January 2021 - My Tirth India

The Top 8 Jyotirlinga Sites in India – Experience Spiritual India

A Jyotirlinga is also known as the devotional representation of Lord Shiva. There is a total of 12 Jyotirlinga sites in India. These places are considered to be highly sacred and holy places. Millions of devotees of Lord Shiva visit these places every year to offer their prayers and receive blessings.

You might have come across the word ‘Jyotirlinga’ quite a number of times. If not, remember that a Jyotirlinga site is such a place where the Lord is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam. The radiant sign of the Shiva Linga is called a Jyoritlinga because the word ‘Jyoti’ means light.

In this blog today, we are going to present you with the top 8 Jyotirlinga sites in India.

SL. NO.	Sacred Holiday Packages	Place	State/country	How to visit
1.	Somnath Temple	Ahmedabad	Gujarat	Buses, taxis, cabs, and trains
2.	Mahakaleshwar Temple	Ujjain	Madhya Pradesh	Flights, buses, cars, trains
3.	Omkareshwar Temple	Ujjain	Madhya Pradesh	Cars, flight, buses, trains
4.	Bhimashankar Temple	Pune	Maharashtra	Buses, taxi, cabs, private car rentals
5.	Rameshwaram Temple	Ramanathipuram	Tamil Nadu	Bus, taxi, car, train, local cabs
6.	Kashi Vishwanath Temple	Varanasi	Uttar Pradesh	Local buses, trains, taxi, cabs
7.	Kedarnath Temple	Rudraprayag	Uttarakhand	Cabs and car rental services
8.	Grishneshwar Temple	Daulatabad	Maharashtra	Buses, taxi, cabs, private car rentals

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat

This is considered to be the first of the Jyotirlinga sites in India. It is the Somnath Temple in Gujarat located in the Kathiawad District. The Somnath Temple in India is one of the most precious and precise architectural illustrations.

This is also a highly popular pilgrimage in the country. Somnath Temple was an extremely popular pilgrimage site from ancient times because it was the confluence of three majestic rivers in India. They are the Kaveri, Saraswati, and the Hiran River.

On the walls of the Somnath Temple, you can also see the sculptures of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. An interesting fact about the Somnath Temple is, you will not find a piece of land in a straight line between the Somnath seashore till Antarctica.

You can use the Dwarka Somnath tour package to visit this pious Jyotirlinga site.

2. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

This is the temple located on the banks of the river Kshipra in the Mahakal forest of Ujjain. This Jyotirlinga site in Central India is one of the most important pilgrimage sites also. You can choose the Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar tour package to visit this Jyotirlinga site in India.

Also, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is popular because it is one of the seven Mukti-Sthal for the Hindus. The place is a sacred location where one can attain liberation. In this place, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Mahakaleshwar, which is also a fierce form of Lord Shiva.

You should know that the Shivling present at Mahakaleshwar Temple is also known as Dakshinamurti because it is faced towards the south. An interesting thing about this temple is, it is also a five-storey construction with the presence of Gods like Ganesh, Parvati, Karttikeya, Nandi, and Nagchandreshwar in each storey.

For every God, on every storey there is a temple. You will find the Nagchandreshwar Temple open only on the day of Nag Panchami. When you plan to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple, the best time is during the festival of Mahashivratri.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

3. Omkareshwar Temple Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

When it comes to the Jyotirlingas of India, you cannot miss out on the Omkareshwar Temple at Madhya Pradesh. The Omkareshwar Temple is also known as the Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple. This is located on an island near the Narmada river at Shivpuri. The word Omkareshwar means, he is the Lord of Omkara, the Om sound. The place is highly sacred for the Hindus.

You can reach the temple in two ways. One is, you can use a boat ride, or you can also opt for the Mahakaleshwar Setu. The better option is to take the boat ride one way and then use the Setu while coming back. You will see a series of steps from the ghats that will lead you to the temple. People also believe that Omkareshwar is the NabhiSthal or the navel of the river. This is a perfect place to start and end the Narmada Parikrama.

Crafted with 60 solid stone pillars, the mandapa of the temple is exquisitely carved with the Yakshi figures. Also, you will find multiple images of different Dev and Devis throughout the temple walls. The Shayan or Night Arti of this temple is quite popular. You can witness it at around 8.30 PM every night. Since the River Narmada is one of the seven holy rivers of India, the Omkareshwar Temple visit is not complete without offering your prayers to the river.

You can use the Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar package to visit this historic place.

Omkareshwar Temple Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

4. Bhimshankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

This is yet another important Jyotirlinga site located in the Sahayadri region in Pune, Maharashtra. The place is on the banks of the Bhima River. It is also known to be the source of the river. The Shiva Lingam that you will see in this temple is mammoth in size and this is why the temple is also known as Motheshwar Mahadev. The Bhima River flows near the temple and joins the Krishna River.

