In India the holy waters is considered to be the ultimate of getting closer to God. Tourists wish to go to have a dip in the holy waters.

One such destination is Vrindavan. It is also known as Brindavan, and is commonly called by the name of Braj by the locals. It is believed that the Indian God Lord Krishna spent his childhood here. This small town in the state of Uttar Pradesh in the continent of India is in the district of Mathura. This place in those days was a forest and Lord Krishna seemingly had a great childhood here.

Situated around 15 km away from Lord Krishna’s birth town Mathura, Vrindavan is on the highway connecting Agra and Delhi. There are many temple in this city which are built in memory of Lord Krishna and also Radha who was Krishna’s best friend according to Hindu mythology. The tradition here is Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Hinduism.

There are tours which take you to Vrindavan and Govardhan. You would be asked to meet at Delhi. At the Dilli Haat, INA in Delhi you would be received and then taken to the destinations. Sometimes there is a dress code of only saffron or blue. This would be a walk tour and it will take you to the land of Lord Krishna, Brajbhoomi. The aim of the tour would be to understand the life of the Lord and to see the sacred place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.

The drive to Vrindavan is around three hours. You would be enthralled by the scenic beauty that greets you on the way. This is a magical land and you would feel the magic instantly. The first day is at Vrindavan and you would go to the garden where Krishna used to play his antics or “lilas” as it is called in Hindu mythology. This grove is a beautiful place and tourists are completely surprised by its purity. Then the tour progresses to visiting six temples in Vrindavan all of them depicting Lord Krishna in his various forms.

The Govardhan hill is the next place to see. This beautiful mountain is a legendary mountain and is charged with a lot of energy. The devotees get very emotional here and they love to see this beautiful creation of ecology. There are lot water bodies and trees here. Here is where people come to the sacred waters of Radha Kund. It is believed that this pond belonged to Radha. Then you have the Manasi Ganga here which is believed to be a form of river Ganga in Braj. Then there is the Kusum Sarovar which has beautiful architecture from Rajasthan. The frescoes here are magnificent. The Shyama Kund here is also a major sacred waters destination. This sacred water is one tour that the devotee won’t want to miss

This is s sight that has been an inspiration to many artists and filmmakers, photographers and painters.

There are pilgrimages which go all the way to sarvovar, crossing many different landscapes. This terrain can sometimes be inhospitable. Make sure you have the right kind of equipment and training which you could get from the local trainers and touring agents.  For the trek you have to be physically fit, if you have injuries or a weak heart then coming to this part of the mountain should be avoided.   Check the weather listings and ask around at the authorities if there are any upcoming storms in the region.

If you complete the yatras, it is believed that after crossing these parikramas, you will be filled with a strong spiritual peace for the rest of your life.

Even people who just go here casually feel like the have experienced something magical and life changing. A lot of unexplainable and extra ordinary occurrences have happened that makes these people feel like they feel spiritually elevated, calm and in control of everything around them.

The feeling is according to them, quite empowering!!

Go join the fellow yatris and find out what preparations they are doing.  There is a general itinerary and the yatra is schedules for about eighteen days or sometimes even less.  The whole journey along with going up the mountain would take about twenty five days.

On the first and second day of the yatra:

The journey begins at Kathmandu. Takes about two days to get your visa formalities sorted out so if possible get it done proactively before the start of the journey. Then you purchase all the equipment and supplies that you would need.  There are tour operators who can arrange for trips to walk to many Hindu and Buddhist religious sites.

The swayambunath and the pashupatinath temples, the baudha stupa and the cities of patan and bhaktapur. There is also a hanuman dhoka palace of the Nepal royals.

One of the nicest things here are the many restaurants in the region with the speciality international cuisines.

The term Varanasi is given to this holy town due to the confluence of two tributaries namely Varuna and Asi meeting the Ganges on the shore. Surprisingly, the city is coined with different names or titles as the Religious Capital of India and the City of Learning. As far as its learning aspect is concerned, the town is famous for its wisdom imparting activities in the ancient days and today, the same is being continued with its four universities.

Apart from the Hindus, it is holy for the Buddhists as the Sarnath city where Buddha preached Buddhism for the first time to his first sermon after Enlightenment is just 12 km from here. It is also a sacred site for Jains where their 23rd Tirthankar (apostle) – Lord Parshwanath took birth.

