Different Types of Papads

• • Maharashtra, Raigad •
Different Types of Papads from Pali, Maharashtra, India

This photo was taken at Pali situated in Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district of Maharashtra. We purchased Lehsun Lal Mirch Papad (weight half kg) for Rs. 110 and Methi papad for Rs. 30. Other than these two, there were different types of papads available at the shop that was new to me and enhanced my knowledge.

For example Batata (potato) papad, Beet papad, Kothimbir papad, Lahsun (garlic) Lal Mirch (red chili) papad, Masala papad, Methi papad, Sabudana papad, Kurdai (कुरडई) papad, Wheat Kurdai, Tandul Feni and many more…

Interesting isn’t it?

Govardhan Parvat Parikrama on Guru Purnima (2014)

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:
Govardhan Parvat Parikrama on Guru Purnima 2014

Though 21 Kms Govardhan Parvat Parikrama is held each month between Ekadashi and Purnima i.e., a total of 5 days there are two special occasions when thousands and thousands of devotees visit Govardhan for Parikrama.

One is Guru Purnima and another is four days before Deepawali i.e., Dev Uthani Ekadashi till Pratipada Dooj i.e., a total of 7 days. It is said during these days (during Deepawali) Lord Krishna at the age of 7 years lifted Govardhan Parvat on his left-hand little finger for 7 days and 7 nights to provide shelter to villagers from rain.

This year Guru Purnima was on the 12th of July. Lakhs of devotees visited, and I was one of them. I started Govardhan Parvat Parikrama on the 11th of July night at 8:45 pm from Mansi Ganga and completed Parikrama at 4 morning hours.

Yes, it is tiring especially when one is completing parikrama barefooted though parikrama marg is well made with lights.

Water arrangement is there for devotees by devotees. At the Rajasthan boundary during Parikrama, I saw a banner stating cold water and Bhandara from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station coolies and many such banners from other devotees. Ambulance, Medical facilities were also available on the way. In totality, it was a new journey, and I am lucky I arrived and completed it.

The amazing knowledge was to know about a few devotees/sadhus offering 108 Dandavat Pranam (obeisance) at one spot and continuing till they complete parikrama in week/s.

Govardhan Parikrama’s knowledge was enhanced by Ram Krishan – a friend and Sanatan Dharm student.

Thank you – said I.

Re: Accommodation at Govardhan during Guru Purnima Parikrama

It was a short notice from Ram Krishna about the upcoming Govardhan Parvat Parikrama during Guru Purnima but having accommodation, especially at Govardhan was not possible. I tried to talk with a few Dharamshala as well as guest houses but sorry – all booked. Devotees book accommodation in advance. Thanks to a friend who tried his best to arrange accommodation so that I can complete Parikrama on Guru Purnima day.

Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma – Panda Laddu Gopal is having two Dharamshala at Govardhan. Upon the request, he agreed to provide a room having a double bed with a toilet at one of his Dharamshala. It was nearby Mansi Ganga – The starting and ending point of Parikrama.

It was only accommodation and no food. Dinner we had at an ashram – Thanks to Ram Krishna. Guru Purnima was on 12th July. We reached Govardhan on the 11th of July during the evening hours. I paid Rs. 1,000/- for two for one night of stay. The room was having a double bed with a toilet, fan, and an air cooler as the weather was too hot and no rain.

In-short accommodation at Govardhan especially during Guru Purnima and Deepawali days is difficult. If you wish to do parikrama during Guru Parikrama or during Deepawali days, try to book accommodation in advance.

Nandli Village (Mandi) to Mohali – Distance & Journey Time

• • Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, Mohali, Punjab •

I started Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike at 7:30 am from Sri Prashar homestay, Nandli village (Kataula)  – approx. 20 km from Mandi town.

At 9:45 am I stopped the motorbike for brunch at a highway Dhaba and again at 10:10 am started the motorbike to continue the journey and reached Mohali at 2:00 in the afternoon hours.

