View allAll Photos Tagged neelkanth
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]
Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis) - Thailand
Indian roller
Binomial name: Coracias benghalensis (Carolus Linnaeus, 1758)
The Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis), is a member of the roller family of birds. They are found widely across tropical Asia stretching from Iraq eastward across the Indian Subcontinent to Indochina and are best known for the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. They are very commonly seen perched along roadside trees and wires and are commonly seen in open grassland and scrub forest habitats. It is not migratory, but undertakes some seasonal movements. The largest populations of the species are within India, and Several states in India have chosen it as their state bird.
Description
The Indian roller is a stocky bird about 26–27 cm long and can only be confused within its range with the migratory European roller. The breast is brownish and not blue as in the European Roller. The crown and vent are blue. The primaries are deep purplish blue with a band of pale blue. The tail is sky blue with a terminal band of Prussian blue and the central feathers are dull green. The neck and throat are purplish lilac with white shaft streaks. The bare patch around the eye is ochre in colour. The three forward toes are united at the base. Rollers have a long and compressed bill with a curved upper edge and a hooked tip. The nostril is long and exposed and there are long rictal bristles at the base of the bill.
Three subspecies are usually recognized. The nominate form is found from West Asia (Iraq, Arabia) east across the Indian Subcontinent, and within India north of the Vindhyas mountain ranges. The subspecies indicus is found in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. The southern form has a darker reddish collar on the hind neck which is missing in the nominate form. The race affinis of northeastern India and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar, Indochina) is sometimes considered a full species, but within the Indian region, it is seen to intergrade with benghalensis. The form affinis is darker, larger and has a purplish brown and unstreaked face and breast. It has underwing coverts in a deeper shade of blue.
Distribution and habitat
The Indian roller is distributed across Asia, from West Asia (Iraq), through the Indian Subcontinent (including Sri Lanka and the islands of Lakshadweep and Maldive Islands) into Southeast Asia.
The main habitat is cultivation, thin forest and grassland. They are often seen perched on roadside electric wires.
Ecology and behaviour
These birds are usually seen perched on prominent bare trees or wires. They descend to the ground to capture their prey which may include insects, arachnids, small reptiles (including Calotes versicolor and small snakes and amphibians. Fires attract them and they will also follow tractors for disturbed invertebrates. In agricultural habitats in southern India, they have been found at densities of about 50 birds per km2. They perch mainly on 3—10 metre high perches and feed mostly on ground insects. Nearly 50% of their prey are beetles and 25% made up by grasshoppers and crickets. The feeding behaviour of this roller and habitat usage are very similar to that of the black drongo. During summer, they may also feed late in the evening and make use of artificial lights and feed on insects attracted to them. They are attracted to swarms of winged termites and as many as 40 birds have been seen to perch on a 70-metre stretch of electric wires. Their habit of feeding near roadsides sometimes results in collisions with traffic. A decline in the numbers of these birds seen along roadsides in northern India has been noted.
The display of this bird is an aerobatic display, with the twists and turns that give this species its English name. The breeding season is March to June, slightly earlier in southern India. Displays when perched include bill-up displays, bowing, allopreening, wing drooping and tail fanning. Holes created by woodpeckers or wood boring insects in palms are favoured for nesting in some areas. Nest cavities may also be made by tearing open rotten tree trunks or in cavities in building. The cavity is usually unlined and is made up mainly of debris from the wood. The normal clutch consists of about 3-5 eggs. The eggs are white and broad oval or nearly spherical. Both sexes incubate the eggs for about 17 to 19 days. The young fledge and leave the nest after about a month. Nearly 80% of the eggs hatch and fledge.
The call of the Indian roller is a harsh crow-like chack sound. It also makes a variety of other sounds, including metallic boink calls. It is especially vociferous during the breeding season.
The bird bathes in open water by plunge-diving into it, a behaviour often interpreted as fishing.
But it may occasionally attempt fishing from water.
Blood parasites Leucocytozoon of the family Plasmodiidae have been noted in the lung tissues. Parasitic helminth worms Hadjelia truncata and Synhimantus spiralis were recorded as well.
