Bhavani - Mukkoodal

Bhavani- பவானி மூக்கூடல் 

Mukkoodal- another Prayag that I visited by the end of this year is Bhavani, where the rivers Kauvery and Bhavani merge. It is said that the river amudha Nadhi also flows invisible in this region, making it as Mukkoodal (Merge of 3 rivers). This city is also called the carpet city, the leading business of the city is carpet industry.

Wonderful sculptures on the pillars of the temple

Southern Triveni Sangamam or Mukkoodal

We booked a cab from Erode railway junction, and we reached the temple at the junction of this prayag, Lord shiva seated as Sangameshwarar and Goddess Parvathi as Vedha Nayagi.  We reached the temple at 4 PM and had the darshan of the God & Goddess offering Bilva & Arali for them respectively. God Shiva is in his usual form- Linga and Devi is cute tiny little girl with a glowing Mookuthi, an ornament worn in the nose, hence she is also called “NasikaBhushani”.

Temple Gopuram

The temple is simple & beautiful. The sculptures in the Mandapam before entering the sanctum of goddess stands proof of yet another sample for Vijayanagar art & architecture. There are sculptures of soldiers on Horse and Yazhi, it may be portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse, and in similar shapes in many temples. It is a mythical creature seen in many temples, might have become extinct, who knows?? These soldiers on every pillar are at the entrance of the mandapam. There are girls in the side. One among who is named “Smiling damsel” (Sirikkum Paavai). From wherever you look at this statue, she will smile at you.  

The tails and the ropes of the horses are beautifully carved and are evidence of the ancient architecture & cultural back ground and the meticulous work of the artists. The ceiling of the mandapam is yet another thing that will attract the attention of the art lovers. Me & my uncle couldn’t take our eyes of it for a long time. It is a square structure with Gods or the devathas playing Indian classical instruments like veena, Mirdhangam, Tambura & few dancing. Goddess with several hands, a women giving dance poses are seen carved in the ceiling.

The ceiling of the Mandapam leading to Ambal Sannadhi

The sanctum of Goddess vedha nayagi is simple & the praharam has the pictures of Parvathi in various forms  in tamil nadu– Akilandeswari, raja rajeshwari, Bhuvaneshwari, Abirami, lalithambal, Meenakshi, kamakshi, brahan nayaki, and many more.

The Palli arai or the bed room of the God & goddess have a cradle made of Ivory. This Ivory cradle had been signed & donated to the temple by then British collector of the Coimbatore district, William Garrow in 1804. It is said that he was staying in the inspection bungalow near the temple. It was raining heavily. The collector was sleeping in the hall.Lord vedha nayagi came in the form of young girl and woke up the collector at mid night and brought him out of the bungalow.As soon as the collector came out the bungalow, the roof of the bungalow fell down. The girl ran in to the temple & disappeared. The temple aacharya told the collector that the girl who saved his life was actually Lord Vedhanayagi ambal.The collector wished to see the ambal deity. Hence three holes were made in the eastern side compound wall viewing the sanctum sanctorium.The collector offered his prayer to Ambal through the holes. On seeing the Ambal, collector confirmed that the girl who saved his life was none but vedha nayagi herself and presented a cradle made of ivory as his gift to the temple on 11-01-1804 as a mark of his respect with his official signature engraved on it. The ivory cradle is kept in tact in the Palli arai or sayana Alayam. The three holes through which the collector worshipped the goddess are seen still in the compound wall of the temple. This is the greatness of the Goddess Lord vedhanayagi Amman who is also called Bhavani Amman.

We can still find the ivory cradle in the praharam of the Ambal sannadhi.

Another speciality of this temple is you can also see special Sannadhi for Lord Vishnu in the form of Adhi varaha perumal, Lakshmi narasimhar, Santhana Gopala krishnar and Bama Rukmini samaetha Krishnar within the temple. This is the second place nect to Chidambaram where I saw special sannadhi for Lord Vishnu within the temple premises of Lord Shiva. 

To enjoy the architecture one must definitely visit this temple. The outer Mandapam of Vishnu sannadhi has satatues of Dasavatharam, the 10 avatharas of lord Vishnu, Gaja Lakshmi, The Naalvar (Appar, Sundarar, Manikkavasagar, Thirunavukkarasar), The statue of Kannapa nayanar piercing his eyes to place on the shiva linga which is bleeding on which he has placed his leg, Chidambaram Natarajar

There is special sannadhi for Kala Bhairavar in the outer premesis of the temple.

