Vridha Badri-The old Badrinath

Bridha Badri or the 'old Badri' is a temple about 7 kms short of Joshimath, on the main Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road at Animath.It is believed that Badrinath was worshipped here before its enshrinement by Shankaracharya at the main Badrinath seat.

The idol of Badrinath carved by the divine Vishwakarma was enshrined and worshipped here. It is said that when mankind entered the age of Kali, Vishnu chose to remove himself from the temple.

Interestingly, the image was found by Adi Shankaracharya at Naradkund, and restored, though part of it remains damaged. This, the first badri, is located at a height of 1,380 mts. at Animath. While Badrinath closes during winter, the idol and priests hibernating at Joshimath, Vridha Badri remains open throughout the year.

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Badrinath- The Abode Of Lord Vishnu

Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four important shrines in Garhwal. The town is at an altitude of 3,133 m. above sea level, situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda and exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and falls in the religious itinerary of every devout Hindu.

The present temple was built about two centuries ago by Garhwal Kings. It is a conical structure, 15 m. tall and has small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. There are 15 idols in the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone. The principal idol represents Vishnu in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nara-Narayan. Legend dates it prior to the Vedic age though it is believed to have been re-established by Adi Shankaracharya, an important Hindu saint in 8th century A.D. Some of the other images include Laxmi (Vishnu's consort), Garud (Vishnu's mount), Shiva & Parvati and Ganesha.


The temple has been renovated several times due to damages by avalanches. It looks fairly modern now due to the colourful "Singh Dwara" or the main entrance gate. It has three parts- Garbha Griha (the sanctum sanctorum), Darshan Mandap (for pujas) and Shobha Mandap (for devotees to assemble). The revered shrine is still alive with myriad legends from mythology. Its sanctity is emphasised in the ancient scriptures as "There are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be.

Legend has it, when the Ganga was requested to descend to earth to help suffering humanity, the earth was unable to withstand the force of its descent. Therefore the mighty Ganaga was split into twelve holy channels. Alaknanda was one of them that later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.


The temple of Shri Badrinathji on the banks of the Alaknanda river, dates back to the vedic times. Situated at an altitude of 3,133 mts., the present temple is believed to have been built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya- an 8th century's philosopher-saint, who also established a 'math' here. Also known as 'Vishal Badri', Badrinath is one of the Panch Badris.

The Faithful belief that a gigantic badri tree is suitated here which is not visible to mortal in the age of kali

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Yamunotri –A Temple of Yamuna Devi

Yamunotri, the source of the river Yamuna, is the western most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, located on a flank of the Bandarpunch peak constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages, collectively called 'char dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas. The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Jankichatti (7 km. away)

Just like Gangotri (the place where the river Ganges originates) Yamunotri is the place where the river Yamuna originates. This pilgrim centre is in the Uttarkashi region at a height of 3233 mts above sea level on the western side of the Banderpoonch peak which is at a height of 6316 mts above sea level. The last bus stop is Hanuman Chatti which is 14 kms away by foot.

The actual source of river Yamuna lies a further one km. ahead of Yamunotri, at an altitude of 4,421 m, and the trek to this place is extremely difficult, so pilgrims usually offer obeisance at the Yamunotri temple itself. Legend has it that a sage, Asit Muni, used to reside at this secluded spot in ancient times. This ancient temple was made by the King of Tehri, Pratap Shah in 1919. It is said that the temple of Yamunotri was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the last decade of the 19th century. In 1923 this was destroyed, with only the idols left, and was rebuilt. It was once again damaged in 1982.

A hot water pool at Yamunotri is used for the preparation of "PRASAD" normally rice and potatoes, cooked by dipping them in the hot water, tied in cloth bags. During winters this place is buried under a heavy blanket of snow, so the approach is extremely difficult. The track along the river bank is quite magnificent, dominated by a wide panorama of mountains. The whole trek to the temple passes through many large and small rivers, lakes, canals, forests, waterfalls, villages and meadows.

Eventhough there is no proper way to Yamunotri ,Number of people visiting this place increases day by day.People believe that visiting the temple
Once in our lifetime will destroy all our sins and we can lead a long life.Yamunotri such a powerful hindu goddess.

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Lord Shiva Temple At Kedarnath in Himalayas –A Hindu Pilgrimage

All the worshippers of Lord Shiva have a hearty desire to visit lord Shiva temple at Kedarnath in the Himalaya Mountains. Kedarnath is one of the places of pilgrimage among the famous four dham pilgrimage. Kedarnath is one of the twelve swayambhoo Jyotirlingams of lord Shiva. The pilgrimage to Kedarnath is the most difficult out of the 4 dham pilgrimage. It is also situated at the highest level of 11600 feet from the mean sea level, considering all the four dhams in Himalayas. The pilgrimage to Kedarnath remains open only in summer months of May to October.