In culture
The Indian roller is very common in the populated plains of India and associated with legends. It is said to be sacred to Vishnu, and used to be caught and released during festivals such as Dussera and Durga Puja. A local Hindi name is neelkanth, meaning "blue throat", a name associated with the deity Shiva (who drank poison resulting in the blue throat).
Another local name in Telugu is 'pala pitta', and in Kannada it is 'neelakanthi'.
Adding its chopped feathers to grass and feeding them to cows was believed to increase their milk yield. The Indian roller has been chosen as the state bird by the Indian states of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Odisha.
(Credit: www.thainationalparks.com/)
"Lord of Europa's Tyrian line,
Zeus-born, who holdest at thy feet
The hundred citadels of Crete,
I seek to Thee from that dim shrine,
My days have run. The servant I,
Initiate of Idaean Jove,
Where midnight Zagreus* roves, I rove,
I have endured his thunder-cry;
-Euripedes (confession of an Orphic priest) -
* - Zagreus is Dionysus.
The Invocation appears on Pg. 27 of Bertrand Russel's "History of Western Philosophy"
The shot was made during the last approach to Neelkanth Lake in Lahul sub-division of Himachal Pradesh, India. We crossed over this semi-precious-ice-cut gorge (Thirot nallah) and climbed over the moraine-saddle ridge on the other side. Turned right after crossing over the saddle and followed a loose ridge to reach the foot of Neelkanth Peak marked here.
© 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.
Thousand streams (Sahashradhara) descend dancing down from the feet of sacred Neelkanth.
When everyone ran after divine nectar to acquire immortality, the Lord of Lords took the venom, which was also churned out, to save creations...in its effect even the His throat turned blue...and, He attained another name, Neelkantha (the Blue Throat).
Taken in Garhwal Himalayas, India.
Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis) - Thailand
Indian roller
Binomial name: Coracias benghalensis (Carolus Linnaeus, 1758)
The Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis), is a member of the roller family of birds. They are found widely across tropical Asia stretching from Iraq eastward across the Indian Subcontinent to Indochina and are best known for the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. They are very commonly seen perched along roadside trees and wires and are commonly seen in open grassland and scrub forest habitats. It is not migratory, but undertakes some seasonal movements. The largest populations of the species are within India, and Several states in India have chosen it as their state bird.
Description
The Indian roller is a stocky bird about 26–27 cm long and can only be confused within its range with the migratory European roller. The breast is brownish and not blue as in the European Roller. The crown and vent are blue. The primaries are deep purplish blue with a band of pale blue. The tail is sky blue with a terminal band of Prussian blue and the central feathers are dull green. The neck and throat are purplish lilac with white shaft streaks. The bare patch around the eye is ochre in colour. The three forward toes are united at the base. Rollers have a long and compressed bill with a curved upper edge and a hooked tip. The nostril is long and exposed and there are long rictal bristles at the base of the bill.
Three subspecies are usually recognized. The nominate form is found from West Asia (Iraq, Arabia) east across the Indian Subcontinent, and within India north of the Vindhyas mountain ranges. The subspecies indicus is found in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. The southern form has a darker reddish collar on the hind neck which is missing in the nominate form. The race affinis of northeastern India and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar, Indochina) is sometimes considered a full species, but within the Indian region, it is seen to intergrade with benghalensis. The form affinis is darker, larger and has a purplish brown and unstreaked face and breast. It has underwing coverts in a deeper shade of blue.
Distribution and habitat
The Indian roller is distributed across Asia, from West Asia (Iraq), through the Indian Subcontinent (including Sri Lanka and the islands of Lakshadweep and Maldive Islands) into Southeast Asia.
The main habitat is cultivation, thin forest and grassland. They are often seen perched on roadside electric wires.