The Bhimshankar Temple is a melange of old and new Nagara style of architecture. The appearance of the temple was crafted by the ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. Along with the Bhimshankar Temple, you can also visit other places around. These places include the Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimshankar, the Nag Phani, Bombay Point, and Sakshi Vinayak.

In fact, while reaching the temple, you will have to pass through the lush jungles of the western ghats. The jungle was also declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. To visit this majestic place, you can choose the Bhimshankar Shirdi Girineshwar Aurangabad tour package.

5. Rameshwaram Temple Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu

This is another highly popular Jyotirlinga site in India. The Rameshwaram Temple in India is present on the island of Rameshwaram, right off the Sethu Coast. The temple is very popular for the architecture, the long ornate corridors, the towers, and the 36 teerthams.

Along with being one of the Jyotirlingas in India, it is also one of the Chardhams. This is what makes the pilgrimage site so sacred and important for the Hindus. Also, the temple includes two Lingams, one is the Ramalingam and the other is the Vishwalingam.

An interesting fact about this temple is, it has a hall of 1212 pillars in the outer corridor. The height of these pillars is about 30 feet from the floor to the center of the roof. The main tower of Rajagopuram is 53m tall. Most of the pillars are carved with individual compositions.

If you want to visit the majestic Rameshwaram, this popular Jyotirlinga site, then there are multiple packages from My Tirth India. You can opt for the standard, budget, or deluxe package, anyone you want. The Rameshwaram tour package starts from 2 Nights and 3 days.

Rameshwaram Temple Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu

6. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Varanasi

The Temple of Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most popular temples, not only in India but also in the world. This is situated amidst the crowded lanes of the sacred city of Benaras. Apart from the majestic ghats, the Shivalinga is the devotional focus for the people visiting the place. People believe that Benaras is the place where the first Jyotirlinga manifested its supremacy over other gods.

It broke through the earth’s crust and then flared towards heaven. People believe that if someone dies here, he/she is liberated from the cycle of reincarnation. Also, they believe that Shiva himself resided here and offered liberation to people.

The present temple was created by the legendary Indian ruler Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, the Queen of Indore. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has always retained its significance. An interesting fact about the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is, it has got three domes covered with gold! There is also a golden chatra on the top. People believe that if you wish for something from the core of your heart after seeing the golden chatra, this place will fulfill your wish.

You can opt for the Varanasi Ayodhya Vidhyanchal package to visit this historical place. You can customize the packages according to your requirements.

7. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand

Speaking of the Jyotirlingas of India, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the most popular and holiest Jyotirlinga sites in India. It is located in the Rudra Himalayan range at an elevation of 12,000 feet on mount Kedar. It is 150 miles from Haridwar. You will find the temple open for six months of the year and it remains closed for the remaining six months. This due to the extreme weather conditions.

People believe that this temple is protected and indestructible because Lord Bhairon Nath Ji protects it. There is a temple of Lord Bhairon Nath Ji, close to the Kedarnath Temple. Bhairon Nath, who is also known as Kshetrapal, is a fierce avatar of Lord Shiva.

According to the locals, Lord Bhairon Nath drives away all sorts of evil spirits and protects from any kind of damage. Interestingly, the surrounding areas of the temple have gone through a lot of damages, especially after the devastating flood of 2013 in Kedarnath, however, nothing happened to the temple.

According to the traditions, you have to visit Yamunotri, Gangotri and then bring the holy water to offer it at Kedarnath. People believe that if you pray at this place, all your wishes will be fulfilled. You can choose the Kedarnath tour yatra package to experience this majestic location.

8. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

This is yet another Jyotirlinga site located in a village named Verul. It lies 20km from Daulatabad near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. This location is also very famous because of the Ajanta & Ellora caves. The temple was built by the braveheart Queen of Indore, Ahilyabai Holkar. She also rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The outward appearance of the Grishneshwar Temple comprises religious and historical significance. The stone edifice has a distinct band of colors including, pink, rust, and pale yellow. The devotees first visit the small shrine of Kokila Mata after entering the Grishneshwar Temple. The Sabha Mandap is carved with 16 pillars along with a magnificent idol of Nandi facing the Shiva Linga. The doors of the shrine are crafted with sheets of silver etched with images of Lord Shiva.

You might know the Grishneshwar Temple by other names like Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeswara, and Grishneswara. You can choose the Bhimshankar, Shirdi, Girineshwar Aurangabad tour package to visit this beautiful place.

These are the top 8 Jyotirlinga sites in India. If you are planning to take a trip to these amazing locations in India, then My Tirth India can make smooth and seamless arrangements for you. All you need to do is get in touch with us and we shall get things done for you from beginning to the end.

Why Should You Plan a Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand? Top 5 Reasons

People of India consider visiting Chardham to be extremely lucky. Located in the magnificent Himalayas lap, Chardham is the ultimate center of all the religious activities in the Hindu culture. The Chardham yatra is known to be a holy yatra. This is a must-have trip for almost everyone. Not only for the religious practices but also for the extraordinary scenic beauty of the place. Thus, you should visit Chardham in Uttarakhand at least once in your life.

