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A star is born,
From a grain of sand
&
Heavens from wildflowers.
Here at the golden hour, a peak-lit iridescence, simmers yon the last light upon Raldang Kailash Range in Great Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh, India.
© Anshul Soni, All Rights Reserved.
This image is NOT available for use on websites, blogs or any other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer.
Panorama of higher Himalayas from Mini Pangarchulla Summit (~4,300 mts), Garhwal Himalayas, India - Kalanka (6,931 mts), Hanuman (6,074 mts), Changabang (6,864 mts), Dunagiri (7,066 mts), Hathi (6,727 mts), Gauri (6,708 mts), Mana (7,272 mts), Chaukhamba massif, Neelkanth (6,596 mts), Kamet (7,756 mts)
This Shiva Temple is in a thickly wooded area near Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.
According to legend this is the place where Lord Shiva consumed poison, which came out of the ocean after the great churning. This made his throat turn blue and hence the name Neelkanth. Shiva who is known as the destroyer, became saviour here and hence is most revered among his devotees.
India is full of wonders and it’s our faith that makes these wonders real.
©Saurabh's Reveries
Up above the clouds so high...
like a diamond in the sky
Towering dramatically over the valley of the Alaknanda River...rising 3,474 metres (11,398 ft) above the Hindu holy town of Badrinath, Mt. Neelkanth, is also known mythologically as the abode of Lord Shiva.
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© 2010 Cosurvivor ~ / Rohit
“I remain naturally in a state in which even if I wished to engross my mind in the most charming sounds, the most charming touch, the most charming smells, the most charming tastes and the most charming sights of this world, I could not do so; I remain absolutely dejected towards them. In fact, all of the attractive vishays and the repulsive vishays are the same to Me. Also, a king and a beggar are the same to Me. Further, to rule all the realms and to beg for food carrying a broken begging bowl are the same to Me. Even sitting with honour on an elephant and walking on foot are the same to Me. Whether someone honours Me with sandalwood paste, flowers, fine clothes and ornaments, or throws dirt on Me – all are the same to Me. Whether someone praises Me or insults Me – both are the same to Me. Gold, silver, diamonds and refuse are all the same to Me. Moreover, I look upon all devotees of God as being equal; i.e., I do not differentiate one as being superior and another as being inferior.
“I have intense vairãgya in My antahkaran, yet I am not burdened by it. I do not feel burdened like a person who carries a heavy rock on his head or ties a purse full of money and gold coins around his waist. My strict observance of swadharma does not burden Me, nor does the realisation that I am Brahma burden Me. When I superficially praise some object or criticise another, I do so purposefully. Whenever I forcefully engage My indriyas’ vruttis towards objects, they remain there very reluctantly; as soon as I relax that force, they withdraw immediately. It is like throwing a stone into the air – it goes as high as it can depending on the force of the throw, but ultimately it falls back to earth. Or consider a weak bull – it can stand only as long as a man forcefully supports it. But as soon as he withdraws the support, it slumps onto the ground. Further, imagine a very strong man who is able to crack a betel nut between his teeth. But, after sucking ten or twenty very sour lemons, he would have great difficulty chewing even roasted chanã. In this manner, it is only when I forcefully engage My vruttis in the vishays that they remain engaged in them.
“....So what is the cause of My behaving like this? Well, it is because My indriyas’ vruttis constantly remain inverted towards My hrudayãkãsh. In that hrudayãkãsh, I see extremely luminous divine light. Just as during the monsoon season, clouds cover the entire sky, similarly, only that light pervades My heart.
“...Amidst that divine light I see the extremely luminous form of God. ...“Realise that the form amidst the divine light is this Mahãrãj visible before you.”
— Mahãrãj (Purna Purushottam, Bhagwãn Swãminãrãyan), Vachanãmrut Gadhadã II-13, 27 August 1821 (Shrāvan vadi Amās, Samvat 1878)
“First, I shall speak to you about My inclination. Thereafter, all of you can describe your personal thoughts as to how you feel liberation can be attained, and you can also explain how you think you should behave in order for God to be pleased with you in this realm and beyond.”
