Bharat Darshan: On the Banks of the Yamuna River at Vrindavan

On the banks of the Yamuna River at Vrindavan, old, dilapidated pieces of history stand today at the three Ghats, or a series of steps leading to the water level of a river, which are namely Arati Ghat, Akura Ghat, and the famous Kesi Ghat.  This Ghat is famous throughout India as it is believed to be the place around which Lord Krishna spent his childhood.

Small Boats wait for a Repair job on the North bank of Yamuna river at Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Pedestrian Bridge under-construction over the Yamuna Bridge near Kesi Ghat

Pannas and Sadhus congregate at Kesi Ghat

A Medevial Building on Akura Ghat

An Archway at Akura Ghat

A Sadhu Rests underneath an Arch at Kesi Ghat

Another Sadhu Walks towards Kesi Ghat from Akura Ghat

Kesi Ghat with the Famous Kadam Tree on the Background

A Push Cart Stands besides a Small Resting House at Kesi Ghat

Rhesus Monkeys Enjoying Bananas Offered by Pilgrims at Akura Ghat

A Watch Tower that Looks Out at the Yamuna River at Kesi Ghat

Bharat Darshan: The Road to Badrinath

For more information considering Badrinath, please refer to my other post.

 

The Himalayas of Uttarakhand are Sacred to Both Sikh and Hindu Pilgrims - Here a Group of Sikh Pilgrims Stop to Rest

 

Sikhs on the Way to Hem Kund on NH 58 in Uttarakhand

Another Group of Sikhs at a Rest Stop Near Tin Dhara in Tehri Garwal

Kanwars on their Way to Gangotri

A Tata Sumo with Pilgrims on NH 58

Interstate Buses Wait for Sikh Pilgrims at Govindghat from where the Sikh Pilgrims Walk for 14 Kilometers to Hem Kund

Ganga River and the Morning Mist

Ganga River

Bhagirathi River on the Left and Alakananda River on the Right Merge at the Confluence at Dev Prayag to Form the Ganga River

Bharat Dashan: Hari-ki-Pairi at Haridwar, Uttarakhand

These pictures were taken on a Sunday Evening during the monsoon month of Shrawan when the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims congregate at Hari-ki-Pairi in Haridwar, Uttarakhand to take a ritual bath in the Ganga river.  More information on the pilgrimage (Kanwar) can be found at my other post

Brahma Kund at Hari-ki-Pairi where the Ganga Canal meets the Ganga River

Hundred of Thousands of Kanwarias Congregate at Hari-ki-Pairi for the Ritual Bath before Heading for the Nilkanth Temple in Pauri Garwal

Kanwariyas at Ganga Canala, Hari-ki-Pairi

Several Temples are Located on the West Bank of the Ganga Canal

The Colorful Kanwariyas Add Color to Hari-ki-Pairi

The West Bank of the Ganga River at Hari-ki-Pairi

A Statue of Lakshmi Stands Tall in the Ganga River at Hari-ki-Pairi

Chain Linked Fences in the Ganga Canal Prevent Bathers from being Washed Away in the Ganga River

A-Pylon Symmetric Bridge across the Ganga River in Haridwar

All Roads and Bridges in Haridwar lead to Hari-ki-Pairi

Bharat Darshan: Badrinath Temple

Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and considered by many to be one of the most holy temples of India.  Located along the banks of the Alkananda river in the hilly state of Uttarakhand, it is one of the four major Dhams in India.  The temple is located on the banks of the Alakanada river, which eventually meets the Bhagirathi river to form the river Ganga at Devprayag in Tehri Garwal.  Badrinath temple is open only six months a year – late April through Diwali in early November.  Hundreds of thousands of Indian and Nepal Hindus make a pilgrimage to Badrinath Temple every year to perform the rituals of Pinda and Tarpan, which aid the deceased family members to assist them to cross over to their next rebirth.

Badrinath Temple

View of Barinath Temple from the Side

Mist Creeps Down after Rainfall at Badrinath

Badrinath Temple and the Main Bridge that Crosses the Alakananda River

The New Bridge over the Alkananda River

People Performing Pinda and Tarpan Rituals for their Deceased Parents

Group of People from Cochin, Kerala Performing the Rituals on the West Bank of the Alakananda River

Fourteen Couples from Jhallari, Kanchanpur District, Nepal Performing Communal Rituals for their Deceased Parents

Nepali Dharmshala or Guest House is Located Three Buildings from Badrinath Temple on the Banks of Alakananda River

Bharat Darhsan: The Enigmatic and Nomadic Sadhus of Uttarakhand, India

A Sadhu at Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh Eats his Lunch

Another Sadhu near Ram Jhula, Rishikesh

Sadhus Resting on the Path Adjacent to the Alkananda River at Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand

Another Sadhu at the West Bank of Alkananda River at Badrinath

A Sadhu Catches up with the News Next to the Nepali Dharamsala at Badrinath

A Sadhu Enjoys a Hand-Rolled Ganja Joint near Rudra Prayag Next to National Highway 58 in Uttarakhand