Kartik Swami Temple Uttarakhand

Dedicated to Lord Shiva's elder son, Kartikeya, Kartik Swami is a temple of mystic ambiance and exquisite views. 

The popular Hindu temple is perched on a hilltop at an elevation of 3050 m and situated near Kanak Chauri Village on Rudraprayag-Pokhari route in the district of Rudraprayag of the state Uttarakhand. 

In order to reach the temple, one has to undergo a 3 km thrilling trek that starts from Kanak Chauri Village. The route of the trek is rugged but it assures astonishing verdure to relish the exquisiteness of nature. 

The religious site in the Garhwal Himalayas that is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya has a strong history behind it. As per Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva challenged his sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya that whoever will first take seven rounds of the universe will have the honor to be worshiped first. Hearing that, Lord Kartikeya headed off to circle the universe on his vehicle, whereas, Lord Ganesha took seven round of his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Impressed by Ganesha, Lord Shiva gave him the privilege of being worshipped first. Resultant, Lord Kartikeya showed his anger on the decision and sacrificed his body and bones to his father as reverence.

It is believed that this whole incident took place here, and thus, the temple is named as Kartik Swami. Lord Kartikeya is also known as Lord Kartik Murugan in South India, where he is believed to have settled later.

Apart from being a prominent tourist attraction, Kartik Swami is also renowned for offering the magnificent sunrise and heart-melting sunset views. Evening prayers, chanting of mantras, and maha bhandaras are the major attractions of the temple for tourists. Moreover, the shrine houses an idol of Lord Kartikeya and here few festivals and events like Kartik Poornima and 11-days-long Kailash Yatra are observed with much zeal. Once here, one has the chance to view some top attractions standing in the form of snow-clad Himalayan peaks of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath Dome, Meru & Sumeru, Chaukhamba Peak, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, and Nanda Devi group of peaks. Apart from the breathtaking views and indescribable feeling, the trek to the temple also offers an opportunity for bird watching, camping, and village tourism.

Where to Stay near Kartik Swami Temple? 

Vishnuprayag being a small destination have fewer accommodations. Thus, a better place to find a variety of hotels near Vishnuprayag would be in Joshimath. The town offers a plethora of best staying places that range from budget to mid-range and ensures a comfortable and memorable experience. 

How to Reach Kartik Swami Temple? 

One can access the Kartik Swami Temple through a 3 km trek from Kanak Chauri Village which is at a distance of just 40 km. The Kanak Chauri village is situated on Rudraprayag-Pokhari route for which cabs on hire are available from different parts of the state and Delhi as well. Therefore, roadways are the best way to reach Kanak Chauri from where one has to trek to Kartik Swami Temple. 

Overview: 

Trek distance: 3 km

Difficulty level: Easy

Ideal for: Beginners

Altitude: 3050 m

Best time: January to June, and October to December

Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal

Starting point: Kanakchauri Village

Nearest railway station: Haridwar Railway Station (nearly 205 km away)

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (nearly 222 km away)

Known for: Religious site, trekking, sunset & sunrise, bird watching, mesmerizing views



The Story in South India:
 

As per Hindu legendary beliefs, Sage Narada visited the celestial court of Shiva at Mount Kailash to present him a fruit, the gnana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge). He decided to award it to whoever of his two sons who first encircle the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Murugan (Karthikeya) started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined, circumambulated them and won the fruit. Murugan was furious and felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit in Palani hill (Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu).

(Two Almost Similar Stories in Two Temples in North and South India)

Superstitions at Kartikswami Temple, Pune

Gender discrimination at Pune’s Kartikswami Temple

This temple is atop the Parvati hill (height 2100 feet). It is surrounded by serene environment with lots of greenery. Traditionally, women don’t see the idol of Lord Karthikeya here for the unbelievable reason that they might lose their husband. This curse of widowhood prevails only locally. However, once a year on the Karthika Poornima day all including women worship at the temple. On this day lakhs of devotees visit the temple to be blessed with welfare and prosperity in their lives. 

Kartik Swami is also called  Kartik Swamy, Karthik, Karthick,  Karthikeyan or Murugan.




