5 Most Famous Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
Aundha Nagnath:
(image courtesy:ghumakkar.com)
Among the twelve Jyotirlinga [Radiant Sign of The Almighty Shiva] of India it is situated in Hingoli district in the Maharashtra state. It is also believed and said that the temple of Lord Shiva have been built by Yudhishthira, eldest of the Pandavas during thier 14 years of exile. The temple is built in Hemandpanthi style of architecture.
How to reach:-
Nearest railway station:- Chondi, 21 km away. 
By Road :- Well connected to other cities of the state.Bhimashankar:
Located in small villiage called 'Bhojgiri' which is approx. 50 km northwest of Khed, near Pune district in Maharashtra state is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India. Built in the Hemadpanthi style in the mid 18th century The temple is always crowded with devotees, especially during the Mahashivratri festival.
How to reach:
By Road:- Well connected to Mumbai and Junnar through other cities of the state. You may choose to hire a cab to Bhimashankar from Pune city, railway station or airport.Parli Vaijnath:
(image courtesy:wikipedia.org)
Situated on a hill that faces towards the east in Parali in Beed district of Maharashtra state. Though the exact date of construction is not known but it believed that the temple is belongs to 12th or 13th century. On Gudi Padawa, Vijaya Dashami, Tripuri Pournima and Mahashivaratri big celebrations take place.
How to reach:
Nearest railway station:- Parali 2 km away from the temple. By Road:- Parli is well connected to Latur, Parbhani, Nanded, Aurangabad, Hyderabad and Pune.
Trimbakeshwar:-
(image courtesy:wikipedia.org)
Trimbakeshwar one of the 12 Jyotirlinga located 28 km from the Nashik city and near Brahmagiri mountain where the holy river Godavari originates. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. It is said that Nanasaheb Peshwa had built this temple.
How to reach:-
Nearest railway station:- Nashik road railway station 24 km away.By Road:- Well connected with Mumbai, Nashik city, and Aurangabad. Either you can hire a comfortable chauffeur driven cab or state transport bus service to reach Parli. Grishneshwar:-
(image courtesy:ddasedEn)
Known as the 12th Jyotirlinga shrines situated in a Verul a small village which is 20 km away from Daulatabad and 30 km away from Aurangabad city.
Ahilyabai Holkar constructed current existing temple. The temple is beautifully structured and has Garbhagriha, beautiful statutes carved pillars.
Nearest Airport:- Aurangabad airport is 29 km away. Then from their you can opt taxi services to reach Grishneshwar according to your travel needs.
Ahilyabai Holkar constructed current existing temple. The temple is beautifully structured and has Garbhagriha, beautiful statutes carved pillars.
How to reach:-
By Road:- Well connected by road to Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune and Jalna.All the roads to reach these places are comfortable to travel and hiring a chauffeur driven car rental is ideal if you prefer to make your way around these places without the hassle.
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
6 Best Places in India to Welcome New Year
As we approach the end of the year, it's obvious to start planning ahead to enjoy this occasion with dear and near ones. Many of you might be already planning many things but here we present a list of some of cool and beautiful getaways to celebrate wonderful New Year's Eve for those who like to make this time awesome away from their homes and city.
Goa:-
No doubt for all occasion and celebration goa is the first choice of many of you and why not be. Goa has beautiful beaches, awesome places, pubs,lounges and best venues to celebrate new year's Eve.
Goa is easily accessible by air, road, and rail.
Nearest airport : Dabolim which is approx. 29 km away from Panaji. You can opt trusted cab rental in Goa through online booking prior to your arrival.
By Rail: Margao and Madgaon are two important railway station in Goa.
By road :- Kadamba bus stand in Panji is convenient and connected to all major cities of other states.
Goa is easily accessible by air, road, and rail.
Nearest airport : Dabolim which is approx. 29 km away from Panaji. You can opt trusted cab rental in Goa through online booking prior to your arrival.
By Rail: Margao and Madgaon are two important railway station in Goa.
