WELCOME TO DUNAGIRI- THE ETERNITY

Dunagiri has been known over millennia as Drongiri or Dronagiri.

Dunagiri - The Mystery Mount. Most Temples and holy places accrue higher respect the older they are. For instance the 3000 year old Temple of Kanyakumari may be deemed more potent than a 300 year old temple. At Dunagiri, it is not in years, centuries nor even millennia that the antiquity of this place is calculated in, but rather in terms of Yugas! A place where mysticism abounds, fascinating legends and numreous mystic stories are intimately connected to Dunagiri.

A center of deep spiritual energies, Dunagiri is a site where Divine Energy manifested itself. Several sages of ancient India had their ashrams and hermitages at Dunagiri. At Dunagiri, Divinity in form of Mother Goddess has been adored for FOUR YUGAS! (Yuga in Hindu philosophy is the name of an 'epoch' or 'era' within a cycle of four ages. A complete yuga cycle from a high Golden Age of enlightenment to a Dark Age and back again is said to be caused by the solar system's motion around another star).

Dunagiri through the Four Yugas:

Dunagiri in Satya Yuga: An ancient Vaishnavi Shakti-peeth, Dunagiri is where Bhairavi, the consort of Bhairav or Lord Shiva himself, turns into Vaishnavi Mata. Bhairavi, the Divine Mother of Tantra at the last stage, turns into Vaishnavi Mata while awarding liberation to Her devotee, because only in the form of Vaishnavi does She award liberation. Dunagiri hill in the Himalayas is the secret shrine (gupt shakti peeth) of Vaishnavi Mata. Till today, there are only two Vaishnavi Shaktipeeths (energy centers) in India. One is in Jammu within Kashmir and the other is the Vaishnavi Devi temple at Dunagiri. These ancient temples, ashrams and mystic spots of Dunagiri are within a short walking distance from Dunagiri Retreat.

Dunagiri in Treta Yuga: Dunagiri finds mention in the story of Ramayana as being the hill where Sanjeevani booti was obtained by Lord Hanuman to revive an unconscious Lakshman in battle of Lanka. Hanuman is often depicted flying through the sky carrying part of a hill. This hill is Dunagiri. Lord Ram’s younger brother, Bharat, also meditated at a hill overlooking Dunagiri. This hilll, still named after him, is now known as Bhatkot (originally Bharat-kot). Dunagiri Retreat faces Bhatkot. Known for its healing effects and various medicinal herbs, the hills of Dunagiri are still filled with numerous species of medicinal plants and herbs that grow naturally in forests around here.

Dunagiri in Dwapara Yuga: The serenity and solitude of Dunagiri has been attracting spiritual seekers from a considerable time. Sages of Dwapara Yuga came to the hills of Dunagiri to meditate in solitude.  These sages are mentioned in the epic Mahābhārata. Sage Bharatmuni renounced worldly life and came to Dunagiri to meditate. Dronacharya, the royal guru to Pandavas and Kauravas meditated at Dunagiri (Dunagiri or Drongiri is named after Dronacharya). Dronacharya’s brother, Garg muni, one of the greatest sages of the Puranic times, also meditated at Dunagiri. River Gagas that orginates at Dunagiri is named after Garg muni. Dronacharya and Garga were sons of Rishi Bharadwaja, one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) of this epoch. Sage Sukhdev muni (son of sage Ved Vyasa, the author of Mahabharata) meditated at Dunagiri. Shakuntala and Dushyant’s son, king Bharat after whom India is named as “Bharatvarsh” was born at Dunagiri. Pandava’s too spent time here during their period of anonymous exile. Their abode, now known as “Pandukholi”, is a popular trek from Dunagiri Retreat. The spot offers stunning views of the highest snow peaks of Indian Himalayas such as Nanda devi and Trishul. Dunagiri is the origin point of river Gagas, a river named after Garg muni. You can walk to the origin point of this river as it is within walking distance from Dunagiri Retreat.

Dunagiri in Kali Yuga: In more recent times, Dunagiri was the spot chosen by Mahavatar Babaji to give Kriya Yoga initiation to Lahiri Mahashaya, hence Dunagiri in known as the birthplace of Kriya Yoga. A golden palace was materialized here, as mentioned in the book Autobiography of a Yogi by Yogananda Paramhansa. It is also at Dunagiri that Mahavatar Babaji is said to have given initiation to Haidakhan baba in Manas Yog, to Neem Karoli baba in Mantra yoga, and to Sombari baba in Pashupat yoga. Other saints who meditated at Dunagiri are: Harnarayan Swami, Ram Baba, Mahatama Laxminarayan Das, Nantin Baba, Mahant Balwant Giri, MK Bhattacharya, Swami Satyaeshwarnananda Giri.