Satyavan Savitri

Story of Karadaiyan Nombu

King Ashtapathi had a beautiful and intelligent daughter named Savitri. The King gave her the permission to choose her husband. One day, Savitri met a young man in the forest who was carrying his blind parents in two baskets balanced on either side of a stick. The young man was Satyavan.

Impressed by Satyavan’s devotion towards his blind parents, Savitri decides to marry him. On enquiry, the King found out from Sage Narada that Satyavan was the son of a deposed king and that he was destined to die in a year.

King first refused to the marriage but Savitri was adamant. Finally, the King relented and the marriage was conducted and the couple left for the forest.

They led a happy life and soon a year passed and Savitri realized that Satyavan would die any moment. So she kept fast and always followed him. She cooked a special adai and served it to her family and gave some as offering to the Gods.

Next day, she followed Satyavan to the forest. While cutting woods, he fell down and fainted. Soon, Savitri realized that Satyavan is dying. Suddenly she felt the presence of Yama, the god of death. She saw him carrying the soul of Satyavan and she followed Yama.

Yama first ignored Savitri thinking that she will soon return back to her husband’s body. But she persisted and kept on following him. Yama tried few tricks to persuade her but nothing worked. Then Yama said that it is impossible for him to give back the dead as it is against the nature’s law. Instead, he will give her three boons.

Savitri agreed with the first boon she asked for a son for her father. With the second boon she asked that her in-laws be reinstated in their kingdom with full glory.

Finally, for the third boon she asked ‘I would like to have children.’

Yama immediately said ‘granted.’ But soon Yama realized that he had been tricked by Savitri.

Yama remained silent for a minute and then smiled and said ‘I appreciate you persistence. But what I liked more was you readiness to marry a man whom you loved even though you knew that he would only live for a year. Go back to your husband he will soon wake up.’

Soon Savitri and Satyavan were reunited.

***

Karadaiyan Nombu or Vratam is an important fast observed by Tamil women. It is based on the legend of Satyavan and Savitri. Based on this myth each region in India observes an Upvaas in different time of the year. In Tamil Nadu, it is observed during the transition of Tamil Month Maasi and Panguni. The story of Satyavan and Savitri is a sub plot in the Mahabharata.



The Love story of Nala and Damayanti

Story that Neutralize Shani Dosha

Nala was the ruler of Nishada. He was a very capable king and his country prospered under his rule. Nala was a gifted charioteer. He was also very fond of playing dice, but not adept at it. However, despite being one of the most handsome men of his time, he was still unmarried. One day a brahmin came to his court. On learning of his bachelor status he suggested the name of Damayanti, the daughter of the King of Vidarbha. He painted such an impressive picture of the princess that Nala fell in love with her without seeing her. Damayanti was said to be very beautiful and it is said that even Gods wanted to marry her.

One day, Nala catches a swan. Swan begs for freedom and promises Nala that it will sing praises of Nala to Damayanti if it is freed. Nala accedes and sends the swan to Damayanti, who sang praises for Nala before Damyanti. Thus, prior to the swayamvara, Damayanti was already in love with Nala.

Damayanti father’s announces for a swayamvara. This was attended by Gods and humans alike.  Nala wins Damayanti’s hand in a swayamvara. A human trumped the gods, but how. There is an interesting story behind this. Among all gods, She chose Nala because of his shadow. The gods have no shadow.

Duly, she chose Nala as her husband and everyone else was disappointed. The demon Kali, the personification of Kali yuga, also wanted to marry Damayanti. On his arrival, he is unaware that he is too late for the swayamvara. He runs into the gods and they tell him how she has chosen Nala in their place. Kali then angrily vows to cause the fall of Nala’s kingdom.

Kali waits for twelve years to find a weakness in Nala, and got his chance.  He guides him to play the game of dice with his brother, Pushkara and loses everything. He and his wife were deserted in exile. Still in the power of Kali, he deserted his wife, Damayanti. Damayanti finds refuge in the court of King Chedi.