Chardham includes four religious places. They are, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. All these places have beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Ganga, and Goddess Yamuna. Every year, millions of people visit Chardham with their friends and family. The beauty of Chardham in Uttarakhand is enough to compel the tourists not only in India but also from abroad. Here are a few more reasons to visit Chardham in Uttarakhand.

Why should you visit Chardham in Uttarakhand at least once?

1. The Geographic Location of Chardham

All the four holy places are located in the lap of the Himalayas with nothing but natural beauty surrounding them. The pristine forests and valleys covered in snow, is a view to behold. The natural beauty also makes it one of the best locations to visit in India.

If you want to get a birds-eye view of Chardham, you need to complete the Chardham yatra by Helicopter. The four temples are located at a minimum distance from each other. However, once you are in Uttarakhand, you won’t be able to eliminate any of the places.

2. The Climate of Chardham

This is another reason why you should visit Chardham in Uttarakhand. When you opt for a Chardham yatra tour package, you get to experience one of the best climatic conditions of India. Yes, the temperature is always low, the winds are chilly and the mountains remain covered in snow for most of the year. That’s what makes them so beautiful. However, there are times of the year when all four temples remain closed.

Thus, the best time to visit Chardham is from May to October. You can easily visit there during the summer and autumn. The winter too is safe. However, visiting Chardham during the monsoon is not safe. Your Chardham yatra might get blocked due to heavy snowfall. Thus, if you visit Chardham during the summer or autumn, you can feel the beauty of the place.

3. Culture and Practise of Chardham

Did you know that the term “Chardham Yatra” was coined by the popular sage Adiguru Shankaracharya? The name of this place is all about the abodes of God. Adiguru wanted to recover the Hindu religion. The main reason to encourage followers to visit Chardham was to spread Hinduism across the country. Due to tourism facilities, the place is one of the most recognized places in India. The temples of Chardham are historically significant. It will also help you get an understanding of the long history of Hinduism.

4. Getting a sense of spirituality

The moment you embark on the journey of Chardham yatra, you get a sense of spirituality. You feel closer to god. That’s the essence of Chardham yatra. You cannot miss out on this. It will help you find peace in both your personal and professional life. This is something that everyone of us wants to feel.

5. Historical significance

Chardham is historically one of the most important places in India. Every Hindu considers it to be a religious duty to visit Chardham once in their lifetime. People believe that visiting these places and taking a dip into the Ganga and Yamuna river will wash away the sins. Apart from that, there are a lot of mythological stories attached to all the four places of Chardham. Yes, you can always read about the mythological stories of Chardham online. However, visiting heaven on earth will bring you a unique satisfaction that cannot be expressed in words.

What are the other interesting things to check at Chardham in Uttarakhand?

Along with these 5 reasons to visit Chardham, there are a lot of important places to visit. Also, these places have some significant activities. All of these things make good reasons to visit Chardham. Here is what else you ought to visit at Chardham in Uttarakhand.

Surya Kund

When you visit Yamunotri, you should also take a dip in the Surya Kund. It is a hot spring lake. The unique factor of this lake is, the temperature always remains hot throughout the year. Also, the lake water has healing properties.

Divya Shila

Divya Shila in Yamunotri is also another interesting place that you should not miss out on. It is also known as the “pious stone of light”. This is a pillar located at Yamunotri and is worshipped before offering the puja to the deity.

Uttarkashi & Guptakashi

Uttarkashi and Guptakashi are the two most-visited places in Gangotri. Surrounded by the remarkable Garhwal Hills, the Gangotri Dham is a magnificent place. Uttarkashi is one of the oldest cities located in the banks of river Bhagirathi. You should visit the Vishwanath Temple and also the Shakti Temple. Gupta Kashi is the place where Lord Shiva proposed Goddess Parvati.

Hemkund Sahib

When you are at Kedarnath, you should also visit Hemkund Sahib. This is a Gurudwara and a place of worship for the Sikh. Ukimath is another place that you must visit. It is the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Hills. The temple is located at a height of 2500 meters.

Sonprayag

Sonprayag is another great place to visit in Chardham. According to the puranic legends, this is the place where Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. The place is close to Uttarakhand. The small town is located on the banks of the rivers Basuki and Mandakini. There is also a Triyuginarayan Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Gauri Kund

Gaurikund is another beautiful place you should visit on your trip to Chardham in Uttarakhand. The place is 15 kilometers ahead of Guptakashi. Along with the temples, you shall feel the extraordinary beauty of the place. You can take a bath on the hot water spring and also visit the famous Gauri Temple. Gauri Kund is the place where Goddess Parvati decided to take Lord Shiva as her husband.

These are some of the reasons why you should plan a Chardham yatra package tour. Let My Tirth India take care of all your needs while you enjoy the mesmerising beauty of Chardham in Uttarakhand. For more details on Chardham tour packages, get in touch with My Tirth India.