Going to bhavani during the tamil month of Aadi will be a visual treat as one can also enjoy the beauty of the river full of water. The time we went was off the season & there was little water stagnant in few places.

Visitors & devotees of the temple are requested to keep the temple clean.Temples of tamilnadu are the evidence of the greatness of our ancestors and tamil people who have been versatile and had a rich cultural taste. Every pillar and statute tell us the time spent and skill  of the artists of those days. It also tells us the interest of the people and the more religious alignment of the people. When we understand the scientific reason behind the engineering & architecture, it really makes me open my mouth with awe. How great our ancestors have been  and we can proudly state that we are one among the richest civilization. So, may be in the years that follow, where our growth is more technology driven, we must at least take some time and effort saving all these treasures our ancestors have left us making us wonder after several centuries.

For more details refer the links below

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhavani,_Tamil_Nadu

Karumbayiram konda Pillayar, Kumbakonam

Karumbayiram Pillayar temple

This is a very famous and very old Vinayagar/ Pillayar temple in Kumbakonam. This temple is situated in the region surrounding the Adhi Kumbeswarar temple. People in Kumbakonam pray this God offering sugarcane and Coconuts.

Karumbu means sugarcane and Ayiram means 1000 (Thousand). The main deity of the temple Vinayagar named Karumbayiram pillayar. Has a story behind this naming.

A trader was travelling through the place with a cart full of sugarcane.  While passing through the border of this place, he was tired, parked his cart near the temple tank, washed his face and continued the journey.  A little boy asked for a piece of sugarcane.  The cart man refused and continued the journey.  The boy chased demanding a piece of cane.  Some people advised the man to give the boy a piece of cane and that he won’t lose anything.  The boy also looked fat as a Pillayar, they said. But the trader had no heart to give him one.

The trader simply said that the sugarcane he was carrying was something as a grass stick and it would not be sweet but salty.  He also said that unless it is crushed in the mill, it would not be sweet.   The boy said that he was lying and they would become simply grass sticks and disappeared.

The trader reached the mill and asked for crushing.  The mill man laughed at him and said that grass sticks are not crushed.  The trader realized his folly.  Returning home, the trader fell asleep.  The boy appeared in his dream and said that he was rewarded for speaking a lie.  The trader understood that the boy was but Lord Vinayaka, went to the temple and begged Lord’s pardon.   Merciful Lord changed the grass sticks into sugarcanes.  Since then He is praised as Karumbayiram Pillayar

Outside wall of the temple

The temple  has few steps at the entrance  to be climbed and has the fat Vinayagar well seated  in his usual form. The temple also has other Gods and Navagraham. The temple is simple and beautiful. The priests offer Vibhoothi prasadham. We visited this temple as family and prayed the lord to keep our lives as sweet as the sugar cane.

Maha Ganapathiye Namah!!

Ramaswamy temple, Kumbakonam

Ramaswamy temple, Kumbakonam

This is one another beautiful temple in Kumbakonam. Thi temple is  close to the main temple of Kumbakonam, Adhi Kumbeswarar temple. As the name denotes, this temple is for Lord Rama, who is with his wife, brothers and his favourite devotee, Lord Hanuman. I was

I was told by one of my teacher that the specialty of the temple is that Lord hanuman is found playing Venna, the ancient classical instrument of South Indian music. This fact attracted me to visit this temple during my next planned visit to Kumbakonam & that happened quickly. We visited the temple in the morning. The temple is yet another sample for the architecture of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. The sculptures on the pillars stand peculiar and attractive depicting various incidents of the Hindu religion and puranas. A pillar has Ramar and Anjaneyar back to back. You can see several sculptures before you enter the main sactum, inside which Lord Rama stands with his wife and all his brothers. As in the picture of the great painter Raja Sri Ravi varma,  Lord Hanuman , Rama's favourite devotee is found seated to the right side of Lord Rama's foot holding Veena in one of his hand and Rama Katha or Ramayana in another. Hanuman is Srava Vidhya Dhana Nipunar- As stated by the great Muthuswamy Deekshitar, one among the Music Trinity. It is said that Hanuman is Singing the ramayana story here.