By road :- Kadamba bus stand in Panji is convenient and connected to all major cities of other states.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands:-
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| (image courtesy:holidayindia) |
Nowadays Andaman and Nicobar islands a landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza, quaint beaches is emerging as one of the best Eco-friendly tourist destination and if you want to spend your new year Eve time relaxing then it will be the best choice and idea for you. Apart from that you can also enjoy Scuba Diving & Snorkelling, Elephant Safari, Trekking, Island Camping in Andaman and Nicobar.
Mumbai:-
The city of Dreams and blaze also to be considered as one of the best place to celebrate new year Eve party. The city becomes even more dazzling and alive during the festival and celebrations. Mumbai host many events to welcome new year in it's own style.
Shillong :-
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| (image courtesy: wikipedia) |
The city known as the 'Scotland of the East' can be a best place to celebrate your New year Eve. Apart from the usual beaches and water sports activities the picturesque views and tranquil beauty of Shillong's surrounding will definitely add some of the most cherished moments in your celebrations.
Jaipur:-
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| (image courtesy: Indiatravel) |
Jaipur is one of the most preferred place to celebrate New year and Christmas vacations and because of it's something special events, entertaining activities and grand royal style celebrations.
A visit to Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar-Mantar, Abhaneri Step Well, Galtaji Temple, and Jaigarh Fort could make it a perfect destination for you to welcome the New Year.
Kerala:-
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| (image courtesy: justkerala.in) |
You will have many options to start and celebrate New year with more than just a party if you plan to visit Kerala also known as 'God's own country' . Here you will find the plenty of destinations to celebrate in tranquil style.
It would be truly a blissful experience to welcome the new year with all the Kerala's picture perfect places with exotic scenery, unique dishes and backwater.
Apart from these places tell us which is your favorite city or travel destination to celebrate a new year.
Clear Car Rental wish all readers a Happy New Year 2019.
Tag :
Eat Stay and Shop,
5 Reasons Why You Should Book a Car in Advance
Festivities about to begin and millions of people working out of their hometown are started heading their home to celebrate it in a grand way and of course the rush greatly affect transportation problems, especially on the public transportation services.
But fortunately we have an option to secure and book a cab or travel online easily and people also finding it more convenient than travelling through any other modes of public transportation. If you too are planning to visit your hometown or any holiday destination in this season then you can drag yourself away from this holiday rush by booking early now.
But fortunately we have an option to secure and book a cab or travel online easily and people also finding it more convenient than travelling through any other modes of public transportation. If you too are planning to visit your hometown or any holiday destination in this season then you can drag yourself away from this holiday rush by booking early now.
And here we are giving 5 reasons why you should book a car in advance:
1. Save Time and Research more exciting things :
Once you have confirmed that where you are going and booked it in advance then it will be easy to look forward to plan many other things such as What to pack?, Exploring the destination and routes, local entertainment listings and many of things so you can really make the most of it all.
2. Get you to your destination for less :
Ahead of the festive season, fares will be higher than usual so travel experts suggest making reservation as far in advance as possible so you can get the best rate.
3. Better chances of More Choices/Options:
Early booking or reservations will get more choices. First of all is that you have the best chance to travel on the date you want and second is it gives you an option to compare and choose a best suitable cab, accommodation and your next travel plans according to your requirements in the best price.
4. To Avoid Disappointment :
Many a time you might experienced of no availability of seats or tickets at the end moments, so it's good idea and suggestion to book early all your travel plans to avoid disappointment.
5. To Avoid Cancellation charge :
Generally according to cancellation policies of most travel companies, if a traveler cancels 24 hours prior the pick-up time, he/she will be charge a cancellation penalties. But if you’ve made a cab booking well in advance and your plans change and you have to cancel your booking, you will be aware in advance what charges you are likely to be faced with.
What do you think about booking a cab in advance? Share your opinion with us here!
Tag :
Travel Tips,
9 Colours of 9 Days of Navratri Festival in 2020
Navratri's Nine Colours And Their Significance
Navratri a nine days festival of worshiping Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations. Navratri is a combination of two words 'Nav' and 'Ratri' which literally means 'Nine Nights'.