Chardham tour packages India – a journey to heaven and back

In Hinduism, taking a pilgrimage tour to the Chardham in Uttarakhand in India is considered one of the most righteous and religiously pious acts. Chardham of India includes 4 different holy sites in the state of Uttarakhand. They are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. It will take at least 10 days to complete the whole tour.

Once you finish the tour, rest assured that the journey will be worth it. Chardham in India is ideally the best tourist destination in India because of its magnificent views. Millions of tourists choose the Chardham yatra tour packages to experience the mesmerizing Chardham.

If you are also planning for a Chardham tour, then your best option is to choose the Chardham yatra tour packages offered by My Tirth India. A lot of us don’t know the fact that the Chardham yatra tour follows a pattern from west to east. People believe that the journey should start from Yamunotri to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and then to Badrinath.

Remember that the temples at the Chardham sites will only remain open from April to October/November. Every year, the opening and closing times of the temples keep changing based on the Hindu tradition of ‘Parikrama’ or clockwise. Thus, you have to make sure you visit the place when the temples are open.

For that, you won’t have to worry because the officials at My Tirth India will check on the exact date and plan your trip accordingly. However, if you want you can visit the Chardham any time of year – only if the roads are not blocked due to heavy snowfall.

Why should you choose My Tirth India for the Chardham tour package India?

The best option to visit Chardham is to use the Chardham Yatra tour package from My Tirth India. It is tough to find public buses, especially when the yatra is officially closed for the season. Thus, instead of taking the risk of planning everything on your own, booking a Chardham tour package is always better.

Also, you will be safe because you won’t have to worry about arranging communication, booking accommodations, and more. There is complete freedom and peace of mind when you choose the best pilgrimage tour booking company in India. My Tirth India will plan the whole trip for you.

Right from booking your tickets to planning your stays, foods, pick-up, and drop services, we take care of everything. Along with that, we shall also take care of the parking, travel guide, toll taxes, parking fuel, and driver allowances.

Experience the beauty of Chardham

Did you know that Chardham in India was the four places of Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameshwaram? After the mid 20th century, Chardham in India more popularly became the Chardham of Uttarakhand. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that every individual must visit Chardham once in their life.

People believe that visiting these four places will wash away your sins. Well, of course, it is all about what you believe and it varies according to different people. However, one thing is for sure, you will enjoy the peace, purity, and beauty these places offer.

Starting with Yamunotri

Since the Chardham yatra starts with Yamunotri, let us take you on the tour with us starting from Yamunotri. It is located in the Uttarkashi district. Yamunotri is the main source of the river Yamuna. Also, it is the seat of Goddess Yamuna. If you want to visit Yamunotri, then you have to stay back in the town of Janki.

There is a walk up to 6 kilometers to the main temple. However, there is no need to worry because this walk acts as a warm-up practice to the long walk of 14 kilometers at Kedarnath. If you have senior citizens along with you, then you can also opt for the horses and dolis. These are great facilities for those who are unable to walk.

The 6 kilometers walk is full of mesmerizing views of the Himalayas at one end and the river flowing at the other end. Yes, the last 1 kilometer can be a bit tiring because the climb becomes slightly steeper. However, all tiredness will vanish once you enter the temple of Yamunotri and dip your legs in the natural hot water spring.

The Yamunotri hot water spring is also known as Surya Kund. This hot water spring is special because it has got soothing effects. The main temple is located right at the edge of the Yamuna river. The river Yamuna originates at the Yamunotri glacier. It is located at a height of 6,387 meters. It is not accessible to the pilgrims.

Coming to Gangotri

The Gangotri tem ple is located in the Uttarkashi district. This is also the source of the longest and the holiest river in India – The Ganges. Originally, the river Ganga is known as river Bhagirathi at the source. The journey to the Gangotri Temple is one of the most scenic and enchanting experience.

When you reach the Gangori Temple and hear the sound of the gushing Bhagirathi river, you will be amazed by the force of the river. Once you have offered prayers and puja to the Goddess Ganga, you can sit back, relax, and cherish the pure air and the gushing river in the background.

Next Stop – Kedarnath

Now, it is time to visit the most beautiful of all the four dhams, the Kedarnath Dham. Kedarnath is in Rudraprayag. You have to stay in Guptakashi, a small town. It is located 35 kilometers from Gaurikund. This is where the actual Kedarnath trek of 14 kilometers begins.

The Kedarnath trek should be started early in the morning because of the climate and weather conditions. You can also opt for the Helicopter, doli, and horse facilities from Gaurikund. Flanked by the Himalayan range on both sides, rivers flowing down on one side, and the constant chanting of Lord Shiva throughout the trek takes you to a whole new world.

Yes, it is true that the 14-kilometer yatra will test your physical & mental strength, your perseverance because, as you start moving up, the altitude changes. All the efforts are truly worth it once you reach the Kedarnath town. The first glimpse of the Kedarnath Temple with the majestic Himalayas in the background will render you speechless. If there is a heaven on earth, then it is at Kedarnath.

