|
Joshimath
word ‘Jyotirmath’ the place of Jyotirlinga of Shiva.
Shankracharya founded one of the four piths “Centres’ for sanyashis
here. It is a halting place for the pilgrims bound for Badrinath.
It is considered to be one of the most sacred places by Hindus who
believes that Badrinath (The God Vishnu) resides here in winter.
Joshimath has a temple dedicated to Narshimsha,
an incarnation of Vishnu, an arm of the idol of this deity (which
is install in the temple) is said to be thinning daily and it is
believed that when it breaks off the road to Badrinath will be close
by a land slip. To the south of the big square in front of the temple
there is a roofed building housing a stone cistern with two brass
spouts known as Danddhara and Narshimha Dhara between which there
are brass idols of Rama and Sita.
There are several temples here, each dedicated
to Haniman, Ganesha, Surya, Gaurishankar and Naudevi respectively.
These temples surround that of Vashudeva the black stone idol install
in it, which is two meters high and stand on a lotus pedestal, being
of fine craftsmanship and being flanked by standing figures of Sridevi
and Bhudevi. In the temple are also the idols of the ten avtars
of Vishnu. At a short distance in front of the temple there is a
brass idol of Garud,Vishu’s vehicle.
Excursion
Narsingh Temple
The temple has a very attractive entrance gate made of wood. Going
by its structure, it appears that this temple earlier might have
been a king's palace. The temple got its present shape after renovation
works. Apart from the idol of Lord Narsingh, the idols of Lord Ram,
Laxman, Chandi and Badrinath are also located inside the temple.
Vasudev Temple
This temple was constructed by the Shankaracharya with the help
of the king of Katyuri Rajwansh dynasty which previously had helped
the Shankaracharya in the propagation and promotion of the Hindu
religion.
Navdurga Temple
This temple is adjacent to Vasudev temple. It has nine idols of
Nav Durga. This temple is lying in a dilapidated condition after
the earthquake.
Jyotirmath
Located to the west of Narsingh and Vasudev temples, Jyotirmath
was set up by Adi Shankaracharya. Now only ruminants of this Math
is left.
Kamad
It is a tree (kalpvriksh) located near the cave at Jyotirmath. This
tree is believed to be contemporary of the Shankaracharya. Madhyavacharya
came here at Badrikashram in 1278. He stayed here for several years.
and established Bhagwatpuran Math. Badrinath was also visited by
saint Ramanand in 1450. In fact the tradition of keeping the idol
of Badrinath inside Nrisingh temple during the winter was started
by him.
Today Joshimath has emerged as an important hill
station and offers wide tourism potential. However, of late, people
seem to have forgotten its religious and historical importance.
Top
Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport is Jollygrant, 221 kms.
By Rail
Rishikesh is the nearest Railway station.
By Road
Well connected to Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nanital, &
Almora.
Top
General Information & Accomdation info
on Joshimath city of Uttaranchal - India
|
