Gurudwara Ponta Sahib and Kapal Mochan
Gurudwara Paonta sahib on the banks of river Yamuna between city Nahan (Himachal Pardes) & Dehradun.
Gurudwara Dastaar asthan sahib,kavi Darbar sahib,birth place of Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh ji, Sikh Art Museum.
Gurudwara kapal mochan near Balaspur jagadhari (Hariyana).
Monday, December 28, 2009
chardhams of uttarakhand
Yamunotri is one of the Chardhams of Uttarakhand.
The other three being Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Such is the significance of Yamunotri that is to be visited first among the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
The other reason of Yamunotri being visited before the other dhams is that the Char Dham Yatra is essentially done from left to right.
The other three being Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Such is the significance of Yamunotri that is to be visited first among the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
The other reason of Yamunotri being visited before the other dhams is that the Char Dham Yatra is essentially done from left to right.
For large-scale natural water storage in the floodplains of Delhi's Yamuna
Using the floodplain of yamuna
The top layer of accumulated sand washed down by floods over millions of years, makes river
floodplains into giant aquifers. We propose a scheme for the natural storage of excess monsoon
river-water discharge in the extensive and deep sand top layer of the floodplain of the river. The
excess monsoon discharge can be used for a regulated inundation of an embanked area of the
floodplain – to soak in and store the water. This storage can then be used for the withdrawal of
water during the dry months. We illustrate this by an evaluation of the potential of the Yamuna
floodplains in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and show that there can be an annual yield of
600–900 MCM of water, which is three-fourths the total water supply to Delhi. This makes it an
invaluable natural resource potentially worth about Rs 6000–9000 crores a year of non-invasive use.
The top layer of accumulated sand washed down by floods over millions of years, makes river
floodplains into giant aquifers. We propose a scheme for the natural storage of excess monsoon
river-water discharge in the extensive and deep sand top layer of the floodplain of the river. The
excess monsoon discharge can be used for a regulated inundation of an embanked area of the
floodplain – to soak in and store the water. This storage can then be used for the withdrawal of
water during the dry months. We illustrate this by an evaluation of the potential of the Yamuna
floodplains in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and show that there can be an annual yield of
600–900 MCM of water, which is three-fourths the total water supply to Delhi. This makes it an
invaluable natural resource potentially worth about Rs 6000–9000 crores a year of non-invasive use.
yamunotri temple
Yamunotri temple
hear the noise yamuna makes here and you can also see steam from the hot springs at the temple.
hear the noise yamuna makes here and you can also see steam from the hot springs at the temple.
yamuna at yamunotri, a vidoe
Yamuna at yamunotri
Yamunotri is part of pilgrimage circuit known as Chardham Yatra and is the birt place of the holy river Yamuna.
Yamunotri is part of pilgrimage circuit known as Chardham Yatra and is the birt place of the holy river Yamuna.
Sur ghat in Delhi
The Sur ghat is loacted at wazirabad.wonder where it got this name? has the name come from sur dynasty?
The Sur was the Afghan dynasty that ruled northern India (1540-56), founded by Sher Shah Sur (r.1540-45), who won great victories at Chausa (1539) and Kananj (1540) and drove the Mughals from Delhi.
After the death o...f Selim Shah (r.1545-53) the dynasty fractured through succession disputes, allowing Humayun to reconquer Delhi.
The Sur was the Afghan dynasty that ruled northern India (1540-56), founded by Sher Shah Sur (r.1540-45), who won great victories at Chausa (1539) and Kananj (1540) and drove the Mughals from Delhi.
After the death o...f Selim Shah (r.1545-53) the dynasty fractured through succession disputes, allowing Humayun to reconquer Delhi.
Delhi on the banks of river yamuna
Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi has been continuously inhabited since at least the 6th century BC.
The sixth century BC started the first day of 600 BC and ended the last day of 501 BC.In India, Panini, sometime during this century, composed a grammar for Sanskrit, which is the one of oldest extant gramm...ar of any language after 15 other proto-dravidian languages like Brahmi.
After the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, Delhi emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routeTrade route between northwest India and the Indo-Gangetic plain.
The sixth century BC started the first day of 600 BC and ended the last day of 501 BC.In India, Panini, sometime during this century, composed a grammar for Sanskrit, which is the one of oldest extant gramm...ar of any language after 15 other proto-dravidian languages like Brahmi.
After the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, Delhi emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routeTrade route between northwest India and the Indo-Gangetic plain.
Qudsia bagh
Qudsia Bagh was originally near the river Yamuna.
At eight in the morning, when the trees are filled with barbets, green pigeons, grey hornbills, red-vented bulbuls and pied wagtails.
The garden was laid out in 1748 and has a turbulent history.
In the mutiny of 1857 Indian rebels barricaded themselves inside the Walle...d City of Delhi (to which the nearby Kashmere Gate was an entrance); the British, therefore, occupied Qudsia Bagh and made it their battery ruining the garden
Today, only three monuments remain in Qudsia Bagh: the gate, the mosque, and the baradari.
What sets Qudsia Bagh apart is its combination of Mughal and British architecture; birdlife and history—and the fact that it’s rarely crowded.
Off the beaten path, and easy to get to (take the Metro to Kashmere Gate, emerge at the Boulevard Road/Qudsia Park end, and follow the road to your right).
(source http://www.igougo.com/journal-j54970-Delhi-Historic_Delhi_Part_1_Odds_and_Ends.html)
At eight in the morning, when the trees are filled with barbets, green pigeons, grey hornbills, red-vented bulbuls and pied wagtails.
The garden was laid out in 1748 and has a turbulent history.
In the mutiny of 1857 Indian rebels barricaded themselves inside the Walle...d City of Delhi (to which the nearby Kashmere Gate was an entrance); the British, therefore, occupied Qudsia Bagh and made it their battery ruining the garden
Today, only three monuments remain in Qudsia Bagh: the gate, the mosque, and the baradari.
What sets Qudsia Bagh apart is its combination of Mughal and British architecture; birdlife and history—and the fact that it’s rarely crowded.
Off the beaten path, and easy to get to (take the Metro to Kashmere Gate, emerge at the Boulevard Road/Qudsia Park end, and follow the road to your right).
