'Konark temple and the cult of Lord Jagannath' by K.J.S.Chatrath

The other day I saw and photographed a panel from Konark temple (13th century A.D.), which gives an interesting insight into the cult of Lord Jagannath.

Photographs and write up coming soon on my blog and website.

Jai Jagannath.

'Badrinath Part-II' by K.J.S.Chatrath

'Badrinath, Part-I' - by K.J.S.Chatrath

 Badri Vishal Ki Jai (Hail Badri Vishal)

The mighty Neelkanth peak as seen from Badrinath. This was my 7th visit to Badrinath but the first one when I saw this peak sod clearly as normally it is covered by clouds. Neelakant, is a major peak of the Garhwal division of the Himalayas, in Uttrakhand state of India. Although substantially lower than the highest peaks of the region, it towers dramatically over the valley of the Alaknanda river and rises 3,474 metres (11,398 ft) above Badrinath only 9 km (6 mi) to the east. Frank Smythe described the peak as "second only toSiniolchu in Himalayan beauty."

Badrinath is a holy town and in Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It gets its name from the temple of Badrinath. It is situated at an elevation of 3,300 metres. The image of the presiding deity worshipped in the temple is a 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, black stone statue of Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan. The statue is considered by many Hindus to be one of eight swayam vyakta kshetras, or self-manifested statues of Vishnu

 A poster of Lord Vishnu.

 You offer money here and your wish would be fulfilled. 

 One who can not afford these, can have 'darshan' of the Lord without even offering anything. 

 

 

Other places of interest nearby.  

These photos were taken on May 6 & 7, 2017

'Some Sadhus at Kedarnath, Badrinath & Haridwar' - by K.J.S.Chatrath

A sadhu (male), sādhvī (female)  is a religious ascetic, mendicant (monk) or any holy person in Hinduism and Jainism who has renounced the worldly life. They are sometimes alternatively referred to as sannyasi or vairagi.
It literally means one who practises a ″sadhana″ or keenly follows a path of spiritual discipline. Although the vast majority of sādhus are yogīs, not all yogīs are sādhus. The sādhu is solely dedicated to achieving mokṣa (liberation), the fourth and final aśrama (stage of life), through meditation and contemplation of Brahman. Sādhus often wear simple clothing, such saffron-coloured clothing in Hinduism, white or nothing in Jainism, symbolising their sannyāsa (renunciation of worldly possessions). A female mendicant in Hinduism and Jainism is often called a sadhvi.

(Text source: Wikipedia)