“If it appears to Me that I have a liking for something, I would only be happy after I had discarded it. Should I recall in My mind any object or any person other than devotees of God, then I would feel comfortable only after I have totally distanced Myself from that object or person. Also, in My heart, in no way do I experience an aversion towards a devotee of God. Even though I am insistently offered the panchvishays without actually wishing for them Myself, I still do not have any desire for them. In fact, I push them away with my feet. In fact, I swear by the lives of these paramhansas that from the day I was born to this very day, I have never harboured an improper thought regarding women or wealth, either in the waking state or in the dream state. Thus, I am eternally innocent and one who perceives any flaws in Me will himself suffer from vicious thoughts both in the waking and dream states. Moreever, he will suffer greatly at the time of his death as well.
“In addition, only contemplation of God remains within My heart, and although I outwardly meet and mingle with the devotees of God, it is solely for the benefit of their jivas. Indeed, the day when I feel that I have affection for something other than the devotees of God, I will consider Myself dislodged from My spiritual status. However, I am confident that that would never happen. Thus, I have described My inclination to you.”
“If a person firmly observes the vow of non-lust, then he is never far from God – whether he is in this realm or beyond. Moreover, My affection for such a person never diminishes. In fact, the very reason that I have stayed here is because of these devotees’ firm resolve to observe the vow of non-lust. If a person strictly observes that vow, then even if I were a thousand miles away from him, I would still be close to him. Conversely, if a person is slack in his observance of the vow of non-lust, then even if he is beside Me, he is as good as a hundred thousand miles away. In fact, I do not like to be served by such a person. It is only because this Mulji Brahmachãri is extremely staunch in his observance of the vow of non-lust that I very much like his service. If, however, someone else serves Me, I am not as pleased.
“Furthermore, in all of the discourses that I deliver, I always strongly propagate observance of the vow of non-lust. Indeed, I have been solidly reinforcing it since the day I was born.
“Therefore, only those who observe this vow are dear to Me; they and I will always by very close, both in this realm and beyond.”
— Nirdosh Bhaktavatsal Bhagwãn Swãminãrãyan, Vachanãmrut Gadhadã II-33, 3 September 1823 (Shrãvan vadi 13, Samvat 1880)
“... I am the creator, sustainer and destroyer of all of the brahmānds. In those countless brahmānds, it is by My divine light that countless Shivs, countless Brahmās, countless Kailāses, countless Vaikunths, Golok, Brahmapur, as well as countless millions of other realms are radiant.
“...What am I like? Well, if I were to shake the earth with the toe of My foot, the worlds of countless brahmānds would begin to shake. It is also by My light that the sun, the moon, the stars, etc., are radiant. So, if one develops the conviction of My form in this manner, one’s mind becomes fixed on Me - God - and would never stray anywhere else. Moreover, I will grant My supreme abode (Akshardhām) to all who come to My refuge and understand this.”
— Bhagwãn Swãminãrãyan, Vachanãmrut Amdãvãd 7, 30 March 1826 (Fāgun vadi 7, Samvat 1882)
“Also, I am always trying to keep the vrutti of people’s minds fixed on God. Why? Because I know everything about the past, the present and the future. In fact, while sitting here, I know everything that happens; even when I was in My mother’s womb, I knew everything; and even before I came into My mother’s womb, I knew everything. This is because I am God.”
— Bhagwãn Swãminãrãyan, Vachanãmrut Jetalpur 5, 14 April 1826 (Approximately four-and-a-half hours after sunset on Chaitra sudi 7, Samvat 1882)
Panorama of higher Himalayas from Gailgarh, Garhwal Himalayas, India - Kalanka (6,931 mts), Hanuman (6,074 mts), Changabang (6,864 mts), Dunagiri (7,066 mts), Hathi (6,727 mts), Gauri (6,708 mts), Mana (7,272 mts), Chaukhamba massif, Neelkanth (6,596 mts), Kamet (7,756 mts)
Rising to the Heavens, unsurpassed you stand
Edifying the values of Courage, humility and Grand.
