Thus spake Satya Sai Baba.....Page-33 SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine Music straddling boundaries...Page-44 A Journey of faith

Sunil Koul place is actually a lake surrounded by snow clad peaks resem- bling the heads of the mythical snake. Swami Amar Nath Ji Yatra is the most hallowed Hindu pil- Next phase of the holy journey is a backbreaking steep zig- grimage of Northern in the state of & . zag trek towards the Mahagunas Top that leaves the pilgrims The pilgrimage attracts lakhs of devotees annually from vari- breathless due to high altitude and lack of oxygen. Some pil- ous parts of the country in the month of Shravan (July-August) grims may experience nausea as well. Dry fruits, sour and to pay their respectful obeisance to Lord which is in the sweet eatables like Lemon may prove to be helpful in such a form of ice-lingam formed naturally of an ice-stalagmite in the situation. All along the route, medical facilities free of charge cave at Swami Amarnath Ji in South Kashmir. The Amarnath are available for those pilgrims who require any medical atten- Ji is considered to be one of the most revered Hindu Dhams tion. Moving forward, the track descend to the meadows of and the holy cave to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Since the Posh Pathri richly covered by wild fragrant flowers and herbs. Yatra assumes colossal importance nationwide, it is imperative But it is said that whosoever halts here for some time falls into upon every devotee to have a cursory knowledge about the a deep slumber because of this intense fragrance. So it is history of the Yatra. It includes the knowhow of various religious advised not to spend more time at this spot and proceed places situated en-route to Holy Cave through Baltal and Pahal- towards the next halt at Panjtarni. Panjtarni is enveloped by gam routes. five snow-clad peaks where the pilgrims take rest and stay It is worthwhile to mention here that quite a few across the overnight. In the wee hours next day, the yatra proceeds country know about another pilgrimage of Lord Shiva in the towards the final destination, the Holy cave - the abode of Lord same district of popularly known as Chotta Amarnath Shiva. On the way to the Holy Cave, one comes across the Ji situated in a hamlet of “Thajwar” about seven kilometres from confluence (Sangam) of Amravati and Panjtarni streams. The town. There is a cave of Lord Shiva on the hill-top pilgrims take ablution at Amravati near the Holy Cave before thronged by the pilgrims on the day of Shrawan Purnima, coin- paying the obeisance. ciding with the day on which the two-month long annual Swa- CHHADI MUBARAK mi Amarnath Ji yatra concludes. The Chhadi Mubarak comprising of the priests and pilgrims THE LEGEND ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOLYAMARNATH CAVE start the on-foot journey from Dashnami Akhada at . It is believed that a muslim shepherd named Buta Malik was After performing the necessary rituals, the Chhadi Mubarak given a sack of coal by a sage. After reaching home, Malik dis- visits the famous Shankaracharaya and Durga Nag covered that the sack in fact contained gold. He was elated and temple before proceeding towards the Holy Cave. During the straightway rushed back to the sage to express his gratitude. on-foot yatra, they perform the series of religious obligations Instead, he saw a miracle and could not believe his eyes to find and rituals at temple, Shiv Temple Bijbehara, out a cave there. Since then, the Holy Cave became a place Raghunath Ji temple and Martand at Mattan in for the annual pilgrimage. Anantnag. Amidst all these rituals, devotees are seen chant- A legend has it that in this very cave Lord Shiva recounted ing hymns and Bhajans making the whole environment live- to Mata , the secret of creation of the whole universe ly. and the ways of emancipation of the mankind. A pair of doves The Chhadi Mubarak finally perform the Darshan of Swami overheard this conversation and since then became immortal. Amarnath Ji on the day of Shravan Poornima (Raksha Band- The pair of doves has made the cave their eternal abode and han). This marks the concluding of the holy pilgrimage that is could be seen by the pilgrims in the Holy Cave.