Ecology and behaviour
These birds are usually seen perched on prominent bare trees or wires. They descend to the ground to capture their prey which may include insects, arachnids, small reptiles (including Calotes versicolor and small snakes and amphibians. Fires attract them and they will also follow tractors for disturbed invertebrates. In agricultural habitats in southern India, they have been found at densities of about 50 birds per km2. They perch mainly on 3—10 metre high perches and feed mostly on ground insects. Nearly 50% of their prey are beetles and 25% made up by grasshoppers and crickets. The feeding behaviour of this roller and habitat usage are very similar to that of the black drongo. During summer, they may also feed late in the evening and make use of artificial lights and feed on insects attracted to them. They are attracted to swarms of winged termites and as many as 40 birds have been seen to perch on a 70-metre stretch of electric wires. Their habit of feeding near roadsides sometimes results in collisions with traffic. A decline in the numbers of these birds seen along roadsides in northern India has been noted.
The display of this bird is an aerobatic display, with the twists and turns that give this species its English name. The breeding season is March to June, slightly earlier in southern India. Displays when perched include bill-up displays, bowing, allopreening, wing drooping and tail fanning. Holes created by woodpeckers or wood boring insects in palms are favoured for nesting in some areas. Nest cavities may also be made by tearing open rotten tree trunks or in cavities in building. The cavity is usually unlined and is made up mainly of debris from the wood. The normal clutch consists of about 3-5 eggs. The eggs are white and broad oval or nearly spherical. Both sexes incubate the eggs for about 17 to 19 days. The young fledge and leave the nest after about a month. Nearly 80% of the eggs hatch and fledge.
The call of the Indian roller is a harsh crow-like chack sound. It also makes a variety of other sounds, including metallic boink calls. It is especially vociferous during the breeding season.
The bird bathes in open water by plunge-diving into it, a behaviour often interpreted as fishing.
But it may occasionally attempt fishing from water.
Blood parasites Leucocytozoon of the family Plasmodiidae have been noted in the lung tissues. Parasitic helminth worms Hadjelia truncata and Synhimantus spiralis were recorded as well.
In culture
The Indian roller is very common in the populated plains of India and associated with legends. It is said to be sacred to Vishnu, and used to be caught and released during festivals such as Dussera and Durga Puja. A local Hindi name is neelkanth, meaning "blue throat", a name associated with the deity Shiva (who drank poison resulting in the blue throat).
Another local name in Telugu is 'pala pitta', and in Kannada it is 'neelakanthi'.
Adding its chopped feathers to grass and feeding them to cows was believed to increase their milk yield. The Indian roller has been chosen as the state bird by the Indian states of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Odisha.
(Credit: www.thainationalparks.com/)
A heavenly feeling in the abode of clouds...more so, when it is the first sight from the tent on an August morning...Rendezvous Luxury Camp @ Neelkanth Road, Heval River, Hrishikesh
Mount Dronagiri or Duna Giri stands tall above the valley. This is the fabled peak from where Hanuman brought the Sanjivani. Till date the village on the foothills do not worship Hanuman.
This is the view during the day 1 of the Kuari pass trek from Dhak Village. This village is 12 kms from Joshimath just before Tapovan.
The curves of Changbang Peak can be seen behind shoulder of Dronagiri.
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.
Dunagiri or Dronagiri 7066 m / 23183 ft can be seen in the centre of the picture.
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
Views of himalaya from Khullara Top.
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
This Indian Roller made a 40-feet plunge from power lines to this grassland in order to devour a bug that only it was able to spot from that distance. Then it first trampled over the bug with his claws before killing and swallowing it.
The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis), is a member of the roller family of birds. They are found widely across tropical Asia stretching from Iraq eastward across the Indian Subcontinent to Indochina and are best known for the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. They are very commonly seen perched along roadside trees and wires and are commonly seen in open grassland and scrub forest habitats. It is not migratory, but undertakes some seasonal movements. The largest populations of the species are within India, and Several states in India have chosen it as their state bird.
The Indian Roller is a stocky bird about 26–27 cm long and can only be confused within its range with the migratory European Roller. The breast is brownish and not blue as in the European Roller. The crown and vent are blue. The primaries are deep purplish blue with a band of pale blue. The tail is sky blue with a terminal band of Prussian blue and the central feathers are dull green. The neck and throat are purplish lilac with white shaft streaks. The bare patch around the eye is ochre in colour. The three forward toes are united at the base. Rollers have a long and compressed bill with a curved upper edge and a hooked tip. The nostril is long and exposed and there are long rictal bristles at the base of the bill.