Now the Navratri begins this year from October 17, 2020 and everyone is getting busy with purchasing the best combinations of colors to immersed in festival fever and pandal hopping for Garba and Dandiya with family and friends by following the Government issued SOPs. If you are planning to head to visit your desired Pandal or place and want to be a part of celebration then go ahead with on time and affordable car rental services in your city.
This year, Navratri celebration won't be the same because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be a smaller celebrations yet the spirit shall remain the same. People are looking out on traditional way of celebrating festivals.
During this festival mostly devotees are excited to wear nine different colours of dress which signify that particular form of the deity on each day of the festival. Here is the list of nine different colours that are supposed to wear on different days of Navratri.
Day First: Gray colour
First day of Navratri is called as 'Ghatasthapana'. The day is dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri and the colour to wear on the first day for devotees is "Gray"
Day Second: Orange colour
Second day of Navratri is called as Dwitiya and on this day 'Goddess Brahmachari' is worshipped. the colour to wear on the second day for devotees is "Orange"
Day Third: White colour
Third day of Navratri or Tritiya is dedicated to 'Devi Chandraghanta' she symbolizes spirituality and meditation and the colour to wear on this day for devotees is "White"
Day Fourth: Red colour
On the fourth day, the crator of the universe 'Godess Kushmanda' is worshipped. The colour to wear on this day is "Red".
Day Fifth: Royal Blue colour
'Goddess Skandamata' is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. The colour to wear on forth day of navratri is "Royal Blue"
Day Sixth: Yellow colour
Goddess Katyayani the sixth incarnations of Devi Durga, worshipped on the seventh day of Navrartri and "Yellow" is the customary colour of the eighth day of Navaratri.
'Goddess Kaalratri' seventh incarnations of Godess Durga is worshiped on this day of Navratri and the colour to wear on is "Green"
Day Seventh: Green colour
'Goddess Kaalratri' seventh incarnations of Godess Durga is worshiped on this day of Navratri and the colour to wear on is "Green"
Day Eight: Purple colour
Goddess of kindness and morality known as 'Devi Maha Gauri' is worshipped on the Eighth day of Navratri and "Purple" color to be worn on the day.
Day Nine: Peacock green colour
Goddess of supernatural power 'Devi Siddhidatri' is worshipped on the Ninth day of Navratri and the colour to wear on the first day for devotees is "Peacock green".
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
5 Famous Ganpati Idols to Visit in Pune During Ganesh Festival
Ganesha Chaturthi also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' is the important Hindu Festival celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha. The celebration has a long history and roots since the days of Maratha rulers. Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak initiated this festival as a public festival in 1894 with a view to uniting citizens and strengthen the patriotic fervour in Indians.
While it is celebrated all over India, Pune is said to have it's own traditions to celebrating this festival with great pomp and gaiety where the festival actually started.
The city has the five Manache (Respective) Ganesh idols where you have must visit during Ganesh Utsav.
1. Kasba Ganapti :
Kasba Ganpati
( image credit: flickr)
image credit:
image credit:
Located in the heart of city at Kasaba Peth, it is also known as Gram Devta of Pune and the temple was built by 'Shivaji Maharaj' and 'Jijabai Bhosale'.
2. Tambdi Jogeshwari :
Tambdi Jogeshwari
( image credit: google)
It is supposed to be a oldest temple in Pune, established in 1893. It stands second privileged Ganpati idol of Pune after Kasba Ganpati Mandal.
3. Guruji Talim :
Guruji Talim
(image credit: plus.googleapis.com)
It is the third respective Ganapti idol in pune Located at Laxmi Road. the Guruji Talim Ganpati mandal was started by two Hindu and two Muslim families in 1887 even before Lokmanya Tilak started this Sarvajanik Ganesh utsav and hence it's considered as a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity.
