Author: Shantha N Nair
Publisher: Pustak Mahal
Year: 2007
Language: English
Pages: 93
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8122309674
Description
Himalayas — the abode of snow, Giri Raj — the monarch of all mountains, is the mightiest, youngest, highest, most inspiring, amazing, and incredible fold mountain chain in the world.
This book deals with the location, description, and significance of the places of religious and spiritual importance, like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Panch Prayag, the Char Dhams namely, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, the Hemkund Saheb, the Valley of Flowers, Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Amarnath, Kailash and Mansarovar.
The Himalayas have lured people to this region since ancient times. References about the Himalayas are found even in the Rig Veda, the oldest scripture in the world. The Himalayas mean different things to different people. For sages, saints and seekers, it is a spiritual centre beyond comparison. Since time immemorial, ascetics have climbed the great heights in search of peace and wisdom.
In the northern quarter are divine Himalayas,
The lord of the mountains,
Reaching from eastern to western Ocean,
Firm as rod to measure the Earth…
There demi-gods rest in the shade of the clouds,
Which spread like a girdle below the peaks,
But when the rains disturb them
They fly to the sunlit summits…
-Kalidas
Contents
PART- I:
THE HIMALAYAS
An Abode of Hindu Divinity
Evolution of the Himalayas
The Great Himalayan Ranges and Peaks
Sanctity of the Himalayas
Glaciers
Rivers
Climate
Flora & Fauna
Lifestyles
Adventure Sports
Hill Stations
PART- II:
SACRED PLACES IN THE HIMALAYAS
Rishikesh
Haridwar
Panch Prayag
CHAR DHAMS-
1. Kedarnath,
2. Badrinath,
3. Gangotri
4. Yamunotri
Hemkund Saheb
The Valley of Flowers
Mata Vaishno Devi
Amarnath
Mount Kailash
Mansarovar