Nala finds a serpent in the forest from a fire. This was an influential Naga, named Karakotaka. In return, he was rewarded a bite from the Naga. It later explains that this would change his appearance, which will help him ultimately. The Naga also provides a magical garment to Nala, wearing which make him assume his normal form.  Nala becomes Vahuka, who was a dwarf whose arms were short. He finds refuge at King of Ayodhya, named as Rituparana. Incidentally, King Rituaprna is a skilled dice player.

 

Soon, Damayanti’s father finds her. Damayanti, not only good in look but sharp in brains, decides to find Nala with an innovative trick. She asks for her swayamvara to be conducted again. King Rituparna also comes, but he is accompanied by Vahuka, as he is good in riding chariots.

Damayanti was waiting on her balcony listening to the hoof beats as the carriages passed her palace. She immediately recognised the pattern of the hoof beats of the chariot being driven by Nala. She sent a maid to inquire who had arrived in the chariot and was informed that it was King Rituparna and his chariot driver. She was also informed that the king had refused the hospitality of Vidarbh and was asking his chariot driver to prepare his meal. Damayanti then asked the maid to smuggle some item of food. The taste was identical to her husband’s cooking. Throwing all decorum to the winds she ran down to meet the chariot driver and was stunned to meet a dark, short and deformed man instead of a fair, tall and handsome Nala. She asked, “Why does a man want to send his dutiful wife back to her father’s home?” The man replied, “Because he has lost his kingdom and cannot support his wife in the manner she was accustomed to before their marriage.” He then put on the magic garments and was returned to his original form.

Rituparna congratulated Damayanti and told her that she had found her husband but he would lose not only his best horseman and best cook but also his best friend. Nala had a proposal for Rituparna. “I will stay with you for a while and teach you all that I know of horsemanship if you teach me all that you know of gambling.” He added that he was not interested in playing regularly but just one time in order to win his kingdom back. Nala and Damayanti moved to Rituparna’s kingdom. Soon Rituparna was an adept horseman and Nala an adept gambler.

Nala sent a challenge to his brother. He was willing to stake Damayanti if Pushkar staked the entire kingdom. Pushkar still felt that the victory was incomplete without his brother’s wife and readily accepted the challenge. This time Kali and Dwapar were not there to aid him and Nala had become an expert player. Pushkar lost everything back to Nala. Nala had half a mind to send Pushkar out in a loincloth, but he was a large-hearted man. He gave Pushkar a part of the kingdom and suggested that he mend his ways.

 


Superstitions, Myths and Hoaxes on the Days of a Year

When Lord Jagannath’s chariot moves, the sun stops its motion.

When the doors of Ananta Padmanabha Swamy Temple are opened in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), both the Sun and Moon halt in their respective orbits and start again only after Abhishekam and Arati are done.

All the Navagrhas stop in their tracks, when there is Naivedyam in Kalbhairava temple in Ujjain.

Therefore we lose days in years and February gets only 28 days.



Myth: Chidambaram Natarajar temple is the Centre Point of world’s Magnetic Equator

Introduction:

"Chidambaram Natarajar temple is not likely to be the Centre Point of world’s Magnetic Equator", says Arumugham Natarajan of Ponnamaravathi Pudupatti, Pudukkottai district of Tamilnadu.

The myth:

There is a myth and rumour that Chidambaram Natarajar temple of Tamilnadu, India is located at the Centre Point of world’s Magnetic Equator.

The dance of Lord Nataraja is described as Cosmic Dance by Western Scientists.

R & D Western scientists have proved that in Chidambaram, at Lord Nataraja’s big toe is the Centre Point of World’s Magnetic Equator.

Ancient Tamil Scholar Thirumoolar has proved it five thousand years ago! His treatise Thirumandiram is a wonderful scientific guide for the whole world.

Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India is the Geo Magnetic Centre of the Earth/Universe and the centre of Geo magnetic equator.

Explanation:

This rumour is spread without proper references.

In fact, the Earth's geographic equator is an imaginary line. It doesn’t change its position. However, the magnetic equator is not fixed. It changes slowly.