4. Tulsibaug :
Tulsibaug Ganesh Idol
(image credit: wikipedia.org)
It is fourth respective Ganpati idol in Pune Located at Tulshibaug. which was established in 1901. This mandal is amongst the first who Glass establishing Fiber statue since 1975.
5. Kesariwada Ganesh Mandal :
Kesariwada Ganesh
(image credit: wikipedia.org)
Lokmanya Tilak established this idol in year 1893 in Narayan Peth, Pune. It is revered of known as fifth respective Ganapati idol in Pune. Lokmanya Tilak started this festival with the motive of to enhance the sense of belongingness as well as togetherness among the citizens and still the mandol takes large cultural and educational events and concentrates more on social work.
Along with these you can also visit Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati idol the richest Ganesh Mandal in the city which was established in the year 1893.
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati idol
(Image Credit: bhaskar.com)
How to reach Pune :-
Pune is well connected by air, rail and road to other major cities in India.
Nearest Airport :-
Lohegaon airport where you can get a transfer taxi to reach the city.
Nearest Railway station :-
Pune junction is an important station of Central Railway Zone.
Bus Stand:-
Shivajinagar and Swargate bus stand. The city is easily accessible by state transport buses or rental cars from major cities such include Ahmadnagar, Aurangabad and Mumbai.
If you are planning to visit to Pune to experience immense fun then we suggest that there’s best way to rent a car for the utmost convenience and safety travel to Ganesh festival.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
When should a travel agent proceed for an Car XML API Integration?
Dear future online partners,
Greetings from team Clear car rental Pvt Ltd!!!!
For those of you who might not be aware (or) have reached us for the first time -
Clear car rental Pvt Ltd is India's largest (in terms of reach) on line car aggregator providing car rental services in more than 250 Indian cities and covering more than 5000 Indian locations & also assists renowned Indian travel brands on car rentals.
Clear car rental also offers it's XML car API's to individual web developers, web development companies who wish to integrate them for their clients (or) even to travel agents who wish take their travel business online while adding a PAN India online cab booking module.
API stands for Application programming interface.
Any API integration offers the convenience of building your own web applications using the data which is sourced by some one else.
In case you are new to API's please do refer The 60 seconds guide to understand API's
An API integration can be said more or like to be an avenue where in you can make different travel services available & for sale for your online target customers. The inventory of services on your online shop (your website) may be procured from different XML feed providers.
When should a travel agent proceed for an API Integration {Car API integration}?
1) A travel agent is exploring options to take your travel business on the web (build a website) so that the services he plans to offer are accessible 24X7.
2) A travel agent plans to launch his new travel portal while offering the convenience to its customers book online different travel services.
3) A travel agent plans to add more travel services to his existing basket of online travel services.
4) A travel agent has built his own strong agent network of associates in different cities in India & would like to offer them an standard online system using which they can book different travel services.
For any (or) all the reasons mentioned above an API integration will be needed.
(Although not mandatory) but a travel agent having a long experience & ready relationships in travel trade may help his online travel project get a boost.
Find more information on the XML car API by Clear car rental Pvt Ltd here
It is great to share that we have our online partners (those who have integrated our XML API) almost in all zones of India.
Feel free to reach us with any queries at nikhil@clearcarrental.com you may have on our car rental XML API & we would leave no stone to assist you the best of our capabilities.
Wishing you business success always!!!
Team Clear car rental Pvt Ltd.
Tag :
From Team,
Kailas Manas Sarovar Yatra series - 9
Was it a dream?!
Even now, at the time of writing this, I recall that experience. What was it that I had gone through? How do I describe it to my folks at home? Was it just about the hardships of an adventurous trekking that I am going to narrate? Or about the beautiful landscape? Or about being able to reach the abode of gods and goddesses? Or about securing a place in the list of those luckiest people who could unload all their sins? Any attempt to give a description of that experience would fail. The pain of giving birth to a baby could not be explained in words, just like the joy of touching the feet new born baby. Whatever may be the name of that place…..I call it the womb….womb of the infinite-the unbound-the formless-the nameless-the omnipresent-the un-manifested in the manifested universe.