Satrugna is on the left of Lord with a Samara fanning his brother, Bharatha holding the Royal Umbrella and Hanuman on the right and Lakshmana appears with his bow as usual.

One another attractive thing about this temple is that one can completely learn the Ramayanam or the Rama katha doing the pradhakshinam or rounds. If you do 3 rounds, you can complete Ramayana which has been depicted pictorially on the walls of the premises.

We got the Tulasi prasadam after the darshan.

Here are few pics of the temple gopuram and the great Hindu epic Ramayana on the walls of the temple.

Praharam showing the 2 other Gopurams

Ramayana on the walls of the praharam

Please visit this temple to learn more information

Few useful Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramaswamy_Temple,_Kumbakonam

Kathiramangalam Vana Durgai

Kathiramangalam Vana Durgai

Kathiramangalam is a small village on the banks of river Kaveri in the Thanjavur district. It is actually located near Mayavaram, enroute to Kumbakonam. The earlier name of this place had been Sivamallika vanam. It is believed that the great composer Kambar named this place as Kathiramanagalam.

My father in law's dad had lived in this village for quite a long time and our family's favorite deity of this place is Durga parameshwari Ambal. We always visit this temple, at least twice a year whenever we visit our family deity, Sri Vaideeswaran koil. Durgai, a form of Goddess Shakthi resides in this temple 6 feet tall. The photo below will give you detail about the temple history.

The temple is situated well inside the village and you can see a beautiful pond in front of the temple. There are lot of flower vendors in front of the temple. The entrance has a dais with artificial pond like set up with few lotus flowers. Vana durga devi is the primary deity of the temple and it is said that people whose birth star is Mirgasirusham must visit this temple. Vana means forest. Durga devi is specially worshipped during the Raghu kalam and she is the goddess of Power & Success. People light lamps with lemon during the Raghu kalam & special poojas are being done during the occasion.

Below are few pics of the temple  and the temple history. Please read it for more details on this temple.






For further reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathiramangalam_Vana_Durga_Temple

"Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum" - By Shrimathi Visaka Hari Madam

"Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum" - By Shrimathi Visaka Hari Madam

              Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan commenced the Katcheri season well ahead in the Tamil month of Karthigai- 20th of November. The  evening begun with the Mangala Tamil isai by Mr. Sheshampatti Sivalingam playing the Nadaswaram. Post it was the inauguration function which begun with prayer by the bhavan music students and lighting of lamp by the chief guests. Mrs. Visaka Hari and Mrs. Gayatri Venkatraman were given the "Life time achievement award". Their contribution to Music & Upanyasa world are noteworthy that no one can deny them being honored.

                    "Humbleness is the virtue of the Great".Could notice the virtue in them & they both  thanked the Bhavan for the award and dedicated the award to their Guru, parents and well wishers.

My long wait came to an end around 7:10  PM as the programme of Mrs. Visaka Hari begun with chanting of Krishnashtakam- "Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum". The hall was fully packed with audience,even with people standing near the doors and few people seated in the steps. The time that followed ran so quickly as I enjoyed the programme fully. The topic for the day was " Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum". Mrs. Visaka Hari eloborated on the 3 Geethai that Lord krishna delivered during his Avatharam.

1. Bagavath Geethai
2. Uthara Geethai
3. Udhava Geethai

She in the particular day explained the Udhava Geethai, that Lord Krishna said to Udhava- the most educated person, who was taken to Swarga by Brahaspathi, taking him as his student. He was always with Lord Krishna, he was the Minister of Lord krishna. By the time Krishna was getting ready to go back to Viakunta, Udhava insisted the Lord to take Udhava as well. But Lord Krishna delivered the Udhava Geethai and asked Udhava to stay in the Kali yuga.

1. Aiyla Geethai- kama/krotha/ Guru Ashraya
2. Bikshu Geethai
3. Avadhootha geethai

We learn things by seeing, listening and I had lots of thoughts sowed in to my mind at the end of the programme. Had to rerun them once I came back home just like tasting the food again.The values of patience, Love for God & Guru, Mind Management are few I could recollect. People with similar interests must never miss her Katha. Eagerly awaiting for the next Katha..