(source http://www.igougo.com/journal-j54970-Delhi-Historic_Delhi_Part_1_Odds_and_Ends.html)
Tons a tributary of yamuna
Tons is the largest tributary of Yamuna. Tons carries more water than the Yamuna itself and meets Yamuna below Kalsi near Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
krishna and his duties as a husband
Once, the sage Narada was curious to know how Krishna was faring with so many wives.
So he decided to visit each of their mansions and verify whether Krishna was personally present there. To his amazement, he found that Krishna was not only present there but actively taking part in the various activities of the home.
He joined one wife to tend the children, another to graze the cattle, the third to help with the household purchases, and so on and so forth. The Bhagavad Gita presents Krishna as the divine prototype of the householder dedicated to the three aims of life - Dharma (virtue), Artha (wealth), and Kama (enjoyment of life).
So he decided to visit each of their mansions and verify whether Krishna was personally present there. To his amazement, he found that Krishna was not only present there but actively taking part in the various activities of the home.
He joined one wife to tend the children, another to graze the cattle, the third to help with the household purchases, and so on and so forth. The Bhagavad Gita presents Krishna as the divine prototype of the householder dedicated to the three aims of life - Dharma (virtue), Artha (wealth), and Kama (enjoyment of life).
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Journey to yamunotri
The journey to Yamunotri starts at Haridwar at the base of the Himalayas. Yamunotri is about 220 km from Haridwar.
Motorable road runs through beautiful mountains & valleys upto Janki Chatti(2595 metres). From there the pilgrims trek (or take ponies or pallanquins) for the rest 7 km of the mountainous track to Yamunotr...i.
At Yaminotri there are 3 hot springs, one of which named Surya Kund is very hot (190 degrees Farenheit). Pilgrims take a holy dip in the other (less hot!) hot spring & then worship the DIVYA SHILA, a small rock from the cracks of which water comes bubbling out (considered a source of the river).
Motorable road runs through beautiful mountains & valleys upto Janki Chatti(2595 metres). From there the pilgrims trek (or take ponies or pallanquins) for the rest 7 km of the mountainous track to Yamunotr...i.
At Yaminotri there are 3 hot springs, one of which named Surya Kund is very hot (190 degrees Farenheit). Pilgrims take a holy dip in the other (less hot!) hot spring & then worship the DIVYA SHILA, a small rock from the cracks of which water comes bubbling out (considered a source of the river).
Balarama and Yamuna Devi
Since the season was springtime, the breeze on the bank of the Yamuna was blowing very mildly, carrying the aroma of different flowers, especially the flower known as kaumudi. Moonlight filled the sky and spread everywhere, and thus the banks of the Yamuna appeared very bright and pleasing, and Lord Balarama enjoyed the company of the gopis there.
The demigod known as Varuna sent his daughter Varuni in the form of liquid honey oozing from the hollows of the trees. Because of this honey the whole forest became aromatic, and the sweet aroma of the liquid honey, Varuni, captivated Balaramaji. Balaramaji and all the gopis became very much attracted by the taste of Varuni, and all of them drank it together. While drinking this natural beverage, all the gopis chanted the glories of Lord Balarama, and Lord Balarama felt very happy, as if He had become intoxicated by drinking that Varuni beverage. His eyes rolled in a pleasing attitude. He was decorated with long garlands of forest flowers, and the whole situation appeared to be a great function of happiness because of this transcendental bliss. Lord Balarama smiled beautifully, and the drops of perspiration decorating His face appeared like soothing morning dew.
While Balarama was in that happy mood, He desired to enjoy the company of the gopis in the water of the Yamuna. Therefore He called the Yamuna to come nearby. But the Yamuna neglected the order of Balaramaji, considering Him intoxicated. Lord Balarama became very much displeased at the Yamuna’s neglecting His order. He immediately wanted to scratch the land near the river with His plowshare. Lord Balarama has two weapons, a plow and a club, from which He takes service when they are required. This time He wanted to bring the Yamuna by force, and He took the help of His plow. He wanted to punish the Yamuna because she did not come in obedience to His order. He addressed the Yamuna, “You wretched river! You did not care for My order. Now I shall teach you a lesson! You did not come to Me voluntarily. Now with the help of My plow I shall force you to come. I shall divide you into hundreds of scattered streams!”
When the Yamuna was threatened like this, she became greatly afraid of the power of Balarama and immediately came in person, falling at His lotus feet and praying thus: “My dear Balarama, You are the most powerful personality, and You are pleasing to everyone. Unfortunately, I forgot Your glorious, exalted position, but now I have come to my senses, and I remember that You hold all the planetary systems on Your head merely by Your partial expansion Sesha. You are the sustainer of the whole universe. My dear Supreme Personality of Godhead, You are full with six opulences. Because I forgot Your omnipotence, I have mistakenly disobeyed Your order, and thus I have become a great offender. But, my dear Lord, please know that I am a soul surrendered unto You. You are very much affectionate to Your devotees. Therefore please excuse my impudence and mistakes, and, by Your causeless mercy, may You now release me.”
Upon displaying this submissive attitude, the Yamuna was forgiven, and when she came nearby, Lord Balarama enjoyed the pleasure of swimming in her water along with the gopis in the same way that an elephant enjoys himself along with his many she-elephants. After a long time, when Lord Balarama had enjoyed to His full satisfaction, He came out of the water, and immediately a goddess of fortune offered Him a nice blue garment and a valuable necklace made of gold. After bathing in the Yamuna, Lord Balarama, dressed in blue garments and decorated with golden ornaments, looked very attractive to everyone. Lord Balarama’s complexion is white, and when He was properly dressed He looked exactly like the white elephant of King Indra in the heavenly planets. The river Yamuna still has many small branches due to being scratched by the plowshare of Lord Balarama. And all these branches of the river Yamuna still glorify the omnipotence of Lord Balarama.
