PRELUDE TO MY HIKING EXPERIENCE. Part - Two.

PRELUDE TO MY TREKKING EXPERIENCE. Part - Two. 

It was mid-June when Anuj had agreed to take me on the trek.

Anuj had agreed, but that agreement was CONDITIONAL.

His first condition was that he was IN CHARGE.

I had to follow and do any and everything he told me to do in furtherance of our trip. 

It was only after I had signed on the dotted line, figuratively, that he agreed to proceed.

Main emphasis being, me being properly kitted, and second, the workout to physically prepare me for the trek.

So far as kitting goes, he started with the shoes and worked upwards, ending with woollen caps.

Which shoes I was using for my morning walks, what type of inner wear and winter clothing I had, and whether I had any woollen tops and caps, so on and so forth.

I proudly told him I was using one of the best bata shoes made specifically for walking. So far as Inners were concerned, I had LUX inner wear of "अंदर की बात है" fame. For winter clothing, I had a "Monte Carlo" wind cheater, and if that was not sufficient, I had THREE "Shillong Windcheaters", the ones we had purchased for Ajeet Anuj and me when we were posted to Shillong in the late eighties. 

Ahuj told me that I needed a proper kit. He warned me that even though I have all that which I said I have, I will still have to spend money, which may run up to Rs 40 to 60K. Anuj knows me well. He knows I hate spending money, particularly if I feel the expenditure is for thongs which I already have or don't need. He may have thought the amount would deter me and I may back out 😁.

I am made of sterner stuff.  I told him I will kit myself as he wanted me to kit.😉

From then onwards, he talked to me every day and overwhelmed me with YouTube videos about trekking shoes, trekking clothing, one about packing, it talked about how to Ranger Roll a T-shirt and pants to save space. 

We were WhatsApping like mad every day. We WhatsApped more than we had done since he had moved to Singapore, 14 years back

The Bata shoes were out. 

He sent me two videos, starting right from opening the Amazon parcel, till they had done a 60 km trek, made by experienced trekkers, reviewing trekking shoes made by Adidas and Puma. Which were ANTISKID, waterproof or water-protected.

I was to get one of them. 

I got one of them. 

The way I got shoes, I also got  

GOKYO Kalimpong Dry Fit Cargo Hiking Pant,

GOKYO Kalimpong Trekking Pants Ultralight Stretch,

Woollen Cap and neck protector, 

What I did not get, Anuj was getting for me.

He also sent me videos about Panch Kedar, Mad Maheshwar, Tungnat and Chandrashilla.

PRELUDE TO MY HIKING EXPERIENCE. Part - 1

 PRELUDE TO MY HIKING EXPERIENCE. 

Part - 1

Anuj has been trekking in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh during the months of September/October since 2017. 

That is the time when he comes to India from Singapore. 

Depending on the leave availability, sometimes it is possible for us to come togather as a family or else, he does his trek and returns to Singapore. 

His first trek was on his own. He had employed two local people, one as a guide and the other to help him with his backpacks.

Thereafter, he did his trekking trips with Kaya, his daughter, by joining the treks organised by trekking organisations Indiahikes and other such outfits. 

Having heard of the beauty, the challenges and adventurous aspects in his colourful descriptions, I have also wanted to do the trekking in the Himalayas. I contacted Indiahikes to enquire about their treks. I was informed that they accept trekkers below 60 years, and that too after submission of a treadmill test report and other medical as well as fitness certificates.

I was already around 75 when I had made the enquiries, and that was that. 

I was bitterly disappointed, but nothing I could do about it, and my age 😒

This year, he had planned a trek for Madmaheshwar, one of the Panch Kedar Trek he had not done and Tungnath and Chandrashila peak from 02 September to  07 September. 

Kaya had very crucial annual exams of her academic career, so he was doing the trek alone. This was the first time, after many years, that he was going alone on a trek. 

I sensed my chance and discussed with Priti about going on the trek with Anuj. To my great surprise and delight, she agreed on the condition that, if I do not get carried away while taking photos and do not get into dangerous situations and if Anuj agrees, I could go 😀 

Spoke to  Anuj and used all my persuasive powers, pleaded and used every stratagem I could think of,till he eventually agreed to take me.

In Part 2, I will cover the preprations, hard work and planning which went on before we actually undertook the trek.

Shiva Dhaba Jitendra Choudhary.