Beliefs

According to the Hindus, bathing in Ganga makes one free of its sins. Further, dying here is considered auspicious for attaining liberation from the cycle of births and deaths forever. It is also said that this was the site where the Goddess Sati’s earrings fell making it among the holy Shakti Peethas. This was when Lord Shiva was carrying the churned body of Goddess Sati (previous life of his divine consort – Mata Parvati).

Places I Visited

Stunned by the temples and various ghats of lit lamps and rituals, I was inclined towards them. Among them, I first paid homage to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Golden Temple due to its gilded two domes, which is located in the periphery of the Ganga. Lord Shiva as Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha, is worshipped here whose one look earns more good than any of the remaining jyotirlingas. People told me that its original location was at the site of the nearby Aurangzeb who damaged the original one. There is also a new Kashi Vishwanath temple with good architecture and open to all people.

Near the ancient temple is the magnificent Dashashwamedh Ghat revered for two legends. One says that Lord Brahma was the creator of this ghat for greeting Lord Shiva. While the other mentions that Lord Brahma gave up 10 horses in a fire ritual here. In the evening, some priests daily do the Agni Pooja (Worship to Fire) in honor of Lord Shiva, River Ganga, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe.

Next, I visited the Durga Temple of the 18th century also called as the Monkey Temple as many monkey are seen here. It is dedicated to the demon-slaying Durga – the Goddess of Shakti. Legend has it that her present statue appeared mystically in the temple. However, only Hindus can go into the inner sanctum to see the statue. Luckily, I could see it. Others are allowed only until the courtyard. The red spires denote the goddess’ red color and the entire edifice exhibits the typical north-Indian Nagara style. There is also a Durga Kund (pond) wherein on Nag Panchami falling in (July/August), the kund is seen with Lord Vishnu reclining on a celestial snake ‘Sheshanag’ (stimulation).

Built by the Celts, originally, the shrine next to the springs was dedicated to the goddess Sulis who was considered to be the Roman Goddess Minerva following the Roman raid.

Continued with the name of Sulis, the ancient town was also named as Aquae Sulis (waters of Sulis) along with the shrine. Even today, the bath complex is known for the goddess’ miraculous powers of curing and the mineral-rich spring waters.

The entire complex was rediscovered in the 18th century and the current stunning Georgian building was built around this time.

Prime Attractions

• Bathing:
  Please note that the Roman Baths are perilous for bathing, as its waters have been through the activate Roman lead pipes. You can still experience the waters in the lavishly built Thermae Spa opened in 2004.
• The Sacred Spring:
  Located at the northwest end of the baths, this spring provides water to the 12th century pool called the King’s Bath enclosed by the Georgian building. Alternatively, look out for a sip of the hot mineral spring water located in the fountain of the Pump Room, which tastes amazing and is said to have the healing powers.
• The Temple of Sulis Minerva:
  This is a classical temple wherein a statue of the goddess Sulis Minerva was sited. Now, its gilded bronze head is kept in the museum.
• The Gorgon:
  From the temple, a decorated pediment has been rebuilt that holds a picture of a face with beard made from stone, known as the Gorgon’s head. This represents the Goddess Minerva that also looks like the other water gods – Oceanus and Neptune. The overall look is that of the sun that might symbolize the high temperature in the sacred spring. Surrounded by the garland of leaves and grouped victories, the owl and the helmet located at the base represent the goddess’ liability for knowledge and battle.
• The Roman Baths Museum:
  Here, you will come across a myriad of interesting items such as the offerings involving hundreds of objects cast into the spring for the goddess. These objects are:
  • More than 12,000 Roman coins forming the largest accumulation from Britain,
  • Curses holding messages on the rolled up sheets made up of lead or pewter seeming like sending them to the spirit of the goddess residing in the spring, and
  • Metal pans known as paterae holding the literally ‘DSM’ – ‘Deae Sulis Minerva’, which must have played an important role in making the offerings to the goddess.

Timings and Cost

• Mar-Jun, Sep, Oct: 9 am – 6 pm
• Jul-Aug: 9 am – 10 pm
• Nov-Feb: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Last admission before 1 hour of closing

Cost is £9 along with the audio guide and £12 including Museum of Costume and Assembly Rooms whose validity is seven days.