Divinity in form of Mother Goddess: Dunagiri hill is the shrine or seat of Sri Sri Vaishnavi Mata Bhagvati Jagdamba. Sri Sri Vaishnavi Mata is the presiding form of Divine Mother among the other forms worshiped in the Valley. Navadurgas at Dronachal Valley are: 1.Vaishnavi Mata (Shailaputri) 2.Kali, Kalika (Brahmacharini) 3.Sitaladevi (Chandraghanta) 4.Dipadevi (Kusmanda) 5. Kuladevi (Skandamata) 6. Jwaladevi (Katyayani) 7. Hulkadevi (Kalaratri) 8. Kasinidevi (Mahagauri) 9.Harsinidevi (Siddhidatri). Dunagiri is mentioned in Manaskhand of Skandpuran. Mother Goddess at Dunagiri is described as Mahamaya Harpriya (Manaskhand, 36.17-18). The distinctive qualities of Durga at Dunagiri as shul-hasta,  mahishasur-ghatini, sinh-vahini are described. In Manaskhand. Dunagiri Devi is also referred to as Vahyamati which identifies it with its Vedic roots. In Vedic times Durga was known to be a form of Agni. Till today, there are only two Vaishnavi Shaktipeeths (energy centers) in India. One is in Jammu within Kashmir and the other is the Vaishnavi Devi temple at Dunagiri. Among all the Shakti temples of Kumaon, Dunagiri is counted amid the most ancient ‘Sidh Shaktipeeth’. It is counted amongst the primary ‘ugra’ (intense) ‘peeths’, i.e., amongst the primary intense centers of energy.

Shwetashwetupanishad is believed to have been inspired/composed at Dunagiri. Fourth chapter of Shwetashwetupanishad ponders over divinity in context of duality of Purush and Prakriti, taking inspiration from Dunagiri’s twin natural peaks (one can see these twin rock pieces inside Dunagiri temple). Hence Manaskhand of Skandpuran bestows Dunagiri with the title of Brahm-parvat (Divine Mountain).

ALMORA....THE HERITANGE OF KUMAON

                                                          ALMORA

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Almora, the capital of the Kumaon region is etched with history. A picturesque district with a salubrious climate, misty mountains, green valleys, fruit-laden orchards, Almora is a traveler's paradise. The town, perched on a saddle shaped ridge, in the mid of Kosi and Suyal rivers offers a panoramic view of the beautifully carved wooden houses, a pleasant atmosphere and the hospitable people make Almora an exciting location.

WHAT TO SEE

Kasar Devi: The snow capped peaks of the Himalayas is visible from the temple premises. It is believed to be the place of enlightenment of Swami Vivekanand . 

Katarmal: This is the only Sun temple situated in this part of Kumaon and is 17kms on the Almora-Ranikhet road.

Udyochandeshwar:  beautiful Shiva temple, Nanda Devi Sanctuary region is the main attraction here.

Chitai temple: At a distance of 8kms. from the city. Beautiful bells adorn the temple. The chimes can be heard from a long distance.  

Kalimath: is at a hiking distance of approx. 5kms from Almora. One can hae a majestic view of Almora town on one side and thew snow capped peaks on the other side.

Sitlakhet: is at a distance of approx. 36kms from Almora. Temple of Goddess Durga know as Shyahi Devi  is situated here from where one can have the magnificent view of the Himalayas.

BEYOND ALMORA: Binsar Jageshwar

HOW TO REACH

Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar, 127kms

Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam,90kms. 

Road: well connected by roads Approx. Distances:  Delhi-380kms, Pithoragarh-122kms, Nainital-66kms

PATAL BHUVNESHWAR WHERE LIES THE DIVINITY

PATAL BHUVNESHWAR

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a limestone cave temple 14 km from Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarkhand state in India. It is located in the village Bhubneshwar. Legend and folklore have it that this underground cave enshrines Lord Shiva and thirty three crore Gods. The cave is 160 m long and 90 feet deep from the point of entrance. Limestone rock formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures of various hues and forms. This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which leads to a number of caves. The cave is fully electrically illuminated. Built by to the flow of water, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a series of caves within caves.

