Shiv Boudi, "The holy water spring at Bachhretu, near Baba Balknath tapasthali Shahtalai, district Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. "

 Himachal Pradesh is a land of goddess and gods and is called "Dev-Bhumi " Rishi-Munies have done meditation on this land for ancient times. Here every district has  several places where ancient temples, austerity shathals of Rishi-Munies  and sacred lakes, water springs ,boulies  of religious importance are existing and lacs of pilgrims used to visit every year.

 

         Shiva Boudi at Bachhretu, near Shahtalai

             

               district Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh

District Bilaspur is very much famous for places of religious importance, the famous Shakti- peeth Shri Naina Devi ji  , Baba Nahar Singh temple Dholra at Bilaspur town, Kala Baba austerity shathals at Bilaspur town, Maharishi Markandeya austerity shathal Markanda, Shohni devi temple , Rukamni Kund near Gehrein ,Guga mandir Kot Malhot , Guru ka Lahore near Bassi, Kaula wala Tobba near Anandpur (Punjab), Shri Narsingh temple Rang on the left bank of Govindsagar  near Bhakra Dam,Baba Balknath austerity shathal Shahtalai and Shiva Bouli at Bachhretu are major religious places existing in district Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh. 

Shiva -Bouli Bachhretu is very much famous sacred place where lacs of pilgrims used to visit and take bath in its holy water and offer prayers to Lord Shiva in the ancient Shiva temple just adjoining to Shiv Bouli during a fair which is held every year from 13 th March to 14 April . 

   

                     Lord Shiva Temple Bachhretu 

                     Lord Shiva temple Bachhretu

                         In side  View of Temple 

The sacred place Bachhretu is 4 Km from Shahtalai on Ghumarwin Talai Bhakra road,where Baba Balknath has remained for 12 years as son of Mata Ratno, grazed her cows and meditated under Bodhi briksh and Gurna Jhari before  disappearance at Deot Sidh which falls in district Hamirpur  at a distance of 4 Km from Shahtalai on the boundaries of Bilaspur and Hamirpur. 

       View of Shahtalai & Baba Balknath Temple

The Lord Shiva temple at Bachhretu is built up during, 9 th century and the holy water of the spring here is sacred like waters of Ganga . Lacs of people used to take shower of this holy water from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal and abroad every year. 

                          Video of Bachhretu

Pilgrims visiting Balknath temple also visit Shahtalai temples  and Shiva temple at Bachhretu. All these temples are maintained by a trust framed by the Government. The facility of lunger is provided by the trust and also by other devoteet to the pilgrims. The Baba Balknath is a famous Sidh Peeth in North India. Near Bachhretu there is a historic fort which can be developed  from tourism point of view. 

                           View of Bachhretu Fort

The Shiva Bouli is about 51 Km from Hamirpur, 34 Km from Ghumarwin, 51 Km from Bilaspur 64 Km from Una and is well connected with road facility. 

The  panoramic view of Govindsagar lake and Shri Naina devi ji temple is enjoyable from Bachhretu. 

                 Beautiful View from Bachhretu

                      Video shoot at Bachhretu

Fair at these places are held during 13 March to 14 April on Vashakhi festival and during Shavan Navratras but in addition to this every Saturday and Sunday through out the year heavy rush can be seen. There is complete facility for parking of vehicles and staying at Shahtalai and Deot sidh both Government and private. 

   

                      Video Shoot at Bachhretu

 

         photography by :-  Rakesh Kumar

                                           Pawan Kumar

 

                                    By :- Er R C Verma

 

  

Biodiversity, Its Importance and Conservation.

 The word biodiversity is a combination of two words, 

Bio +Diversity = Biodiversity. 

Bio is taken from Greek word bios which means life and diversity means varieties . Thus biodiversity is all living objects on this earth. 

                            Geese bustards birds

Biodiversity is measure of variation of genetic, species  and ecosystem level . Biodiversity thus includes all  the living things I. e. Plants, bacteria, animals and human also. 

              Plant kingdom is part of biodiversity

         Animal kingdom is part of biodiversity

         Biodiversity include all Living organisms

                           Part of Biodiversity

As the term biodiversity is clear to us we must see it's importance. 

