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SERKUNDA DEVI

Surkanda Devi Temple, located near Dhanaulti in Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is part of the 51 Shakti Peeths. It originated where Goddess Sati's head fell during Lord Shiva's journey carrying her body. Perched at 2756 m, the temple offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas and surrounding regions. It's accessible by a 2 km trek from Kaddukhal village or an 8 km trek from Dhanaulti through dense forests. The temple is known for its architectural beauty and hosts the Surkhananda Devi Fair during Ganga Dussehra in May/June, attracting many devotees.

📍 LOCATION:Kuddukhal village near Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand, 9 km from Dhanaulti and 35 km from Mussoorie, on Chamba - Dhanaulti Road

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HIDIMBI DEVI TEMPLE

Manali, a popular destination in Himachal Pradesh, is home to the Hidimbi Devi Temple, also known as the Hadimba Temple. Situated in Manali village, around two kilometres from the town, this temple is famous for the Phaghi fair held in honour of Manu Maharaj on the sixth day of Phalgun.

The temple, an ancient cave dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, is surrounded by lush greenery and Deodar trees, creating a serene atmosphere. Legend has it that during the Pandavas' exile, Bhima, one of the brothers, fell in love with Hidimbi, the sister of the local ruler, Hadimb. Bhima defeated Hadimb, married Hidimbi, and they had a son named Ghatotkacha. When the Pandavas returned from exile, Hidimbi stayed behind to meditate and eventually became a goddess, with the cave as her sacred abode.

The temple, known as Dhoongri temple due to its location in the Dhungiri Van Vihar forest, is a beautiful wooden structure with thatched roofs. While it's only 1.5 kilometres from the town, visiting early in the morning is advisable, especially during the busy summer season when Manali is often congested with traffic.

📍 LOCATION:Regency Road, Siyal Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 

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JANKI SETU

📍 LOCATION: Janki Bridge, Munn Ki Reti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

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Tranquility in Aglar Valley: Devalsari

Devalsari Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Aglar Valley of Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1722 meters (5650 feet) above sea level, amidst dense deodar forests and lush green meadows. The temple is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Mussoorie and 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Dehradun.

The journey to Devalsari Temple is as enchanting as the destination itself, with winding roads offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. The temple's location amidst the tranquil surroundings makes it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.

The temple is believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Katyuri kings. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses a Shivling, which is said to be self-manifested. The temple is also home to a number of other deities, including Parvati, Ganesh, and Nandi.

Tourist Attraction

The Devalsari Temple Mussoorie is a popular pilgrimage site, especially for Hindus from the Garhwal region. The temple is also a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Devalsari Temple

The best time to visit the Devalsari Temple is between the months of April and June, when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding hills are lush green. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

📍 LOCATION : Aglar Valley, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, India.

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Mana: Leading the Way as India's First Village

Mana, located in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district shares a border with China. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) placed a signboard at the border village of “Mana” in Uttarakhand, declaring it to be the “First Indian Village.”

It is in the beautiful Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters. It's a special place because it's the first village on the way to the Mana Pass, just 26 kilometers from the border of India and Tibet.

Mana is more than just a village; it's a place rich in culture, closely linked to the nearby Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath, only 3 kilometers away. The people of Mana are proud of their traditions, which are connected to the spiritual importance of Badrinath.

The journey to Mana is as beautiful as the village itself. Travelers travel along National Highway 7, which offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys. As they near Mana, they see traditional wooden houses. Hindi and Garhwali language is used over here . The village also serves as a starting point for exploring other amazing places in Uttarakhand, making it a must-visit for those looking for both natural beauty and cultural experiences.

📍 LOCATION: Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, near the border of India and Tibet.