+ visited by lakhs of devotees from across the geographies. In BALTAL ROUTE 2014, about 3, 72,909 yatris had performed the pilgrimage. The shortest route to perform the mountainous pilgrimage 2014 when the colour of the spring had changed to red and PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES of Swami Amarnath Ji is taken through the Baltal in thereafter floods ravaged the in the first week When the yatra proceeds from base camp Pahalgam, the It is the pre-requisite for an intending pilgrim to adopt some district of the Kashmir valley. Baltal is about sixty kilometres of September 2014. first halt (Padav) is about 16 Kms away at a place known as precautionary measures while traversing through these tough away from the summer capital of the state viz Srinagar and PAHALGAM ROUTE Chandanwari. The road leading to Chandanwari is motor-able. routes. A pilgrim should keep a stick in his hand to maintain the about fifteen kilometres from the famous tourist destination While taking the route via Pahalgam, pilgrims can have an To reach this spot, one can board the public transport available balance and should put on the sports shoes apart from taking . From Baltal, one has to traverse through narrow opportunity to visit Raghunath Ji temple as well as the on reasonable rates fixed by the local authority. The trail runs less baggage along in order to withstand the challenges of the terrain along steep cliffs till confluence of streams at Sangam. renowned Sun Temple in Martand located in the district Anant- along the Lidder River with a most fabulous and mesmerising track. It is also desirable to take along a first-aid kit. The selec- Moving forward, pilgrims are required to travel on the slippery nag. World famous hill station Pahalgam is the base camp of scenic view. It is believed that Lord Shiva massaged his fore- tion of the clothes is crucial as one need to wear warm clothes track over primitive glaciers for about three kilometres before the yatra that is about 100 kilometres away from Srinagar. From head with sandalwood powder (Chandan) at this place hence in order to keep away any risks posed by the hostile cold weath- reaching to the Holy cave of Swami Amarnath Ji. It has been here, the pilgrims have the option to travel either by road or on- deriving its name as Chandanwari. After reaching Chandan- er that keeps fluctuating across the routes. The casualties of the by and large seen that the weather on this route remains foot. Pilgrims make it a point to visit the Lord Shiva temple sit- wari, the yatra proceeds towards Pishu Top through a very dif- Amarnath yatris that had taken place some years back were inclement and torrential rains lash over the area frequently pos- uated on the embankment of famous Lidder River. One more ficult and challenging track. One feels quite ecstatic to traverse only because pilgrims were not equipped with adequate warm ing enormous inconvenience to the devotees. Unflinching faith ancient temple of Lord Shiva called Mamal Temple is situated this arduous track while chanting ‘Har Har Mahadev’ by virtue clothes. shields the visiting pilgrims from inhospitable weather condi- on the hilltop across the Lidder River and is also worth a visit. of which this hazardous track seems quite easier. After com- The step-by-step procedure which the Yatris need to follow tions while taking this route that is less preferred. The majori- Pahalgam town enveloped in the snow-clad mountains and the pleting this leg of the journey along the steep mountainous to register for the Yatra has been put on the Shri Amarnathji ty opt for the Pahalgam track. The Baltal Route gives an oppor- dense cover of forests is a treat to the eyes. It is believed that slope, the devotees halt to take rest to reenergise themselves. Shrine Board’s website, www.shriamarnathjishrine.com. The tunity to pay obeisance at Holy spring of Mata Khir Bhawani Lord Shiva left his ride, Nandi - the bull at Pahalgam and pro- Sheshnag is the next pit stop where the pilgrims take a dip website also contains the application form and state-wise list temple located in . It is believed that the colour ceeded towards the Holy cave. The place was known by the into the Holy Spring and stay overnight. It is believed that by of Bank Branches with complete addresses which the Yatris of the spring changes if any untoward incident is about to hap- name of Bel Gaon and with the passage of time is being known taking an ablution in the holy spring of Sheshnag, the sins are can approach for registering themselves for this year’s pilgrim- pen as a premonition of an impending doom. The recent as Pahalgam. forgiven. It is believed that Lord Shiva dropped his Sheshnag age. impending indication was seen last year in the month of June Halt stations (Padav) enroute to Swami Amarnath ji from here in the spring while proceeding towards the Holy Cave. The (The author is Media & Communications Officer, PIB Jammu) A place of shrines and scenic spots