GoShala at Madipakkam Navasakthi Kamakshi Amman temple

GoShala at Madipakkam Navasakthi Kamakshi Amman temple

                Hinduism is not just a religion, but “a way of life”. Everything we do in our day to life has a meaning to it and when we keep searching for the answers, yes. We will get it answered- “The Omni presence of GOD”.

In this post I would like to tell about the holy temple in my locality, Sri Navasakthi Kamakshi temple and the GoShala in this temple.

Whenever I hear this word GoPooja, the first thing that comes to mind is Radha amma doing the Gopooja @ Navasakthi Kamakshi Amman temple, Madipakkam. Wearing a traditional 9 yards, she performing Go Pooja offering flowers, fruits to the cow and calf gives a sense of happiness and peace to the mind. Sri Navasakthi Kamakshi Ambal seated gigantically with a beautiful heart throbbing face attracts everyone who come to her with her motherly smile. Every time I visit the temple an unknown happiness fills my heart and I guess everyone visiting the temple must feel the same way.  

Sri NavaShakthi Kamakshi Amman is seated on the banks of the Madipakkam lake, blesses the people and take care of her devotees. You can sight the Ambal from the entrance of the temple as she is gigantically seated 9 foot tall. There are also separate Sannadhi for Vinayar and Sri Muthukumara Swami in the temple.

In the Deva Bhasa- Sanskrit, “Go” means Cow. The cow has been a symbol of God or Avatar-divine earthly embodiment of God himself. In Hinduism, Cow has been symbol of Goddess Devi, the source of health wealth & prosperity since ancient time. Kamadhenu, also known as Surabhi is a divine goddess described as mother of all cows. She is believed to have been a miraculous cow who gives her owner whatever they desire. All cows are venerated in Hinduism as a form of Kamadhenu  and she is worshipped by veneration of Cows in general. There are quotations from various sacred scriptures . In Bagavat Gita (Chapter 10, verse 28), when lord Krishna declares to the source of Universe he states,

                                             “Dhenunam asmi Kamadhuk”

 HE is Kamadenu, Conveying that for doing one’s duty, one would get the milk of one’s desire which can multiply as the dairy products of the Cow.

The cows are revered because of its numerous benefits- its dairy products, tilting of fields, and on cow dung as a source of fuel & fertilizer. Cow’s milk and its derivatives such as ghee are integral part of the vedic fire sacrifice and nutritional components of Hindu meals. Panchagavya, the mixture of the five products of cowis consumed in Brahmanical rituals. All Gods are believed to reside in the body of a sacred cow. Every part of it is worshipped. In Hinduism poojas are done every day worshipping the cow & its calf named as “Go Pooja”. The central fact of Hinduism is cow protection.

Also, Godaan, donating a cow has been in practice in our religion for long. It is believed that at least one cow must be donated in a man’s life time. The benefits of donating a cow are simply endless. There is no other donation comparable to donation of cow in this world. It is believed that the donar of the cow will attain highest state of eternal bliss.

As you are all aware, Goshalas are the protective houses or shelters for the Cows. These days Goshalas are maintained in only major temples which are much popular. Here in Madipakkam, One cannot miss the Go- Shala of the Navashakthi Kamakshi amman temple which is at the very entrance. There are a couple of cows and their calves which are being nurtured by the temple founders- Shri and Shrimathi Radha Sethuraman (Radha Amma). Go Pooja is being performed and the Cows are taken care with much care.

As per Hinduism, every cow to a pious Hindu is regarded as an embodiment of the God and to protect and take care of it is our duty. "Go Samrakshanam" - the protection and Maintenance of the Cows are very important. Kanchi Periva has insisted the Samrakshaman of the Cows as very holy and auspicious thing to do in our lives. 

Here is an appeal from the temple trust:

Please feel free to donate for the maintenance and help save the cows here in the Madipakkam Navasakthi Kamakshi temple.

The devotees who wish to donate may send their contributions by means of DD/crossed cheque in favour of SRI NAVASHAKTHI KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE CHARITABLE TRUST. 

