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Friends Walking along the Juhu Beach at Sunset
About: Kaleshwar Shiv Temple – The Most Ancient Monument of Lansdowne
Kaleshwar Shiv Temple is the most ancient monument of Lansdowne. It is said that 5000 years ago, Kalun sage used to do penance here. Thus, its name is Kaleshwar from his name. The Gadwal regiment was raised on 5 May 1887 and the first battalion of the regiment arrived on 4 November 1887. At that time there was a deserted forest here. Here in a cave was a Shivling, which was known as Kaleshwar. It was the village deity of the nearby villages. According to popular belief, the cows of the villagers used to automatically pour milk from their udders on the Shivling. The vows that people used to ask with reverence and devotion, were definitely fulfilled.
The first Garhwal, in 1901 built a small temple and a Dharamshala here. In 1926, the temple was renovated publicly. Worship of the temple was done by Sadhu–Mahatma, and other arrangements were done by the Garhwal Rifle Regimental Center.
The temple was reconstructed in 1995 by the Garhwal Rifle Regimental Centre, and In 1999, the mosaic courtyard was constructed outside the temple by the Regimental Center itself. The temple is worshiped and maintained by the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre.
Kaleshwar Shiv Temple – 5000 Years ago, Sage Kalun Meditated Here
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Bhim Pakora – Bhim Placed the Rock on Top of Another Rock
Two and a half km approx. from Gandhi Chowk, Lansdowne via Sadar Bazaar, ‘Dhura’ is the location of Bhim Pakora in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
The road is steep surrounded by thick pine and oak trees, and I drive a Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike to reach it.
It is said during Pandavas‘ exile into the forest they reach this location. As we all know Bhim was the most powerful among Pandavas and was equal to ten thousand elephants, he placed the rock on top of another rock. Thus, it is named Bhim Pakora.
Some say Pandava had stopped and made food at this location.
Anyways, first I watch and then I walk to try whether it is moved by the one’s finger or not as said. Yes – the answer. Very true. The rock is well placed on top of another rock and must be in tons. Locals say it never topples no matter what.
During Shivratri huge rush of devotees is present to offer prayers and offerings. Amazing it is for sure no doubt.
Sadhna Mandir – An Ashram at Tarkeshwar Dham near Gundalkhet Village
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Dharamshala at Tarkeshwar Mahadev near Gundalkhet Village
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Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple – Tarkasur Demon Meditated at This Location & Worship Lord Shiva
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple approx. 38 km from Lansdowne (Yes, I am at Lansdowne. Cool, Clean, and Green. Beautiful in short) and thought to visit. A thought – visit by Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark/hire a taxi/a sharing jeep?
Rajesh Dhyani, an editor of Jagrook Uttaranchal, was consulted as he stays at Sadar Bazaar.
There is no regular sharing jeep available from Lansdowne for the Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple. Only a single sharing jeep is present during afternoon hours for Tarkeshwar. Cost Rs. 50 per person.
The jeep runs at 2:30 afternoon hours from Lansdowne. The jeep will drop you at Gundalkhet Village to walk 1-2 km to reach the temple. Only the next morning between 7:30 – 8:00 the jeep returned to Lansdowne from Gundalkhet Village. That is why hire a taxi to and fro. If not, visit in your own vehicle.
But I saw a display board for Tarkeshwar somewhere down the hills. Few jeeps were present too – I inquired.
That is Derakhal – 5 km from Lansdowne. One toll-tax barrier (chungi) is there – correct?
Yes, Yes – said I.
But again sharing a jeep will drop you 5 km before the temple and walk the only option.
Ok – said I. Taxi preferable. I drop the idea of visiting by motorbike.
What would be the charges for the taxi to and fro for the temple?
Rs. 1000 – said he but for you Rs. 800.
He said he would arrange a taxi. Thank you said I.
Tomorrow afternoon, is that Ok? – Ok said He.
The next day afternoon hours Sonu Rawat was present with white color Indica and us towards the destination – Tarkeshwar Mahadev.