Importance of Biodiversity :- The importance of biodiversity lies in the words, " Every life has the right to exist, for the existence of of other lives. " 

The functions of ecology are regulated through biodiversity which includes neat and clean air , oxygen and water supply to the environment. Pollination among the plants and other ecosystem functions. 

In the absence of biodiversity existence of life on the earth is not possible. 

             Biodiversity regulates the Ecosystem

The importance of biodiversity can be better understood by its functions :-

For the existence of life on this planet the biodiversity maintains balance in ecosystem such as neat and clean air and water, natural purification of water, air and soil, which makes this planet worth life on it. 

Biodiversity provides medicines and pharmaceuticals, food and neutrinos to the humans animals and other living organisms. It  also provides social benefits such as tourism, research and education etc. 

Biodiversity is helping in food chain for the existence of life on the earth. The human health is also supported by biodiversity. 

The economy of a region is also influenced by the biodiversity in that region. Thus from the above discussion it is very much clear that biodiversity is very very important for existence of life on earth. 

  Pollination among plants is part of biodiversity

Conservation of Biodiversity :- Conservation of biodiversity means saving the life on earth.  It is necessary to conserve the biodiversity because huge population growth,unscientific cutting of forest and industrial growth have endangered species of flora and fauna , environmental threats,creating imbalance in the ecosystem thus loss to biodiversity. 

                  Biodiversity the right to exist

The conversation of biodiversity includes the protection, Upliftment, preservation and management of Ecosystems. For this  Governments of every country has passed  laws and has framed acts which have provisions to save and protect biodiversity. The steps taken by centre and state governments are :-

I. Identification & declaration of Reserve Forests  :- In the reserve forests certain activities are prohibited to protect biodiversity. 

2.Identification & declaration of wildlife Sanctuary :- The wildlife Sanctuary act has provisions for safe gaurd the wildlife in that area to save biodiversity. 

3. National Parks :- Some areas have been identified and declared as National park to protect and manage biodiversity. 

Biosphere Reserve :-  Government, department of forests has identified certain areas as biosphere reserve for particular species . In biosphere reserve certain activities are totally prohibited. This step protect and manage that particular species in biosphere reserve, thus conserving the biodiversity. 

                Geese bustard biodiversity. 

  Conserve the biodiversity for generation to come

          Biodiversity provides, food, air and water

               Every species have the right to Live. 

             I Love This Planet, Save me, Save it. 

So to save the life on this planet for generation to come , every citizen of every country must be aware about the importance of biodiversity and it's conservation. 

                               By :-  Er. R C Verma

Hot Water Springs in Himachal Pradesh

 The nature has given so many beautiful gifts to man and other living creatures on this earth. These gifts of nature are mountains covered with snow, rivers, lakes, beautiful landscapes, plains,  varieties of flora and fauna,beautiful wetlands, water falls, springs, mineral water springs and thermal springs . These gifts are helpful in regulating the life and ecology and are scattered throughout the world by the nature. 

The nature has given much of these to Himachal also including some thermal springs which are popular for its medical values and are centre of attractions for tourists also. 

          Great Prismatic hot springs United States

In Himachal Pradesh has ordinary springs both temporary and permanent passing underground water to the surface. Mineral water springs are having minerals dissolved in its water and the hot water springs have higher temperatures. The hot water springs are popular for their medicinal properties and are centre of attraction for people. The hot water springs in Himachal Pradesh are on the below given locations. 

1. Tattapsni :- These thermal springs are situated on the right bank of Satluj river at an altitude of 656 metres from mean sea level  in tehsil Karsog district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The place is about 51 Km from Shimla and 30 km from Naldehra  . The water is sulphur desolved and has medicinal properties. People used to take bath for the cure of many diseases. This a good tourist spot. 

                   Tattapani Hot water springs

 2. Mani-Karan Hot water springs :- These hot water springs are large in numbers and are located along the bank of Parvati river about 1.3 Km length at Mani-Karan, 45 Km from Kullu. 