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DEVPRAYAG

Devprayag is a special place where two rivers, the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda, come together to form the Ganga River. This makes it a very important spot for pilgrims. The main temple there is called Raghunathji Temple and is dedicated to Lord Rama. Devprayag is one of five special spots where the Alaknanda river joins other rivers. These places are called Panch Prayag. Devprayag is also where priests from the Badrinath temple stay in the winter. Many people visit Devprayag during the Chardham pilgrimage. When you visit Devprayag, it's important to be respectful to the local customs and follow any rules set by the authorities.The best time to visit Devprayag is during the months of October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for exploring.

📍 LOCATION:Devprayag is a pilgrimage town in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India, located 73 km from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway

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SUNSET STROLL

SUNSET STROLL

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"In the heart of darkness, lies the promise of a new dawn."

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FROM TRAGEDY TO ART

Evelyn McHale's story is both tragic and hauntingly beautiful. On May 1, 1947, Evelyn, a 23-year-old woman from California, ended her life by jumping from the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York City. She landed on a United Nations limousine parked at the curb below, a scene captured by photography student Robert Wiles just minutes after her death. The photograph, titled "The Most Beautiful Suicide," depicts Evelyn lying peacefully amidst the crumpled metal of the car, her body seemingly untouched and almost angelic. The image has since become iconic, symbolizing both the tragedy of suicide and the eerie beauty of her final moments. The photograph of Evelyn's death became famous not only for its tragic subject matter but also for its composition and the circumstances under which it was taken. Robert Wiles happened to be in the area when Evelyn jumped, and he quickly snapped the photo before police arrived. The image captures a moment of quiet and contemplation in the midst of chaos, adding to its haunting beauty. I don't like the idea of calling Evelyn McHale's suicide a "beautiful suicide." It's not right to romanticize or glorify someone's tragic death. Suicide is a sad and serious thing, not something to be called beautiful. It's important to remember that behind every suicide is a person who was in deep pain and needed help. Calling it beautiful can make it seem like suicide is a good or noble thing, which it isn't. We should focus on helping people who are struggling instead of romanticizing their deaths. I also don't like how people say the picture of Evelyn McHale's death is beautiful. It's a sad picture of a tragic moment. She lost her life, and that's not beautiful. It's important to have compassion and respect for her and her family, rather than focusing on the aesthetics of the image.

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Bhadraj Temple: A Sacred Haven in Uttarakhand

Bhadraj Temple, located in Uttarakhand, is a sacred site equivalent in blessings to the renowned Badrinath Temple. Pilgrims unable to visit Badrinath often seek solace here, finding the blessings of Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna, enshrined in this ancient temple. The temple's history is rich with mythological tales, attracting devotees and nature lovers alike.

‘’Bhadraj Temple's history dates back to the Dwapar Yug, the time of the Mahabharat war. After the war, Lord Balram, the brother of Lord Krishna, visited this place for penance. Impressed by the people's hospitality and the beauty of the area, he promised to return in the form of a stone to protect them and their cows. Many years later, a man named Nandu Mehra found a statue of Lord Balram while digging for ayurvedic medicines. He heard a divine voice instructing him to place the statue in a high place, which became the location of the Bhadraj Temple.’’

Situated on the Bhadraj Hill in Dehradun, this temple offers breathtaking views of the valley below. The trek to the temple, which can be completed in a day if started early in the morning, has a well-maintained cemented path and is best undertaken near post-winters. It's essential for visitors to maintain decorum and cleanliness, as this location is relatively unknown to many and must be preserved in its natural beauty. Please refrain from littering, disturbing the natural surroundings, or visiting solely for photography; instead, visit only if you have a sincere love for nature and a desire to offer prayers at the temple. This temple is accessible via an 11 km trek from Clouds End, passing through Dudhli village. The trail passes through Dudhli village (3 km) from where the temple is 8 km trek.

At the Bhadraj Temple, it is important to wear appropriate clothing. Ripped jeans or short clothes are not allowed. It's better to wear Indian formal clothes, as they are more respectful in this sacred place. It's advisable to return early in the evening from the Bhadraj Temple, as it can be risky at night. The area has dense forests, and there may not be enough light for a safe journey back.