There are around 100 stone steps to climb prior to entering inside the temple. There are statues of Lord Shree Krishna, Pandavas, and Ganesh. This temple is thousands of years old and Pandavas had gone to Himalayas via this temple. The story goes as Pandavas could not find lord Shiva in the Kedarnath in spite of many efforts. Finally, they found lord Shiva in the form of one buffalo among the crowd of buffalos. Bheema, strongest of Pandavas, got hold of this particular buffalo after lot of fight. During this fight, the back of the buffalo remained here at Kedarnath and the head went to Katmandu in Nepal. This is the reason the shape of the lingam of Shiva here at Kedarnath is not in standard elliptical shape but is in shape of the back of buffalo and is dark red in color. This temple was built by the King Janmejay, son of the King Pareekshit, before around 5000 years from solid rocks. The appearance of the temple also indicates that the temple is really very old. You can go up to the Shiva Lingam and can perform puja very close to the Shiva Lingam. The morning puja time is 4.30 am. It is really challenging to take bath in the River Mandakini at this hour prior to performing the puja. There is generally a night halt given here by all the travel companies in order to enjoy the real hilly beauty of Himalayan Mountains around Kedarnath. 

Thus Kedarnath is the most important Lord Shiva temple in the entire world is a real beauty among the Hindu pilgrimage places.

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Wagah Retreat Ceremony Held at Sunset-Must Watch By Every Indian

When the sun decides to say goodbye to a peaceful day it’s time For the reunion, which transcends the boundaries, that man has laid. From Amritsar 35 Km on the road to Lahore(Pakistan), is India-Pakistan border, which is also known as "Attari(India)-"Wagah" (Pakistan) border. The flag-lowering ceremony is an interesting experience, especially at sun-set, when the retreat ceremony takes place with the Border Security Force (B.S.F.) on the Indian side and The Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side putting up a well co-ordinate and spectacular display.
A 30 Minutes flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah crossing between India and Pakistan begins with the march fast ,then they perform warrior-like stamping and gesturing, along with the ritual of “beating the retreat” (the lowering the colours) on their respective sides of the Border and closing the gates for the night.
After lowering the flag, the way they holds the flag with respect will surely induce a patriotic feeling among the watching people.
Thus two Border guards entertain the visitors each evening

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Siddis –The Lost African In India

African tribes who were brought to India as a slave in 17th century by Portuguese were named siddis.They were lost African in India.Although they came at first as slaves, they were so successful as fighters that they at times usurped power from the rulers they were supposed to be serving. Yet they are now struggling at the margins of Indian society.
Without proper guidelines they don’t know how to lead the Life, their only income is traditional African-derived musical genre called "goma".Every Sunday they do rehearsal for the goma dance.
Siddis says that they were asked to perform dances in marriage functions, and government function since government believes that their goma dance is a Symbol Of Respect. They were also ready to spread their traditional dance if they are given a chance.
Thus Music is only key that can unlock their past.

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Indian Yogi Without Food and Water For Over 70 Years

In day to day life food and water has become one of the basic amenity of human being. Researcher says that a human can be without food and water for only about 12 days, in the case if he/she drinks water on the 8th day, but An 82 years old Indian Yogi named Prahlad Jani who is bestowed with wonderful capabilities by Indian goddess living without food and water for about 70 years.
Yogi claims that when he was eight years he lived in a cave where he was allegedly visited by an Indian goddess and bestowed him this capacity. since then he receives a magic nectar sent to him by goddess everyday through a special channel on the roof of his mouth which help him to survive.
Military doctor put the unique yogi under the round the clock observation. The observation concluded that Yogi’s brain cells are at the level of a 25-year old person, and his body is strong and young.
The doctors say they are dealing with a biological miracle because within 108 hours in the hospital he has not eaten or drunk and has not used a restroom even once. Doctor also added yoga practice caused biological changes in his body.
The doctors are hoping this case will help them to research the ways of survival in extreme conditions without food or water.
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Green tea –A workless Weight loss Theraphy……………………

Green tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis originated from China has been proven that it contains many medical substances which is effective in curing many disease and also helps in loss of weight.
Green tea Diet & weight loss
Green diet consumption increases metabolism and results in weight loss.A study says that six cups of green tea a day reduces about 3 pounds of weight a week.
Method of Intake:
Sugar must not be added to Green Tea while drinking tea for weight loss purpose.
The best time to drink the tea is when it is hot because nutrients will diminish when it becomes cool
Taking Green tea at night is preferable, as night tea’s will help in keeping the metabolism through out the night.
Intake tea alone wont reduces the weight ,a tea with regular food and exercise will only reduces the weight.
Thus a workless weight loss is possible by regular intake of green tea.
Reference of this article

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