             Hot water springs at Mani-Karan, Kullu

         View of hot water springs at Mani-Karan

The temperature of the water is above the boiling point and people used to cook rice and dal (pulses) in this water naturally by dipping the utensils in water. There is no sulphur and iron in it but is said to be radio active. Thousands of people used to dip in this water. The medicinal properties of water is well known in the country and abroad. 

3. Kasol hot water springs :- Kasol hot water springs have temperature much lower than that of Mani-Karan. It is also located just one Km ahead of Mani-Karan in the Parvati valley on the bank of Parvati river. It is 42 km from Kullu and 32 Km from Bhuntar. The Kasol is also known as mini -Israel due to much more tourists from Israel. 

                      Kasol Valley district Kullu

              Hot water springs at Kasol, Kullu distt. 

4. Kheerganga hot water springs :-  Kheerganga hot water springs in Parvati river Valley are also famous and people also used to visit and enjoy the  dip in this water. The Kheerganga hot water springs are 26 Km from Kullu. 

                    Kheerganga hot water springs

Vashisht hot water springs :-  These hot water springs are 3 Km from Manali situated on the left bank of Beas river but at some distance above the river. The place has a temple of Maharishi Vashisht and Lord Rama. Due to hot water springs this village has gained world fame. The origin of these hot water springs may be either magmatic , originating from magma or meteoric I. e. the ground water meeting magmatic surface and heated  water comes out as hot water springs. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has made bath tanks at this place and around 3000 people used to take dip  in these tanks. The springs have historic importance connected to Ramayana age. 

      Maharishi Vashisht temple near hot springs

     One of the important place at Manali to visit in district Kullu Himachal Pradesh. 

Jeori hot water springs :- 

These hot water springs are located at Jeori 25 Km ahead of Rampur Bushahar on Hindustan Tibet Road National Highway 22. The hot water springs are on the right bank of Unu Nalla just lower side of the bridge over Unu Nalla. The hot water springs falls in district Shimla. The water is having some sulphur desolved in it and is having medicinal properties. People used to dip in this water. There is famous Bhima kali temple at Sarahan 17 Km omg that up hill from Jeori town. 

            The view of great prismatic hot springs

Tatwani hot water springs, Kangra :-

The Tatwani hot water springs are located in district Kangra, on Gaggal road about 35 Km from Dharmshala  , the district head quarter. There is a Lord Shiva temple near the hot water springs. The sulphur content in the water is having medicinal properties. People used to have a dip in this water. 

                 Hot water springs landscape

So these are the hot water springs having centre of attraction for tourists. 

                    Hot water springs landscape

This is a nature's beautiful architecture, we must enjoy. 

                                By :-  Er. R C Verma

                          

        

Yoga, Health and Happiness

Happiness is directly proportional to health or Vice-versa. The healthy body have the sound mind. Now what is the definition of health  ? 

In answer, 

we can say that a person free of disease, with normal physical standards, always happiness on his face and positive thinking in mind can be considered as a healthy person. Thus good health is a state, which contains all the above factors in a human body. 

Now the factors which can be considered to attain good health are :-

1. Balanced diet. 

2. Best Environment. 

3. Positive thinking conversation. 

4. Yoga {Combination of Physical exercise &           

     Pranayam }

5. Comfortable dress. 

6. Best work culture. 

So these are the major factors which are help full in attaining the health and happiness. 

Now consider that one has all the above factors  in his life but lacking in yoga, this condition will certainly effect the health of that person so yoga is very very important factor in making the life happy and useful. 

The topic is very vast but we shall go with some important but simple yoga, which must be followed daily and regularly  for at least one hour in two spells in morning and evening . 

               The Life is only beautiful with Yoga

Get up early in morning, drink two glasses of water, prepare yourself for morning session of yoga. 

 Tadasna :- The mountain pose, for strengthening of ankles, knees, backbone, arms and prostate health with breathing in and out. Do it at least five times. 

                         Beautiful mountain pose

Uttanasana :- For strengthening of backbone, abdominal muscle, and improving blood circulation in complete body and mind. 