 During our recent trip from Gurogram to Rishikesh, we stopped at Shiva Dhaba Jitendra Choudhary for breakfast

 is one of the many eating places dotting the highway, just to differentiate between many dhabas, named "Shiva", the owner's name as well as his photos are prominently displayed on the posters to make sure that it is not confused with any other "Shiva Dahaba".
We were promptly attended to as soon as we found a place to sit. 

We ordered Tandoori Paratha, Tawa Mix Paratha, plain Tawa Paratha, Pickle and curd. Parathas were served piping hot and were quite tasty. Breakfast was rounded off with nice, hot, and strong cup of tea.

Nice place to stretch your legs and have something to eat during a long drive between Gurugram and Rishikesh.

Last but not least, they proudly proclaim that they have 'airconditioned toilets', just in case you want to use the washrooms :-)

Breakfast Halt.

Shiva Dhaba Jitendra Choudhary.

Breakfast Halt.

Shiva Dhaba Jitendra Choudhary.

Breakfast. Tandoori Paratha, Tawa Mix Paratha, plain Tawa Paratha, Pickle and curd.

Shiva Dhaba Jitendra Choudhary.

Shiva Dhaba Jitendra Choudhary.

RASRAJ SWEETS AND RESTAURANT (NAGPUR)

 Rasraj.

On one of the trips saw a new building with this board and decided to try it out. No Idea what was there before, as nowadays lots and lots of redevelopment is being carried out by demolishing old structures and replacing them with modern architecture and materials. Being a new building, it had all the advantages of better materials, lighting and a cleaner as well as brighter look. All this contributed to a better ambience. The ground floor had a shop selling sweets and namkins, and other savoury items. The restaurant is on the first floor. The staff was courteous. The order was taken promptly. We ordered Dahi kochari chat, Dahiwada, Raj kochari and Thali. Thali was limited to two chapatis, two veg, Dal raita and one sweet. Just sufficient for a moderate eater. I feel it would be insufficient for a person with a good appetite. Dahi kochari chat, Dahiwada, Raj kochari all looked alike, as in all of them curd was a major constituent, they all tasted similar. All were OK taste-wise.

Service could have been a bit faster. 

All in all good for one visit.

Ground floor had a shop selling sweets and namkins, and other savoury items.

Thali. Just sufficient to satisfy a moderate eater!

Raj kochari.

Dahi kochari chat.

Dahiwada.

Nice ambience.

Restaurant Dining Hall on the first floor.

The Menu.

Rasraj Restaurant and Sweets Shop.

Rasraj Restaurant and Sweets Shop.

Chokaling Monastery, Bir.

 Chokkalinga Monestry, Bir.

After having lunch in Tenzin Jamdol Cafe, we started for Chokalinga Monastery.

Our driver did not know the way. Ajeet entered the location and obtained the directions on Google Maps. It took us to the side gate located on the northeast side of the main courtyard of the monastery near a beautiful stupa, whereas the main entrance to the monastery is through the monastery park on the south-southwestern part of the monastery.  

It was quite hot with the sun glaring down from a cloudless sky. There was no shade in the courtyard, and no one wanted to walk around in the sun, so naturally we sought refuge in the main building of the monastery. So, none of us saw the main entrance and the beautiful eight chortens located there except me, who, being curious by nature, had ventured up to the top of the gate.

The verandah of the main building had shades made of white cloth to offer protection from the heat. It was calm, quiet and serene and importantly cool in the main building of the monastery. The walls of the varandha were covered with beautiful paintings in vibrant and vivid colours typical of monasteries all over the country. The paintings depicted the mythological stories and events in the life of Buddha.

The main hall houses the statue of Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, who was a Buddhist master of the 8th Century. Small statues of Buddha are mounted in two rows, all along the walls at a height of 8 to 9 feet. These statues presented an impressive sight. Here again, the pillars were painted with beautiful designs. The walls had two bas-reliefs etched nicely and looking amazingly beautiful. After paying our respects and offering short prayers, we left for the second main building of the monastery.

The varandha has a big golden gong. Inside, a huge golden stupa dominates the hall. It is a very fine example of Tibetan art and craft and is beautifully made and painted.

Along the rear wall, there are three statues, one of Amitayus and two white statues of Bodhisattvas.

Immediately behind the golden stupa is a beautiful golden statue of Green Tara. The statue is framed by an arch with vines, flowers and leaves motifs with small golden statues of goddesses. Looked amazingly beautiful. 

The paintings in vibrant and vivid in colours and have a mesmerising effect, and you fondly remember their beauty long after leaving the monastery.