Magnetic Equator:

Magnetic dip results from the tendency of a magnet to align itself with lines of force. As the Earth’s magnetic lines of force are not parallel to the surface, the north end of a compass needle will point downwards in the northern hemisphere (positive dip) or upward in the southern hemisphere (negative dip). The range of dip is from −90 degrees (at the South Magnetic Pole) to +90 degrees (at the North Magnetic Pole). Contour lines along which the dip measured at the Earth’s surface is equal are referred to as isoclinic lines. The locus of the points having zero dip is called the magnetic equator or aclinic line.’

Definition of aclinic line: an imaginary line on the earth's surface roughly parallel to the geographical equator and passing through those points where a magnetic needle if suspended freely has no dip or inclination and assumes a horizontal position— called also magnetic equator.

The Earth's magnetic field:

The Earth acts like a large spherical magnet: it is surrounded by a magnetic field that changes with time and location. The field is generated by a dipole magnet (i.e., a straight magnet with a North and South Pole) located at the centre of the Earth. The axis of the dipole is offset from the axis of the Earth's rotation by approximately 11 degrees. This means that the north and south geographic poles and the north and south magnetic poles are not located in the same place. At any point and time, the Earth's magnetic field is characterized by a direction and intensity which can be measured. Often the parameters measured are the magnetic declination, D, the horizontal intensity, H, and the vertical intensity, Z. From these elements, all other parameters of the magnetic field can be calculated.

The Main Field:

The geomagnetic field measured at any point on the Earth's surface is a combination of several magnetic fields generated by various sources. These fields are superimposed on and interact with each other. More than 90% of the field measured is generated INTERNAL to the planet in the Earth's outer core. This portion of the geomagnetic field is often referred to as the Main Field.

The Main Field varies slowly in time and can be described by mathematical models such as the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) and World Magnetic Model (WMM). The Earth's Main Field dominates over the interplanetary magnetic field in the area called the magnetosphere.

The magnetosphere is shaped somewhat like a comet in response to the dynamic pressure of the solar wind. It is compressed on the side towards the sun to about 10 Earth radii and is extended tail-like on the side away from the sun to more than 100 Earth radii. The magnetosphere deflects the flow of most solar wind particles around the Earth, while the geomagnetic field lines guide charged particle motion within the magnetosphere. The differential flow of ions and electrons inside the magnetosphere and in the ionosphere form current systems, which cause variations in the intensity of the Earth's magnetic field. These EXTERNAL currents in the ionized upper atmosphere and magnetosphere vary on a much shorter time scale than the INTERNAL Main Field and may create magnetic fields as large as 10% of the Main Field.

The magnetic elements:

To measure the Earth's magnetism in any place, we must measure the direction and intensity of the field. The Earth's magnetic field is described by seven parameters. These are declination (D), inclination (I), horizontal intensity (H), the north (X) and east (Y) components of the horizontal intensity, vertical intensity (Z), and total intensity (F). The parameters describing the direction of the magnetic field are declination (D) and inclination (I). D and I are measured in units of degrees, positive east for D and positive down for I. The intensity of the total field (F) is described by the horizontal component (H), vertical component (Z), and the north (X) and east (Y) components of the horizontal intensity. These components may be measured in units of gauss but are generally reported in nanoTesla (1nT * 100,000 = 1 gauss). The Earth's magnetic field intensity is roughly between 25,000 - 65,000 nT (.25 - .65 gauss). Magnetic declination is the angle between magnetic north and true north. D is considered positive when the angle measured is east of true north and negative when west. Magnetic inclination is the angle between the horizontal plane and the total field vector, measured positive into Earth. In older literature, the term “magnetic elements” often referred to D, I, and H.

The magnetic field changes in different locations:

The magnetic field is different in different places. In fact, the magnetic field changes with both location and time. It is so irregular that it must be measured in many places to get a satisfactory picture of its distribution. This is done using satellites, and approximately 200 operating magnetic observatories worldwide, as well as several more temporary sites. However, there are some regular features of the magnetic field. At the magnetic poles, a dip needle stands vertical (dip=90 degrees), the horizontal intensity is zero, and a compass does not show direction (D is undefined). At the north magnetic pole, the north end of the dip needle is down; at the south magnetic pole, the north end is up. At the magnetic equator the dip or inclination is zero. Unlike the Earth's geographic equator, the magnetic equator is not fixed, but slowly changes.