We had
very little time to spend on the top of Drolma La. Neema hurried us
to move on. It might turn out to be fatal for vulnerable people. I
rushed to my camera, took a few snaps. I was unable to hold the
camera, hands were shaking. Entire valley was covered with fog.
Colorful prayer flags had provided wonderful contrast against the
background of snow covered valley. We had to move from there, we
started descending on the opposite side.
While
descending, we saw the Gauri Kund. It is a small pool of water that
is supposed to be the place where goddess Parvati (Gauri) is said to
have done penance for Lord Shiva. It is situated on a bit lower
altitude than the Drolma La. We crossed a frozen river stream after
that. After about half an hour we descended and reached the plains of
a river stream. We stopped at a tiny restaurant like thing to have
our packed lunch consisting biscuits, fruits and bread. We had to
complete, again about 22 km trek to reach our camp at Zutulpuk.
However, it was on a plain path we had to walk by the side of an
unnamed river stream.
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| Gauri Kund (image credit: Prajna LS) |
Ponies
had arrived there already with their masters for those who had
booked. A fellow traveler, he was the youngest of all in our team,
was suffering from severe sickness. He was brought to the camp in an
ambulance later. It was a terrific walk. I was lagging behind. I had
no energy left to walk. Luckily, looking at my condition, Neema
Sherpa and also Veerbahadur Sherpa took great care of me till I could
reach the camp. The cute looking Veerbahadur used to cheer me up in
between, he made me to drink glucose water, asked me to sit and take
rest and made me to move again…like a kind friend.
I recall
it was like a walk in the oblivion, as if it were a sleep walk. I was
feeling very drowsy. It is a symptom of altitude sickness. In that
delusive state of mind I had tried to recall the faces of our elder
team mates one by one. Then, realized they were on ponies. Huh. But,
not all were. Narayan uncle and the father of Doctor Shailaja were
also coming by foot. No idea how they were, where they were…Veer
Bahadur cheered, “We have almost reached, don’t worry”. He was
just consoling my mind, I know.
It was
raining by the time we reached. Must be around 7.30 pm we had
reached. My folks at the camp were worried for me. They didn’t
know for whom the ambulance was sent. Veerbahadur held my hand in a
majestic way and dropped me at the door of our allotted room where my
folks had been resting!! I just threw out my shoes, rain coat and
jacket and lied on my bed, I was drenched in sweat.
Third
day!
Next
day morning we walked for about 2-3 hours. It was damn easy compared
to the second day! We were feeling very light and were excited. It
was drizzling and after sometime we could see tiny-tiny snow flakes
settling on our rain coats. The entire valley looked fabulous. I told
my aunt that we are blessed by Bhagwan through snowfall!
There
is a small mound to mark the completion of Kailas Parikrama. We
reached there and it was the end of our great venture. We could see
our vehicles at that point. Drove back to Darchen, and after lunch
the group proceeded towards Saga. From saga we came to Nyalam and
from Nyalam we crossed the Friendship Bridge (at Kodari) again to
reach Kathmandu.
When
I reflect upon this particular experience of mine, all seems like a
dream. A dream sent by the ‘un-manifested spirit’ to illustrate
the hardships of realising the ‘sublime’.
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| image credit: Prajna LS |
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Kailash Manas Sarovar Yatra Series - 8
Kailas Parikrama –Drolma La Pass!
We had walked about 12
km in the rugged terrain of Kailas circuit to reach Dirapuk from
Darchen. Mount Kailas is seen from a very close distance here. We
were overwhelmed, excited and content. Dirpuk is located at 4, 600
meters above the sea level. Altitude sickness gets severe from here.
We rested in tin sheds after initial excitement of passing the first
stage of Kailas Kora.
Accommodation at
Dirapuk, or at Zultulpuk is getting better year after year, I think.
As we heard the experiences of those who had gone earlier, there used
to be tents. Now, the Chinese Government has built tin sheds
providing space for 4 members each in rooms. 8/10 rooms have been
constructed. We didn’t see any latrine there. We had to use open
space for the routine.