                      Forward Bending pose

Repeat it at least five times with breath in and out. Also  practise these poses. 

  

                  Practise these poses five times

Bhujang Asana :-   For strengthening spine, lungs, chest, buttocks, shoulders, abdominal muscle, neck muscles. It is best to release stress. 

                             Bhujang Asana

Repeat this  Bhujang Asana  for five times with  long breath in and out. 

 

Trikoneasana :-  For strengthening knees, ankles, thai and shoulders, it is best to release the stress. Repeat this Asana at least five times with deep breath in and out. 

     

                                    Trikoneasana

 

                        Also practise these poses

 

         Complete stretch for strengthening curves

Sarvang Asana :-  This Sarvang Asana is best for blood circulation in all the organs of the body. Complete blood circulation in all organs with required amount of oxygen is ensured by this exercise, which is helpful in regeneration of new cells in the body, thus has complete control on aging process. 

 

                               Sarvang Asana

For better results do these Asana regularly empty stomach, two times morning and evening to have the complete fitness and feel happy. 

After the half an hour session we must go for "Nadisodhan " the complete Aeration of nervous system  by doing five pranayam  at least 5minutes  Bhastrika, 15 minutes Kapalbhati  , 10 minutes Anulom-Vilom  , 5 minutes Bhramri pranayam and 5 minutes Udgeet. 

This set of five pranayam  supplies complete oxygen to all nervous systems of the body, which keeps a person healthy , happy and disease free. 

                           Nature & Ecology

   Bhashtrika Pranayam prepares to receive energy

         Perform KAPALBHATI for 15 minutes daily

Anulom- Vilom is helping re generation of new cells

  

           Bhramari Pranayam  releases endorphins  

Meditation and Bhramari pranayam is very much helpful in releasing the endorphins the hormone of happiness, thus person feels stress free. 

              Udgeet pranayam release endorphins

The Pranayama is the science, which deals with  connecting our bodies with mind through breathing techniques and soul through meditation. Through Pranayama  the energy I. e. oxygen is supplied to our body and toxins are removed simultaneously. This is complete activation of  Idaa, Pingla and Susumna and ultimately awakening of Kundalini, the ocean of happiness. 

                                    We & Yoga

       Awakening of Kundalini, ocean of happiness

The one important thing, that when we take our meals always take balanced diet and eat a little bit less than your full meal, in other words close with some appetite, it is the technique to prevent generation of cancer cells. 

Associate yourself with Yoga and Pranayama for happiness. 

                    Yoga for Health and Happiness

 

                                         

                                            By :- Er. R C Verma

Machhial Lake, " A low altitude lake named on the name of Machhinder Nath "The Matayashaya Avatar of Lord Vishnu " situated in tehsil Joginder Nagar, district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. "

Machhial Lake is situated on southward of Joginder Nagar town on Joginder Nagar -Sarkaghat state highway about 8 Km from Joginder Nagar. It is a low altitude lake situated at an altitude of 850 metres from mean sea level. The primary in flow source is Ranna and Neri khads and outflow to Ranna khad which is a tributary of river Beas. 

  Beautiful view of Himalayas from Chatur Bhuja

                         Temple Joginder Nagar

The length of the lake is about 200 metres and width is about 50 metres. The death of lake is about 5 metres. The lake is named after the name of Machhinder Nath , the Matashya Avatar of Lord Vishnu who got the sabar mantra from sun and further taught to Guru Gorakhnath, the founder of Nath sampradaye. The lake is sacred one. It is believed that skin diseases get cured after taking bath in this lake. 

             Beautiful view of Joginder Nagar valley 

A fair is held  at this place every year on Vaishakhi and local people of the area used to visit the fair. The place is a beautiful tourist place. 

                               Beautiful lake view

The lake is having fish live stock and people used to feed them to over come the bad effect of planets in their lives. 

                    Fish live stock in holy water

So this beautiful like has much importance from tourism point of view, one must visit, when feel stress due to rush of work. 

            Enjoy the beauty of nature on sunset

Always associate with nature for happiness in life. 

        

                                         By :-     Er. R C Verma