We bow to thee, oh Lord Shiva
Called by Neelkanth, Tungnath and Rudranath such noble names.
The home of lord Shiva at Rudranath , Uttarakhand
Wishing all of you a very happy Diwali
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Offering incense in the Siva temple of Neelkanth.
Risikesh - Ram Jhula - Neelkanth high in the mountains
Late Spring flowers.
Besides the eye catching red Gulmohar/Krishnachura and Peacock flowers the yellow Amaltas flowers (also called Golden shower tree or Indian Laburnum; Xonaru in Assamese and Ngaingaw in Mizo) are now in full bloom adding colors to the surroundings.
In the neighboring city of Shillong the Blue Jacaranda flowers/ Neeli Gulmohar, posted in the comment column below, are quite a welcome sight at this time of the year.
One morning in Badrinath, the sky covered with thick black clouds...and then a moment when the clouds make way a little...showing a glimpse of one of the most beautiful Himalayan Peaks...shimmering in the first rays of the sun...truly breathtaking.
Mt. Neelkanth, known mythologically as a meditating spot of Lord Shiva, is a major peak of the Garhwal division of the Himalaya, in the Uttarakhand region. Although substantially lower than the highest peaks of the region, it towers dramatically over the valley of the Alaknanda River and rises 3,474 metres (11,398 ft) above the Hindu holy town of Badrinath.
Best wishes to everyone for a great Diwali and a prosperous year ahead...may this light shine on you....
See this image and the entire collection on a black background, visit the new CoSurvivor website.
View the Fan page on Facebook.
© 2010 Cosurvivor ~ / Rohit
Dear friends,
I'm sorry for not having time to view those precious albums of yours, and to attend to group invitations...I wish leisure showers upon me to enjoy it soon....
This image is dedicated to all of you...my friends, contacts and those who have consistently appreciated my work through regular visits to my page !!
This is an unusual angle of never summitted north face of Holy Neelkanth !
Taken on way to Chakratirtha from earlier Base camp point (now abandoned) in Garhwal Himalayas.
Camera Model Name: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Tv (Shutter Speed): 1/640
Av (Aperture Value): 9.0
Metering: Evaluative Metering
ISO Speed: 100
Focal Length: 400.0 mm
|| My Website and Blog: A Gallery of Dreams.||
Part I: The Preparation
"Everyone has setbacks. I'm no different..."
- Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius, South African sprint runner.
It came at a time unsuitable as any, a representative from the travel company (who handles most of my trips) called up to inform that they had a fixed departure tour plan for Tibet coming up. A week to confirm and a couple of months to prepare was all that was there.
Tibet has been on top of the wish list but there was a glitch. Life had thrown a curve ball which left me gutted, as a result had cut off almost all connection with the outside world. It was like retreating inside mother's womb after being reminded once again how vicious human beings could be.
Neither emotionally nor physically was at a spot to undertake this but the call of the Himalayas is impossible to ignore. After a week of conflicting conclusions, let the travel company know that was ready to give it a try. The biggest challenge was to clear the medical tests required to apply for Chinese visa (as Tibet is under Chinese invasion currently) to trek in and around Mt. Kailash. Damage from prolonged sleep and eating disorder was guaranteed to show up in the medical report.
Amanda, my motivational coach came in the strongest. She reasoned, "You encountered a man and a woman who are fatally flawed, so damaged that they see everyone around them as a mark to either rob or harm. Liars and predators trying to justify their own failings, one an under achiever and another a social leech who only lives off other people. First cousins involved in an incestuous relationship is indication enough that you were dealing with characters who are just one more light bulb shortage away from total lunacy. Look at their entire family backup, a gene pool consisting of DNA that probably is not in the form of the usual double helix (spiral configuration) but with few extra twists and people are indeed designed by their genetic code. Almost always these lowlifes manage to walk away unscathed because they are experts in concocting a good sob story or effectively plug loopholes, don't forget though that scum floats to the surface, but eventually sinks without a trace.