Romesh Mengi alik hills and is 13 kms from base camp cent waterfall, Siarh Baba is situated spots where the people would love to Katra . The shrine is a famous pilgrimage about 10 kms from , in village Tal- visit for enjoying the natural beauty, Mujse mat puch meri khubsurti centre in Jammu and Kashmir state. It is wara.The main attraction is nearly 400 ft. have not been developed for attracting mera naam meri khasiyat byan karta managed by Shri Mata High cascading waterfall and an ancient the tourist. Inadequate road connectiv- hai. Shrine Board since 1986. Every year Pragan Nag temple. ity, no accommodation facilities, Reasi ,a city known for its bravery is lakhs of piligrims visit this shrine and the Salal Shiv Cave:- The cave is situat- almost negligible infrastructure and no one of the oldest towns of the J&K State. number is rising every year. ed in the Thampal area of Salal in Reasi sincere efforts to develop these spots It was the seat of erstwhile Bhimgarh :- Shiv Khori is a famous district. The area is tough terrain and as tourist destinations are the reasons state, said to have been established by cave shrine of devoted to lord Shi- nearly 2 hours on foot journey. The cave behind missing of these areas on Raja Bhim Dev somewhere in the 8th cen- va. This natural cave is about 200 metres has a Shiv Lingam similar to Shiv Khori, tourism map. tury. It remained an independent princi- long , one metre wide and two to three stone idols of Shiva family, a statue of Dagan Top, situated between Mahore pality till 1822, when Maharaja Gulab metre high and contains a self made saints and Hanuman. The cave appears and Gool, has a great potential of attract- Singh the then king of Jammu consolidat- LINGIM which according to the people is to be almost equal to Shiv Khori. ing tourists like Patni Top but the area is ed the small states. Maharaja Gulab unending. The cave abounds with a large Nau Pindian:- It is another pilgrim still virgin owing to zero facilities there, Singh placed General Zorawar Singh the number of natural objects having resem- stop situated on the Reasi Katra road particularly the extremely poor road con- commandant of Reasi as he was very blance with Goddess Parvati, Lord Gane- about 8 km from Katra and 17 km from nectivity. The scenic meadows around much impressed by his sincerity and loy- sha and Nandigan. Athree day Shiv Khori Reasi. The shrine has naturally formed the Dagan Top area offer huge potential alty. upto 1948, Reasi was a district of mela taken places annually on Maha nine pindies symbolized the nine avtars to prop up tourism with all attractions but Jammu province, but in 1948 the major Shivratri and thousands of pilgrims from of Maha Shakti. there is no infrastructure development by part of Reasi was merged with district different parts of the state and country vis- Kalka Mata Temple:- Kalka Mandir a the Government. , while some parts became part it this shrine to seek blessing of Lord Shi- temple of Mata Kali is located on the hill Around 10 kms from Dagan Top, there of . va. It is managed by Shiv Khori Shrine top close to Bus stand Reasi. One has to is a mysterious spot where a number of Reasi is a newly formed district of J&K Board . traverse 200 meters distance on foot to life size stone statues are found. The ori- state. It is located along Chenab river Baba Dhansar:- The holy place of reach this temple. gin of these mysterious statues is about 30 kms from Katra and 75 kms from Baba Dhansar is located at Karua Salal Power Project:- Salal Power unknown and some locals attribute the Jammu. It is situated in the Shivalik hills Jheel near village Karua, 15 km from Project is also a source of attraction for same to mythical Pandavas of Mahab- and is located at 1528 mtr above sea lev- Reasi towards Katra. As per local a visitors. It is 20 km away from Reasi sur- harata period who carved these stones el. belief, in ancient times, there was a rounded by mountains . It is constructed during