestors. This lake is as pious as the Ganga at Haridwar.The length of the lake is approximately 3 kms and breadth is around 1 Km. Gangabal finds mention in “Nilmat puran” as well as “Rajatarangini”. Authors like walter Lawrence and Sir Francis Younghusband too have mentioned about holy lake Gangabal and its association with the “Shraddh”.Sir Francis has even mentioned that the date of the annual pilgrimage used to be the 8th day of waxing moon in the month of Bhadra. The Day was also known among the Kashmirian hindus as “Ganga-Ashtami”.Gangabal lake is situated at the base of the mighty Harmukh mountain. The perennial glaciers of the Harmukh are the main source of water to the Harmukh-Ganga as well as Nandkol Lake-which is some feet below the Gangabal.A rivlet joins the Gangabal to Nndkol. Rising close to 17000 feet above MSL, The Harmukh peaks dominate the view towards the north from a great part of the Kashmir valley.According to Rajtarangini of Kalhan, the Harmugh-Ganga was considered among the holiest “Tirthas” of the Kashmirian. The ancient name of the peaks is “HARAMUKUTA” meaning “shiva’s diadem”.Their height is supposed to be Siva’s favorite residence. Hence Kashmirian tradition stoutly maintains that Human feet cannot reach the peaks summit. The gangabal lake at 13000 feet is looked upon as the true source of the “Kashmir Ganga” or “Sind river” or “sindu”. The old name of “Nundkol” was “KALODAKA” or “Nandisaras”, and was derived from the legend, that makes the lake the joint habitation of both “Kala”, i.e Shiva and his faithful attendant-Nandi. From the latter, the whole collection of sacred sites takes the name “NANDIKHETRA” by which “Kalhana” usually designated it. It will be pertinent to mention here that the word-“Hindu” is the corrupted form of the river “Sindu”. The people who used to live on the banks of this river were termed by the foreigners as Hindus. Hence all the Hindus across the world owe their identity as a religious-sect- Hindu to the Harmukh mountain and the sacred lake of Gangabal-the true source of Sindu river.

Rajtarangini mentions, this holy lake was the final goal of the “Haramukutganga” pilgrimage, which used to take place annually in the month of “Bhadrapada”, and used to be attended by thousands of pilgrims. The bones of those, who had died, during the year, used to be deposited/immersed in the sacred waters of this lake.

It is also mentioned in some articles, that ,In earlier times, KP’s used to come here and do the Obligatory “Shraddh”(prayers offered to ancestors) and immerse the ashes of those who had died. Before, immersing the ashes into the lake, they used to stock the water for drinking and cooking, as immediately after immersing the ashes, the colour of the waters would change to Red, (because of some micro-organisms), thus making the waters unfit to drink or cook food in.

Ramradhan is the first pilgrimage centre about 5 kms from Wusan. Then the journey begins to Yamhear which is about 6-kms away. It is a steep ladder-like path and perhaps that is why it is called Yamhear (Lord Yama's ladder). The route is dotted with several other lakes and temples. There is the black water lake known as Bramsaar, Sukhnag, a hot water lake, and Dukhnag where pilgrims take holy dip. The other route is via Narannag on the banks of a rivulet called Krenk nadi where beautiful temples are located. Larakota king Laltaditya Muktapida had expanded and beautified the Jyestha and Bhutesha temples at Narannag. Another 41 km alpine track leads to the Gangbal Lake from northwest Shitkadi Sonamarg via Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake and Gadsar or Yemsar ( Lord Yama's) Lake.

Sir Walter Lawrence, the Settlement Commissioner of J & K State, has recorded about 100 years ago in his book "Valley of Kashmir" that Kashmiris in general believe that there is a mine of jewels and rubies in Harmukh. The inhabitants of the valley believe that wherever the Harmukh peak is visible in the Valley, the serpents of the place happen to be quite harmless, and on the other hand, the peak is not visible the serpents of the locality are poisonous and their bites are fatal. In Illaqa Pulwama where the peak is visible the snakes are quite harmless and at village Lar where it is invisible the serpents are poisonous.