The call of the Indian Roller is a harsh crow-like chack sound. It also makes a variety of other sounds, including metallic boink calls. It is especially vociferous during the breeding season.
The bird bathes in open water by plunge-diving into it, a behaviour often interpreted as fishing. But it may occasionally attempt fishing from water.
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. Adding its chopped feathers to grass and feeding them to cows was believed to increase their milk yield. The Indian Roller has been chosen as the state bird by the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Odisha.
Nikkor, 28mm, f/2.8, AI-S
Gosaikund is located in the Langtang region of Nepal. Langtang area is a popular place to visit among trekkers and pilgrims. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gosaikunda)
The Langtang area is supposed to have 108 holy lakes, of which 85 have been identified. For Hindus Gosaikund is the holiest of these lakes.
According to the Puranas, during Samundra manthan 13 items were released before Dhanvantri emerged with the pot of Amrit. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samudra_manthan)
One of the items that came out was a poison called Halahala. Since, there was no place to safely dispose it off, Shiva agreed to hold it in his throat. But the poison was so potent that it turned his neck blue, hence, the name Neelkanth, and started burning his throat. Since there was no water nearby, Shiva threw his Trishul on ground and the place where the Trishul struck three water fountains spurted out. These became the three lakes: Saraswatikund, Bhairavkund and Gosaikund. After drinking water from Gosaikund Shiva disappeared in the kund.
The poison imparted its blue color to the water of Gosaikund and even today the area around the lake is barren.
Neelkanth Parvath is situated at an altitude of 6597 mtrs in Badrinath of Uttarkhand in India.
This peak falls in the Gharwal range of mountains and is popularly known as the "Queen of Gharwal"
Neelkanth - The Blue Throated, one of the names of Lord Shiva, after the virulent poison Shiva consumed from the Ocean-Churning by the Devtas (Demigods) and Asuras (Demons), left his throat blue. Goddess Parvati withheld the entrance of poison into Shiva's body by placing her hand on Shiva's larynx. If fallen, the malignant poison would have annihilated the Earth.
The Holy Peak and Lake by the names Neelkanth in Himachal Pradesh are located on such a site here, by the upper reaches of Thirot Nallah (gorge) in Lahul.
_AS_
© 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.
The Sound of ॐ (Aum or Om).
The Sound of Infinity.
Bell of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in the Himalayas.
Sun shines bright, Nanda Devi stands tall in the background while we stand in front of frozen Tali Lake.
This is during the last day of the trek to Kuari Pass.
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.
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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
Per Hinduism, there are Gods who are responsible for creation (Lord Brahma), sustenance (Lord Vishnu) and destruction (Lord Shiva). Seen here is Lord Shiva in a meditative posture. Per mythology, it is usually His phallus (Shiv Ling as Hindus call it) that is worshiped. Spinsters usually fast on Mondays in His respect, with the hope that He will lead them to their perfect match. Hindu mythology is adorned with stories of Lord Shiva and His consort, Goddess Parvati. They have 4 kids - each being a God / Goddess in their own right, known for their benevolent characteristics and worshiped alike their parents. Seen here is a clay manifestation of Lord Shiva of how Hindus see it. He is known (from last available and reliable sources) to reside in Mount Kailas and visits Earth for 5 days once a year along with His family - an event celebrated with much fun and merriment, known as Durga Puja amongst Bengalis. It is said, that once, Earth was poisoned (the Asuras (demons), Satan if you had a draw a parallel to Christianity) and the divine management was unsure of how to address the mess. Lord Shiva stepped in and leading from the front, decided to suck in all the poison. He did not swallow it, as it was a threat to his life and decided to hold it in His throat and with time, His throat turned blue. He is known by many names to His worshipers and this act of kindness earned him the name, Neelkanth (Neel meaning blue, and kanth means throat, i.e. the one with the blue throat). Per Hinduism, Lord Shiva is a very good dancer and it is through this dance form that he invites destruction...