My aunt, uncle and I
were little anxious, since my brother and his wife had not arrived.
They arrived an hour later and we were quite relieved! Soon the
shades of evening turned black and we were desperately waiting for
the soup to be served. It was not hunger, I guess, we needed
something hot, very hot. We sipped soups as if we had been starved
for months together.
Climate at Dirapuk is
quite uncertain. It can rain anytime, and sometimes even snowfall
occurs. One can’t be sure of second day parikrama. Sherpas judge
the climate condition and advice accordingly whether to proceed or to
return. Despite Diamox intake we were feeling nausea, headache, and
body temperature. That night, we could not eat much. I had gulped a
tablet for fever, and at about midnight I was drenched in sweat. It
was pouring outside! Ohh…good sign. I was wishing for the
announcement of our return due to bad weather. Delusions of dark
hours!!
 |
| Image credit:Prajna LS |
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| Image credit:Prajna LS |
Second Day was broken
amidst fog and slight drizzles. Sherpas were confident of moving
further and asked us to get ready. Those who feel very sick can
return from Dirapuk, they advised. “Himmat Rakhkho…Himmat se kaam
chalega” said Sangya Sherpa with a naughty smile. The Sherpas had
already kept a barrel of warm water for washing purpose in front of
our rooms. After having a brisk breakfast, we marched towards
Zutulpuk which needed about 32 km trek.
This day was the
toughest day of all during our Yatra. We were supposed to pass
through the Drolma La Pass (18,600 ft) and the famous Gauri Kund. The
trek included ascending the slope of Drolma La and then, descending
the slope. Once after descending the slope, we had to take up a long
trek along a river stream up to Zutulpuk. Exact calculation of the
time and distance up to Drolma la (8km) and from there up to Zutulpuk
(24 km may be) is not possible. We reached Drolma La pass (8 km up)
in three stages. It is a steep up.
The surrounding had
received good snowfall the previous night. Not a sunny day. Thick fog
had covered the hills making it more difficult for a walk. We were on
an unfathomable path, metaphorically! I just laid my burden on my
destiny that had led me so far and was confident that I would be
taken good care of by my guru Sri Datta.
 |
| Image credit:Prajna LS |
Sherpas were holding
two oxygen cylinders for emergency. But, they had advised us to use
that only if it was necessary. They had warned that the oxygen
supplement would have side effects, it may block lungs even more and
if it happens one may have to go back. It was a testing period of our
patience, will power, courage and luck.
We started moving
slowly, one after another. It was a narrow strip on a snowy hill
partially covered with snow. For every two steps I had to stop, take
rest on my walking stick and then had move on. We had to pass through
three steep acclivities of which the last ascent was breathtaking
experience. Through the misty depth we passed, it was like
experiencing the fate of an embryo inside the womb. We could see the
last acclivity, on which some hikers were visible, though not so
clearly.
We were not allowed to
stop anywhere. “Keep walking” Neema Sherpa who was carrying my
knapsack along with the camera bag used to poke. Senior team mates on
the pony used to greet us occasionally. We walked to strange tunes
hummed by the Chinese porters. We were crawling inside the depth of
silence.
I was breathing
heavily making sounds. I had to consume water in between to prevent
dehydration. Dry fruits will help reducing energy loss; keep them in
the pockets of your jacket. I was unable to hold even the flask.
Neema Sherpa used to hold that and he used to open even the lid of
the flask for me! He would give my camera whenever he felt it would
be alright to stop for a minute for taking photos. I thank him for
being so kind.
One of our senior
mates, Manju aunty, had completed the first day Parikrama by walk.
But, on the second day, she felt that she can’t climb the ascending
slope. Luckily she caught hold of a pony man who was returning from
the top after dropping a pilgrim. One will get Ponies till the top
only. After reaching the top (Drolma La) one will have to descend a
steep slope till some distance. Ponies can’t descend on that slope.
However, for those who have booked ponies in advance for all the
three days would get back to the pony ride after reaching the ground.