Once a hermit tried to reach the summit of the Harmukh to see Lord Shiva face to face. For twelve years long he tried to scale the summit, but failed until one day he saw a gojar descending the summit. When the gojar approached him, the hermit enquired as to what he saw there. The gojar whose goat had strayed and for whom he had been searching, said that he saw a couple milking a cow and drinking the same in a human skull. They had offered some milk to him, which he refused to drink and when they departed they rubbed a little of the milk on his forehead. As the gojar indicated the spot on his forehead where the milk was rubbed, the hermit was extremely joyful and rushed to lick his forehead. It is said that the hermit got Nirvana and diasppeared from the place, to the entire surprise of the gojar and the gujjar was left rubbing his forehead in utter surprise and in some warm pain.. The legend is known as Hurmukhuk Gosoni.

Harmukh-Ganga pilgrimage was lost somewhere in the pages of History, until, APMCC/HGGT took the initiative in 2009 and re-organized the pilgrimage of Harmukh-yatra after a gap of more than 150 years. Though, a small group of KP’s sometimes used to undertake this journey before 1990. APMCC/HGGT charges only a nominal fee of Rs 100 towards the registration., Once the registered pilgrim reaches the Zeethyar-shrine in Srinagar, he/she becomes the responsibility of the organizers. The organizers of this yatra takes care of the Boarding, Lodging, food as well as the pooja for the “Shraddh” at Gangabal Lake.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Pushkar Spring in Tangmarg By Ashok Koul - February 24, 2020

Kashmir valley has always remained a holy region because of its sacred temples, lakes, springs, caves, mountains, rivers and other places of pilgrimage.

Most of these sacred places are of high religious importance for Hindus in general and Kashmiri Hindus in particular. Kalhan Pandit, the author of Raj Tarangni finds a tirath (Sacred place) after every step in Kashmir.

One of the most sacred tiraths of Kashmir is Pushkar tiraths. It is a holy spring with sweet and extreme cold water.

There are two Pushkar Tiraths in the world, one is at Rajasthan and the second is in Kashmir valley. At both these Tiraths Lord Brahma (Creator) is worshipped. Both these places are situated in the West.

The Pushkar tirath of Kashmir is known to Kashmiri Hindus only and the Hindus of erstwhile (undivided) Jammu and Kashmir. The Tirath yatra of this place is treated as most important and of high religious importance.

As per Nilamata Purana verse number 1396

Venerable sage Kasyapa travelled over the whole earth in connection with holy pilgrimage Pushkara.

‘‘Pushkar Tirath’’ of Kashmir is situated in the west of Kashmir valley in village Pushkar in Tehsil Beerwah, Distt Budgam. The village is named after the name of Tirath Raj Pushkar. The village is situated in between Khag (Beeru) and Ferozpora (Tangmarg).

The literary meaning of Pushkar is (Pokhar) a spring. Puskhar is identified with this spring. Nilmat Puran, Rajtarangni and other historical documents bear a testimony to it. It is said that Kalhana personally visited this tirath. As per his writings, he says thousands of yatris visited this Tirath especially on the auspious day of Pushkar Amavasya, which follows Krishna Janam Ashtami. He writes that as much water flows out of this holy spring which can run a water “Gharat’’.

Presently, the holy spring is of small size but the water is having the same virtues which it had earlier. Prior to migration, an yearly “Hawan’’ was performed by Magam Bangil (Tangmarg) Sabha at the Tirath Raj. Thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the valley used to visit the Tirath Raj on the auspicious day of Pushkar Amavasya. There is no dharmashalla near this Tirath Raj. However due to the sincere and devoted co-operation of local people this need never arose. The local people kept their houses open for yatris and offered milk and other food material to them free of cost.

The yatra starts as soon as Pushkar Amavasya begins, with a holy dip in the holy spring. After the dip yatris start ‘Parikarma’ which starts from the spring and ends at Sangam near village Chhandil Wanigam (Tangmarg). The total distance of the parikarma is about 17 kms. There are 7 stops along the Parikarma.

* Pushkar (Holy Spring)

* Garud Ashram (Natural Water Fall)

* Nagbal (A Holy Spring).

* Hams Dwar (Small Lake)

* Sangam (2-3 Springs, yatris can have ‘‘Sharad’’ at this place).

Local people call this auspicious day of Pushkar Amavasya as Pushkar Divay.

GANGA JATAN OF SRINAGAR KASHMIR by Rajnath Raina (Magam)

Ganga Ashtami or Radha Ashtami.........
8th day of bright fortnight of Bhadun
A fair is held ar Harmukata Ganga where ashes of those who have died during the past twelve months are carried and thrown into the lake there after performing the Shraddha. Another fair is held at Ganga Jatan (Pratapsinghpora) where a bath is taken by the pilgrims in the water oozing out from a precipice there. In leap years the fairs are not held at Harmukata Ganga and Ganga Jatan, but at Sharda and then it is called Sharada Ashtami.