Lord Balarama and the gopis enjoyed transcendental pastimes together every night for two months, and time passed so quickly that all those nights appeared to be only one night. In the presence of Lord Balarama, all the gopis and other inhabitants of Vrndavana became as cheerful as they had been before in the presence of both brothers, Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama. (Krsna Book: Balarama visites Vrndavana)
(courtesy :http://krishna.org/lord-balarama-and-yamuna-devi/)
The demigod known as Varuna sent his daughter Varuni in the form of liquid honey oozing from the hollows of the trees. Because of this honey the whole forest became aromatic, and the sweet aroma of the liquid honey, Varuni, captivated Balaramaji. Balaramaji and all the gopis became very much attracted by the taste of Varuni, and all of them drank it together. While drinking this natural beverage, all the gopis chanted the glories of Lord Balarama, and Lord Balarama felt very happy, as if He had become intoxicated by drinking that Varuni beverage. His eyes rolled in a pleasing attitude. He was decorated with long garlands of forest flowers, and the whole situation appeared to be a great function of happiness because of this transcendental bliss. Lord Balarama smiled beautifully, and the drops of perspiration decorating His face appeared like soothing morning dew.
While Balarama was in that happy mood, He desired to enjoy the company of the gopis in the water of the Yamuna. Therefore He called the Yamuna to come nearby. But the Yamuna neglected the order of Balaramaji, considering Him intoxicated. Lord Balarama became very much displeased at the Yamuna’s neglecting His order. He immediately wanted to scratch the land near the river with His plowshare. Lord Balarama has two weapons, a plow and a club, from which He takes service when they are required. This time He wanted to bring the Yamuna by force, and He took the help of His plow. He wanted to punish the Yamuna because she did not come in obedience to His order. He addressed the Yamuna, “You wretched river! You did not care for My order. Now I shall teach you a lesson! You did not come to Me voluntarily. Now with the help of My plow I shall force you to come. I shall divide you into hundreds of scattered streams!”
When the Yamuna was threatened like this, she became greatly afraid of the power of Balarama and immediately came in person, falling at His lotus feet and praying thus: “My dear Balarama, You are the most powerful personality, and You are pleasing to everyone. Unfortunately, I forgot Your glorious, exalted position, but now I have come to my senses, and I remember that You hold all the planetary systems on Your head merely by Your partial expansion Sesha. You are the sustainer of the whole universe. My dear Supreme Personality of Godhead, You are full with six opulences. Because I forgot Your omnipotence, I have mistakenly disobeyed Your order, and thus I have become a great offender. But, my dear Lord, please know that I am a soul surrendered unto You. You are very much affectionate to Your devotees. Therefore please excuse my impudence and mistakes, and, by Your causeless mercy, may You now release me.”
Upon displaying this submissive attitude, the Yamuna was forgiven, and when she came nearby, Lord Balarama enjoyed the pleasure of swimming in her water along with the gopis in the same way that an elephant enjoys himself along with his many she-elephants. After a long time, when Lord Balarama had enjoyed to His full satisfaction, He came out of the water, and immediately a goddess of fortune offered Him a nice blue garment and a valuable necklace made of gold. After bathing in the Yamuna, Lord Balarama, dressed in blue garments and decorated with golden ornaments, looked very attractive to everyone. Lord Balarama’s complexion is white, and when He was properly dressed He looked exactly like the white elephant of King Indra in the heavenly planets. The river Yamuna still has many small branches due to being scratched by the plowshare of Lord Balarama. And all these branches of the river Yamuna still glorify the omnipotence of Lord Balarama.
Lord Balarama and the gopis enjoyed transcendental pastimes together every night for two months, and time passed so quickly that all those nights appeared to be only one night. In the presence of Lord Balarama, all the gopis and other inhabitants of Vrndavana became as cheerful as they had been before in the presence of both brothers, Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama. (Krsna Book: Balarama visites Vrndavana)
(courtesy :http://krishna.org/lord-balarama-and-yamuna-devi/)
Wives of krishna
Yamuna is said to have been the 4th wife of Krishna.
Krishna also married Rukmini, the princess of Vidarbha, by abducting her from her wedding on her request.
According to Bhagavata Purana, Krishna married with 16,108 wives of which eight were chief—including Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati.
Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravrinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra and Lakshana were the 8 principal wives in this order.
He loved Rukmini the most and she was His 1st wife, His main consort - the Patrani. As the incarnation of the enlightened Lakshmi, Rukmini bore all the qualities of a divine consort in human form.
Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka, king of Vidarbha, who had decided to marry her off to a prince named Shishupala from... the kingdom of Chedi and was against her marrying Krishna.
Rukmini having fallen deeply in love with Krishna sent a message to Him to come and rescue her. Krishna abducted Rukmini from the wedding ceremony and married her in Dwaraka.
Krishna also married Rukmini, the princess of Vidarbha, by abducting her from her wedding on her request.
According to Bhagavata Purana, Krishna married with 16,108 wives of which eight were chief—including Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati.
Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravrinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra and Lakshana were the 8 principal wives in this order.
He loved Rukmini the most and she was His 1st wife, His main consort - the Patrani. As the incarnation of the enlightened Lakshmi, Rukmini bore all the qualities of a divine consort in human form.
Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka, king of Vidarbha, who had decided to marry her off to a prince named Shishupala from... the kingdom of Chedi and was against her marrying Krishna.
Rukmini having fallen deeply in love with Krishna sent a message to Him to come and rescue her. Krishna abducted Rukmini from the wedding ceremony and married her in Dwaraka.
