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From Rishikesh
pilgrims start their journey for Joshi Math. This city
is 170 k.m. away from Rishikesh. In the way come many
beautiful Prayags. The second important Prayag is known
as Rudar Prayag. This Prayag is confluence of Alaknanda
and Mandakani rivers. There is also situated a
historical temple of Saint Rudar Nath. The travellers,
who have to go to Kedar Nath, that place is very
important for them. From here a road along Mandakani
river goes upto Kedar Nath. Kedar Nath is about 54 miles
from this Prayag. From Rudar Prayag the travelers reach
Gauchar. Gauchar has been now converted into a very
important place. Here the central government has formed
four helipads for the journey of the VIP's and
ministers. From Rudar Prayag we reach Karan Prayag. This
place is confluence of river Alknanda and Pindar Ganga.
The water of these rivers is very pure and through it we
can see even the smallest particles. The small coloured:
pebbles look like gems and jewels.
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After enjoying the
confluence of Karan Prayag the pilgrims reach village
Chamoli. This place is junction of two roads coming from
Kedar Nath.
Enjoying the natural
scenes of the mountains and rivers we reach Joshi Math.
The Hemkunt-Trust has built a very beautiful Gurdwara
there. This Gurdwara provides all types of facilities to
the pilgrims. It is also said that there are many old
manuscripts in the possession of this Gurdwara. In this
Gurdwara the holy Dasam Granth Sahib is also enshrined
for the study of the pilgrims. There is also a large
Dharmsala in this city. Thousands of travelers can stay
in this Dharmsala. This Dharmsala is known as 'Kali
Kambli' Dharmsala.
Joshi Math is one of
the four important Maths of Shankracharia. It is a
well-known historical city. Badri Nath is considered to
be the highest sacred place. When due to severe cold
weather, it becomes difficult to stay there, then the
residents of Badri Nath climb down to Joshi Math. There
are many old temples in this city. The Naths bring with
them idols of the Badri Nath temple and worship those
here. There is also an old path which connects Joshi
Math with Mansarovar and Kailaslh Parbat. Tapo-ban is
only eight miles away from this city. There is also an
old tree near the cave of Shankracharya. It is believed
that the life of this tree is more than 25000 years.
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In the main Bazaar
Gurdwara Dusht Daman is situated. This Gurdwara was
constructed in the supervision of Sant Thandi Singh. It
was got completed in 1966. Later on the Hemkunt-Trust
built the residential buildings. In Gurdwara Dushat
Daman, the travellers are provided all types of
facilities. The pilgrims stay there at night and
next day early in the morning start their journey
towards Gobind Ghat. In the way, comes Vishnu Prayag
where river Akalnanda and Vishnu Ganga confluence. This
is fifth and last Prayag. When we go further we see a
mountain of great height. On one side of the mountain
there is Lakshmi Temple and on the other side there is a
pond of very hot water. |
There are also temples
of Nar Singh, Bhagwati, Durga Dass Dev and Jaiteshwar
god. As we continue our journey we feel fascinated to
see the natural beauty all around. Though the tiresome
journey overpowers our physical calibre, but the divine
message of the celestial power solaces us so much that
we forget all types of fatigues.
We remember and praise
the supreme Lord for His wonderful creation. We realize
that we should not forget him, who has given us the life
to see such beautiful spots. There, the holy Baani of
Jaap Sahib revolves in our minds and we recite it again
and again.
"Salutation to the
Immortal
Salutation to the
Compassionate
Salutation to the
Formless
Salutation to the
Unrivalled.
Salutation to God who
is beyond portraiture
Salutation to
Incorporeal
Salutation to Unborn.
Salutation to
Impregnable.
Salutation to
Indestructable.
Salutation to God who
is beyond Name.
Salutation to God who
is beyond place.”
In this way reciting
holy hymns of Guru Gobind Singh, we proceed on to have a
glimpse of that wonderful place, called Hemkunt Sahib.
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