"He who wants to feel the presence of eternal power should come to the sacred Bhuvneshwar situated near the confluence of Ramganga, Sarayu and Gupta-Ganga."
-Manaskhanda, Skandapuran, whose 800 verses refer to Patal Bhuvaneshwar

 

 

MAP TO PATAL BHUVNESHWAR:

DIVINE BEAUTY

Enshrined in mystery and mythology, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is the hidden pilgrimage centre, near Gangolihat the famous Shaktipeeth. Located 91kms from Pithoragarh on the way to Berinag, this highly revered shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The sub-terranean shrine of Lord Shiva is situated with sprawling interiors. Limestone rocks formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures. The way to the cave temple is through a long narrow tunnel. Inside the cave, the limestone formations have taken shape of many Gods and Goddess of Hindu pantheon. The forms of Ganesha, Shesh Nag, Garurh, Shivling etc. are distinctly visible to the believers.
It's popularly believed that the holiest cave is the abode of 33 crore Gods and Goddess, amidst the absolute Himalayan isolation.
BEYOND PATAL BHUVANESHWAR
Gangolihat: 14kms from Patal Bhuvaneshwar. Gangolihat is rich in folk culture, music and religious traditions, and had been chosen by Shankaracharya for the installation of Mahakali Shaktipeeth.
Berinag & Chaukori: 27kms and 38 kms from Patal Bhuvaneshwar, these places offer the breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks Nanda Devi and Panchachuli.
Gwaldam: A sleepy Himalayan town surrounded by apple orchards. The base for the trek to Roopkund.
HOW TO REACH
Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar,
Rail: Nearest rail head are Tanakpur 182kms., Kathgodam 210kms.
Road: Patal Bhuvaneshwar can be reached from Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Gangolihat or Chaukori. 14kms from Gangolihat.

INTERESTING...ISN'T IT

Australia’s sea of crimson claws

(Di Masters)

Every year in late spring, Australia’s Christmas Island becomes covered in crabs when the more than 40 million red crustaceans that call the northwest island territory home start their annual migration to the sea, covering the landscape in a mass of crimson claws.

(Max Orchard)

The migration starts with the first heavy rains in October, November or December. At that point, there’s enough moisture in the air for the large crustaceans, which can reach up to 11cm across, to make the arduous, five-day journey from their homes in wet inland forests to the Indian Ocean, covering up to 9km along the way.

(Parks Australia)

With so many of the creatures on the move, Parks Australia works before and during the migration to protect the crustaceans by closing roads, building fences and constructing underground tunnels. Drivers are encouraged to stop for the crabs.

(Tracy Wilson)

Upon reaching the sand, the male crabs dig burrows and fight each other for ownership of the shelters. When the female crabs arrive (usually five to seven days after the first males), they begin to mate, and the females stay in their beachside burrows until the last quarter of the lunar cycle. The females always wait for the first day of the last quarter – regardless of when they started the migration – to spawn and release their eggs into the sea. Researchers speculate that since this phase of the moon has the least sea level change between high and low tides, the eggs have higher chances of survival.

(Justin Gilligan)

This year, the possible spawning dates (and dates of the quarter moon) are 28 November or 28 December, so the initial migration will happen seven to 18 days before, depending on the weather. The crabs tend to be on the move in the morning and early evening when the air is cooler, but any dry spells will halt the migration until wetter weather prevails.
Follow the Parks Australia blog or the Christmas Island Tourism Facebook page to get an alert at the first signs of the cruising crustaceans.

 

Macau restaurants: 5 top spots for Macanese cuisine

Portugal might be long gone but its influence lives on with Macanese food, a mashup of Chinese and Portuguese flavors

A delicious byproduct of Macau's former status as a Portuguese colony, Macanese cuisine is often described as a mix of Portuguese and Chinese flavors, with influences from other Portuguese speaking nations thrown into the mix.
On an ingredient level, many dishes star bacalhau, salted cod that is soaked in water before being grilled. Dishes are presented simply, to impress purely with flavor.
Ready for a taste?

Restaurante Albergue 1601

The closest Portuguese experience you'll find outside Portugal.Part of the appeal of this restaurant is its location in a charming colonial courtyard in a quiet area of Macau.

Dining on the wooden deck under dappled sunlight through large trees facing attractive old buildings, the sounds of Portuguese music wafting on the air, makes you feel as if you are in Portugal.

The Portuguese and Macanese cuisine served here is more refined in terms of plating and portion sizes, making it a good option for diners who want to embrace the cuisines at a gentler pace.

