Essay: Our Visit to Kedarnath
Gourikund is a small but busy town. It is the last point to which the vehicle can go to reach the shrine of Kedarnath. we stayed in a hotel which was wholly made of strong woodThe river Mandakini was roaring behind our hotel
We decided to go on foot on 16 km. a long winding path. Horses, palanquins etc. were available there. These were used by old and weak persons.
We started at about 6 a.m. the next morning. The hillpath gradually went up and soon we saw river Mandakinifar below us. There are chattis (small shops) all throughthe way. We often stopped at these shops and took tea orwater Snacks are also available at these shops but their priceis just triple or more than the usual amount. This is due tothe difficulty in getting supply from the valley. Some of themoffer shelter for the night and charge money for that.
There is a circuitous main road and many short cutsThe confusing maze of steep pathways bring forth the risk of getting lost.
We took a very light meal and started again. The path wassteeper and the icy winds were blowing. At last we came toa valley. The view was heart captivating.
We were feeling as if enjoying the beauty of heaven or land of gods. Kedarnath was on the opposite side cradled in the lapof majestic ice-caped mountains.
We crossed Mandakini river by a hanging bridge. It rocked so much that we were afraid we would go crashing into the icy water. However, nothing bad or harmful happened. We reached Kedarnath at 1 p.m.
As we reached there a smiling local inhabitant (Pandain local language) welcomed us and arranged for our flooding and lodging. In the evening we saw "Aarti at the temple. It was a very grand and beautiful scenery.
The Kedarnath temple is made of stone. It is said to have been constructed by the famous Pandav brothers on their way to heaven.
The temple and its surroundings gave us a very soothing, peaceful and spiritual feeling. We can never forget that feeling throughout our lives. A famous writer has rightly said a thing of beauty is a joy forever and temple Kedarnathcontains that eternal beauty
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