ghats in Delhi
Some other ghats in Delhi are Purvi Ghat, Ram Ghat, Sur and Shyam Ghat near Wazirabad. Quidsia and Geeta Ghat are near ISBT.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Quotes on yamuna
According to the Varaha Purana, as quoted by Srila Jiva Gosvami, there is no difference between the water of the Ganges and the Yamuna, but when the water of the Ganges is sanctified one hundred times, it is
called the Yamuna. Similarly, it is said in the scriptures that one thousand names of Vishnu are equal to one name of Rama, and three names of Lord Rama are equal to one name of Krishan." (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.19.6 purport)
Simply by bathing in the Yamuna, anyone can diminish the reactions of his sinful activities." (Krishna Book, Chap 38)
By taking bath in the Yamuna River people are liberated and become Krishna conscious." (Caitanya Caritamrita Antya 4.98 purport)
There are many devotees in Vrindavana who regularly bathe in the Yamuna, and this cleanses all the contamination of the material world." (Srimad Bhagavatam 5.8.31)
One should not give up the process of austerity. If possible, one should bathe in the water of the Yamuna. This is an item of austerity. Therefore, our Krishna consciousness movement has established a center
in Vrindavana so that one may bathe in the Yamuna, chant the Hare Krishna mantra and then become perfect and return back to Godhead." (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.5.28 purport)
The Yamuna River washed Krishna's lotus feet when the Lord appeared in Vrindavana five thousand years ago. Lord Krishna sported daily with His boys and girlfriends in the Yamuna River and consequently that river is also caranamrita." (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.6.19)
(courtesy: http://mathuravrindavan.com/mathura1/yamunariver.htm)
called the Yamuna. Similarly, it is said in the scriptures that one thousand names of Vishnu are equal to one name of Rama, and three names of Lord Rama are equal to one name of Krishan." (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.19.6 purport)
Simply by bathing in the Yamuna, anyone can diminish the reactions of his sinful activities." (Krishna Book, Chap 38)
By taking bath in the Yamuna River people are liberated and become Krishna conscious." (Caitanya Caritamrita Antya 4.98 purport)
There are many devotees in Vrindavana who regularly bathe in the Yamuna, and this cleanses all the contamination of the material world." (Srimad Bhagavatam 5.8.31)
One should not give up the process of austerity. If possible, one should bathe in the water of the Yamuna. This is an item of austerity. Therefore, our Krishna consciousness movement has established a center
in Vrindavana so that one may bathe in the Yamuna, chant the Hare Krishna mantra and then become perfect and return back to Godhead." (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.5.28 purport)
The Yamuna River washed Krishna's lotus feet when the Lord appeared in Vrindavana five thousand years ago. Lord Krishna sported daily with His boys and girlfriends in the Yamuna River and consequently that river is also caranamrita." (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.6.19)
(courtesy: http://mathuravrindavan.com/mathura1/yamunariver.htm)
Nigambodh ghat and its story
Another ghat on yamuna in Delhi is the Nigambodh Ghat.
According to the legend the ghat belongs to the period of Mahabharata. It was on this ghat that Lord Brahma is said to have bathed and recovered his lost memory and sacred books and thus the name Nigambodh Ghat, meaning realization of knowledge.
It is believed that ...the ghats were established by the eldest Pandava brother, Prince Yudhisthira, the king of Indraprastha.
According to the legend the ghat belongs to the period of Mahabharata. It was on this ghat that Lord Brahma is said to have bathed and recovered his lost memory and sacred books and thus the name Nigambodh Ghat, meaning realization of knowledge.
It is believed that ...the ghats were established by the eldest Pandava brother, Prince Yudhisthira, the king of Indraprastha.
Muhammad Shah Rangeela
Muhammad Shah also known as Roshan Akhtar was a Mughal emperor of India between 1719 and 1748. He was nicknamed as Rangeela meaning merrymaker by many historians.During his reign, the Mughal empire eventually broke up into a loosely-knit collection of several regional states.
In 1739 the Persian emperor Nader Shah invaded India and defeated Muhammad Shah. India lost the Peacock Throne, along with the Koh-i-Noor and Darya-ye Noor diamonds, to the Persian emperor then.
Qudsia Ghat behind ISBT in Delhi
Khudsia ghat or Qudsia Ghat near ISBT? This ghat was named after whose name?
An ancient building known as Mahal of Quidsia Begum of Mughal period is situated in Quidsia Garden near Kashmere Gate. Qudsia Begum was the wife of emperor Muhammad Shah Rangeela.
Qudsia Begum was a dancer in the court of Mohammad Shah Rangeela and known as Udham Bai. She later married Mohammad Shah Rangeela and became queen.
An ancient building known as Mahal of Quidsia Begum of Mughal period is situated in Quidsia Garden near Kashmere Gate. Qudsia Begum was the wife of emperor Muhammad Shah Rangeela.
Qudsia Begum was a dancer in the court of Mohammad Shah Rangeela and known as Udham Bai. She later married Mohammad Shah Rangeela and became queen.
How the night got created: story from rig veda
In the Rig Veda it is said that Yama and Yami the twins were extremely fond of each other and lived an idyllic life on Earth where the day never ended – they went where they pleased and did what they wanted. One day when Yami returned home, she found Yama lying under a tree appearing to be asleep. Not wanting to disturb him, she waited for him to wake up. When he did not wake up for a long while, she woke him up. When he did not stir out of his sleep, she shook him.
Nothing worked and Yama her dear brother lay still. Yami started to weep with such great sorrow that her tears threatened to flood the World. She missed him tremendously. The Gods came to pacify her. All she could say brokenly was – Yam died today…Yama died today.
Her sorrow was so intense that Earth suffered – fires began and raged. Slowly it dawned on the Gods and Goddesses that Yami’s grief was not lessening for she was stuck in time. It would be “today” for ever. The Gods and Goddesses gathered and together created a sunset. The calm of the darkness settled in. Yami’s sobs reduced.
When the Sun rose the following morning Yami whispered, “Yama died…yesterday.”
Time passed and her feeling of loss reduced. And Earth – well it survived, for us to always hope for a better tomorrow. And Yami – it is said that she is the River Goddess Yamuna who flowed down to Earth.
(courtesy: http://schools.indiawaterportal.org/node/18)
Nothing worked and Yama her dear brother lay still. Yami started to weep with such great sorrow that her tears threatened to flood the World. She missed him tremendously. The Gods came to pacify her. All she could say brokenly was – Yam died today…Yama died today.
Her sorrow was so intense that Earth suffered – fires began and raged. Slowly it dawned on the Gods and Goddesses that Yami’s grief was not lessening for she was stuck in time. It would be “today” for ever. The Gods and Goddesses gathered and together created a sunset. The calm of the darkness settled in. Yami’s sobs reduced.
When the Sun rose the following morning Yami whispered, “Yama died…yesterday.”
Time passed and her feeling of loss reduced. And Earth – well it survived, for us to always hope for a better tomorrow. And Yami – it is said that she is the River Goddess Yamuna who flowed down to Earth.