We were ascending the
third slope. Someone was sick on the way, was being assisted with
oxygen. Neema didn’t allow me to stand there. He hurried me to move
on. It was a steep rocky slope. I could feel my legs shaking. The
whole area was covered with thick fog. I had forgotten the world that
I had left behind! Face of my darling daughter flashed through my
mind, suddenly. Move or die! I had forgotten my state of being
itself. Inexplicable state of mind that was…….. in tune with the
symphony of unbound-ruthless-wild nature. Each step seemed heavy…a
state of oblivion.
It was when Neema
Sherpa said that we had reached the top I was not in state to rejoice
really! Yes, we had reached the top of Drolma La Pass. Huh!
[To be continued….]
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Kailash-Manas Sarovar Yatra Series - 7
Kailas Parikrama is
nothing but a trekking process around the Kailas Circuit. Parikrama
means circumambulation. Some go for 3 day trekking, some for 9 days,
some for 13 and some choose one day depending upon their health. The
total distance to be covered in a three day parikrama is
approximately 52 km. This task is an important part of Kailas-Manas
Sarovar Yatra, though not compulsory. People who are physical fit and
mentally confident may take up the task. It is the hardest task of
the yatra, but, the most fulfilling one!
Mount Kailas is
revered with great devotion by Hindu, Jain and Buddhist followers. In
the Jain tradition, Kailas is considered to be the mount (Ashtapada
Parvat) on which the first Teerthankar Rishabhdev attained his
salvation. According to Bon Buddhist tradition, the mount is a highly
energetic place representing transcendental energy. This place is
associated with Guru Rinpoche, the Padmasambhava.
Hindus consider the
mount as to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi.
Kailas Parvat is said to be the source for many rivers. Indus,
Satlej, Brahmaputra, and Ghagra Rivers originate somewhere near the
Kailas circuit. By circumambulating the mount, it is believed, that
one would attain supreme energy and would be purified.
One can take up the
task only after reaching Lake Manas. The trekking starts from a place
called Darchen, the base point actually. Darchen is located at about
8 km from Lake Manas, and can be approached by motored vehicles.
 |
| image credit: prajna LS |
The night before the
parikrama, our Sherpa team gave us some tips for the mountain walk.
They showed us how to handle fatigue and breathlessness during the
parikrama. Not only that, they had also narrated stories of devotees
who had died half way! That was very scary and made us to think twice
before deciding.
A small backpack
containing dry fruits, medicine, a flask, a torch, a pain balm tube
and tissue roles were kept ready. Even to carry such a lightweight
backpack we had hired porters. Chinese porters will come at the
gateway (Yamadwar, the starting point) and we had hired them for 700
yens. The sherpas will collect the money and I guess full amount will
not be paid to the porters! Pilgrims who feel uncomfortable to walk
can hire ponies. Book your pony for all three days; you may not get a
pony in the middle of your parikrama.
Next day morning,
after a small breakfast, we had moved towards Yamadwar, the starting
point of our Parikrama. Dressed in three layered cloths, we had
reached Yamadwar in a bus. Our porters and Pony caretakers had
already gathered at Yamadwar. For our group (I, aunt and uncle,
brother and his wife) the Sherpas themselves got ready to carry the
backpack.
Yamadwar!
I don’t know why it
is named like that. But, a scary name it was. Yama,
as you all know is the governor of death according to Hindus. This is
the gateway to his home! There is a small shrine inside which heads
of slain goats and Yaks are hung. There is a small bell inside and by
tradition every pilgrim would perform circumambulation of the shrine
three times after ringing the bell for a safe return. We were already
nervous looking at the shrine. We proceeded further after performing
the circumambulation.
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| image credit:Prajna LS |
Our
target was to reach Dirapuk. We were instructed to walk very slowly
leaning on to the walking stick whenever it was necessary. It is not
a competion of any sort to reach first. It won’t be difficult to
walk on a plain, but, it would be highly difficult for ups. Take rest
for a while (not more than a minute) and move forward if you feel
breathlessness. We saw a Buddhist devotee prostrating for every other
step. He had covered his hands with shoes.