Rajnath Raina (Magam)

Kashmir valley has always remained a holy region because of its sacred temples, lakes, springs, caves, mountains, rivers and other places of pilgrimage.
Most of these sacred places are of high religious importance for Hindus in general and Kashmiri Hindus in particular. Kalhan Pandit, the author of Raj Tarangni finds a tirath (Sacred place) after every step in Kashmir.
All the pilgrimages in Kashmir have extraordinary significance : religious and social.
Every tirath has some natural virtue. For instance, the Holy Spring of Mata Khir Bhawani at Tulmula Kashmir changes its colours naturally. In the Holy cave of Amar Nath Holy icelingam is formed naturally. Similarly at other places there is some definite divine connection.
There is a place in District Budgam namely ‘Gange Jattan’’ near Bunhama village on Beeru Budgam road where water falls in the form of Jattas (jet) only on the auspicious day of Ganga Ashtami while on other days of the year, it remains dry. The pilgrimage of this tirath is supposed to be compulsory for Kashmiri Hindus.
One of the most sacred tiraths of Kashmir is Pushkar tiraths. It is a holy spring with sweet and extreme cold water.
There are two Pushkar Tiraths in the world, one is at Rajasthan and the second is in Kashmir valley. At both these Tiraths Lord Brahma (Creator) is worshipped. Both these places are situated in the West.
The Pushkar tirath of Kashmir is known to Kashmiri Hindus only and the Hindus of erstwhile (undivided) Jammu and Kashmir. The Tirath yatra of this place is treated as most important and of high religious importance.
It is an established saying among Kashmiri Hindus in Kashmiri language that after the death of any individual Lord Dharm Raja will ask some questions to the person in the next world which include:-
* “Hoshi Rastya/Hoshi Rasti, Pushker Chhaka Gamech.’’
* ‘’Laare Ladha/Laare Ladhi Haare Bah Chhaya Kermech’’
* Inder Humlya/Inder Humli Inder Bah Chhaya Kermech’’
* Zange Chatya/Zange Chachi Gang Jattan Chhakha Gamech’’
As per Nilamata Purana verse number 1396
Venerable sage Kasyapa travelled over the whole earth in connection with holy pilgrimage Pushkara.
‘‘Pushkar Tirath’’ of Kashmir is situated in the west of Kashmir valley in village Pushkar in Tehsil Beerwah, Distt Budgam. The village is named after the name of Tirath Raj Pushkar. The village is situated in between Khag (Beeru) and Ferozpora (Tangmarg).
The literary meaning of Pushkar is (Pokhar) a spring. Puskhar is identified with this spring. The Tirath Raj is as old as the existence of human beings in the valley. Nilmat Puran, Rajtarangni and other historical documents bear a testimony to it. It is said that Kalhana personally visited this tirath. As per his writings, he says thousands of yatris visited this Tirath especially on the auspious day of Pushkar Amavasya, which follows Krishna Janam Ashtami. He writes that as much water flows out of this holy spring which can run a water “Gharat’’.
Presently, the holy spring is of small size but the water is having the same virtues which it had earlier. Prior to migration, an yearly “Hawan’’ was performed by Magam Bangil (Tangmarg) Sabha at the Tirath Raj. Thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the valley used to visit the Tirath Raj on the auspicious day of Pushkar Amavasya. There is no dharmashalla near this Tirath Raj. However due to the sincere and devoted co-operation of local people this need never arose. The local people kept their houses open for yatris and offered milk and other food material to them free of cost.
The yatra starts as soon as Pushkar Amavasya begins, with a holy dip in the holy spring. After the dip yatris start ‘Parikarma’ which starts from the spring and ends at Sangam near village Chhandil Wanigam (Tangmarg). The total distance of the parikarma is about 17 kms. There are 7 stops along the Parikarma.
* Pushkar (Holy Spring)
* Garud Ashram (Natural Water Fall)
* Nagbal (A Holy Spring).
* Hams Dwar (Small Lake)
* Sangam (2-3 Springs, yatris can have ‘‘Sharad’’ at this place).
Local people call this auspicious day of Pushkar Amavasya as Pushkar Divay.