Visiting temples on way to Ranikhet (A photo blog)

Visiting temples on way to Ranikhet 

(a photo-blog – photos shot using mobile phone only)

Sunset across the Kumaon hills

A cloud lit up by the setting Sun in the Kumaon hills

As the clouds descend ominously

I have to visit my pad in Ranikhet region Kumaon in Uttarakhand to get it cleaned and maintain it.  This time around I roped in a few friends of mine and we embarked upon a short journey and for a change.  I did not carry my Camera kit and decided to undertake the journey and record photos using only my mobile phone.  The photo blog, I believe will do the creative writing this time around and places being shown can be searched in my blogs or over the internet –

Garjiya Devi Mandir is situated at a distance 12 KM away from the township of Ramnagar of the famed Corbett Park.  The temple was constructed in the year 1940 only. Originally discovered in the year 1840 by rulers of Ramnagar, Katyuri, this temple is protected and reconstructed many times by the temple management till now, thus offering an awesome infrastructure and attracts immense number of pilgrims each year.  It is believed that Girija is another name of Goddess Parvati, called because of being the daughter of king of mountains, The Himalayas. The Shakti residing in the Garjiya devi temple Uttarakhand is calm and peaceful avatar of Maa Paarvati. Visiting this place gives one a chance to please both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Panoramic view of the Garjiya Devi temple

A snake twisted around the temple bell of Garjiya Devi temple

As the Ram Ganga River flows past the Garjiya Devi temple

Binsar Mahadev Temple - The manifestation of Shiva worshipped in the temple known as Bineshwar, a name which the British later corrupted to Binsar. It is a unique place nestled amongst the pine forests and a quiet place for meditation and picnic.  Bineswar Temple or Binsar Mahadev Temple is situated at a distance of 19 kms from Ranikhet district of Uttarakhand State. Built in 10th century A.D, the temple is known for its fine modern architecture. The temple was built by King Pithu in memory of his father Bindu, hence this temple is also known as Bindeshwar temple.  According to the legend of the temple, it was built in a single day. Women come here on the day of Vaikunth chaturdashi and it is belevied that desire of a child is fulfilled, if they pray all night with lamps in their hands.  The temple also has ashram nearby, dedicated to Binsar Mahadev.  Even though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it houses the idol of Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Har Gauri and Goddess Maheshmardini . The idol of Maheshmardini is engraved with texts in Nagarilipi which dates back to as early as the 9th century. Every year on Vaikunth Chaturdashi and Kartik Purnima, a two days Binsar Mela is organized at this temple which occurs in the months of June.

Panoramic view of the famed Binsar Mahadev temple

The pine forest surrounding the Binsar Mahadev temple

Hairakhan Temple – Is situated at a distance of 4.5 km from Ranikhet Bus Stand, The Haidakhan Temple is situated in Hairakhan Baba Ashram at Chiliyanuala near Ranikhet. This temple has been constructed in memory to Baba Haidakhan, who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva, to whom this temple is dedicated and is one of the best places in Ranikhet to visit. This temple proudly displays a tall statue of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva. Hairakhan Babaji, simply called Babaji or Bhole Baba, was a teacher who appeared near the village of Hairakhan in Nainital district and taught publicly from 1970 to 1984. His followers maintain that Hairakhan Babaji is a Mahavatar, a human manifestation of God. He left his mortal remains in 1984, at an early age.  Sri Hairakhan Wale Baba established this beautiful Ashram between 1970 and 1984 and many new buildings were erected in recent years. There are also five guest houses, a small shop, the main temple, the Italian temple and Sri Babaji's Kutir and the Sri Baba Research Hospital.  Navaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm here with yagnas on all the 9 days. Satsang of bhajans happen every evening during the Aarti and people start dancing on their own. Many devotees from abroad visit this temple to have their marriage in Indian tradition. One can meditate in the peaceful surroundings.