The total journey time from Nandli village (Mandi) to Mohali is approx. 6 hours 30 minutes.

Nandli village (Kataula), Mandi to Mohali is approx. 211 km

Mandi town to Mohali is approx. 191 km

When are the Festivals at Prashar Lake?

• • Himachal Pradesh, Mandi • Tags: ,
Prashar Lake, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India

Prashar Lake I visited if I remembered correctly five years ago. Which month I do not remember but it was festival time and heavy rains. I ran to watch the holy lake and then to reach the temple to offer prayers and back to Mandi Town (48 km approx.) via hired vehicle. Since then the wish was to visit again and if possible during festival time.

An accommodation search was done. Homestay preferred at Nandli village – approx 18 from Mandi Town situated at Mandi – Prashar road. Prashar Lake is a further 30 km.

Yes, I was riding solo via Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike. I started the journey from Shri Naina Devi temple, Bilaspur reached Nandli Village in 6 hours total journey time covering 158 km.

The next day, I re-started the journey by Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike from Nandli Village with Manoj – caretaker of the Homestay at 4:30 am reached Prashar Lake at 6:15 am – 30 km approx. 2 hours journey because of the last 20 km not so good road condition though after crossing Nandli village road construction work was going on.

It was festival time thus devotees in large numbers going towards Prashar Lake via hire or own jeep or walking.

Upon the query about Prashar Lake fair and festivals, days knowledge was enhanced by Rajkumar Thakur – the owner of a tea stall nearby Prashar Lake. There are three festivals celebrated each year at Prashar Lake:

1. Three days festival starts one day before Sankranti day during Ashada (June month) till one day after Sankranti

2. Two days festival – Rishi Panchami in the month of August or September as per the Hindu calendar

3. Two days festival – Kashi Mela during Baisakh (April month) during the harvesting of wheat crop

During festival time devotees carry the Shuka Dev deity from Thatta Village to Prashar Lake. Various villagers also carry deities and Rath (Chariot) Yatra (journey) from their individual villages. Lots of tents and makeshift shops are made by devotees. One may stay at temple Dharamshala or place one’s own individual tent or may book a forest rest house in advance.

In short, the festival is the best time to visit if you want to watch and to know the tradition and culture.

I thank God I had an opportunity to revisit Prashar Lake again during festival time.

I wish to visit again to visit nearby temples – one is nearby and the other is inside the jungle.

How to reach Prashar Lake from Mandi Town if You Do Not Have Your Own Vehicle?

• • Himachal Pradesh, Mandi • Tags: ,

Yes, I was riding solo via Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike. I started the journey from Shri Naina Devi temple, Bilaspur reached Nandli Village in 6 hours total journey time covering 158 km.

An accommodation search was done. Homestay preferred at Nandli Village – approx 18 from Mandi Town situated at Mandi – Prashar road. Prashar Lake is a further 30 km from Nandli Village.

What if one is not having own vehicle to reach Prashar Lake from Mandi town?

Upon the query, Deepak (0-9805371061 / 7807471061), the owner of Sri Prashar Home Stay (Nandli Village) said – Do not worry. Bus service is available nowadays from Mandi town bus depot for Prashar Lake early in the morning between 7:00 – 8:00 am. It might be a 2:30 – 3 hours journey. This bus same day returns in the afternoon hours. If the only bus is missed then another bus for Kandalu Village and then 10-12 km of trekking Or, bus for Bagi Village and then you have to hire a jeep from Bagi Village (even from Kandalu Village) for Prashar Lake.

Jeep hiring charges may be Rs. 2000 from Mandi Town to Prashar Lake to and fro Or, you may reach Kandalu Village by bus and then hire a jeep.

Thank you Deepak for enhancing my knowledge – said I.

The next day, I re-started the journey by Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike from Nandli Village with Manoj – caretaker of the Homestay at 4:30 am reached Prashar Lake at 6:15 am – 30 km approx. 2 hours journey because of the last 20 km not so good road condition though after crossing Nandli village road construction work was going on.