(courtesy: http://schools.indiawaterportal.org/node/18)
Yama and Yamuna : story of raksha bandhan
One of the most fascinating stories on Raksha Bandhan is that of Yama and Yamuna. Their story stands for the chaste brother-sister love and sacrifice. This day stands for the re-unification of brother and sister. It also symbolizes the society's respect for all women. The day gives every man the noble outlook to consider every woman as mother or sister.
There are several versions of the legend of Yama and Yamuna. According to the Shiv Puranas Vivasana or the Sun was married to Samjna (Tvashta’s / Vishwakarma's daughter). It states that Samjna is more beautiful than her husband (From Rig Veda and Harivamsa) and probably has more power than her husband. They have three children, Manu, Yama and Yamuna. But unable to bear Sun's dark form, Samjna flees back to her father. She creates a shadow woman of her own, Chaaya, and asks her to stay with her husband. Chaaya and Sun have a son of their own.
And like the stereotypical step mother, Chaaya paid more attention to her own son. Manu accepted the situation as it is, but Yama revolted. “In his anger and childishness, and through the force of future destiny, Yama threatened the shadow of Samjna with his foot.” [Splitting the Difference: Gender and Myth in Ancient Greece and India by Wendy Doniger]. As a result, Chaaya cursed Yama “Let that foot of yours fall”. Yama went and reported it to Sun and also asked him to revert the curse. Sun deduced that Chhaya could not be Yama’s mother. He grasped Chhaya by the hair and the truth came out. Sun then went to Tvashta in search of Samjna. It was discovered that Samjna had done all this because she could not bear the energy of her husband. Tvashta chiseled off some of Sun’s energy so that his radiance become muted.
On this occasion, Sun saves Yama from Death , but not from mutilation (owning to the curse). As a result, Yama becomes the god of Death (Rig Veda). He also became an embodiment of the first step in the eigthfold path of yogic discipline. Yama and Tamuna, the first mortal twins of Sun, loved each other a lot. As Yama becomes the king of the Land of the Dead, Yamuna mourned for her brother whom she would never see again. She wept until the gods decided to turn her into Yamini, the goddess of the night, who bridges the despair of sunset with the hope of sunrise. From Yami’s tears flowed the river Yamuna.
This occasion is celebrated all over the world with a lot of love. Brothers and sisters are blessed by Lord Yama and Goddess Yamuna on this auspicious day. This ritual is a sorrowful reminder of the parting faced by Yama and Yamuna. On this day the brother pays a visit to his married sister’s house, reminding that he has not forgotten her and that childhood memories are still fresh.
(courtesy: http://www.whenisrakhi.com/historical-stories-on-rakhi/yama-yamuna.html)
There are several versions of the legend of Yama and Yamuna. According to the Shiv Puranas Vivasana or the Sun was married to Samjna (Tvashta’s / Vishwakarma's daughter). It states that Samjna is more beautiful than her husband (From Rig Veda and Harivamsa) and probably has more power than her husband. They have three children, Manu, Yama and Yamuna. But unable to bear Sun's dark form, Samjna flees back to her father. She creates a shadow woman of her own, Chaaya, and asks her to stay with her husband. Chaaya and Sun have a son of their own.
And like the stereotypical step mother, Chaaya paid more attention to her own son. Manu accepted the situation as it is, but Yama revolted. “In his anger and childishness, and through the force of future destiny, Yama threatened the shadow of Samjna with his foot.” [Splitting the Difference: Gender and Myth in Ancient Greece and India by Wendy Doniger]. As a result, Chaaya cursed Yama “Let that foot of yours fall”. Yama went and reported it to Sun and also asked him to revert the curse. Sun deduced that Chhaya could not be Yama’s mother. He grasped Chhaya by the hair and the truth came out. Sun then went to Tvashta in search of Samjna. It was discovered that Samjna had done all this because she could not bear the energy of her husband. Tvashta chiseled off some of Sun’s energy so that his radiance become muted.
On this occasion, Sun saves Yama from Death , but not from mutilation (owning to the curse). As a result, Yama becomes the god of Death (Rig Veda). He also became an embodiment of the first step in the eigthfold path of yogic discipline. Yama and Tamuna, the first mortal twins of Sun, loved each other a lot. As Yama becomes the king of the Land of the Dead, Yamuna mourned for her brother whom she would never see again. She wept until the gods decided to turn her into Yamini, the goddess of the night, who bridges the despair of sunset with the hope of sunrise. From Yami’s tears flowed the river Yamuna.
This occasion is celebrated all over the world with a lot of love. Brothers and sisters are blessed by Lord Yama and Goddess Yamuna on this auspicious day. This ritual is a sorrowful reminder of the parting faced by Yama and Yamuna. On this day the brother pays a visit to his married sister’s house, reminding that he has not forgotten her and that childhood memories are still fresh.
(courtesy: http://www.whenisrakhi.com/historical-stories-on-rakhi/yama-yamuna.html)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Agra on the banks of yamuna
Agra, situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, 200 kms south east of Delhi, was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th century.
Agra was first mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as Agrevan (translates as "The Border of the Forest").
In 1501 Sikander Lodhi of the Delhi Sultanate made it his capital. In... 1526 Babur defeated the Lodhi’s and Agra came underthe Mughal rule. Babur introduced Mughal gardens to Agra.
Agra flourished during Akbar’s rule and became a centre for art, culture and learning. He laid the foundation for a city here and named it Akbarabad. Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri were built during Akbar’s reign. When Shah Jahan, who had a passion for architecture, came into power he built the Taj Mahal, most of the palce buildings inside the Agra Fort and the Jama Masjid.
Shah Jahan's son, Aurangazeb, moved moved his capital from Agra to Delhi and that began the slow decline of Agra as well as the Mughal Empire. The Jats then came into power beginning the years of destruction to the city and its monuments, followed by the Maratas and then the British.
Agra was first mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as Agrevan (translates as "The Border of the Forest").
In 1501 Sikander Lodhi of the Delhi Sultanate made it his capital. In... 1526 Babur defeated the Lodhi’s and Agra came underthe Mughal rule. Babur introduced Mughal gardens to Agra.