Stupa at Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh. Located near the side gate northeast side of the main courtyard

Main courtyard. The Main entrance is visible to the left of the photo. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

2nd Main Building. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

1st Main Building. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

1st Main Building. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

1st Main Building. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Golden Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

 

Walls are adorned with numerous Buddha statues. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

The door. An artistic masterpiece of wood, metal, engraving and proportions. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

The Golden Stupa. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

The central red statue is likely a depiction of Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life, while the white statues on either side could be Bodhisattvas, beings who have attained enlightenment but postpone Buddhahood to help others. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

The items in the image are called Torma, which are ritual objects used in Tibetan Buddhism. They are typically made of dough and are often decorated with butter and paint. They are used as offerings in various ceremonies and practices. This particular offering consists of 12 tormas, which are cone-shaped sculptures made of dough or clay, often decorated with butter and food colouring. These tormas are arranged on a wooden tray in front of two statues of Buddhist figures. The tormas have a white base and a circular top with a pink or blue centre, which is a common design for offerings in Tibetan Buddhism. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Statue of Green Tara, a meditation deity in Tibetan Buddhism known for her compassion. Green Tara is often depicted with a green complexion and is associated with protection and overcoming obstacles. This particular statue is adorned with golden details. Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Ceremonial Drum, Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Chokling Monastery, Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Gond and Bhonsle Period Walk (Concluding Part)

 Gond and Bhonsle Period Walk (Concluding Part)

After Motha Rajwada, Bhonsle Palace, we proceeded through narrow lanes barely three feet wide, used only by locals and those doing the Gond and Bhonsle period walk , to our next and last destination, viz., Rukmini and Laxmi Narayan Temple complex.

Exiting the narrow lane, we came out on Gandhi Gate Road, a proper two-lane road. Stopped at the mouth of yet another narrow lane, which is right opposite of Deshmukh Wada.

Deshmukh Wada is in ruins today. It was known for its unique blend of Maratha and British architectural styles, which are partly visible even today.

The wada was also the site of the Swadeshi Mill, established by Baburao Deshmukh.

It was huge and had a long frontage on the road. The portion to the right of the image has been demolished to make room for modern commercial/ residential construction.

After the introduction to Deshmukh Wada, we entered the narrow lane and proceeded towards Rukmani Temple. The area is a warren on narrow lanes dotted with huge stone gates, many complete with nagarkhans. For a newcomer, it would appear like a maze.

So many huge stone gates in such close proximity would suggest strong security as was provided to the residences of the queens and ladies of the royal family.

After one such gate, we entered the courtyard of the MahadevTemple, also known as Raghu Rajeshwar Temple. On the left, there appeared to be private houses, most probably of the Pandits in charge of the temple.

There is a Baradari-type of structure in front and two smaller temples of Ganesh and Hanuman are on the left and right of the main temple. Shree Ganesh Temple is on the left of the Mahadev Temple, and Hanuman Temple is on the right of the Mahadev Temple.

The surroundings are not well-maintained.

After looking around and a photo shoot, we entered yet another courtyard where the Laxminarayan Temple is located. It is also called Rukmini Temple, named after Rukmini Bai, a courtesan of the Bhonsla royal court. The temple is said to have been built during the reign of Raje Raghuji III, the Bhonsla king of Nagpur.

As you enter, on the left is a strongly built fortified wall with another huge stone gate, most probably separating the living quarters of royal ladies and the temple complex. a lot of 'malba' and ruble were piled all along the wall. On the left of the courtyard were the ruins of a collapsed structure, which may have been living quarters at one time.

Other than the temple itself, which appeared to have been given a coat of decorative paint, there was strong evidence of gross neglect and decay all around.

Laxminarayan Temple is modest in size. What it lacks in size, it makes it up amply by the sheer beauty of the stone and wood carving and statues.

Recently painted pillars and arches of the mandapam looked very beautiful. Carvings were beautiful and exquisite.

On top of the arches, musical Instrument players support and form the eaves of the temple roof. They are a bit difficult to spot due to the total absence of colour contrast. With the arches, just below them, done up so nicely, it is difficult to imagine why they were left with such a drab and dark grey colour.

The shikhar and the temple walls are one of the finest examples of exquisitely carved and engraved statues and motifs in stone and woodwork.

It was absolute bliss to look at such a beauty.

With this, our walk "Gond and Bhonsle Period " came to an end..

I am giving a link to an excellent article on Laxminarayan Temple written by Maitrayee Sangitrao and published in The Hatavada, a local paper.

hehitavada.com/Encyc/2023/4/30/Rukmini-Temple-complex-

On the way back to home by metro.