The
route on the first day Parikrama was not so complicated. We walked
along the Yak River. Our path pierced through the rugged terrain
comprising steep rocky hills. These same hills would be covered with
snow during winter, but, we had gone there in August. So, the terrain
was uncovered, rocky and plain, resonating deep silence.
We
could reach the target by afternoon. Dirapuk houses a Buddhist Gompa.
But, a surprise was waiting for us when we reached there. It was the
last up. We had taken about half an hour to climb up, then, we turned
to our right and were dumbstruck at the sight of Mount Kailas from
such a close distance. It was such a solemn and serene sight, that I
would always cherish in my memory. As we sat on the ground below
there, we felt as if we were sitting at the feet of Lord Shiva
himself!
Wait
for the next episode to read about the second and third day
parikrama!
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Lesser-known Facts about the Heritage city Aurangabad
Known:
The heritage city
Aurangabad (Maharashtra) is best known for the Ajanta and Ellora
caves. The city serves as a base destination for reaching the
historical sites mentioned above and attracts tourists from all
across the globe. This city was a Mughal Territory in the reign of
Aurangazeb and is named after the emperor. The city houses the
mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s wife which is known as the Taj of Deccan.
Aurangabad’s
proximity to Ellora, Ajanta, Daulatabad and Shirdi has earned the
city a prominent place in the tourism industry of India. The city has
geared up to cater both national and international tourists by
providing good accommodation and transportation facilities. The city
is served by a well connected airport and a railway station. MTDC
(Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) provides special
tourist packages for seeing Ajanta and Ellora Caves. You can also ask
for private transport services or hire a car to reach here.
Lesser-known:
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
The city is, so far,
known by its historical significance and industrial growth. But, not
many know about the internal cultural activities that go unnoticed by
the visitors. The city keeps hosting classical music and dance
concerts frequently for the connoisseurs. Up until recently, there
used to be Ellora Festival every year by inviting international level
singers and dancers. The Ellora festival has been temporarily halted.
However, another
cultural event hosted by MAHAGAMI (Mahatma Gandhi Mission Sangeet
Academy) is making news. It is called the Sharangadev Samaroh. This
unique music and dance festival has been initiated by the director of
MAHAGAMI, Parwati Datta. Parwati Datta, being a versatile Kathak and
Odissi dancer, has been motivating the art lovers of Aurangabad since
the establishment of the institution and is coordinating noted
artists of the nation to enlighten the younger generation on the path
of Indian music and dance heritage.
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Sharangdev Samaroh is one such step taken by MAHAGAMI. This cultural event celebrates the rich heritage of classical music and dance that exists in various forms all across India. This event is especially dedicated to the 13th century musicologist Sharangadev, who is said to have lived in the court of Devagiri Yadava rulers. Devagiri is the present day Daulatabad which is at about 17 km from the city.
Sangeeta Ratnakara,
the book written by Sharangadev is an important text for the seekers
of both Hindustani and Carnatic music tradition. This 13th
century text documents almost all the prevalent dance and music
traditions of that time and gives descriptions about technical
details of dance movements, music, and rhythm. So, to commemorate the
contribution made by the author, the Sharangadev Samaroh will be held
in the land where the author created such a treatise.
The cultural event
comprises of a three day workshop followed by evening concerts.
Eminent artists belonging to various music and dance traditions such
as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniattam
and Manipuri will present their pieces. Noted artists like Birju
Maharaj, Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr.
Padma Subrahmanyam, Padma Bhushan Swapna Sundari, Sadanam
Balakrishnan and many other scholars have graced the event so far.
Dear
tourist…
If you are planning to
visit Aurangabad, please make a note of this event. Normally, the
event will be held in January or February for three days and nights.
Visitors can make use of this opportunity if they are in the city
during that time. Try something different when you are in Aurangabad
next time. Experience the lesser- known treasures of Aurangabad.
Tag :
Best of India,