In the land of Dev Bhoomi, Part 5
In the land of Dev Bhoomi , Part 5
We were at a place wherein the air appeared to be reverberating the name of Lord Shiva amid the mighty snow-clad peaks, enchanting meadows and forests of the lower mountain range of Himalayas. Situated in a breathtaking location, near the source of Mandakini River.
We had our overnight stay at Kedarnath but we were short of time as we had to descend early morning the next day so with no choice had to take Darshan of Lord Shiva on the same day, we had to stand in the que for the darshan so found from where the queue starts and when would the temple open. We were in the queue by 4.30pm, few of us clicked photos of the temple, before the checkpoint of the queue after which no one gets entry.
First glimse of Kedarnath temple
Que
Few hours passed by and we were still in the queue and then some people started going ahead of us and were joining the queue, there were around 10 senior citizens behind us and uncountable in the queue, we were all standing in the queue since 4.30pm, it was not just 1 or 2 people going ahead skipping the queue but 5-6 at a time ahead of us and we were at the same place standing, there was no proper management at such an important place where there are lakhs of people visiting each day. We were literally frustrated and did not allow anyone from that moment to go ahead of us. Inbetween was Maha Arti there was a little more delay for us to enter finally at 10pm, we got darshan.
Nature and its beauty
Night view of Kedarnath temple
Could not wait to pose 1, thanks Sachin and his phone
Few hours passed by and we were still in the queue and then some people started going ahead of us and were joining the queue, there were around 10 senior citizens behind us and uncountable in the queue, we were all standing in the queue since 4.30pm, it was not just 1 or 2 people going ahead skipping the queue but 5-6 at a time ahead of us and we were at the same place standing, there was no proper management at such an important place where there are lakhs of people visiting each day. We were literally frustrated and did not allow anyone from that moment to go ahead of us. Inbetween was Maha Arti there was a little more delay for us to enter finally at 10pm, we got darshan.
The hard journey till the great shrine of Shiva is well compensated with the spiritual atmosphere which is created by the tranquil and splendid beauty of the region. The majestic Kedarnath peak (6,940 meters) stands behind the temple along with other peaks.
Though not hungry still did not want to sleep empty stomach so Sachin and I had dal rice from the same place where we had our lunch.
The schedule for the next day was decided we were going to start our descend by 3 am as we had a long journey for our next destination.
I was fast asleep and in the middle of the night around 1 am, I could hear someone talk but I was in no mood to open my eyes and so got up directly when the alarm buzzed at 2.45am. I tried waking up my colleagues but none out of 4 were in mood to wakeup as all of them were down sick (one with acidity, the other two with stomach upset and one more with nausea) We had no choice, but to descend (luckily we had a Dr in our group so the ones who were sick took medicines) and thanks to all my mates who inspite of being sick knowing the long journey awaited ahead decided to descend.
We started to descend around 3:30 am, it was still dark and cold outside yet with few street lights on our way back we felt safe and there were few who were walking towards the temple and some accompanied us till Gaurikund.
The return journey was way better as we had started early so less khachar and pilgrims. This time we took 5hrs to descend, it was 10 am we reached Gaurikund and further to Sonprayag in another 1hr. We escaped 2km line to and fro for the vehicle from Sonprayag to Gaurikund because of our timings. (night around 9 pm from Sonprayag to Gaurikund and morning 10 am from Gaurikund to Sonprayag)
It was indeed a long journey with just 3-4hrs of rest, we were tired, legs were paining still with smiling faces boarded the car.
The beauty of nature says something to you...the calmness the beauty, the Holiness... Once you visit, you will not be able to forget these places & the moments.
KEDARNATH...the mountains, the greenery, the snow, and most difficult & dangerous roads.
#जय_केदारनाथ🙏 #जय_भोले_की 🙏
Journey to Badrinath coming soon.. Watch out for more.
Part 6
https://pstrekdiary.blogspot.com/2019/07/in-land-of-dev-bhoomi-part-6.html
Beautiful
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