The Final Destination – Badrinath

Badrinath is a holy town dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in Chamoli district. One of the best things about this place is, it is more developed than the other three dhams. You can access the town by road till the end. Badrinath is located at an elevation of 3,100 meters. It is also the source of the river Alakananda which is another name for river Ganga.

People believe that on their way to heaven, the Pandavas passed through Badrinath and the holy town of Mana. It is 4 kilometers north of Badrinath. You will also find a cave in Mana where sage Vyasa wrote Mahabharata. The main shrine of the Badrinath Temple is gold plated. It looks majestic and royal.

This is the complete Chardham yatra tour package. The whole trip will offer you an experience that you will remember for your life. Leaving Badrinath, you might feel a bit sad thinking that such an amazing trip has come to an end. However, we can vouch for the fact that you shall also feel rejuvenated by visiting these divine places.

Helicopter services at Chardham – Explore Chardham with a Twist

A fun-filled family holiday tour is the best way to strengthen your bonds, reconnect, and rejuvenate the love between your near and dear ones. And what can be a better place than literally the heaven on earth? Yes, we are talking about Chardham in Uttarakhand in India. The pleasant weather, excellent sceneries, and also delightful food are ideal to bring you in your best mood and experience a great time with your family.

For a stress-free Chardham yatra tour, you can opt for My Tirth India. You will get a lot of customized options for you and your family. Right from the hotel bookings to the travel tickets, you will have various services to have a peaceful Chardham yatra tour with family. We shall also take care of transportation so that you can visit all the attractions of Chardham.

Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra is one of the most popular pilgrimage circuits in India. Every year, during the same time, the routes of Chardham are opened for pilgrims. The four significant places of Chardham are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. Apart from the religious aspect, Chardham is also a major attraction for travelers around the world because it goes through some of the most delightful regions of Uttarakhand’s mountains.

History of Chardham

A very interesting fact about Chardham is, the four locations of Chardham as we know them, is called the Chhota Chardham. The original Chardham in India refers to the four different corners of the country. These four different places are Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka. The original Chardham was established by Adiguru Shankaracharya in the eighth century AD.

However, a shorter circuit was created later on. This shorter circuit included Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These four locations created the Chhota Chardham. This is also popularly known as the Chardham Yatra in India. People believe that visiting the Chhota Chardham opens the gates of salvation. It washes away all the sins of a lifetime.

The starting point of Chardham is Haridwar. This is where you will start your journey for the four holy shrines. The first point to visit is Yamunotri, then Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath and Badrinath. There are also stories behind why such a sequence is followed.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is the first place to visit because it is the westernmost pilgrimage of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. This is the place where you will find the origin of the river Yamuna. The story of Yamunotri is since Yamraj is the sister of Yamuna; he promised her on Bhai Dooj that whoever takes a dip in this river, will not visit Yamlok. Thus, they will get salvation. There is a Yamunotri Temple where you will see the shrine of Goddess Yamuna.

Gangotri

The Gangotri Dham is located at Gomukh. it is at a height of 3,200 meters above sea level. Gomukh is also the source of the River Ganga. Since the river Ganga is known to be the source of purity, a lot of people take a dip in the belief to wash away their sins and embrace goodness. The legend is, when King Bhagirath meditated for a long time, River Ganga

Kedarnath

Kedarnath Dham is one of the most important locations of Chardham in India. It is also the most popular pilgrimage site because it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Along with that, Kedarnath, Kalpeshwar, Tungnath, Madmaheshwar, and Rudranath shrines make the Panch Kedar.

The temple is 1200 years old. The story of Kedarnath is, when the Pandavas wanted the help of Lord Shiva to relieve themselves from the pain and guilt of killing their blood brothers, Lord Shiva didn’t want to help them. Thus, he disguised himself as a bull to roam around different places of the location.

When the Pandavas found him, he went underground. Only Bhim could get a hold of his hump. The other body parts of Lord Shiva showed in different parts. The hump of the bull was in Kedarnath, the navel came up in Madhya-Maheshwar, the two forelegs came up in Tunganath, the face was found in Rudranath and the hair in Kalpeshwar. These five places are called the Panch Kedar.

Badrinath

The Badrinath Dham is the final destination of the Chardham yatra tour. Did you know that Badrinath is the most sacred of all the four Dhams in Uttarakhand? It is located on the banks of the river Alakananda. The Badrinath Dham is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Apart from that, it is also the place where Adiguru Shankaracharya attained salvation.

Unlike the other three Char Dham pilgrimage sites, Badrinath Temple stays closed for 6 months due to extreme temperature conditions and snowfall. Also, there is a hot spring lake in the temple. It is known as the Tapt Kund. The water of the Tapt Kund is always at a temperature of around 55 degrees Celcius throughout the year. It is a unique feature where even though the temple is surrounded by snow-clad mountains, the temperature of the water always remains hot.

