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Showing posts from August, 2017

Joshimath in Images

On our way to Badrinath, we stationed at Joshimath. Joshimath is a popular city in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand located at an altitude of 6150 feet above sea level. This is the base station for travellers going to Badrinath, Guru Gobind Ghat or the Valley of Flowers.  The town Joshimath has got its name from the "Akhanda Jyoti" (light)  that is shining ever since the time of Adi Shankaracharya till today in the Jyotirmath (monastery) established by Adi Shankaracharya.  Jyotirmath is the Northern Monastery of one of the four cordial institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya; the others being those at Shringeri, Puri and Dwaraka. The heads of these maths are called 'Shankaracharyas'. Lord Narasimha is the main deity in the temple of Joshimath which is believed to be established by Adi Shankaracharya. During the time of winter, the Utsava Murthy (festive idol) of Badrinath is brought here to worship. The image below is going to be the new abode

Amazing views of Tungnadh, Chandrashila, Chopta and Ukhimath

After strenuous trek of Kedarnath, we began our journey to the next destination 'Chopta'. On the way to Chopta we visited 'Ukhimath' the home of Lord Omkareshwar.  This beautiful sight welcomes you on reaching Ukhimath.  According to popular legend, Anirudh the great grandson of Lord Krishna got married to Usha the beautiful daughter of Asura King Banasur. Hence, the place was known as Ushamath. With passage of time, Ushamath has become Ukhimath. It is one of the Pancha Kedars and is the home for Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar during winter. During winters the festive idols of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are brought here and worshiped in this ancient temple of Omkareshwar. Seeking blessings of Omkareshwar, we moved to Chopta. Chopta is a beautiful small village around 30 kms away from Ukhimath with lush green meadows and evergreen forests unexplored by many tourists.  This is considered as a mini Switzerland as it is completely covered by snow dur