Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple – Tarkasur Demon Meditated at This Location & Worship Lord Shiva

• • Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand • Tags: ,
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 the 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 walking is the only option.

Ok – said I. Taxi preferable. I dropped 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 a 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 atthe  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 walked, 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 ago. Tarkasur demon, meditated at this location and worshiped 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 doing 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 that his days were numbered and his death is for sure. He immediately went to Lord Shiva and asked 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 a siddh-peeth of 84 villages. In earlier days, there was a shivling existing within the temple, but it 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’s Trishul on top of the same. It is said that 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 around 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 the 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 would 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.

Note: Tarakeshwar Mahadev Temple is at an altitude of 1800 meters and is located north-east of Lansdowne on the Lansdowne-Deriakhal road.

Save Trees Message

• • Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand • Tags: ,
Save Trees Message

Save Trees Message – This photo was taken at Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, near Gundalkhet village in Pauri Garhwal, (Uttarakhand).

We are all 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

Nidhivan – The Appearance Place of Shri Banke Bihari

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:
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 that Lord Krishna, with his flute, dug 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 inquired 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 backs within bushes.

Shri Banke Bihari Prakatya Sthal, i.e., place of appearance – The location where Swami Haridas meditated and Lord Krishna appeared in person to present 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 that Vikram Samvat 1515, Lord Krishna himself appeared in person and presented his image to Swami Haridas. Swami Ji installed the image at this very location, which is known as Rang Mahal. For 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 that Daatun is broken, Paan is chewed, and Shringar is used. It is believed that 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.

In those days, Rang Mahal was constructed while using cow dung 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 the 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 that even the Mughal Emperor Akbar visited Nidhivan along with Tansen to meet Swami Haridas. Jai Ho – said I, and we walked further towards the Sri Sri Radha Damodar temple.

Mohini Bihari ji (Tatiya Sthan) – The Ashram of Swami Haridas

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:

And we are towards Tatiya Sthan, the ashram of Swami Haridas (Guru of Tansen and Baiju Bawra).

Swami Haridas stayed at this location, but for bhajan, he used to visit Nidhi Van or the banks of the holy river Yamuna. We all know the image of Bihariji (Lord Krishna) present within the Shri Banke Bihari Ji mandir is the one that was presented by Lord Krishna to Swami Haridas at Nidhi Van. Mughal Emperor Akbar visited Vrindavan to listen to Swami Shri Haridas.

The ashram is full of white sand, trees, monkeys, parrots, and has no electricity. Photography is not allowed inside, but yes, one can but outside only. I left my slippers on the side and took a walk over white sand – Excellent to walk. Pure natural – no doubt, and monkeys passing by.

Neem, Kadam, Jamun, Papri, Peepal, and Khajur all such trees resemble Thakur Ji, i.e., Lord Krishna, if utmost pure devotion is present within a person. One such example is shown by a devotee – The hanging branches known as Jhula (swing) of Lord Krishna and many such that inspire devotion and surrender towards God. Most important,ly nobody is allowed to do any such activity that harms trees or plants. Even fallen leaves and branches are not burnt but dumped inside a deep well present within the ashram area.

Radha Bihari Das – Swami Ji was present. It was evening hours, and we, along with a few more devotees, sat in front of him to listen to a bhajan. Holi days were not too far few lines were remembered from the bhajan as Ram Krishna helped to remember the words.

Rang Ras Ghori, Preeti Ras Jori, Rasikan Das Kheluhan Hori

few more…

And a strange at least I never saw that. A devotee called with a loud voice for evening Aarti for the people living outside the ashram area, and within minutes ashram was packed with devotees ready to be present for aarti, i.e., prayers. Old days, when there were no loudspeakers, I guess this was the only way to send messages. Impressive. History was present, at least I felt the same.

Rasik Sakhi Dampati Aarti Sukh

A few aarti lines I remember, but what I till date remember is the ambiance, the location never experienced before. Devotees residing within the ashram area covered their faces with sandalwood paste and applied Braj Raj (Vrindavan dust) as well. No electricity within the ashram. No materialistic world inside. Devotees, Trees, Animals, Sand, and Lord – That’s it.

A must-visit ashram if you are visiting Vrindavan. Will visit again for sure – said I.

Mohini Bihari Ji Mandir, Vrindavan is also known as Mohini Nikunj.

How to Get to Rishikesh from Haridwar Railway Station?

• • Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand • Tags:
How to Get to Rishikesh from Haridwar Railway Station?

Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, from Haridwar distance is 32 km approx.

Auto charges are somewhere between Rs. 300 – 400 (you have to bargain) for the entire auto booking because in the morning hours, there are very less passengers. Otherwise, if daytime autos are available on a sharing basis at a lesser amount may be Rs. 40 per person if I am correct. Autos are available outside Haridwar Railway station or *Chandi More (approx. one km).

Bus charges are Rs. 22 per person from Haridwar to Rishikesh. Either you can walk to Haridwar Bus Depot, which is towards the right side approx. 100 meters or wait outside Haridwar Railway Station. Uttarakhand Transport Buses coming from Delhi for Rishikesh pass outside Haridwar Railway Station. You have to wave for them to stop. The bus will drop you at Rishikesh city. If you wish to go to Ram Jhula or Laxman Jhula, you have to catch an auto either from Rishikesh Bus Stand or walk a little towards Chandrabhaga Bridge, Rishikesh. Auto charges Rs. 10 per person.

There are a few passenger trains daily from Haridwar to Rishikesh early morning hours. One such passenger train is at 5:20 am.

There are a few more passenger trains coming from Delhi, reaching Haridwar at 2:50 am and departing for Rishikesh at 3:35 am.

Another one, JammunTavi – Rishikesh arrives at Haridwar at 6:40 am, departing for Rishikesh at 6:50 am, also known as Hemkunt Express.