View of the famed Hairakhan temple in Chilyanaula

Panoramic view of the cloud covered valley as viewed from Hairakhan temple in Chilyanaula

Kainchi Dham - Kainchi is a beautiful ashram located in secluded mountain of the Kumoan Hills in Uttarakand. The temple was first inaugurated in June 1964. It is approximately 38 km from Nainital. Many hundreds of people visit the temples here every day, during the season.  It was some time in 1962 when Maharajji called for Shri Poornanand of Kainchi village while he himself waited sitting on parapet wall by the road side near Kainchi. When he came, they refreshed the memories of their first meeting which they had 20 years back in 1942. They discussed about the place around. Maharajji wanted to see the place where Sadhu Premi Baba and Sombari Maharaj had lived and performed Yagyas. The forest was cleared and Maharajji asked for the construction of a Chabootara (rectangular platform) covering the Yagyashala. Maharajji contacted the then "conservator of forests" and took possession of the requisite land on lease.  The Hanuman temple is built over the platform mentioned above. His devotees started coming from different places and a chain of bhandaras, kirtans, bhajans started. The Pran-Pratishtha of idols of Hanumanji and others was performed on 15th June in different years. Thus, 15th June is celebrated every year as Pratishtha Divas Each year, during the famous June 15th bhandara.  The place is of international repute boasting of followers like Steve Job & Mark Zuckerberg.

View of the valley above the famed Kainchi Dham temple

Panoramic view of the famed Kainchi Dham temple

  

An unplanned visit to Corbett

An unplanned visit to Corbett

A barking deer or Kakkar in Corbett

            As usual, this year too we headed to the hills for our short winter vacations.  However, unlike other years when we visited lesser known destinations, as the work regarding construction of my small apartment was in progress and I was required to deliver some goods for the said construction, we all headed for the destination and arrived at Chilyanaula, Ranikhet KMVN to spend a few nights.  After having visited the construction site and delivered the goods, we spent the day there having a picnic with food being cooked on temporary makeshift chulah and with local condiments, which added a special flavour to the simple ‘dal & chawal’ and we enjoyed a good day out.  However, we realized that we had nothing much to contribute to the construction process and would end up having a look around at the same destinations that we have visited many times in the past.  Therefore, after returning back to the Rest house in Chilyanaula, I spoke to the Manager in this regard and he checked the website and suggested that I could move over to Mohan near Corbett, but the difference in tariff would have to be paid by me, as the rooms were costlier at Mohan.  Hearing about the proximity with Corbett, I jumped at the proposition and early next morning we were headed for Mohan.

Sunrise at Chilyanaula

As we head out towards Corbett 

Beyond Bhatrauchkahn - Himalayan view point

Beyond Bhatrauchkahn - Himalayan view point - close up of Nanda Devi range with Trishul

             Mohan is a nondescript little destination situated on the Ranikhet to Corbett State Highway and it has a quaint and quite little Tourist Rest House run by KMVN.  To give you a general idea about it’s proximity with other destinations – Mohan is situated at a distance of 73 Kms. from Ranikhet and the break up of distances are as follows – Ranikhet to Bhatrauchkhan – 27 Kms. and Bhatraouchkhan to Mohan 46 Kms. – Mohan to Ramnagar – 10 Kms. Being situated hardly at a few kilometers distance from Corbett alongwith it’s jungle like ambience, is an added advantage for Mohan.  Having arrived at Mohan, I contacted the Manager seeking advice about visiting Corbett during the afternoon Safari.  I was informed that as the booking was required to done online, it was not possible to visit Corbett on arrival.  I had no idea about the same and therefore had no other option but to rake up my contacts, to at least visit Corbett during the ensuing day.  The idea worked and the contact sent a person who collected our personal details alongwith photocopy of my official Identity card and he also informed me that my entry was subject to any cancellation made.  My program was in much more jeopardy, as during the previous few days, it had been raining ‘cats & dogs’ in the region and the jungle safari had been temporarily halted, which had created additional queue.  Hoping for the best and mentally preparing for the worst, we decided not to waste the day idling and went ahead to visit the famed ‘Girija Devi temple’ nearby.

