The Himalayas, the mind-blowing marvel …!

The ‘kalpavritcham’ at Joshi mutt is said to be 2,400 years old!

We started at 4. 30 in the morning for Badrinath. The early morning travel at 7,000 ft. with Mandakini River flowing underneath was unforgettable. The surrounding area of Himalayas was an incredible sight. There was no noise except the humming of the flowing river. We had light music inside our vehicle. None of us talked, being spellbound by the music inside and the beauty outside. Even the children were silent enjoying the peace and the captivating beauty. We reached Rudraprayag. Mandakini sent us off while Alaknanda welcomed us. It was dawning. The early morning light was descending. We felt hungry and ate the biscuits and the fruits which we were carrying.

We proceeded looking forward to the darshan of Sri Badrinath. We could not help remembering Haridasgiri Swamigal, who spread Bhagwat smarana through bhajans. He was believed to have attained jalasamadhi somewhere at Alaknanda. We traveled listening to the cassette of his bhajans. We had our lunch at Kouchar, 55 km from Rudraprayag. Food was easily available throughout our journey. But, there were no toilet facilities. Uthranjal government should look into this matter.

The route to Badrinath was very dreadful with a perpendicular, narrow path. We were gripped with the fear of sliding down. Those who were traveling along with us augmented our fear by telling different stories. “My cousin came here last year. The rock had slipped. She had waited for one full day on the road without food and water.” “My uncle has been trying to come here. Every time, he returns with Rudraprayag. They don’t give clearance if a rock has slipped.” We had balls of fear rolling in our stomachs. All these risks we were taking only for the darshan of Badrinath. But one thing was comforting. That road is under the surveillance and maintenance of the Border Security Force. Any problem is immediately attended to. Army vehicles and tankers keep going on the road before us.