All passenger trains also stop at Raiwala, and Veerbhadra stations, a few km before Rishikesh station.

Train the cheapest.

Update

October 2013

*For Chandi More nowadays battery-operated three-wheeler are available outside Haridwar Railway Station. Charges Rs. 15/person or Rs. 60 for the entire booking.

Rangnath Temple – Also Known as Sri Rangji Mandir – Constructed in the Year 1851

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:

Today will share about one such temple I visited – Rangnath Temple, also known as Sri Rangji Mandir.

Friends, you all know from previous posts that ‘Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra‘ was over, but the visit to various temples before the yatra and sharing history isn’t over yet.

Ram Krishna – the friend – The guide. We enter the temple area from the western gate (market area), but one more Eastern side gate – He said.

The main temple is covered by high-raised walls from all sides and us walking outside the wall area.

These are Tirumali, and he pointed towards the left-hand side structures.

Tirumali ??? – I question.

Yes, Tirumali i.e., Holy Home. They are 108 in number, but only for Southern Indian Brahmins who take care of the temple. Each one has one water well.

(A thought – must be some reason for sure in olden days and till date continuing)

The temple is built in South Indian style, but the entrance is in Rajasthani style. The temple area is the largest within Vrindavan, having an endowment of 12 villages from surrounding areas, He said.

And we reached A pond. Rakshabandhan day and an old story about the Elephant and Crocodile fight held years ago at Sonepur, Bihar, is displayed through various art forms within the pond.

A garden is inside the temple area. It is believed that Goddess Goda visited the garden to pluck flowers to offer a garland to the Lord.

Barahdwari, i.e., twelve pole platforms, beautiful architecture, and a few devotees resting. A few ceremonies are also celebrated.

A gold-plated 50 feet high Garud Stambha and walk inside the temple – Prayers & Parikrama and a visit to Vahan Ghar, i.e., the place where all divine gold/silver vahans (conveyance) are displayed used during Brahmotsav held in Chaitra (March/April).

And not to forget huge old days, maybe handmade padlocks just outside the main temple door for closing doors.

Ram Krishna said: 60 kg the padlock weight and very old. Yes, for sure, why not – said I. Never seen before.

Sandalwood for Lord – Ram Krishna showing the pious location and Yagyashala and Vaikunth Dwar and many more…Thank you, Thank you, Thank you – said I.

Where I went for General Health Check-up in Vrindavan during Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra?

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:
Where I went for General Health Check-up in Vrindavan during Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra?

General Health Check-up in Vrindavan – As per personal experience, Brij Health Care & Research Centre, Mathura-Vrindavan Road, Vrindavan is one such hospital for a general health checkup. During ‘Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra‘, one of the known persons was not well and was admitted to the emergency ward. Even I was not well and had to consult a hospital doctor for a general health checkup. Finally, both were in good health after a few days.

Rs. 10/- was the registration fee. The card was provided to visit the doctor for consultation and the medicine shop inside the hospital.

Thanks to the doctor and the hospital. Wishing good health to everyone.

And one more hospital I would like to mention, i.e., Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama nearby.

Bhakt Shiromani Shree Meerabai Temple (Vrindavan) – Mirabai Stayed at this very Location for 15 Years

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:
Bhakt Shiromani Shree Meerabai Temple (Vrindavan) – Mirabai Stayed at this very Location for 15 Years

Bhakt Shiromani Shree Meerabai Temple (Vrindavan) is close to Nidhi Van.

As said in the last post, we selected Vrindavan City to continue the ‘Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra‘, and we arrived at Bhakth Shiromani Shri Meerabai mandir. Swami Pradyumn Pratap Singh was present. He is from the side of the Maternal grandfather of Meerabai and currently takes care of the temple as a priest. Approx. 500 years back, Meerabai visited Brajmandal along with her baba due to her utmost devotion towards Shri Giridhar Gopal (Mere to Girdhar Gopal {Lord Krishna} Dusra Na Koi) and stayed at this very location for 15 years. Later, she proceeded towards Dwarka, Gujarat, and spent the rest of her life inside the Ranchod temple and was later not seen by anyone. She was 25 years old when she visited Vrindavan. Meerabai’s husband was a highly respected person from the Rana family who died in the war against Mughal Emperor Akbar. After her husband’s death, her brother-in-law objected to her devotion to Lord Krishna. He once sent a snake inside a flower basket to bite Meerabai, but it is said believed the snake turned into Shaligram. That Shaligram is currently present within the temple. One can see eyes, nose, ears, and lips present within the same worship as Lord Krishna.

(Shaligram is a pious stone found generally within the Gandaki River in Nepal)

Pradyumn Pratap ji, while narrating the history, chanted a beautiful verse:

Jaki Rahi Bhawna Jaisi, Prabhu Murat Dekhi Tin Taisi

1842, i.e., Vikram Samwat 1898, the temple was built by Thakur Ram Narain Bhatti – Rajdiwan of Bikaner.

15th and 16th centuries, many great saints were born within India – Surdas, Kabirdas, Tulsidas, and Meerabai. It is said Lalita – gopi of Lord Krishna was reborn as Meerabai, but few say Radha was reborn as Meera. Anyways, and another verse:

Radha Ka Bhi Shyam Ho To Meera Ka Bhi Shyam

The temple opens for devotees at 7:30 morning hours and closes at 12 on afternoons. Again, 5 in the evening it opens and closes for the night at 8. It is certain that visiting the temple prepares a person towards utmost devotion with surrender towards God.

Meerabai’s name was given by her baba only, and he only requested Meerabai to visit Vrindavan.

Rupa Goswami Ji, another great saint, regarded Meerabai as equal to their mother.

Prayers!!!

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