Agra flourished during Akbar’s rule and became a centre for art, culture and learning. He laid the foundation for a city here and named it Akbarabad. Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri were built during Akbar’s reign. When Shah Jahan, who had a passion for architecture, came into power he built the Taj Mahal, most of the palce buildings inside the Agra Fort and the Jama Masjid.
Shah Jahan's son, Aurangazeb, moved moved his capital from Agra to Delhi and that began the slow decline of Agra as well as the Mughal Empire. The Jats then came into power beginning the years of destruction to the city and its monuments, followed by the Maratas and then the British.
Krishna and Kaliya
It is a universal law: If we have ego, we will suffer. If we are arrogant, again, we will suffer till we are forced to surrender. The subduing of Kaliya the serpent by Krishna illustrates this.
The tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagvatam recounts the Kaliya daman lila performed by Krishna. Kaliya was a venomous serpent that lived in the Yamuna river. One summer Krishna's cowherd friends fainted and died when they drank water from the Yamuna. Kaliya had contaminated the river so much that vapour from the river was lethal enough to kill birds flying across.
When Krishna saw his transcendental companions die, he jumped into the river and agitated the water like a large thunderous elephant. Kaliya was filled with amrsyama-nah (intolerance and rage) at the presence of the trespasser. He took Krishna captive in his coils and raised his 101 heads. Krishna allowed him to do so for a while as he stayed still. Everyone standing on the banks of the river was very afraid and anxious except Balaram who was quietly smiling in full know-ledge of Krishna's potential.
As Krishna observed his mother Yashoda faint on the banks, he quickly began to expand his form to proportions beyond Kaliya's control. Kaliya lost his grip on Krishna and the Lord, standing on Kaliya's head, began to dance. With every rise and fall of his rhythmic steps, the serpent became more and more bewildered and overpowered. Weakened and powerless, Kaliya was now at Krishna's mercy. It was the prayer of Kaliya's pious wives, the nagapatnis, that saved him from annihilation. As a helpless and battered Kaliya began to chant prayers to Krishna, he promised to surrender at the Lord's feet. Krishna granted the transformed Kaliya forgiveness.
Kaliya symbolises many aspects of Kaliyug. Kaliya is black, the colour symbolising demoniac characteristics very similar to the inherent nature of contemporary man who is devious, proud, arrogant and envious. Kaliya imagines himself to be invincible, like many of us do today as we glow in the deceptive light of our false ego. Kaliya is also materially attached. He thinks he is the king of the Yamuna lake. We think we are masters of the universe.
Kaliya's body is slimy and slippery, very like his personality. An opportunist, he tries every trick to bite Krishna. Kaliya is a control freak. He is ignorant and tamasic to the core. He has a terrible temper and spews venom incessantly. Kaliya had so many heads that it is impossible for him to have any clarity of thought - they are symbols of confusion.
If the above characteristics sound too far-fetched to be a part of our ethos, think again. Each one of us has these negativities whether we accept them or not. To rise above them, to become pure, you need to surrender unto the creator like Kaliya did. Because real peace and happiness can be experienced only when one is pure, not when one is contaminated. And we have contaminated our existence by constantly drinking the poison of materialistic existence. And that poison kills our propensity to be happy.
Every time we speak an unnecessary word, or do something to take us towards more materialism, we are actually behaving like a serpent spewing venom. Our ego and pride are stumbling blocks on our path to spiritual progress. Subduing our innate sense of arrogance by unconditionally surrendering to the creator is the only way to experience bliss.
The story of Krishna and Kaliya the Snake is the story of how, ultimately, good triumphs over evil.
(courtesy :http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Krishna_and_Kaliya/id/50383)
The tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagvatam recounts the Kaliya daman lila performed by Krishna. Kaliya was a venomous serpent that lived in the Yamuna river. One summer Krishna's cowherd friends fainted and died when they drank water from the Yamuna. Kaliya had contaminated the river so much that vapour from the river was lethal enough to kill birds flying across.
When Krishna saw his transcendental companions die, he jumped into the river and agitated the water like a large thunderous elephant. Kaliya was filled with amrsyama-nah (intolerance and rage) at the presence of the trespasser. He took Krishna captive in his coils and raised his 101 heads. Krishna allowed him to do so for a while as he stayed still. Everyone standing on the banks of the river was very afraid and anxious except Balaram who was quietly smiling in full know-ledge of Krishna's potential.
As Krishna observed his mother Yashoda faint on the banks, he quickly began to expand his form to proportions beyond Kaliya's control. Kaliya lost his grip on Krishna and the Lord, standing on Kaliya's head, began to dance. With every rise and fall of his rhythmic steps, the serpent became more and more bewildered and overpowered. Weakened and powerless, Kaliya was now at Krishna's mercy. It was the prayer of Kaliya's pious wives, the nagapatnis, that saved him from annihilation. As a helpless and battered Kaliya began to chant prayers to Krishna, he promised to surrender at the Lord's feet. Krishna granted the transformed Kaliya forgiveness.
Kaliya symbolises many aspects of Kaliyug. Kaliya is black, the colour symbolising demoniac characteristics very similar to the inherent nature of contemporary man who is devious, proud, arrogant and envious. Kaliya imagines himself to be invincible, like many of us do today as we glow in the deceptive light of our false ego. Kaliya is also materially attached. He thinks he is the king of the Yamuna lake. We think we are masters of the universe.
Kaliya's body is slimy and slippery, very like his personality. An opportunist, he tries every trick to bite Krishna. Kaliya is a control freak. He is ignorant and tamasic to the core. He has a terrible temper and spews venom incessantly. Kaliya had so many heads that it is impossible for him to have any clarity of thought - they are symbols of confusion.
If the above characteristics sound too far-fetched to be a part of our ethos, think again. Each one of us has these negativities whether we accept them or not. To rise above them, to become pure, you need to surrender unto the creator like Kaliya did. Because real peace and happiness can be experienced only when one is pure, not when one is contaminated. And we have contaminated our existence by constantly drinking the poison of materialistic existence. And that poison kills our propensity to be happy.