What are the benefits of choosing Helicopter services at Chardham by My Tirth India?

When you choose helicopter services at Chardham by My Tirth India, you can rest assured that you shall have a well-organized Chardham tour. You will have complete freedom and peace of mind. Let us present the complete tour itinerary of the Helicopter services in Chardham offered by My Tirth India.

Day 1: The first day of Helicopter services starts from the Harsil Helipad to the Gangotri Dham, then to Kharsali, and then the Yamunotri Dham. We will offer pick-up and drop services to take you to the helipad early morning. We shall fly to Harsil and then drive to the Gangotri Dham.

After the darshan, we shall drive back to Harsil and fly to Kharshali. We will start our trek to Yamunotri Dham with Palki or Pony (according to the availability) and then back to Kharshali. We shall make complete arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Day 2: The plan of the second day is starting from Kharsali, we shall visit Phata, then Kedarnath, then back to Phata, then fly to Badrinath and return to Dehradun. We will escort you to the helipad for the early morning flight at the Kharsali helipad. From there we will visit Phata and transfer to Kedarnath by shuttle.

We shall make arrangements for a shuttle to mandir. Also, rest assured that there will be arrangements for VIP darshan for you. After the darshan is complete, we shall fly to Badrinath and then drive to the Mandir, again with VIP darshan. Once the Badrinath darshan is complete we will fly you back to Dehradun.

As you can see that if you choose the helicopter services at Chardham from My Tirth India, you will experience the VIP service facilities. Thus, you can have a seamless Chardham tour by helicopter.

What are the facilities included at helicopter services at Chardham by MTI?

The features will include:

Trek by palki/doli at Yamunotri
VIP darshan for all the temples
Land vehicle Innova available at Harsil and Badrinath
One night stay at Kharsali in twin sharing format at the Yamunotri cottages
Lunch, dinner, and breakfast included
Guidance/assistance in darshan for all the temples
The cost of the helicopter will be included for Chardham from Dehradun
Seamless and comfortable hotels or cottages will be arranged for families and individuals

These are the facilities that you shall have if you choose My Tirth India for the helicopter services at Chardham. Also, the complete package of helicopter services is budget-friendly and affordable. Apart from these, there are a few guidelines for the tourists that you have to remember. You can visit our website to know the details of the guidelines for tourists. Also, you can get in touch with our customer care executives for more details on the helicopter services at Chardham.

Chardham in India – Interesting things to know about Chardham

The divine location of Chardham in India is popular for its religious values. A lot of us might have taken a trip to the Chardham of Uttarakhand, but there are a lot of interesting facts about the four holy places in India that very few of us know about. We all know that Chardham in India includes four holy places. These places are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Each of these sacred places has its own importance in our hearts. People from different parts of India and abroad. Completing the trip to Chardham in India is believed to grant salvation or moksha. Since all the four places are very old, there are a lot of things still hidden about the ancient temples.

In this blog today, we are going to share some thrilling facts about Chardham in India. We are pretty sure that you have never heard of these interesting things about Chardham before.

Interesting facts to know about Chardham in Uttarakhand

1. The shrine of Lord Badrinath was located in the Garud Caves

The present location of the Badrinath Temple was not the original location. The Badrinath idol was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya near the river Alakananda. That is where he set up the Badrinath Temple. This was near the Garud Caves located at the hot springs of Tapt Kund. However, centuries later, the King of Garhwal shifted the location of the shrine to the present location.

2. The natural rock Shivalinga of Gangotri is only visible in winters

This is a very fascinating thing about Gangotri. There is a natural rock, which is also known as the Jalamagna Shivalinga. You can only see it during the winters at Gangotri. For the rest of the year, it remains submerged in the waters. This is why it is called Jalamagna Shivalinga. During winter when the water level is down, you can see the Shivalinga. This is also the place where Lord Shiva held Goddess Ganga in his luscious dreadlocks.

3. The water of Surya Kund is used for cooking the prasad at Yamunotri

Surya Kund is a hot water spring located near Yamunotri glacier. This hot water spring is also very sacred to the Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Surya or the Sun is the father of Yamuna. Thus, even when the lake is surrounded by the snow-clad Himalayas, you will find the water of the lake to be hot. The temperature of the lake water remains around 88 degrees throughout the year.

4. Did you know that the hind part of Lord Shiva is worshipped in Kedarnath?

This is another fascinating fact about Kedarnath. The hind part of Lord Shiva’s body is worshipped in Kedarnath. There is a very interesting story to it. After the Pandavas won in the Kurukshetra battle, they were filled with sorrow and remorse because of the killing of their brothers. They wanted forgiveness and salvation.

Thus, they searched for Lord Shiva but they could not find him. Finally, Bheema found Lord Shiva who was disguised as a bull. Lord Shiva didn’t want to meet them. Thus, he immersed himself into the earth, leaving his hind part behind. This is why the hind part of Lord Shiva is worshipped in Kedarnath.