Bracket fungi on  a Banyan Tree - just as we enter Corbett

The TRH at Mohan

Panoramic view of Garijya temple

As the sun sets across the Kosi River bed

            The temple is dedicated to Girija Ardhangini and is myth-logically identified as being the daughter of the Himalayan mastiff known by the same name.   The temple is situated on a steep mound right in the middle of the Kosi river and during the lean periods the river bifurcates and creates an island around the temple, with the river flowing on either side of it.  However, during the monsoons the island also disappears at times, thereby making visit to this temple very difficult.  To ensure safe passage, the Government has now constructed a sturdy concrete bridge across the river to help the pilgrims visit the famed destination.  The temple is very small and only about 10-15 persons can be accommodated atop it at a time.  The temple has a small 4.5 feet high statute of Goddess Girija Devi accompanied by statues of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati placed alongside, as the presiding deity is also identified as Parvati of famed Lord Shiva Parvati combine.  It has gained tremendous following during recent years and consequently a small market has emerged along the bank of the river, wherein people are engaged in selling worship/Puja related articles alongwith a few sweetmeat shops sprinkled here & there.  The main pilgrimage to the temple takes place during the Basant Panchami.  We visited the temple and after offering prayers, on our way back we got down and headed onto the banks of Kosi River and enjoyed the sunset before returning back to the Rest House.

A kingfisher basking in morning sun inside Corbett
 

Langurs on tree tops inside Corbett

            As we were having a cup of Coffee in the cold winter evening at TRH Mohan, good news filtered in that there had been a few cancellations because of the inclement weather, however, the trip was subject to the weather conditions improving.  After we have had our dinner and were getting ready to retire for the night early, as next day we were to be picked up at 6.30 A.M for the trip scheduled from the Bijrani Gate entry, it started pouring again.  We tucked ourselves in, a wee bit dejected by the prospect of getting bad news in the morning.  Because of a hectic days schedule coupled with the quiet ambience of the place, we drifted into the land of dreams and were woken up in the morning after the loud sound of the alarm clock went off.  We quickly got dressed and as we were making some final adjustments, the intercom rang informing us of the arrival of the open safari jeep.  It was quite dark when we started and bitterly cold also as the jeep was totally open from all sides.  It took about 20-25 minutes ride to reach Bijrani Gate and after entering the premises, the operator asked for the money as well as the Identity card for making necessary entries.  By stroke of luck and a chance decision, I was inside Corbett for my first maiden journey to any Tiger Reserve.

Cheetal deer (Male) inside Corbett

A Sambhar hiding in the grass

            Corbett National Park has been mesmerizing its visitors with its diverse plethora of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. It was established way back in 1936, when Corbett attained the distinction of being the first national park to be established in mainland Asia.  The geographical location of this National Park that stretches between the Himalayas and the terai region and the sheer number of streams, rivers and ridges that crisscross its terrain, enrich Corbett with a remarkable variety of landscapes. This vivid mosaic of habitats – wet and dry, plain and mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands – supports numerous plant and animal species, representing Himalayan as well as the species thriving in the plains.  The most famous of them is the tiger and over the years Corbett has become synonymous with it.  Perennial rivers like the Ram Ganga and Kosi are the source of sustenance for the animals inhabiting Corbett and apart from them there are many rain fed rivulets that join these rivers during the rainy season as their tributaries. 

A Wild boar inside Corbett

Topography inside Corbett

A herd of Cheetals feeding inside Corbett

             From the main gate the open jeep takes you to the interior passing by a raging stream and I understood that the safari is to be stopped because during rains these rivulets cannot be passed by vehicles because of the torrents, as there are no bridges built across them.  The core area begins from an area deep inside, which is a fortified part with electric fences covering the periphery and the jeeps etc. assemble here and then start for the safari in batches.  There are a plethora of deer in the region of many varieties, sizes and hues and easily found roaming around foraging alongwith other kinds of mammals like Pigs, Monkeys etc.  However, the elusive tiger did not show up, although we could hear is low pitched growls from time to time  and despite sustained efforts of guide and the driver, we could not spot one and returned back a wee bit disappointed, but having had a blast otherwise, it was a trip to remember.