Every time we speak an unnecessary word, or do something to take us towards more materialism, we are actually behaving like a serpent spewing venom. Our ego and pride are stumbling blocks on our path to spiritual progress. Subduing our innate sense of arrogance by unconditionally surrendering to the creator is the only way to experience bliss.
The story of Krishna and Kaliya the Snake is the story of how, ultimately, good triumphs over evil.
(courtesy :http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Krishna_and_Kaliya/id/50383)
Monday, December 21, 2009
river chambal
The Chambal River (Hindi-चम्बल) is a tributary of the Yamuna River in central India. The river flows north-northeast through Madhya Pradesh, running for a time through Rajasthan, then forming the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh before turning southeast to join the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh state.
Mathura on the banks of yamuna
Mathura on the banks of yamuna is reputed to be the birthplace of Krishna at the centre of Vraja, called Krishnajanmabhoomi, literary 'Krishna's birth place'.
The Keshav Dev temple was built in ancient times on the site of Krishna's legendary birthplace (an underground prison). As per the epic Mahabharata and per Bhagavata Purana, Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom, ruled by Kamsa the maternal uncle of Krishna.
The Keshav Dev temple was built in ancient times on the site of Krishna's legendary birthplace (an underground prison). As per the epic Mahabharata and per Bhagavata Purana, Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom, ruled by Kamsa the maternal uncle of Krishna.
Vrindavan on the banks of river yamuna
Among many holy places throughout the India, Vrindavan is the most secret of all of them.
It is located 135km south of Delhi and 55km north of Agra, just off the Delhi-Agra Road. It is 12 km or a 25 minute auto-rickshaw ride from Mathura.
It is the heart of grater area called Braja-Mandala, the place of Lord Krisna's pastimes on this Earth 5000 years ago.
The area of present day Vrindavan is actually the place of Krisna's rasa-lila pastime. There is a parikram-road around the town and some devotees are respectfully circumambulating Vrindavan every day.
Temples, shrines, ashrams, chipped walls, shops and bazaars - this is how the ancient town looks today.
Vrindavan is said to have 5000 temples and shrines of all different dimensions. One can walk around the town in about 2 hours, but to go through all streets and see all the altars may possibly take even years. Seven of the temples are most important.
Madanmohan of Sanatana Goswami.
Govindaji of Rupa Goswami.
Radha-Gopinath of Madhu Pandit Goswami.
Radha-Damodar of Jiva Goswami.
Radha-Syamasundar of Syamanada Pandit Goswami.
Radharaman of Gopal Bhatta Goswami.
Radha-Gokulananda of Lokanath Goswami.
Madanmohan means “one who can even enchant Cupid.” The Deity of Madanmohan (formerly Madan-Gopal) was made for Krisna's great grandson Vajranabha and for many years it was lost...
Advaita Acarya discovered the original Deity of Madanmohan (Krisna) in Mahavan-Gokul and served Him here at the base of an old "vat" tree. Before His departure for Navadvip He entrusted the Deity to brahmana Chaubhe in Mathura. Years later Caitanya Mahaprabhu sent Sanatana Goswami to Vrindavan to discover lost places of Krisna's pastimes and write books about devotional service
(courtesy http://www.vaisnava.cz/clanek_en.php3?no=180)
It is located 135km south of Delhi and 55km north of Agra, just off the Delhi-Agra Road. It is 12 km or a 25 minute auto-rickshaw ride from Mathura.
It is the heart of grater area called Braja-Mandala, the place of Lord Krisna's pastimes on this Earth 5000 years ago.
The area of present day Vrindavan is actually the place of Krisna's rasa-lila pastime. There is a parikram-road around the town and some devotees are respectfully circumambulating Vrindavan every day.
Temples, shrines, ashrams, chipped walls, shops and bazaars - this is how the ancient town looks today.
Vrindavan is said to have 5000 temples and shrines of all different dimensions. One can walk around the town in about 2 hours, but to go through all streets and see all the altars may possibly take even years. Seven of the temples are most important.
Madanmohan of Sanatana Goswami.
Govindaji of Rupa Goswami.
Radha-Gopinath of Madhu Pandit Goswami.
Radha-Damodar of Jiva Goswami.
Radha-Syamasundar of Syamanada Pandit Goswami.
Radharaman of Gopal Bhatta Goswami.
Radha-Gokulananda of Lokanath Goswami.
Madanmohan means “one who can even enchant Cupid.” The Deity of Madanmohan (formerly Madan-Gopal) was made for Krisna's great grandson Vajranabha and for many years it was lost...
Advaita Acarya discovered the original Deity of Madanmohan (Krisna) in Mahavan-Gokul and served Him here at the base of an old "vat" tree. Before His departure for Navadvip He entrusted the Deity to brahmana Chaubhe in Mathura. Years later Caitanya Mahaprabhu sent Sanatana Goswami to Vrindavan to discover lost places of Krisna's pastimes and write books about devotional service
(courtesy http://www.vaisnava.cz/clanek_en.php3?no=180)
Bath in river yamuna
A bath in yamuna at vrindavan is said to be one hundred times more purifying than a bath in the Ganges. The reason being that even though the Ganges was once touched by the feet of Lord Vishnu, it was the Yamuna where Lord Krishna himself played and swam with his cowherd boyfriends.
He also sported in its waters with the beautiful gopi damsels of Vraja.The traditional bathing place of most pilgrims is at Kesi ghata, where Lord Krishna bathed after killing the Kesi demon.
He also sported in its waters with the beautiful gopi damsels of Vraja.The traditional bathing place of most pilgrims is at Kesi ghata, where Lord Krishna bathed after killing the Kesi demon.
Story of sage Vyasa and river jamuna.
Once the great Sage Vyasa was sitting on the banks of the river Yamuna at Vrindavan. There were also a few milk maids who waited with their pots brimming with milk, curd and butter to be sold in the villages on the other bank of the river.
The milkmaids stood helpless to get on to the opposite bank as there was no ferry boat in sight. Hence they approached Sage Vyasa to seek his aid in order to cross the river. Sage Vyasa readily came forward to help them out, but first asked the maids if they could appease his hunger by parting away with a little of their condensed milk and curd. The maids gladly satiated his hunger and urged him to help them get to the other bank.