Magnetic pole:

The magnetic poles are defined as the area where dip (I) is vertical. You can compute this area using magnetic field models, such as the World Magnetic Model (WMM) and the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF). You can also survey for the magnetic pole, using instruments that measure the magnetic field strength and direction. In practice, the geomagnetic field is not exactly vertical at these poles, but is vertical on oval-shaped loci traced on a daily basis, with considerable variation from one day to another, and approximately centred on the dip pole positions. Magnetic declination (D) is unreliable near the poles.

Magnetic equator:

The magnetic equator is where the dip or inclination (I) is zero. There is no vertical (Z) component to the magnetic field. The magnetic equator is not fixed, but slowly changes. North of the magnetic equator, the north end of the dip needle dips below the horizontal, I and Z are positive. South of the magnetic equator, the south end dips below the horizontal, I and Z are measured negative. As you move away from the magnetic equator, I and Z increase.

The Earth's magnetic field has changed significantly in the last several years:

The Earth's magnetic field is slowly changing and appears to have been changing throughout its existence. When the tectonic plates form along the oceanic ridges, the magnetic field that exists is imprinted on the rock as they cool below about 700 Centigrade. The slowly moving plates act as a kind of tape recorder leaving information about the strength and direction of past magnetic fields. By sampling these rocks and using radiometric dating techniques it has been possible to reconstruct the history of the Earth's magnetic field for the last 160 million years or so.

Older “paleomagnetic” data exists but the picture is less continuous. An interlocking body of evidence, from many locations and times, give paleomagnetists confidence that these data are revealing a correct picture of the nature of the magnetic field and the Earth's plate motions. In addition, if one “plays this tape backwards” the continents, which ride on the tectonic plates, reassemble along their edges with near perfect fits. These “reassembled continents” have matching fossil floras and faunas. The picture that emerges from the paleomagnetic record shows the Earth's magnetic field strengthening, weakening and often changing polarity (North and South magnetic poles reversing).

Earth's magnetic field is going to reverse:

While we now appear to be in a period of declining magnetic field strength, we cannot state for certain if or when a magnetic reversal will occur. Based on measurements of the Earth's magnetic field taken since about 1850 some paleomagnetists estimate that the dipole moment will decay in about 1,300 years. However, the present dipole moment (a measure of how strong the magnetic field is) is actually higher than it has been for most of the last 50,000 years and the current decline could reverse at any time. Even if Earth's magnetic field is beginning a reversal, it would still take several thousand years to complete a reversal. We expect Earth would still have a magnetic field during a reversal, but it would be weaker than normal with multiple magnetic poles. Radio communication would deteriorate, navigation by magnetic compass would be difficult and migratory animals might have problems.

During the past 100 million years, the reversal rates vary considerably. Consecutive reversals were spaced 5 thousand years to 50 million years. The last time the magnetic field reversed was about 750,000 - 780,000 years ago. While we now appear to be in a period of declining magnetic field strength, we cannot state for certain if or when a magnetic reversal will occur. Based on measurements of the Earth's magnetic field taken since about 1850 some paleomagnetists estimate that the dipole moment will decay in about 1,300 years. However, the present dipole moment (a measure of how strong the magnetic field is) is actually higher than it has been for most of the last 50,000 years and the current decline could reverse at any time.

A reversal of the magnetic field will affect animal behaviour:

Many migratory animals use the geomagnetic field to orient themselves. However, the mechanism underlying this ability of animals remains unknown. Experiments show that migratory birds can sense the declination and inclination of the local geomagnetic field. Changing the polarity of the horizontal magnetic field is known to affect the hanging position of bats. Some migrating butterflies use the geomagnetic field for direction. In the ocean, spiny lobsters, dolphins, and whales are known to use geomagnetic field for directions. It is thus, possible that a reversal of geomagnetic field affect the migratory behaviour of some animals. Since the chance of a reversal in the near future (in the next few hundred years) is very low, no immediate concern is required.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that Chidambaram Natarajar temple is not likely to be the Centre Point of world’s Magnetic Equator.

 


Household Superstitions by Joseph Addison

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