5. A Shivalinga is created where Yudhishthira’s finger fell

On their celestial pathway to heaven, one of the fingers of Dharmaraj Yudhishtira fell off. At the same place, a Shivalinga was created which is equal to the size of Yudhishthira’s thumb. This is a unique and fascinating thing about Chardham.

6. An interesting story of Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund is the place where Goddess Parvati attained Lord Shiva as her husband. Located in Rudraprayag, Gauri Kund is at an altitude of 6500 feet above sea level. This place serves as the base camp for the pilgrims. According to mythology, people believe that this is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated for 100 years to get Lord Shiva as her husband.

7. The Badrinath Temple was initially a Buddhist Shrine

During the rule of King Ashoka, the Badrinath Temple was worshipped as a Buddist Shrine. According to the history books, the idol of Lord Badrinath was found by Adiguri Shankaracharya from the Narad Kund. However, apart from this, there is also another record of the origin of the Badrinath Temple.

Some of the accounts state that there was a Buddhist Shrine before Adiguru Shankaracharya discovered the idol of Lord Badrinath. Also, if you look at the architecture, the brightly painted facade of the Badrinath Temple is identical to the Buddhist Vihara (Temple).

8. The origin of Lord Vishnu’s name as Badri

Lord Vishnu’s name as Badri was originally derived from Goddess Laxmi’s incarnation of a berry tree. The legend is, when Lord Vishnu went to the mountains for his penance, his wife Goddess Laxmi became a berry tree to protect him from the heat of the sun. Goddess Laxmi also stood by him for years to offer him the shade and years later she turned into a huge berry tree. The tree was also named Badri Vishal and her consort Lord Vishnu became, Badrinath.

9. Tapt Kund, aka a sulfur water spring, has medicinal properties

In the Badrinath Temple, there is a hot water spring comprising sulfur. It is also known as Tapt Kund. This hot water spring has medicinal properties. People also believe that this hot water spring is also the home of God Agni, the lord of fire. Before visiting the Badrinath Temple, people take a dip in the holy waters of the Tapt Kund. The temperature of the water remains as hot as 55 degrees Celcius all throughout the year.

10. It is not allowed to blow Shankh in Badrinath Temple

Even though the Shankh is one of the most favorite instruments of Lord Vishnu, you are not allowed to blow Shankh inside Badrinath Temple. The story is, when sage Agasthya was slaying the demons in Kedarnath, two of the most infamous demons, Atapi and Vatapi fled away from there. Atapi remained hidden inside the Mandakini River, while Vatapi hid inside the Shankh. Since then, people believe that if anyone tries to blow the Shankh, the demon will come out.

Also, the science behind not blowing the Shankh is, since the Badrinath Temple remains covered in snow most of the time of year, blowing the Shankh will create an echo. This is a unique phenomenon that creates turbulence in the ecology and can cause ice storms. Thus, it can endanger human life.

These are some interesting facts about Chardham in India. My Tirth India offers the most affordable and customizable deals on the Chardham Yatra tour package. Also, you can opt for the Helicopter services at Chardham.

A Checklist of the Top 10 Anuradha Paudwal Bhajan Songs

Yes, this is about the top 10 Anuradha Paudwal Bhajan songs. Before we get into the devotional songs of Anuradha Paudwal, let us share a brief introduction to Anuradha Paudwal. Bollywood films are incomplete without any songs. In the history of the film industry, there has been a wide array of popular songs and singers in the Bollywood film industry. However, a few of them have been able to make a significant mark. Anuradha Paudwal is one of the few eminent singers who is widely acknowledged for her versatility and beautiful voice.

When Anuradha Paudwal entered the music industry, the industry already had established singers like Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Alka Yagnik, and more. However, Anuradha Paudwal had a unique voice that appealed to the listeners in a way that no one could. It is a lesser-known fact that Anuradha Paudwal started her singing career with blockbuster movies like Abhimaan, in 1973 starring Amitabh Bachhan and Jaya Bhaduri. She got her first break in Subhash Ghai’s Kalicharan. After this, there was no looking back for her, who continued to win the Padma Shri, in 2017.

What are the top 10 Anuradha Paudwal bhajan songs?

1. Jai Shiv Omkara

This is the first of the Anuradha Paudwal Bhajan songs on our list. Released in 2016 the song has been covered by Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Paudwal. This is a beautiful shiv aarti dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is composed by Shivanand Swami. The song translates that he who recites the aarti to the Lord of the three Gunas- sattva, rajas, and tamas- will attain fulfillment of his heart’s desire.

This is one of the most popular songs you will get to hear in Haridwar Rishikesh. As the song is dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is very popular among the devotees in Haridwar Rishikesh. To visit the beautiful place of Haridwar & Rishikesh, you can opt for the Haridwar Rishikesh tirth package.

