Chopper Ride To Kedar Nath, Garhwal Himalayas

Kedar Nath Temple is located in the Himalayas approx 12000ft  above sea level near the head of river Mandakini and is flanked by breathtaking snow-capped peaks.

Kedar Nath or Kedar Khand is named in honour of King Kedar, who ruled the area in  the Mahabharata Era when the Pandavas  are supposed to have pleased Lord Shiva by doing penance there.

The temple opens on Akshay Tritiya (April / May) and closes on Bhai Duj (October / November) due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold weather during winter.

The head priest (Rawal) of the Kedarnath temple belongs to the Veerashaiva community from Karnataka. However, unlike in Badrinath temple, the Rawal of Kedarnath temple does not perform the puja. The pujas are carried out by Rawal's assistants on his instructions. The Rawal moves along with the deity to Ukhimath during the winter season.

Kedarnath can be reached from Hardwar-Rishikesh-Rudraprayag -Guptkashi–Gaurikund & thereafter a tough & steep trek of approx 14 kms. Helicopter services are available from Guptkashi. 

On this route there are several places of pilgrimage such as Agastyamuni, Ukhimath, Phauli- Pasalat Devi Maa, Bamsu (Lamgoundi) Vanasur, Maa Kali at Kalimath, Trijugi Narayan- where Lord Shiva got married to Parwati,  and Kashi Vishwanath at Guptakashi.

                                                                                                                   

G-20 & Bidi

The other day in G20 summit meeting, PM Manmohan Singh announced India’s contribution of $10bn -which translates to Rs.55,000 crores-  as lifeline to Eurozone countries via IMF. Last year govt had declared contribution of Rs.9,000 crores towards IMF.  Very healthy figures those.

No Pain No Gain

On the sidelines of the Meeting, a British Gora was grumbling-we should never have left India. We should have tried to open more basements of temples for gold, silver & diamonds. Could have been enough to feed Eurozone! We should tunnel their temples from all sides even now.

A Greek delegate was also muttering-there should be another expedition to India. He appeared to be direct descendent of Alexander the Great. He continued his planning of taking a route other than thruough Kabul-Peshawar,  may be sea route. Very logical at that.

German delegate tried his hand at Sanskrit with Indians & tried to emphasize similarities & old relations between the two countries. He said that the great German philosopher Karl Marx is still running his party in West Bengal. They will cherish help from India any time.

Back home Mamta was not happy. I am a simple man she said. Give me Rs.17000 crores first otherwise I will not come to New Delhi to meet you she said.

Nirma Baba was also not happy. He wanted some time & as he said he could have organised much more for poor Europeans. In fact any of them Europeans can directly contact with samosa & hari chutney for welfare formula. Kirpa Jarroor Hogi!

MMS must be in a hurry to distribute the funds notwithstanding inflation going up with manufacturing going down. Is there a need to contribute this money? Ghar me nahi daane aur amma chali bhunane!

 Like Venky Vembu said if your beard is on fire please don’t ask matchstick for Bidi!