their stay here. These statues look Tourism :- Reasi attracts a large demon who lived near Karua Jheel and on river Chenab. The project has a capac- alike members of some marriage party number of tourists across the globe. commited atrocities on the people of ity of 690 mw. equipped with bands and other musical There are various religious shrines which village . The villagers sought the help Bhim Garh Fort:- This is a historical instruments. attracts a good number of piligrims every of Baba Dhansar who happened to be fort commanded by General Zorawar Since this area, where these stone year. the son of Vasudev(human form of Singh, the famous Dogra General who statues are located, remains snow bound is well known all over Sheshnag). It is believed that Baba repelled Chinese from Ladakh. The fort is during the winters and is almost inacces- the world for abode of Godess Vaishno Dhansar prayed to Lord Shiva for help. build on the bank of river Anji at a hillock. sible for the commoners, a very few peo- Devi, which is visited by over 1 crore Lord Shiva arrived and helped in killing A number of places in Mahore and ple beside locals have knowledge of this tourists every year and the number is the demon. Arnas areas of district Reasi are mysterious and wonderful spot where a increasing on annual basis. Apart from Ziarat Baji Ismail Sahib:- Ziarat of endowed with picturesque beauty and big natural lake named `Sarkati Jheel'is the Pilgrimage of Goddess Vaishno Devi, Baji Mian Mohammed Ismail Sahib is sit- salubrious climate which mesmerizes the also located. Almost similar but bigger the area is endowed with many other reli- uated at Jandi Morh near Bharakh village viewers and soothes the mind and soul. stones with carved images are found at gious places and also places which are in Reasi. It is a place of great faith and Some of such places are Konsar Naag in Gulabgarh, which is rich in natural beauty, flora & fauna, rivers worship among all sections of society, Lapritop, Dagantop, Dalantop, Bann, another beautiful place where scenic nat- and rivulets which are yet not explored. irrespective of caste , greed and colour. Burja Pathri, Aagsi, Mangnaad, Son- ural lake and its surroundings attract Some famous shrines and tourist Thousands of devotees visits the Ziarat abagg, Tatta Pani, Konsar Naag Lake tourists. places are: through out the year and also participat- etc.... Tatta Pani at Sangaldhan is another Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ed in the annual urs and sought blessing Notwithstanding the blessings of nat- attraction of tourists visiting this place for Shiv Khori of Baji Mian Ismail Sahib. ural beauty, the scenic areas of this hilly taking a bath at this natural spring of hot Dera Baba Banda Bhadur Ji Dera Baba Banda Bhadhur:-Dera The majestic waterfall region are missing on tourist map of Jam- water (Tatta Pani) due to which all skin Ziarat Baji Ismail Sahib Baba Banda Bhadhur is another place of Sikhs situated in Reasi and Jammu. Peo- after Baba Jitto the legendary farmer who mu and Kashmir due to more than a ailments and joint pains are believed to Baba Dhansar religious importance. Baba Banda Bhad- ple from other parts of the state and coun- laid his life to fight oppression by land- decade long phase of militancy and lack- be cured. A number of people from Jam- Siarh Baba hur was a famous saint soldier of Guru try also come to this place for pilgrimage lords. He was a great devotee of Maa luster approach of Government machin- mu Kashmir and also from other States Sula Park Gobind Singh ji. A gurudwara was also particularly on the festival of Baisakhi. Vaishno and a temple is built here dedi- ery at the helm of affairs. visit this spring for holy dip. Government Salal Shiv Gufa build on the bank of river Chenab in his Baba Jitto Temple:- It is situated in cated to him. A three day Aghar Jitto fes- These areas, which include pictur- of J&K should have to take necessary Shri Mata Vaishno Devi:- Vaishno memory. The place is considered as a Aghar Jitto village at a distance of approx. tival is the prime attraction of this place. esque Dagan Top, Tatta Pani, Konsar steps to highlight and boost these hidden Devi Shrine is located in the lap of shiv- major pilgrimage centre for Hindus and 5 km from Katra . Aghar Jitto is named Siarh Baba:- Famous for its magnifi- Naag and a number of other attractive tourist spots.