You gave your trust too easily, too soon, saw with your eyes tight shut. Agreed that you entered the dark tunnel but time to emerge and adapt to things around you."
My personal trainer in the gym said in two month's time with serious dedication it was an attainable goal. The fitness manager and my doctor were much in agreement.
However, what really had fired things up was a news clipping on television showing Oscar Pistorious the South African double amputee athlete prepping for the London Olympics 2012 meet. While some heroes eventually turn into rust, there will still be others to inspire.
Exactly three weeks later cleared the scheduled medical tests without a hitch.
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15th December, 2012: Winner of the "Daily Travel Photography Contest"held by PHOTOBURST.
Photo editors thanks so much for giving me a second win in a single week! :-D
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Groups of Peaks Visible from Ukhimath
Swargarohini: It is a mountain massif in the Bandarpunch Range of the Garhwal Himalaya. It lies in the Uttarkashi District of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, west of the Gangotri group of peaks.
Chaukhamba: It is a four summited massif in the Gangotri Group of the Garhwal Himalaya. Its the main summit to the right of Mount Kedar. Mount Kedar is the highest of the lot here towards this side of the glacier.
Other peaks visible from Ukhimath are
1. Bandarpunch
2. Kalanag (Hidden peak)
3. Kedar
4. Somero
5. Mandani
6. Neelkanth can also be seen from this angle.
Press L for the best view.
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Copyright © Anubhav Kochhar. All Rights Reserved. Please do not use this or any of my images without my consent.
Indian Roller Blue Jay (Coracias Benghalensis)
Being very common in the populated plains of India, it is associated with legends. A local name is Neelkanth (meaning "blue throat"), a name associated with the deity Shiva (who drank poison resulting in the blue throat). During former times, a captive roller would be released by the local ruler during festivals such as Dussera and Durga Puja. The Indian Roller has been chosen as the state bird by the Indian states of Telangana, Karnataka and Odisha. More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Roller
Images of Bengal, India
Explored #95 29-11-2012 / My Explored List: explore.marcopix.com/profil/index.php?id=23985194@N06
This is the most beautiful spectacle you will ever witness as the rays of morning sun hits the top of Mt Neelkanth ( mythologically Lord Shiva himself ), a 20,800 ft peak jutting out behind Badrinath temple in Badrinath valley in Uttarakhand, India.
Peaks of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri as seen from top of Gorson Bugyal. This is the vantage point where the trail bends and moves towards the Tali Lake. Its the same point where in the trek, we are at best position above the river and looking straight towards Nanda Devi.
DhauliGanga flows below.
Kuari Pass is a moderate trek in the Indian Himalayas. This trek takes place in the mountain passes of garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The trek may not be very high altitude per Himalayan standards, but it boasts of some of the most impressive views.
Kuari Pass takes place in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The Nanda Devi National Park is a national park situated around the peak of Nanda Devi, 7,817 m (25,646 ft) in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India that was established in 1982. Along with the adjoining Valley of Flowers National Park to the northwest, it was inscribed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.
Major Peaks other than Nanda Devi seen from the Kuari Pass Trek are
Dunagiri 7066m
Barmal 5879 m
Hathi Parbat 6727 m
Ghori Parbat 6708 m
Nilgiri Parbat 6474 m
Nar Parbat 5855 m
Devban 6855 m
Mana 7272 m
Kamet 7756 m
Bhagnyu 5706 m
Narayan Parbat 5965 m
Nilkanth 6596 m
#Virupaksha Temple Hampi, Karnataka - The land of history and pride, hampi: the respect for the craftsmen here can never be expressed in words. ...