Recommendations include the classic deep-fried salted cod balls. Here the fish is mild in taste, with potato as the driving flavor.
The stuffed squid is superb. Exquisitely tender, the three small squids are stuffed with minced pork prepared in tomato and paprika, making it an umami-rich dish.
For mains you can't go wrong with the African chicken.
The moist, barbecued half chicken is mostly deboned and coated with a spicy coconut and paprika sauce and served with an even spicier sauce on the side.
A good range of Portuguese wines are available.

Riquexo

No frills dining by Macau's godmother of Macanese cuisine.Riquexo is run by a former chef who is sometimes referred to as the "Godmother of Macanese cuisine." She's now in her 90s.

This charming but simple cafe is located in a side lane, so you don't come for the view, you come for the traditional family-style Macanese dishes, which have been attracting regular diners for decades.

The grilled sardines are sensational, deftly seasoned with a lightly crispy skin.
Also good is minchi, a savory minced pork and potato dish with a touch of soy, eaten with steamed rice. Humble, but delicious, the bacalhau a bras, consists of salt cod in scrambled egg with onion, garlic a hint of coriander and drizzle of olive oil.
The wine is cheap and cheerful and the beers cold, best for lunch

O Santos

Little has changed in this homey bistro since it opened in 1989. The decor might be dated, but the food is as good as ever. This Portuguese restaurant opened in 1989. 

It would appear little has changed, with the original owner still welcoming customers. The old-fashioned decor and photo-based menu have certainly seen better days.

Regulars return for dishes such as the vibrant octopus salad. Impressively tender, the octopus pieces are paired with onion, garlic, coriander and green olives, dressed with a vinaigrette.

The cod fish balls can be ordered on an individual basis, and the balance between the fish and the other ingredients is great.

Duck rice, baked with a butter crust and contains bone-in pieces of duck, is a homey and satisfying option. The grilled dishes and seafood rice cooked and served in an earthenware pot are also popular.

For dessert, we recommend the milk cream. Similar to creme brulee, this divine dish features notes of vanilla and cinnamon, finished with a charred sugar top for textural contrast.  
The wine list is limited; sangria and Portuguese beer seem to be the preferred choices

A Petisqueira

When in Macau, grilled bacalhau is a must-try.An intimate Portuguese restaurant with two outdoor tables, A Petisqueira has a relaxed feel and  attentive service.

We love the fresh homemade cheese, which is prepared daily. Soft and creamy and spread on bread with a little olive oil, it's a good way to kick off a meal.

Menu classics include the caldo verdhe, a potato and kale soup served with two slices of grilled Portuguese sausage that benefits from a swirl of oil, giving the broth more depth.

The menu features many grilled and bacalhau choices, including the  grilled codfish. The fish, topped with garlic, has a crunchy exterior, is moist inside and is served with an oven baked potato, green olives and a touch of olive oil.
There are a  good selection of Portuguese wines, including half bottle options.

Miramar

Seafood cataplana, a traditional Portuguese dish. With only a curtain of pine trees between the terrace and the beach, this restaurant offers a holiday feel. The menu of Portuguese dishes is comprehensive, with many designed for sharing.

Be warned, the portions are generous. The classic pipis might just convert traditional offal haters. 

The smooth chicken liver and soft gizzards are served in a layered and rich tomato-based sauce. The stuffed crab is another great choice, with lots of sweet crab meat, plus cheese and garlic, served with toasted baguette.

Although the seafood cataplana isn't served in the traditional cooking vessel, it's packed with crab, prawns, mussels, clams and scallops. The broth, made from a shell-based stock with tomatoes and a touch of coriander, gives the dish added depth.

ABSURD

Our lectures,,,OH GOD!What are we doing in this college? This question has one simple answer-NOTHING.
Lectures become so boring that even after blabbering of faculty for half an hour,our mind roams in the fantasies.
My  class is located at a place from where beautiful scenes and girls canteen is clearly visible.Instead of focussing on the lectures,I always find myself in the midst of lush green mountains that depict their story of valour.


  How much gestures a faculty should use,,that should bbe the question for debate.Whatever gestures,expressions faculty may use ,all become useless until and unless their language,their thoughts are quite clear.



Yet there are glories to come,there are paths to be identified.I bow to thy GOD ,please make my life worthy.

MY VENTURE............
Whenever i think about the unknown mysteries of the LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS i find myself in the midst of imagination.Was there any pillar of Hercules or who was the founder of the city of atlantis.