Gangotri Dhaam

From Dwarahat began our long journey towards Gangotri en route Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi.

Our first night halt was at Rudraprayag which is a confuence of roaring and dancing water of river Alaknanda coming from Badrinath and serene-quiet flow of Mandakini coming from Kedarnath. We had a very refreshing dip in the energizing waters of Rudraprayag.

Next day we travelled to Uttarkashi. We all had bath in Ganges and went to Kashi Vishwanath temple there.

Opposite to this temple is a temple of Parvati Mata in which there is a huge trident (trishul). Nobody knows how old it is nor are they able to find its depth. Scientists have also failed to recognize what metal it is built of. The story says it is Devi's trishul and it is so deep it goes to patal loka. Its size and weight is so much that it may become difficult to move but then it is possible to shake it with one finger! It's magical!!

While travelling from Uttarkashi to Gangotri Dhaam, the most colorful and prominant ashram is that of Pilot Baba at Sainj village.

Nearer to Pilot Baba's ashram is Nanima's Ashram. Nanima is a British lady who came to Himalaya long back and met her Guru Mastramji who saved her from cancer. She then studied Sanskrit and is well versed with scriptures. She also has herself written books in Sanskrit. Since we had heard and read about Nanima we all were keen on meeting her. So we got down into the valley and had a wonderful loving encounter with the angelic Nanima!

On the way to Gangotri we halted at Ganganani Tapta Kunda for bath and breakfast. The hot water from sulpher water streams of Tapta kund was very relaxing and rejuvenating for the whole body...

We resumed our journey towards Gangotri and oh, on the way suddenly our vehicle had to come to a halt... and we all were surprised to spot a mountain deer jumping from the uphills there!

At last we reached Gangotridhaam in the afternoon... As the weather conditions were good we enjoyed photography.

Our stay in Gangotri was at Ishavasyam Ashram, a picturesque location and very aesthetically built and well-maintained serene place at Gangotridhaam.

View of Ishavasyam Ashram from across the river...

Next day we went to Surya Kund-magnificient waterfalls on river Ganges...

and then to Gauri Kund...

But the difficult and most memorable was our visit to Patal Gufa. It's almost about 500 mts straight down at the level of river. There is no proper way to reach there and one needs to be adventurous, courageous and really willing to take risk to reach Patal Gufa... I hope, following pictures will give youa glimpse of this thrilling experience!!!

Dr. Rajesh took this picture of group meditation at patal Gufa...

The difficult job of going round the stone is well done!

Climbing up was as rishky but we made our way up somehow and rested for a few minutes before going further to Pandav Gufa...

Difficult upward climb...

At last, safely back on the road... It's party under Pine tree!

On the way to Tapovan there is a Ram Mandir...

And a few kilometers further down stays Lalita Maiji. Sun Yogi Uma Shankarji introduced us to Lalita Maiji and she was very kind to talk to us for about two hrs. It was heart to heart communion which all of us enjoyed to the fullest! She talked on many subjects of our interests such as social service, spirituality, freedom, surrender, God's will and how God takes care of every little thing if we have faith...

With heart full of Love and Gratitude we reached Ishavasyam Ashram just in time for Bhandara (food distribution service)

After completeing a difficult trek in previous four days, meeting with Lalita maiji and serving people with unconditional love was such a soothing and enriching expereince for the soul!

Next day early morning we had this group photo with Swamiji at Ishavasyam Ashram and left for Hardwar...

From left to right: Dr. Rajesh, Vidya, Sun Yogi Uma Shankarji, Swami Girijananda Saraswatiji, Swami Prashantananda Saraswatiji, Prem and Bharati.