There was a small population of village down below .. how could I refrain myself from a TS :)
Shot of the step farming taken from Neelkanth.
A daily ritual, washing Shiva's lingam.
In a country where the fallus is worshipped as symbol of Shiva, the Creator,
Shakti, Parvati or Lakshmi have to serve him as wife, it is not surprising that the imported Hinduism in the 4th century is logically also the source of repressing women in India, having no other rights then to serve.
Seen on the way to Neelkanth.
2010-02-01
Those who toil hard summer, cherish sweet fruits in winter. I just sit back and enjoy the view.
_AS_
© 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.
Explored on 3rd January 2012.
Mt Kamet (7,756 mtrs) , Abi Gamin(7355 mtrs), Mana (7272 mtrs), Mukut Parvat(7242 mtrs)
The Gorson Bugyal and the oak forest of Auli Top below the bugyal. The mighty himalayan ranges stands tall in front.
This shot is taken in the afternoon of 4th day of the trek when we are returning to Auli.
The mountains should be white, but sadly there is very poor snowfall this season. Sometimes I feel that we are losing the white himalayas and soon this can be a common scene.
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
Highest Position on Explore : Jan 2, 2012 #498
One of the shots from a series taken on a rapturous evening at the base of Neelkanth lake in Lahul, Himachal Pradesh - India. We'd just set our camp as visible in centre-left, and out embarked the dusky sun's invitation to capture the game of dancing light.
_AS_
© 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.
www.clickconnectgo.com/divinity-and-sanctity-akshardham/
I had heard the epic saga of Lord Swami Narayan long back ago. And this was the time when my spiritual mind reached the point of highest development and I culminated a fervent desire to explore the world of evolution of the human soul.
My research drove me to a place called ‘Akshardham’, a spiritual and holy complex that boasts of preserving the traditional architectural styles and values of the Hindu culture. Out of sheer curiosity, I was ready for a fun day-out at the most exotic tourist destination, but my first impression of the place was not what I deep anticipated. This was for the poor management of patrons by the authority, especially on a busy Sunday. I describe my learning of this spiritual adventure in different episodes as follows:
Episode 1: The Cloakroom in Akshardham
It was the first time I saw a queue line of a size of a railway counter. To begin my journey, I had to first deposit all my belongings in a Cloakroom. Much to my disappointment, the wait time was more than an hour and that incessant line of tourists took me to imagine that all our plans for the day might be ruined as well.
We need to fill a form and deposit that form along with our belongings in the Cloakroom. After the Cloakroom, we need to line up for a security clearance and final entrance to the temple.
Episode 2: Entry through Bhakti Dwar
As I entered, I was transported into a different world of artistic sculptures denoting varied forms of god and his devotees. This was the beginning of my journey and an imagination of downright purity that gave me the energy to keep all the frustration at bay. The Bhakti Dwar resembles 208 sculpted dual forms of God and his devotees.
Episode 3: Akshardham Mandir
This is the center of attraction that lights up the entire complex with a spark of integrity and uprightness. To enter, I had to deposit my shoes at the shoe counter and take a token from the authority personnel. The temple is an epitome of splendid architecture and a place where uniquely sculpted figures, carved pillars and magnificent domes demonstrate the very existence of the almighty God.
Episode 4: The Food Counter
When it was just halfway through the journey, I got exerted and decided to stop by the food counter to refrain from starving. After skipping my breakfast for the day in anticipation, I thought I would be treated well here. But who would have imagined that after waiting again in a long queue I was only offered the leftover snacks at the food counter in Akshardham. It was well settled now that this place needs more planning and organization to break the ice and set the right standards of cordiality in the tourism industry.
Episode 5: The Exhibitions
The best things are saved for the last. This was not the last thing we experienced in Akshardham, but invariably the most innovative. This part of my journey was filled with awe-inspiring plays covering the principles of the life of Bhagwan Swami Narayan. These plays showcased the true values of Indian culture through the use of robotic figures, laser lights and theme-driven sound effects.