Nava Sakthi Kamakshi Amman koil Bankers

CITY UNION BANK LIMITED

MADIPAKKAM BRANCH

CURRENT BANK ACCOUNT

A/C NO : 151109000088230

IFS CODE : CIUB0000151

Natives and those who have desires to have more information may contact the Office Administrator, phone number : 9791175749 (Contact Person: Mr. Sethuraman). Thank you very much in advance for your contribution!

Marundeeswarar temple, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai

திருவான்மியூர்  மருந்தீஸ்வரர் கோயில் 

                            Here is my travelogue on my visit to one of the popular temple of Chennai. Sunday Morning started well as planned. Started off from home around 7 30 AM and took the MTC bus to Thiruvanmiyur. After 25 minutes drive in the less traffic road (being Sunday morning), reached temple by 8 AM. The temple is at walk-able distance from the Thiruvanmiyur Bus depot (Must have been less than 4 minutes walk).

As you walk towards the temple, which you can see walking few steps out of the depot, on the middle of the Road (The East cost road- ECR begins here)you can see a temple for the sage Valmiki. We crossed the road here and to our left was the beautiful temple of Marundeeswarar.

The Gigantic Kodi Maram invites us with the holes on the walls showing the Lord Shiva himself as Marundeeswarar. After saluting the lord performing Namaskaram we walked around the Sanctum. To our left was the sthalavruksham (Vanni Maram). 

Sthala Vruksham- Vanni Maram

Walking further, we can see the another entrance to the temple, quite a big one where the Goddess Parvathi named as Thiripurasundari stands gorgeously to the right. In front of the entrance are God Vinayakar and his brother Murugan having separate sannithis. There is also a separate sannithi in the left side for 3 Vinayakars. You can also witness office rooms, Veda pada salai and Gosalai (place for the cows) completing the Praharam.

After you have darshan of the brothers, you can enter the Thyagarajar Mandapam. Turning right is the sanctum of the God Marundeeswarar.  Like all temples, you have a spacious sannadhi with all upa devathas, Durgai, Dakshina Moorthy, Aruvathi moovar, Kala Bhairavar, 108 Lingas, Uthsavar, Somasktandar, Natarajar within the premises.

The Sannathi of Goddess thripurasundari have a sannathi (Palli Arai) to her right. The Abhiramai Anthadhi is displayed on the walls of the Ambal Sannathi. There are photographs of Thirumeeyachur Lalithambal, Maha periwal, Thiripurasundarai Ambal  in the premisis. The utsava Ambal is called Sukravara Amman, who rides the Golden Chariot every Friday on the temple. There is a small pond within the temple and a Huge one outside of the temple. The temple is being well maintained.

The History of the temple is well known. Few basic things I gathered are as below.

Lord Marundeeswarar is called so because the Lord himself taught sage Agastya about some magical medicine. Since then the Marundeeswarar temple has been a place of worship for people with diseases and various problems with their health. The God here is also called Paalvana Nathar. Purana says that Kamadhenu, the cow of eternal prosperity offered milk and showered the Linga.

It is believed that sage The Sage Valmiki, who wrote The Ramayana, came here to The Marundeeswarar temple to worship The Lord.Reminding that is the sannathi for him in middle of the ECR Road.

For more details on the temple, please refer the official site below. You can also check the upcoming events and gallery with more photographs.

http://www.marundeeswarartemple.tnhrce.in/

Deva Prayag

Prayag

Prayag means the place where two rivers mingle together. During our journey through Uttarkhand we witnessed 3 major such Prayags

1.DevaPrayag

2.Rudra Prayag

3.Kesav Prayag 

DevaPrayag

It the convergence of two deva (holy) rivers mingling together, it is said that this place got the named as "Deva Prayag". We had a dip at the point where these two rivers meet.  The two holy rivers – River Bhagirathi and the River Alaknandha meet at this point and from here on, the River is Named “Ganga”. The River Bhagirathi has a greenish color and the Alaknandha river has a White color and we can see both the colors mingle at the juncture.