Sage Vyasa walked up to the stream and with folded hands prayed to Mother Yamuna asking her waters to give way if he had not eaten anything. The girls giggled at the sage's prayer as his belly was just filled with their milk and curd. But to their utter surprise the waters of the river parted to create a passage for them to safely pass through to her other bank. The sage thus led the girls across the river-bed to the opposite bank effortlessly.
Sage Vyasa was self realized. He dwelled unswervingly in the self that he did not associate himself with the body and the mind. He thoroughly knew and abided in the atman that though his body and mind and took part in the act of eating and drink in truth he had not.
(courtesy : http://living.oneindia.in/yoga-spirituality/anecdotes/2009/yamuna-self-realization-short-story-050209.html)
The milkmaids stood helpless to get on to the opposite bank as there was no ferry boat in sight. Hence they approached Sage Vyasa to seek his aid in order to cross the river. Sage Vyasa readily came forward to help them out, but first asked the maids if they could appease his hunger by parting away with a little of their condensed milk and curd. The maids gladly satiated his hunger and urged him to help them get to the other bank.
Sage Vyasa walked up to the stream and with folded hands prayed to Mother Yamuna asking her waters to give way if he had not eaten anything. The girls giggled at the sage's prayer as his belly was just filled with their milk and curd. But to their utter surprise the waters of the river parted to create a passage for them to safely pass through to her other bank. The sage thus led the girls across the river-bed to the opposite bank effortlessly.
Sage Vyasa was self realized. He dwelled unswervingly in the self that he did not associate himself with the body and the mind. He thoroughly knew and abided in the atman that though his body and mind and took part in the act of eating and drink in truth he had not.
(courtesy : http://living.oneindia.in/yoga-spirituality/anecdotes/2009/yamuna-self-realization-short-story-050209.html)
Kapal Mochan in Yamunanagar
Situated in the forest area near Bilaspur, about 28 km from Yamunanagar where river yamuna flows, Kapal Mochan is an ancient and religious place.
Every year this big fair takes is held on the occasion of Kartik Purinma. This holy sarovar, shaped like the "dooj chanderma" (crescent moon), was known as Samsar in the Satyuga.
According to the Puranas, Kapal Mochan Dham cleanses the sins of all the three eras. According to the belief of the people, a dip in this sarovar washes away even sins like Braham Hatya.
There are five tirthas in the vicinity of Kapal Mochan. Towards the north is Tirthraj Kapal Mochan itself; in the other three directions there are Som Sarovar, Rin Mochan, Surya Kund and Chandar Kund.
According to the folk lore, Bharat had come to set up the idol of Lord Ram here. The Pandavas took a bath in the Rin Mochan Sarovar to get rid of the sins from the death of their relatives and Guru Dronacharya. There is Surya Kund to the east of Kapal Mochan.
It is believed that childless women can be blessed with a child by bathing in this sarovar. Another folk lore says, in the Treta era Lord Ram came here in Pushpak Viman after killing Ravan on his way to Ayodha.
In 1687 Guru Gobind Singh came here to wash his shastras (weapons) after winning 52 wars. Guru Nanak Dev also visited this place in 1584 and recited the "Rattan Mala" here. A Martial Arts Museum has been constructed in the name of Guru Gobind Singh.
Every year this big fair takes is held on the occasion of Kartik Purinma. This holy sarovar, shaped like the "dooj chanderma" (crescent moon), was known as Samsar in the Satyuga.
According to the Puranas, Kapal Mochan Dham cleanses the sins of all the three eras. According to the belief of the people, a dip in this sarovar washes away even sins like Braham Hatya.
There are five tirthas in the vicinity of Kapal Mochan. Towards the north is Tirthraj Kapal Mochan itself; in the other three directions there are Som Sarovar, Rin Mochan, Surya Kund and Chandar Kund.
According to the folk lore, Bharat had come to set up the idol of Lord Ram here. The Pandavas took a bath in the Rin Mochan Sarovar to get rid of the sins from the death of their relatives and Guru Dronacharya. There is Surya Kund to the east of Kapal Mochan.
It is believed that childless women can be blessed with a child by bathing in this sarovar. Another folk lore says, in the Treta era Lord Ram came here in Pushpak Viman after killing Ravan on his way to Ayodha.
In 1687 Guru Gobind Singh came here to wash his shastras (weapons) after winning 52 wars. Guru Nanak Dev also visited this place in 1584 and recited the "Rattan Mala" here. A Martial Arts Museum has been constructed in the name of Guru Gobind Singh.
Hatni kund in district yamunanagar
Hathni Kund is in yamunangar district of haryana. It is built on a raised plinth overlooking the Yamuna. it is every close to the tajewala barrage where yamuna is split into the eastern and western yamuna canals.
The earlier name of yamunanagar was Abdulahpur. Pre-independence, it was a small village with population concentrated around its Railway Station. After partition of India, many refugees from Punjab in Pakistan chose to make Yamunanagar their new home, and in the process adding to the culture of the town. The area where land was allocated to the refugees later developed into the model town area of Yamunanagar.
The earlier name of yamunanagar was Abdulahpur. Pre-independence, it was a small village with population concentrated around its Railway Station. After partition of India, many refugees from Punjab in Pakistan chose to make Yamunanagar their new home, and in the process adding to the culture of the town. The area where land was allocated to the refugees later developed into the model town area of Yamunanagar.
Dakpathar in Uttaranchal
Dakpathar lies about 790 meters above sea level at the foothills of Shivalik range on the banks of river Yamuna. Dakpathar is only 45 kilometers away from Dehradun
Paonta Shaib in H.P
The Gurudwara Paonta Sahib has linkages to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh and the Sikh leader Banda Bahadur. Its original name was Paontika. "Paon" in Hindi means feet and "tika" in Hindi means became stable. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh's horse stopped at this place on its own and he decided to stay here.
Ponta sahib is on the banks of yamuna.
Ponta sahib is on the banks of yamuna.
From Ghaggar to Ganga
There is evidence indicating yamuna was a tributary of the ghaggar river.it changed its course to the east following a techtonic event in north india and became a tributary of ganga.
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