The majestic North Face of Neelkanth(6596 mtrs) "The Queen of Garhwal" gleams white (hard ice,very compact & very dangerous to climb on as a slip will almost certainly lead to a premature curtain call at the pearly gates.)
This was taken about an hours climb above from our camping site (Chakratirith) during the trek to Satopanth Tal.
The route is mainly up the lateral moraine of the Satopanth Valley and quite rocky.. with huge boulders scattered dotting the landscape, brought off the mountain by that most erosive of forces Glaciers - a veritable river of ice.
Like all Himalayan Glaciers the Satopanth Glaicer is receding and these boulders freed from the ice mark the receding route through the valley floor.
“I am the actionless, pure, peaceful, taintless, unadulterated, perfect, immanent Light. You are That, for sure--- Lord Shiva
First rays of the morning sun on Neelkanth as seen from Tungnath.
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Neelkanth is a major peak of the Garhwal division of the Himalayas, in the Uttarakhand region in India. Although substantially lower than the highest peaks of the region, it towers dramatically over the valley of the Alaknanda River and rises 3,474 metres (11,398 ft) above the Hindu holy town of Badrinath.
Frank Smythe described the peak as "second only to Siniolchu in Himalayan beauty."
The Satopanth Glacier lies on the northwest side of Nilkantha, below a 2,500 m (8,200 ft) face of the peak. The Panpatia Glacier lies to the southwest, and feeds the Khirao Ganga, a stream running under the south side of the peak. Further away, to the west of the peak, lies the well-known Gangotri Glacier and its associated peaks. Across the Alaknanda valley lie the Kamet and Nanda Devi groups.
Mythological Beliefs
It is believed that there was no mountain on the spot where Nilkantha stands today. There was an adage route between Kedarnath and Badrinath. The "Purohita" or the worshipper of the two temples worshipped them in one day. This continued for a long time until due to some sins of the worshipper, Lord Shiva became displeased with him and stood blocking the way as huge sky-kissing mountain, which is said to be modern Neelkanth.
Mt. Neelkanth in the early morning rays. It was the day we were starting back from Badrinath and had to really beg the guides to wait till the sunrise as I knew it's going to be worth it and it really was!!
Incense sellers, Shiva shrine, Rishikesh, India, 1988.
"Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, or Hara, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism. Shiva is known as "The Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu." (Wikipedia)
(Digitised 35mm negative, Olympus OM1 50mm)
God assumes an avatãr for only one reason: Having surrendered Himself to the bhakti of those devotees who have intense love for Him, God assumes whichever form the devotees wish for in order to grant them bliss. He then fulfills all of the desires of His devotees. Since the devotees are corporeal and have physical bodies, God also becomes corporeal, assumes a physical body and showers affection upon those devotees. In addition to this, He suppresses His powers and behaves with the devotees as a son, or as an intimate companion, or as a friend, or as a relative. Because of this, the devotee may not maintain much protocol with God. Nonetheless, God showers His affection upon the devotee in whichever manner he desires.
~ Lord Swãminãrãryan, Vachanãmrut Kãriyãni-5.
There is a silver lining behind every dark cloud. To me, it was not the best weather to capture this magnificent Himalayan range, but still manage to get a glimpse and click it. This range expands from Bandarpunch (monkey tail) in the extreme left, to Bhagirathi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and the Neelkanth in the extreme right.
The towering 6,600 m high Neelkanth peak is in the backdrop of Badrinath, its one of the most revered Hindu shrines of India.
A better view of Chaukhamba massif and NeelKanth peak are shown below from my archives.
Another note - As you can see in the pic- the farther you go in the Himalayas, the mountains exhibits less vegetation. From tall trees, to small pastures, to hard rock mountains and finally the massive ones with snow :)
Neelkanth 6596 mtrs
Elevation 6,596 metres (21,640 ft)
Location Uttarakhand, India
Range Garhwal Himalaya
Prominence 1,200 m (3,940 ft)
Coordinates 30°43′12″N, 79°24′00″E
First ascent June 3, 1974
The Satopanth Glacier lies on the northwest side of Nilkantha, below a 2,500 m (8,200 ft) face of the peak. The Panpatia Glacier lies to the southwest, and feeds the Khir Ganga, a stream running under the south side of the peak. Further away, to the west of the peak, lies the well-known Gangotri Glacier and its associated peaks. Across the Alaknanda valley lie the Kamet and Nanda Devi groups.