Legend

Following a devastating flood, the god Viracocha occurred from the Lake Titicaca to create the sun (Inti), moon (Mama Kilya), and stars. Then, he proceeded towards Tiahuanaco to bring the first human beings into existence named Mallku Kapac and Mama Ocllo. These were the Inca Adam and Eve made from stone, who were ordered by the creator God to inhabit the world. Therefore, Lake Titicaca is regarded as the origin of the Incas, whose spirits come back here after death.

Attractions

Along with the Lake Titicaca, there are some 41 sacred islands on the lake.

• Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun):
  This is most significant island on the Bolivia side as it is the abode of the Inca God, Inti. It is the largest lake island. Towards its northern tip, the town of Challapampa holds the charming Chinkana (labyrinth) in its vast stone complex. It is said to be a teaching hub of the Inca priests. There is also a natural spring under the island, which occurs again in a holy fountain in the Yumani town on the southern tip. This is the largest area on the island holding the sacred 206 Inca steps taking you to the town and a sacred stone fountain having three springs and symbolizing to be a fountain of youth. While returning to the Challapampa town, you will see a sacred rock appearing as a puma followed by two giant footprints marking the event of sun’s falling to the Earth to produce the Adam and Eve of the Incas. Do view the sunset from its highest point on the lighthouse.

• Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon):
  This is abode of the Inca goddess Mama Kilya. Here, the selected women called as the “Virgins of the Sun,” resided at this island living a life of a nun. They used to make garments using the alpaca wool and observed rituals devoted to the sun. The edifices were the efforts of the pre-Incan Aymara culture, but the Incas also contributed to the same, for example, in the form of the trapezoidal doors.

• Uros Islands or Floating Islands (Islas Flotantes):
  These are the artificial islands of reeds located on the Peru side. The islands housed the descendents of the old Uros culture known for their simple and traditional life. This culture incorporates the living style and religious values of traditional Indian and Catholic sects. Upon death, the body is buried on the mainland.
• Paccha Mama (Mother Earth) and Paccha Tata (Father Earth):
  These are the two holy mountains on which people in traditional wear climb on 18th January each year. Celebrated as a festival, the pilgrims offer coca leaves, grains, and alcohol to the land after descending in two separate groups.

It is the prime attraction in the Crater Lake National Park and that is moderately fills a caldera of about 655 m deep formed before 7,700 years due to the disintegration of the volcanic Mazama.

Legend/History

Created near 4680 BC, the lake was the result of the eruption of the volcanic Mount Mazama that was 42 times more powerful as compared to blast of the Mount St. Helens in 1980.

The Klamath Indian tribe of the Native Americans since centuries has regarded the lake as a sacred site. It proclaims that such belief comes from their ancestors who have seen the disastrous event of eruption and miraculous formation of the lake thousands of years ago. According to their legend, a battle was fought between the two principals: the sky god Skell and the god of the underworld, Llao. This battle ended with the destruction of the Mount Mazama, the home of Llao, which resulted into the formation of the Crater Lake.

Further, vision quests were performed on the Crater Lake by the Klamath people wherein it involved climbing the caldera walls and other such dangerous activities. It was believed that the one who could achieve success in such quests is blessed with having more spiritual powers. Even today, the descendants of the tribe have retained the belief of the sacredness of the lake.

In 1853, John Wesley Hillman was the first European American to see this lake, but he named it as the Deep Blue Lake. Subsequently, the lake’s name was changed three times from the Blue Lake to Lake Majesty and lastly to the Crater Lake.

The Lake

In the United States, the Crater Lake is the deepest lake with a depth of 1958 feet; whereas in the word, it is the seventh deepest one. Considering its altitude of 7000 to 8000 feet at the caldera edge that is above the sea level, it is the deepest lake on the planet.

The surface is six miles broad with no cove or passage to the lake. This means that the only source of water for the lake is the huge heaps of snow that fall in it annually. This is because the surrounding area, Crater Lake National Park, is filled greater amounts of snow in the Pacific Northwest. This water in the lake is regarded as among the neatest fresh waters in the world such that the sky’s reflection can be seen on the surface.

For the visitors to explore, Crater Lake holds a major island known as Wizard Island that is the result of the eruption before 7,000 years. Another island, but smaller is size is the Phantom Ship. Do not miss to view the ‘Old Man of the Lake,’ a hemlock tree that since over 100 years is hovering on the lake to reach different areas around the lake due to flowing wind currents.

In the Crater Lake National Park, you can look for day hikes and scuba diving besides only viewing the lake and admiring it.