The second phase starts with a sensational, staggering forty-five minutes movie depicting the life of an eleven year old child yogi ‘Neelkanth Varni’. This film is believed to have a cast of over 45000 people and shot in over 100 locations in India.
Episode 6: The Water Show
You can buy combo tickets of the Exhibition and Water show in Akshardham for a price of 250 rupees or separate individual tickets for any one of the events.
This was one of the most arresting performances of my life. The Water show presented a spiritual message from the Upnishads in a spectacular for the tourists. An artistic blend of laser lights, fountains, fire, and projections grips you till the last second of the entire duration of fifteen minutes.
Episode 7: The Boat Ride in Akshardham
The journey draws to a closure with a ride on the boat that lets you sail through 1000 years of the Indian culture and prosperity. This ride attempts to keep you abreast of all the major developments, discoveries, and inventions that happened in the Indian society for its timeless amelioration and glory.
Episode 8: The Food Court
After finishing a day filled with exhilaration and enthusiasm, I was about to faint with hunger. Thanks to the Premwati food court in Akshardham that promotes the concept of Ajanta and Elora and is home to varied multi-cuisine vegetarian delights from all over India. I was enthralled by their customer service, food quality, and reasonable prices. I had a delectable dinner at the end of the day and went back with a plethora of beautiful memories that inspirit me with a desire to come again.
Helpful Tips
Avoid hiring an auto to Akshardham. The temple is walk able distance from the Akshardham Metro Station.
Visit of weekdays, if possible as the crowd is less.
Buy Rs.5 Guide (language of your choice) for a better experience.
Get the stamp on your ticket for the exhibition so that you can roam around the rest of the temple without waiting in the queue.
Ensure to come back to the same queue if your ticket is already stamped otherwise you will be asked to go back to your respective queue and lead to time wastage.
Don’t miss out on the souvenir shop at the end.
Dress code in Akshardham- Upper Wear: Must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms. Lower wear must be at least below knee-length
Views of Hathi Parbat and Gauri Parbat from the trek to Kuari Pass. This is taken from the bugyal above the forest of Tali Lake.
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
The life of the mountain binds the routines of humans and sheep with each other. In changing seasons, the passage of time finds roots in the great camaraderie that both offer to each other. Crossing treacherous passes with their stock, the indigenous tribal people of Chamba region- The Gaddi's, have always held high regard in my heart over their tradition.
This shot has been taken below Hinsa village near Udaipur in Lahul sub-division of Himachal Pradesh (India), as we waited for our turn to cross over the mighty Chandrabhaga River (Chenab).
_AS_
© 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.
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 A
laknanda 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 Neelkanth, 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 Neelkanth 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.
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.
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
Dronagiri and Nanda Devi at sunset from Lower Chitrakantha Campsite during Day 1 of Kuari Pass Trek.
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.
Dunagiri or Dronagiri 7066 m / 23183 ft can be seen in the centre of the picture.
Nanda Devi 25,645 feet is seen on the Right side of the picture.
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
Heading back to base camp after Neelkanth Trek in Lahul, Himachal Pradesh. The idea had taken heart few years back. But its acme happened in early June this year, when without thinking twice, we followed our hearts leap into western Lahul. It would be the second time in that country and first in this particular locale on the foot of Great Himalayan Range which carves the ChandraBhaga Valley.
The trek (or Yatra, as more aptly should be called) should normally take 3 days from Thirot and even from Udaipur. Though clear skies had become obtrusive, but on this fateful day we had some remarkable mementos spread across the horizon.
Base camp @ 3800m
Neelkanth Lake @ 4500m
Shot from 4250m
© 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.
Indian Roller trampling over a bug or worm after a 40-feet plunge, before eating it, and I have got it all on camera.
The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis), is a member of the roller family of birds. They are found widely across tropical Asia stretching from Iraq eastward across the Indian Subcontinent to Indochina and are best known for the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. They are very commonly seen perched along roadside trees and wires and are commonly seen in open grassland and scrub forest habitats. It is not migratory, but undertakes some seasonal movements. The largest populations of the species are within India, and Several states in India have chosen it as their state bird.