The road towards Tarkeshwar is zigzag but good in condition. The scenery is all-around enough to mesmerize. Sonu is attentive while driving 30-35 kmph maybe the speed I guess.
After one hour of the spellbound journey from Lansdowne, finally, I was at Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple. Only three other private cars were present. Fewer people for sure. I am sure Tarkeshwar is a little above or almost the same somewhere around 5,000 feet in elevation. The display board talks about those people destroying and harming Devdar trees (Himalayan Cedar), leaves, and bark. Not to do so – a notice. Here trees are worshiped. Save Trees – for public welfare
Appreciated and I walk further. The more I was walking the more I was surrounded by Devdar trees. The different atmosphere. Trying to believe where I am. Unbelievable but it is true I am at this location. Prayers!!!
After prayers, I requested Shri Sandeep Ji – The priest to narrate The History of Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
Discovered 600 years back. Tarkasur demon meditated at this location and worship Lord Shiva. As per his immense devotion, Lord Shiva appears. Tarkasur asks for a boon to be immortal and if killed only by the son of Lord Shiva. The boon was granted.
Tarkasur started killing saints, and sages and destroyed the peace all around. Lord Shiva was once again approached by sages and requested to stop Tarkasur from evil.
Lord Shiva married Parwati – the daughter of the Himalayas. Kartikeya was born.
The day Tarkasur knew about Kartikeya – The son of Lord Shiva he had an intuition his days are numbered and his death is for sure. He immediately went to Lord Shiva and asks for pardon. Lord said your end is for sure by Kartikeya but yes, as you are a true devotee you will be remembered in Kalyug along with my name. Your name will be attached to my name, and you will remember too. Thus, Lord Shiva is also known as Tarkeshwar Mahadev.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple is siddh-peeth of 84 villages Earlier days there was a shivling existing within the temple but is not visible nowadays. Nowadays an idol of Lord Shiva performing Tandava is presently discovered a few years ago at the same location where the shivling was present.
On 15th May there is a religious fair known as fasal (crop) puja. During this day crops are ready but first, they are offered to Lord Tarkeshwar Mahadev before selling to the market. One more religious fair is organized in the month of October. Other than this during Maha Shivratri, a huge rush of devotees is seen to offer prayers. A deodar tree present behind the temple deity is a must-watch. One can see Lord Shiva Trishul on top of the same. It is said Lord Shiva is present and is in deep sleep within this location. The bells all around the temple area are offered by devotees once their wishes are fulfilled. They are in thousands if I am correct.
And I talk about a Dharamshala present within the temple area.
Yes, it is of Swami Rama – a famous saint.
More prayers and a walk toward the surroundings. I wish I had more time to stay at this location. Maybe next time – said I and towards Dharamshala to know more about the same.
Pt. Titu Bhai (0-94583 75526/89795 22406) was present. He is the manager of the Dharamshala as well as Ashram. Upon query, he said – one can stay but prior information about the visit is required. Food is provided by the Ashram.
Swami Maheshwari Das mediated at this ashram for 27 years and was the founder. Swami Anand Bharti, and Swami Rama visited this location. It is also said earlier years many sages, and saints visited this location for meditation.
I agree. If in the year 2011, this location is so pleasant what it was years ago – a thought.
Please serve tea – a request from Titu Ji.
Tea was served, and I read the painted wall clearly saying breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided but as per Ashram rules.
I with folded hands request for leave as evening hours are approaching fast and I have to travel 38 km approx. With memories, I started walking toward the parking area. Have to visit again maybe one night’s stay for sure. Meditation for sure, Kirtan for sure.
Save Trees Message
We all are proud of our Tarkeshwar Mahadev ji. But there are some people who break the twigs and leaves of Deodar trees considering them as Prasad and tattoo their name on the trees. By doing this they harm the deodar trees. Now the time has come, let us all together take a pledge to save these deity-like trees and make life successful by worshiping them.
– In the public interest
(Save Trees Message – This photo was taken at Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, near Gundalkhet village in Pauri Garhwal, (Uttarakhand).