Alaknandha (left) and Bhagirathi (Right) Meet @ Devaprayag

Hindu Indians take a pilgrimage to such rivers. They call it Theertha Yatra.It is believed that it will help the pilgrims to cleanse their inner selves, wash out their evil tendencies and open up before them a path or a direction for righteous living. They help in attaining Gnana (knowledge) and Bhakthi (Devotion) to the individuals which helps in changing the direction of their future life. It is a place where one can get enlightenment for achieving liberation. Theertha Yatra is also one of the karmas to be discharged in mundane philosophy. A Theertha Yatra is not only a physical act but it also implies the mental or moral discipline and learning toward self-realization. Pilgrimage/Theertha Yatra is remedy for many ills and sufferings. Theertha Yatra is an opportunity to the householder to detach himself for some time from worries and botherations of the materialistic daily life and to devote that time spiritually. To cross the Sufferings and sorrows and attain peace.

Bhagirathi River

Bridge across Alaknandha river leading to the junction

We reached Devaprayag ready to get the holy dip in the river and had to walk along Alaknandha river and cross it by the Bridge leading to the exact junction. The Walk though the Bridge leading to the prayag was awesome. The climate was also cool. Devaprayag lies about 45 miles away from Rishikesh to Badrinath and about 1700 feet above the sea level.

Taking a bath in the holy water, I had to gradually lower in to water as it was freezing cold J. There were people carrying buckets to pour the water on to their heads as few did not get in for the dip. There were chains tied from the steps and walls for the easy & safe bath. One can feel the force of the water as you set foot in the first step where the water starts. Enough to pull a person.

There was a Durga devi temple sighted in the steps. There were also the Pandas (Brahmins) or the priests who were ready to help if one wished to do tharpanam or offerings through Mantras for their ancestors.

The Ganga (After the convergence)

Devaprayag is one of the 108 Divya Desam where The NelaMega Shyama Perumal is standing giving darshan to all his devotees. Devaprayag is also called with the name "Kadinagar"(especially in Tamil). The Goddess (Thayar) is Pundareegavalli Thayar.  You need to climb few steps to reach this temple and as every vishnavite temple this temple also have Sannadhis for Garudar facing the NelaMega Perumal. In the Prdakshina or surrounding you can find Annapoorni devi and Hanuman ji.

Nela Mega perumal Temple- Devaprayag

Temple Premises

The two other Prayags we visited were

Rudra Prayag- Confluence of the Rivers, Alaknandha and Mandhagini 

Kesav Prayag-  Confluence of the Rivers, Alaknandha and Saraswathi

Few Links for more details

http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu/temples/devaprayag-temple.shtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devprayag

http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/devprayag.php

The Kedarnath temple

Kedarnath

The long wait came to an end on this fine day as I set foot on the chopper starting  the journey to have darshan of the Lord, Kedarnath. Lord Shiva in Kedar  is one of the Jyothir Linga. He is beautifully seated amidst the Himalayan Range. I was able to visualize Lord himself in every mountain range. The snow clad peaks, cloudy mountains and the green valleys were a treat for the eyes.

The temple entrance

The view from the helipad at Kedarnath

Kedarnath Gopuram

The view from the temple

 

The view from behind the temple

 

The Chopper & the helipad @ Kedar

                       

The beautiful valley & Mandagini flowing through it

                                Early that morning, we went to the ‘Himalayan’ (-the private helipad) and boarded the Choppers. It was my first experience riding in the chopper. During my childhood (and even today) every time I sight a helicopter/giant Damselflies I used to wonder how it would it be to fly like them and the butterflies. It was totally enjoyable. Seated next to the pilot, wearing the seat belt, I enjoyed the view of the valley at the end of which was the Lord seated in Linga form. Could feel the breeze, clouds, the sky, the green valleys, the beautiful white angel flowing down as river Mandagini, the horses, bulls and snow clad giant mountains. It was as if I got wings of the damselflies or I became the Pan, Peterpan. If I had gotten them for real, I would never have left the Himalayas for sure.  I could sight the broken route which was earlier used by the devotees who walked to have darshan of the Lord. Every turn, I could witness tiny, long water falls falling down to join the enchanting beauty, Mandagini. It was hardly 7 to 8 minutes ride and we safely landed in the helipad. The Climate was favorable which was in itself a great blessing for us.  