The Indian Roller is a stocky bird about 26–27 cm long and can only be confused within its range with the migratory European Roller. The breast is brownish and not blue as in the European Roller. The crown and vent are blue. The primaries are deep purplish blue with a band of pale blue. The tail is sky blue with a terminal band of Prussian blue and the central feathers are dull green. The neck and throat are purplish lilac with white shaft streaks. The bare patch around the eye is ochre in colour. The three forward toes are united at the base. Rollers have a long and compressed bill with a curved upper edge and a hooked tip. The nostril is long and exposed and there are long rictal bristles at the base of the bill.
The call of the Indian Roller is a harsh crow-like chack sound. It also makes a variety of other sounds, including metallic boink calls. It is especially vociferous during the breeding season.
The bird bathes in open water by plunge-diving into it, a behaviour often interpreted as fishing. But it may occasionally attempt fishing from water.
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. Adding its chopped feathers to grass and feeding them to cows was believed to increase their milk yield. The Indian Roller has been chosen as the state bird by the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Odisha.
1.Kanwar Yatra is named after the kānvar (काँवर), a single pole (usually made of bamboo) with two roughly equal loads fastened or dangling from opposite ends. The kānvar is carried by balancing the middle of the pole on one or both shoulders. The Hindi word kānvar is derived from the Sanskrit kānvānrathi (काँवाँरथी). Kānvar-carrying pilgrims, called Kānvariās, carry covered water-pots in kānvars slung across their shoulders. This practice of carrying Kavad as a part of religious pilgrimage, especially by devotees of Lord Shiva, is widely followed throughout India . Yatra means a journey or procession.
2.Shraavana (Hindi: सावन saavan, Sanskrit: श्रावण shraavan) is a month of the Hindu calendar, also known as Sawan. In India's national civil calendar, Shraavan is the fifth month of the Hindu year, beginning in late July and ending in the third week of August. In the Tamil calendar, it is known as Aavani and is the fifth month of the solar year. Shraavan begins with the Sun's entry into Leo.
In lunar religious calendars, Shraavana begins on the new moon and is the fifth month of the year.
3.Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Hindi: नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth (Lord Shiva). The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
The Temple is one of the most revered holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. It is surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot and is located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati. ~~ Wikipedia
Shot from Gorson bugyal(bugyal means meadow) on way to Kuaripass...From this place the entire range of Nandadevi sanctuary can be seen...some of the peaks are Neelkanth (6596m), Kamet (7756m), Mukut Parbat, Mana, Nilgiri Parbat,Doonagiri(7066m), Rishi pahar, Chaukhamba (7128m), Haati Parbat (6727m),Ghori Parbat (6708m) ...even glimpses of Nandadevi(7817m),which is the second highest mountain in India (excluding Pakistan occupied Kashmir) and the highest entirely within the country (Kangchenjunga being on the border of India and Nepal), can be seen from this place....
Himalayas viewed from Khullara Top on the way to kuari pass.
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
Sariska National Park is located 35 kms from Alwar City, along the lap of Aravalli Hills in the Alwar District of Rajasthan. Originally, it was the hunting reserve for the erstwhile State of Alwar. Sariska was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became a tiger reserve under ‘Project Tiger’ in 1979. The Sariska Tiger Reserve was converted to a National Park in 1982 and now stretches over 866 sq kms with a core area of 497 sq km. The Park is located 107 km from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.
The Sariska National Park includes some important archeological sites like the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Garh Rajor Temples and the Kankwadi Fort. In the medieval times, Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh in the Kankwadi Fort after the war for the throne ended between the Mughal brothers. Dara was defeated by Aurangzeb at the battlefield of Samogarh, 13 kms from Agra, on June 8, 1658 AD.
Neelkanth formidable East Face as seen from Base Camp near Badrinath
This is my oldest photograph of Neelkanth.. Notice that no crack is visible on the top most cornice here.. Shot on Film (Velvia)
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