A shining pyramid of white crystals, overlooking the famous Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand. It is often called the GARHWAL QUEEN due to its fragile beauty.
That legendary mountaineer Frank Smythe (who made the first attempt to climb this mountain in 1937), called it the most beautiful mountain he had ever seen.
Its undeniable beauty often belies its difficulties and make it one of the harder climbs in the Garhwal Himalayas.
With its steep ridges and faces, Nilkantha resisted at least nine climbing attempts, beginning with Frank Smythe in 1937, Hillary & Lowe in 1951.Till last year only 4 successful ascents had been recorded though not for the want of trying. .
The peak was first climbed on by a team of the ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) led by S.P Chamoli on June 3, 1974 by Sonam Pulzor, Kanhiya Lal, Dilip Singh, and Nima Dorje. After unsuccessfully attempting the west ridge, they reached the summit via the north face, making three camps above base camp.
Last year the first Indian civilian expedition sponsored by the Himalayan Club (Calcutta), made what was only the 5th successful ascent was following the route of the Scottish 2000 expedition in an epic 57 hour climb without camps they managed to return after a successful climb.
Glacier at Badrinath. This one is called Neelkanth. Reaching an altitude of 6600 meters (21650 feet), it is a permanent snow capped glacier. Unfortunately, that little cloud just would not get out of the way, so after hanging around for a couple of hours, this is the best I could do!
Leica S2 + 70mm Summarit f/2.5
S2001701
This Photo Was Taken From 3,753 metres (12,313 ft) At Badrinath Village, Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, India. (Coordinates30°43′12″N 79°24′00″E)
The temple[4] was officially opened on 6 November 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the presence of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh, L.K Advani and B.L Joshi.[5][6] The temple, at the centre of the complex, was built according to the Vastu shastra and Pancharatra shastra.
In Akshardham Delhi, similar to its predecessor Akshardham Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the main shrine is the focal point and maintains the central position of the entire complex. There are various exhibition halls which provide information about the life and work of Swaminarayan. The designers of the complex have adopted contemporary modes of communication and technology to create the various exhibition halls.[7]
The complex features an Abhisheka Mandap, Sahaj Anand water show, a thematic garden and three exhibitions namely Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (an IMAX film on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Neelkanth), and Sanskruti Darshan (cultural boat ride). According to Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means the abode of almighty Lord Swaminarayan and believed by followers as a temporal home of God on earth.[8][9]
The main attraction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is the Akshardham Mandir. It rises 141-foot (43 m) high, spans 316-foot (96 m) wide, and extends 356-foot (109 m) long.[10] It is intricately carved with flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities.
Designed in accordance with the standards of Maharishi Vastu Architecture, it features a blend of architectural styles across India.[11][12] It is entirely constructed from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines (Shilpa shastras) on maximum temple life span, it makes no use of ferrous metal. Thus, it has no support from steel or concrete.[13]
The mandir also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis of sadhus, devotees, and acharyas.[14] The mandir also features the Gajendra Pith at its base, a plinth paying tribute to the elephant for its importance in Hindu culture and India's history. It contains 148 life sized elephants in total weighing a total of 3000 tons.[15]
Under the temple's central dome lies the 11-foot (3.4m) high murti of Swaminarayan seated in abhayamudra to whom the temple is dedicated. Swaminarayan is surrounded by images of the faith's lineage of Gurus depicted either in a devotional posture or in a posture of service.[16] Each murti is made of paanch dhaatu or five metals in accordance to Hindu tradition. The temple also houses the murtis of Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.[16]