Uttarakhand • 2 monuments
Tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, after assisting Goddess Durga as Dusht Daman in the battle against demons in his previous incarnation, meditated at Hemkunt Parvat of Himalayas and mentioned the place in his compilation called Dasam Granth. It took hundreds of years for the Silk followers to recognize the place and build a gurudwara (Sikh temple) which is today known as Hemkunt (or Hemkund) Sahib. Located on the bank of Hemkund Lake, it is the highest Sikh shrine in the world and thronged by uncountable devotees from all faiths every year. The gurudwara, a mesmerizing star shaped structure, is accessible by a 19 km. strenuous trekking expedition which begins at Govindghat and passes through Govinddham (a village also called Ghangaria). The place detaches itself from the whole world between October-April due to heavy snowfall. Surrounded by a string of seven hills, called Sapat Sring, the place boasts of enthralling beauty dotted with lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, valleys and exotic flowers. Seven Nishan Sahib (holy Sikh flag) on each of the peaks are other highlights. A temple dedicated to Laxmana, brother of Lord Rama, is located close to the Sikh shrine and is visited by most of the pilgrims. The place also has the splendid Valley of Flowers in its close proximity. The place stands about 15,200 ft. above sea level and demands extreme physical fitness from the visitors. Be sure to learn about acute mountain sickness issue and make the right preparations for safe journey.
The sites of five holy confluences of River Alaknanda, before it enters the plains as River Ganges (Ganga), Panch Prayag have great religious significance in the Hindu Mythology. Rishikesh acts as the starting base for the holy pilgrimage and passes through Devprayag (about 74 km. away), Rudraprayag (about 141 km.), Karnaprayag (about 174 km. away), Nandaprayag (about 194 km. away) and Vishnuprayag (about 266 km. away). Alaknanda, originating from Chaukhamba glacier fields, is joined by River Dhaul Ganga at Vishnuprayag, River Nandakini at Nandprayag, River Pindar and Karanprayag, River Mandakini at Rudraprayag and River Bhagirathi at Devprayag on its course through the Garhwal region of Himalayas. At each of these confluences, there are holy temples, mythological sites and unbelievable natural beauty that keep the visitors spellbound. Panch Prayag Yatra is taken by pilgrims, who perform ablutions before worshipping, last rites for the dead relatives and worship the rivers that are considered as deities in Hinduism. Many believe visiting these sites essential before worshipping at Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. No doubt that being at these places can wash all your sorrows and pains.
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