Not only with the Goddesses, but the pilgrim spot of Tirthapuri is also linked with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Here, as the final stage of the pilgrimage, in this one-hour route of pilgrimage, pilgrims bathe in pools filled by the spring, worship the cave and guru’s footprint in the monastery, and find healing stones by digging.

Located on the bank of the Sutlej River, the springs are so hot that one can see the steam that covers the barren terrain. What make the landscape interesting are the prayer flags across the river canyon and chortens (stupas).

Legend

It is said that is was precisely here that Heruka defeated Rudra and that from the point of view of Tantrism, Tirthapuri hot springs is among the 24 prime sites of power on the sub-continent.

My Visit

It took me one hour to be complete the pilgrimage route around Tirthapuri. After bathing in its hot springs at its southwest corner, the route ascended me to a cremation point where there were old attires and rags left on the rocks. Then, towards the east, I came across a sour hole and a sweet hole in which I dug for small stones that are famous for their curing abilities. This was quite exciting for me.

Further, a karma-testing hole appears below the prayer wheel where I tested for whether I have done good deeds or bad ones like other pilgrims. By accessing the hole and pulling out two stones, I could know my own deeds signified by white and black stones. If you get both the stones as white, it is a sign of good deed, while two black ones represent a bad deed. It is believed that penance, pilgrimage, and rituals can damage the bad deeds and bind good deeds. So, instead of seeking what I got, you need to go and check it out of your own! That will be helpful, right?

Now, it was the turn to visit the Guru Rinpoche Monastery also called as the Tirthapuri Monastery and a cave utilized by him. In its assembly hall, there are stone footprints of Padmasambhava and his wife Yeshe Tsogyel.

Then, I went to the see the circle of mani stones to the south of the monastery, which marks the site where the gods danced upon enshrining the Guru Rinpoche. Go ahead in the east to see many long mani walls where you can spot yak heads and other items of offerings. Among them, the largest one being 200 m long stretches from the monastery towards the east. This was made by the guru by transforming an incoming arrow shot by a demon towards him.

Finally, I turned towards the west along the Tibetan river to return to the hot springs.

TIP:

The Tirthapuri Hot Springs is accessible only through guided jeep on the tour to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar as there is no other transportation.

The Mansarovar Lake is the origin of the eastern and large tributary of the River Indus named River Sutlej. Further, close to the lake are also the mouths of the river Brahmaputra, Indus, and Karnali (Ghaghara) – a vital tributary of the Ganges. This also has added to the holiness and purity of the lake and its surrounding regions. Above all, Mount Kailash is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his divine consort Mata Parvati on Earth.

Hindu Legend and Beliefs

According to the Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and lake too, first formed the lake in his own mind, thus giving the Sanskrit name where manas means mind and sarovar means lake. Lord Brahma created this lake to ensure a proper place for religious ceremonies and more merit for his 12 sons who were holy men and observed rituals and asceticism here on the dry land.

A popular belief holds for Hindus that a walk around trip of Mount Kailash and a dip in the cold Lake Mansarowar destroys one’s sins from many lifetimes and consequently brings salvation from the phases of birth and death. Other faith is that the heavenly Gods (Devas) come down from their celestial abodes to bathe in the lake every day in the early morning between 3 and 5 am – called the Brahma Muhurt.

The lake is also believed to be the summer residence of the sacred birds, swans that symbolize wisdom and beauty. Some other beliefs are that the Lake Mansarovar is the home of purity that once touched will lead the soul to heaven and that if you drink its water, you will be in the heaven of Lord Shiva after death.

Buddhist Significance

For Buddhists, the lake is linked with the Lake Anotatta in Pali and Anavatapta lake in Sanskrit where Queen Maya had mystically seen Lord Buddha. According to the legend, the celestial gods brought Buddha’s mother here where she bathed in the holy waters of Mansarovar to purify her body. It was here that Lord Buddha entered her womb when after bathing, she saw a white elephant coming to her from Mount Kailash.

In the past, there were eight monasteries on the shores made so to represent the Wheel of Life. By walking around the lake on pilgrimage, devotees used to visit each of the monasteries to form a part of the turn of the wheel. Today, many are not seen and what is present is the most remarkably surviving Chiu Gompa Monastery on the steep hill.

Pilgrimage

The spiritual journey is 64 miles around the lake that takes four days. So, if you desire to take up that fruitful deed, pitch a tent by the lake and complete the trip.