About: Nidhivan – The Appearance Place of Shri Banke Bihari
Nidhivan is next to Shah Ji Temple. During the Vrindavan tour, I with Ram Krishna – a friend, and a guide, visited Shri Nidhivan Raj Nij Mahal also known as Nidhivan. Photography is strictly not allowed inside but yes, at the entrance a display-board talks about five important locations within Nidhivan:
- Lalita Kund
- Shri Banke Bihari’s appearance place
- Rang Mahal
- Bansi Chori Radha-Rani
- Swami Haridas temple
Timings:
Summer: 5:00 am – 8:00 pm
Winter: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
Timing is very important especially at this very location because nobody stays inside the area after evening hours – said Ram Krishna.
We will talk later about the same when we will reach Rang Mahal currently at Lalita Kund. It is said Lalita – the Sakhi (friend) of Lord Krishna during Dvapara Yug was re-born as Swami Haridas in Kalyug. Swami Haridas was born at Haridaspura near Aligarh. He left his village and first came to Radha-Kund, Shyam Kund near Govardhan, and built a Kutiya (hut) to stay and sing bhajan. After that, he visited Vrindavan and selected this very location known as Nidhivan for his meditation, prayers, and singing. He took Mahasamadhi in Vikram Samvat 1535. It is said the earth split only two times – once for Sita and for Swami Haridas.
Ram Krishna said – One-day Swami Haridas felt thirst. It is said and believed Lord Krishna with his flute dig the place to quench the thirst of Swami Haridas thus the location is named Lalita Kund.
(If you remember I narrated almost similar history while visiting Seva Kunj)
And I inquire about the name of the bushes spread all over the place. Pilu – The name is also named Vrindavan Tulsi. I saw devotees with utmost devotion sweeping the ground. The natural presence and vibes can be felt while we walk bending our back within bushes.
Shri Banke Bihari Prakatya Sthal i.e., place of appearance – The location where Swami Haridas meditated and Lord Krishna appeared in person presented his image to Swami ji currently installed at Shri Banke Bihari Mandir.
And close to Shri Banke Bihari Prakatya Sthal is Rang Mahal. It is said and believed Vikram Samvat 1515 Lord Krishna himself appear in person and presented his image to Swami Haridas. Swami ji installed the image at this very location which is known as Rang Mahal. 266 years the image was present at this very location till it was installed at Shri Banke Bihari Mandir.
The temple of Shri Banke Bihari was constructed with the efforts of Seth Harbulal and Goswamis.
At 7 evening hours Phool (flowers), Itra (scent), Paan, Daatun, Shringar, Suhag Pitari (suhag box) are offered to Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna. The gates of Rang Mahal and Nidhivan are closed. 5:30 morning hours when gates are opened for Mangla Aarti (morning prayers) devotees find Daatun is broken, Paan is chewed, and Shringar is used. It is believed Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha visit Rang Mahal daily at night thus nobody is allowed to stay within the area. Even animals leave the location it is said.
Remember: There are many monkeys within the area.
Those days Rang Mahal was constructed while using cow dunk by Swami Haridas till it was renovated by devotees later.
108 pad said by Swami Haridas is written within the walls of Rang Mahal.
Dashrath Ji was narrating all said history and I listened silently. No words what to say. Devotion, Prayers, and we walk further.
Raas-Mandal – This is constructed by devotees Ram Krishna said. Sharad Purnima – The day Raas-Leela is organized at this very location between 5-7 evening hours for devotees to sing bhajan.
Bansi Chori Radha-Rani – a temple dedicated to Radha. At this temple, one can see Radha playing Bansi i.e., flute. It is said Radha once stole the bansi (flute) of Lord Krishna which is shown at this very temple. The temple was constructed by Seth Harbulal.
One-by-one we visited each said location and finally, we reached Samadhi:
Swami Haridas
Goswami Jagannath (younger brother of Swami Haridas)
Vithal Vipul Dev
We sat for a few minutes for prayers. And I was told by Ram Krishna even Mughal Emperor Akbar visited Nidhivan along with Tansen to meet Swami Haridas. Jai Ho – said I and we walk further towards Sri Sri Radha Damodar temple.