| Char Dham Yatra – towards Kedarnath, Day 34 |


Having had Darshan of Trijuginarayan, we will proceed today towards the liberating abode of Kedarnath. That time is finally nearing, when we will soon reach Kedar Dham, after having experienced the bliss of Nature and so many temples along the way. That time is fast approaching, after a long wait and a lot of anticipation. Today, everybody’s hearts and faces are blooming with joy. All are ready early today and they have boarded their vehicles with spirited shouts of Har Har Mahadev & Bhole Baba ki Jai! The whole atmosphere is suffused with bliss and joy. Everybody is dancing with anticipation, for the Darshan of Kedarnath. Mahadev Himself is dancing in the hearts of His devotees, revelling in the joyous atmosphere all around. The much awaited union with the Lord of Kedarnath has to happen today. Mahadev too is waiting eagerly, for His children to arrive. Nobody is hungry or thirsty. Everybody is moving forward with the yearning for Bhole Nath’s darshan. We have travelled ahead. Today, some of us will arrive into Kedar by helicopter while the rest will travel on foot with Babaji, via the Gaurikund route. After the tragedy in 2013, the length of this walk has increasee from 14 kms to 18 kms, but nobody and nothing can stop Mahadev’s adorers and devotees. Difficulties cannot deter them or shake their lives. No matter what the difficulties or problems they encounter en route, their Love for Mahadev draws them ahead. With joy in our hearts, we have reached Gauri Kund. Come, let us know more about Gauri Kund.

Gauri Kund

The Vasuki Ganga from Kedarnath flowing via Vasuki Taal (lake), meets and merges with the Mandakini, in Gauri Kund. From here, the distance to Kedarnath is 18 kms, which can be covered on foot or on horse back. The pedestrian route to Kedarnath commences from here. In Gaurikund, there are two hot water streams on the right side bank of the river Mandakini. Gaurikund has been existing since ancient times. There is a very ancient and beautiful temple here of Gaura Mai – dedicated to Devi Gauri – that is worth seeing. The sacred Aarti (ritual of waving the flame) is offered here every evening, with utmost surrender & devotion. The metal idols of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati are installed in the sacred inner Sanctorum of the temple. There exists a Parvati slab of stone over here that Devi Parvati sat on, to perform penance.

Another important point to note is that the weather turns unfavorable from 11 am to 3 pm, for the walk to Kedarnath. This is the case not just for a day or two but on every single day. The route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is by foot and can be covered on foot or horse back or using a palanquin.

(To be continued …)