2. Jai Ambe Gauri

The second one on our list of the top 10 Anuradha Paudwal bhajan songs is the Jai Amber Gauri. This is one of the best and most popular devotional songs of Anuradha Paudwal to express the devotion in you for Maa Durga. The song shares the glory of Maa Gauri and the power of the trinity – Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.

The is one of the most popular songs that you will get to hear in Vaishno Devi Temple. It is one of the best and most renowned pilgrimage destinations in India. You can opt for the Vaishno Devi Jammu Jai Mata Di package tour to experience the mesmerizing beauty of the place.

3. Namo Namo Durge Sukhkarni

When it comes to the top 10 Bhajan songs of Anuradha Paudwal you cannot miss out on the Namo Namo Durge Sukh. The unique feature of this song is when it was sung by Anuradha Paudwal, it became a beautiful combination of Indian devotional music in a Durga Chalisa.

This is a popular song that you shall get to hear in Navratri pujas or the 9 Devi Darshan tirth packages. If you too want to be a part of the 9 Devi Darshan tirth package, then you can choose the 9 Devi Darshan with Shimla for 5 nights 6 days. Also, the travel package will be via Chandigarh.

4. Shiva Dhyaana

Speaking of the best Anuradha Paudwal Bhajan songs, this one is an all-time favorite for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Thus, this is one song that no one can miss out on. This song is from the album Shiva Dhyaana released in 2000. This is not only the chanting of the name of Lord Shiva but is also a prayer offering to the supreme lord.

Therefore, this song is loved by millions of people in India. If you visit any locations in India where Lord Shiva is the primary deity, you will get to listen to this song quite a lot of times. For instance, Kedarnath is one place where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Thus, if you want to experience the beauty of Kedarnath, you should choose the Kedarnath Yatra tour package.

5. Man Mera Mandir, Shiv Meri Puja

Coming to the eternal Anuradha Paudwal bhajan songs, this is a popular one among the Shiva aartis. The song is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The meaning of this song is my heart is where the Lord resides and Shiva is the deity I worship. It is considered to be one of the most engaging Shiva Aradhana songs of Anuradha Paudwal. The song is directed by Dilip Sen and Sameer Sen. Murdeshwar in Karnataka is one of the most important places where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Thus, you can use the Murdeshwar-Udupi-Gokarna tour package to get the feel of the beautiful place.

6. Om Jai Jagadish Hare

This is one of the most popular Anuradha Paudwal bhajan songs of all time. You also cannot deny the fact that this song has been used in a lot of Bollywood movies in different sequences. Thus, it has become more popular. The original version of this song is from the album Maani Aarti No Thaal released in 1994. This is a song dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Also, Badrinath is one of the most popular places where Lord Vishnu is worshipped. If you choose the Badrinath Yatra tour package, then you will not only get to listen to this song a lot of times but also get the feeling of mesmerizing Badrinath.

7. Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Dedicated to Lord Shri Ram, this Anuradha Paudwal bhajan song is from the album Ganga Amrit. This is a song for the aarti of Lord Ram. While Lord Krishna is an avatar of Lord Ram, this song is also dedicated as an aarti for Lord Krish as well. Thus, if you visit Ahmedabad Dwarka Somnath, you will hear this song quite a lot of times. The song is not only popular among the devotees of Lord Krishna, but also among the devotees of Lord Ram.

8. Hey Shiv Shankar Hey Karunakar

Another mesmerizing bhajan song by Anuradha Paudwal is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The song is also from the album Hey Shivshankar Hey Karunakar. Haridwar is one of the most important places in India where Lord Shiva is worshipped with utmost dedication. This is also a great place for a family get-together and vacation. Thus, you should opt for the Haridwar Rishikesh tour package. Since this is a song dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is popular all around India. However, Haridwar is the location where you will get to hear it more.

9. Aisi Subah Na Aya

Among the popular Anuradha Paudwal bhajan songs, this one deserves a special mention. This is yet another Shiva Bhajan by Anuradha Paudwal that has been appreciated by thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva. Kailash Mansarovar is one of the most important destinations in India where Lord Shiva is graciously worshipped. Thus, if you are planning to take a Kailash Mansarovar trip, you shall get to listen to this song among many of the devotees.

10. Bum Bum Bum bhole

This one is the last one of the Anuradha Paudwal bhajan songs, but it is definitely not the least. The song is one of the very popular songs of the album Barah Jyotirling. It is composed by Shailesh Dani. The lyrics are from Dr. Manoj Salpekar. It has been also labeled by Times Music Spiritual. This is a popular Shiva bhajan among the devotees. Thus, you should not miss out on this song. Also, you shall feel a peaceful yet energetic vibe while listening to this song. Therefore it has become so much popular among the devotees.

So here is our complete list of the top 10 Anuradha Paudwal bhajan songs. In conclusion, we can say that Anuradha Paudwal is and has been one of the most eminent singers over the decades. Therefore it is our humble tribute to the singing legend by presenting the best Anuradha Paudwal bhajan songs.

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