                              Walking towards the temple, couldn’t resist myself from taking pics as all around me was giant snow clad mountains. People talked about the flood and the after effects of it. Could see people working around the temple and in the banks of Mandagini river. One will have to cross the River Mandagini to have the darshan. There is a bridge built across the river and people working along the river banks. Crossing the river, there are shops on either side, selling flowers, Thalis for the Pooja offerings and the Prasad. Leaving the shoes at one such shop, we bought a Thali and walked towards the temple. Set Majestically in front of was the temple. We could find Sadhus/ saints seated on either side of the Nandhi (Bull- the vehicle of the Lord) made of stone and the thrishool- Trident

The entrance is painted with bright blue, yellow and red colors and as soon as you enter the temple, you can find another Nandhi and to its left is God Vishnu with goddess Lakshmi. After this darshan, you can enter into another Mandap where you can find Ganapthi in the left and Goddess Parvathi in the right. Entering the main sanctum, you can find the God as Linga. As we went in the morning, we were able to do Pooja touching the God and behind the Linga was the idol of God Shiva and the trident.

                            The outer premises of the temple had workers working in the left working on flooring and behind the temple was the Amrith Kunda, a whole containing the holy water. Just behind the temple premises was this huge Rock exactly to the width of the temple. It is said that this rock saved the temple during the 2013 flood that completely changed this region. This region is highly unstable climate surrounded by the snow clad mountains. 

The rock that is believed to have saved the temple during the 2013 flood

                              A moment it is sunny and again is cool wrapped by the clouds. Always cool region. Kedarnath was the worst affected area during the 2013 flash floods in North India. The temple complex, surrounding areas and Kedarnath town suffered extensive damage, but the temple structure did not suffer any "major" damage, apart from a few cracks on one side of the four walls which was caused by the flowing debris from the higher mountains. A large rock among the debris acted as a barrier, protecting the temple from the flood. The surrounding premises and other buildings in market area were heavily damaged. The temple structure has been standing erect and facing nature's fury for the past 10 centuries and it is expected that the structure has the endurance to remain intact in the future as well.Also, there is this location mentioned a few meters away from the rock, where Adhi Sankara Swamigal was believed to be last sighted by his disciples.

The shining sun glowing on Nandi , Trident & Damroo in front of the temple

The story of how the God appeared in Kedarnath:

Pandavas were supposed to have pleased Shiva by doing penance in Kedarnath. The Lord appreared as Bull and the 5 Pandavas identified them. It is believed that Bheema caught hold of the mace of the bull and Lord submerged leaving behind the pyramid shaped linga as Jyothir Linga in Kedar nath

It is believed that the temple was built by Pandavas and revived by Adi Sankaracharya and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of Shiva. It is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, expounded in Tevaram. The temple is one of the four major sites in India's Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of Northern Himalayas. This temple is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The view of Bhairav temple

Mandakini river:

The prefix "mand" (Sanskrit) means "calm" and "unhurried", and Mandakini thus signifies "she who flows calmly". The river flows as pure white  dressed angel without making much noise.

Mandagini flowing down

 This name immediately rang a bell in top of my head as I usually recite  this Sloka during every Pradosham.

In Shiva Panchakshara stotram:

mandakini salila chandana charchitaya
nandisvara pramathanatha mahesvaraya
mandara pushpa bahupushpa supujitaya
tasmai ma karaya namah shivaya

मन्दाकिनीसलिलचन्दनचर्चिताय
नन्दीश्वरप्रमथनाथमहेश्वराय ।
मन्दारपुष्पबहुपुष्पसुपूजिताय
तस्मै मकाराय नमः शिवाय

Meaning:

He who is worshipped with water from the Mandakini river and smeared with sandal paste,
He who is the lord of Nandi and of the ghosts and goblins, the great Lord,
He who is worshipped with Mandara and many other flowers,
Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “ma”

Mandagini & the bridge used to cross it on the way to temple

                      We planned the trip as one way chopper- the onward journey was via Chopper and the return by walk. So after darshan, we started the trek down the hills. A visual treat, for a nature lover. 

The trek down the hills

Had to stop several times as there were Horse trafficking and once for the cows and bulls which looked as if they had a velvet clothing on them. The way was fully tiled with stones for a safe trek.  The walk with friends who shared their dry fruits, snacks and water and the Chai shops at frequent intervals make the walk easier. Before the floods of 2013, the entire journey covered 14 KM. But after the floods, we have to take a longer trek of 21 Kms from Gourikund. Below is the route map.

The old broken trek route due to the flood & land slide

For more details refer:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kedarnath
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kedarnath_Temple