Bonus: Every year, Bhadraj Temple organizes a fair from 15th to 17th of August, which attracts thousands of devotees who seek blessings from Lord Bhadraj.

📍Location: Bhadraj Temple, Mussoorie Road, Barlow Ganj, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

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Lakhamandal Temple

"लाखानां मण्डलं यस्य तस्मै लक्ष्मीस्तु देवता।

कृतार्थो नामधेयोऽयं लाखामण्डलको द्विज॥"

Lakhamandal Temple is a very old temple located on the road to Yamunotri in the Jaunsar-Bawar district. The name "Lakhamandal" means "a group of one hundred thousand." It is dedicated to Lord Shiv and is known for its historical and architectural significance. This temple has around 1 lakh shivlings, as the name suggests. At the main temple gate, there are three Shivlings of different colors. The priest says the green Shivling is from a time called Dwapar Yug, and the red one is from a time called Treta Yug. Another interesting feature of the Lakhamandal Temple is a Shivling made of graphite. When water is poured onto this Shivling, it becomes reflective like a mirror.

Local people believe this area is where the "Lakshyagrih" incident occurred, referring to the episode in the Mahabharat where the Kauravs attempted to kill the Pandavs by setting fire to the palace made of lacquer and wax. On the way to the Lakhamandal Temple, visitors can see the exit of the cave through which the Pandavas are said to have escaped. This spot is known as Gupteshwar Mahadev. However, only the tunnel opening is visible today, as the entrance has been blocked off. Local people worship them as their ancestors.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been conducting excavations and research in the Lakhamandal area to uncover its historical significance. For now, there are areas near the village which are under ASI. It is also claimed that there are chances for more shivlings yet to be discovered."

📍location:Jaunsar-Bawar region of the Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand

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PROCRASTINATION: A NEW SKILL UNLOCKED 🔓

Ah, the art of procrastination, a skill I am going to master till the end of this college life, to perfection. Call it my efficiency in doing the unimportant things. Need a report tomorrow? I'll just add another coat of nail polish today or have phone calls with friends, it’s all about priorities, right? BUT face the consequences. (I hope I heal from this, but never mind.)

 Why do it today when you can leave it for tomorrow🤌🏻? Tomorrow always has more space and more possibilities. Procrastination is like a trip, and deadlines are the checkpoints. I once believed in making schedules, planning, and avoiding last-minute stress as I cannot take that burden, ah! But college happened, and with it came freedom (which was expected). No more reminders, no more daily schedules. Just me and my deadlines – the only relationship that matters. It's a creative delay. You know you're a procrastinator when selecting a song for your 5-minute vibe goes on till 2 hours becomes a top priority📈, and scrolling through your phone feels like a workout for your thumb.

Sure, I may have a list from last year, untouched and getting double. But who needs that kind of pressure? I was not like that. Procrastination is the new normal. I mean, I am disappointed but not surprised. The thrill of last-minute pressure is when I truly work smartly. It's not about procrastinating; it's about strategically delaying. Why work for hours in a week and then that is not even worth it when I can do it all at the peak of the deadline? It’s not about my assignment, research paper, etc. but other things to do as well. Also, this winter season is adding on to get me on this path. So, here's the art of procrastination, live today by leaving work for tomorrow. Well, guess what? This blog about procrastination? Yeah, it was procrastinated too. 🌝

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Lal Tibba's Winter Line: sky creates a 'second horizon.'

Hey folks!

This is the magical Winter Line; it can be seen from only two places in the whole wide world – the Swiss Alps and our very own Mussoorie. Winter line is the phenomenon of the formation of a line as a secondary horizon during the time of sunset.

The coolest time to visit is at 5 in the evening during winters. Picture this – the sky turning into a canvas of yellow, red, and orange above a beautiful line in the air that looks like a painting.

📍Location: Lal Tibba, Highest viewpoint on Landour Hill, Mussoorie.