The Hidden World of Himalaya’s - Phugtal(Phutkal) Monastery, Ladakh

I am sure many of adventure travel enthusiasts would like to visit places that are hidden from rest of the world or that are inaccessible.

Phugtal(Phutkal) Monastery - Ladakh

There is an isolated location in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir which is still not known by many of us. I am sure many of you who are reading this blog must have visited Ladakh once in your life but not aware of this place. The place is called as Phugtal Monastery or Phutkal Gonpa.

Phugtal Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery located in the remote Lungnak Valley in south-eastern Zanskar, in the Himalaya region of Ladakh in Northern India who is the home for monks from several years and it is the only Monastery in the Ladakh that can be accessible through foot (Trek) as no road, transport is available to reach Phutkal. So if you are planning to visit Phugtal Monastery better do preparation first as it’s a day walk from Dorzang village, the end of the road leading from Padum.

Phugtal Monastery is built around a natural cave, which is believed to have been visited by numerous sages, scholars, translators and monks around 2550 years ago. The monastery is a unique construction of mud and timber built at the entrance of the cave on the cliff face of a lateral gorge of a major tributary of the Lugnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River. From a distance, the monastery looks like a giant honeycomb.

The remote location of the monastery is ideal for sages & monks looking for peace and solitude to Meditate. Among the earliest residents of Phuktal caves were the 16 Arhats or the legendary followers of Buddha, whose images appear on the caves walls.

Phugtal Monastery During Monsoons

Phutkal Gompa was hidden treasure from many until Hungarian scholar and linguist Alexander Csoma de Koros visited the place and stayed between the periods of 1826-27 working on the first Tibetan-English dictionary. He studied at Phuktal Gompa with his Tibetan tutor. There is a stone tablet at Phugtal Monastery which serves as a reminder of his stay.

The Phuktal Gompa owes its legacy to powerful and renowned scholars and teachers who resided in the cave, around which the monastery has been built, and has for long a place for retreat, meditation, learning and teaching. The name Phuktal (or Phukthal) reflects this, coming from the two words “Phuk” meaning “cave” and “tal” or “thal” meaning “at leisure”; second Phukthal – “Thar” meaning “liberation”. Hence the name Phuktal means ‘the caves of leisure’ or ‘the cave of liberation’.

Recently a team of volunteer’s set-up solar micro-grid that produces Green Energy. So now electricity is available at Phugtal Monastery through Solar Panel.

So now if you are planning your next trip to Ladakh do visit Phugtal(Phutkal) Monastery. 

The Cursed Kiradu Temples - Khajuraho of Rajasthan

Do you know there is a temple in Barmer, Rajasthan where no one dares to stay overnight?

The Kiradu Temples (Image : Source)

This place is known as cursed Kiradu Temples - this place is cursed and people here believes that if any human who dares to stay here overnight or visit after sunset turns into a stone.

The Kiradu Temples of Rajasthan earlier known as “Kiradkot” are series of five beautiful temples in Thar Desert, located 40 kms away from Barmer district of Rajasthan in Hatma village. The city is known as city of temples or Unexplored Khajuraho of Rajasthan.

The Khajuraho of Rajasthan (Image : Source)

Kiradu was a region ruled by Kirad clan of Rajputs, during 6^th to 8^th centuries. Back then and till a long time thereafter, it was called Kiradkot. Influence of Gujarati culture is quite evident, the reason of which is that Kirads were also the feudal subordinates of Chalukya, Gujarat. Some temples dedicated to Lord Shiva show evidences of Gupta period. As per archaeological department, Kiradu was once a very prosperous city in 11^th & 12^th centuries. It was ruled by the King Someshwar of the Parmar Dynasty and that time it was capital of Parmar Dynasty. This place was destroyed by Turushkas invaders and was restored later on. However due to its location, it was never safe from the foreign invaders. Subsequently, this town situated at the foothills of beautiful mountains was deserted.

Kiradu Temples (Image : Source)

The city is reduced to remnants of five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva & Vishnu, one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu & rest belongs to Lord Shiva, The Someshvara temple is considered a prime one. It is the largest of five and belongs of Lord Shiva. The temple structures are made of sandstone and hence they are still in considerably good shape. The architectural style of the temple belongs to Solanki style.

Someshvara Temple of Kiradu (Image:Source)

Shiva Parvati - Kiradu Temples (Image: Source)

Legend and some myths say that a saint who stays here with his disciple (student) cursed this place that entire kingdom to turns into stone. The story behind this curse is “one day saint decided to explore the region and went off without letting his students know. The students faithfully waited for their teacher, though, in the meanwhile were struck by some deadly disease. However, none of the villagers turned up for their recovery. It was only a potter’s wife who served them unconditionally and helped them regain health. Barmer Rajasthan news which has visited the site says that as the saint returned and found his students in terrible shape, he got so angry that he cursed the entire region to be destroyed and the people to turn to stone. The saint told the potter’s wife that the curse would not affect her, and told her to return back as soon as possible, taking care that should not turn back to see the place. However, as the emotional and terrified lady started her trip back to her home, she faltered and turned back to have one last look, which immediately turned her to stone. As per locals here, the stone statue of this lady is till date standing nearby. It is now said that anyone visiting the region after sunset would turn to stone. Also, since it was an easy location, it was later on overtaken by the Britishers as well. With continuous invasion, the resident of this heritage city soon deserted the beautiful city.

The Cursed Kiradu Temples (Image : Source)

The place is still unexplored and uncared for, you will hardly find any human or tourist here. The site is guarded by a forever-locked gate, the only entrance possible is a small rusty gate close to main entrance.  No guard to open the gate, visitors will have to push open the smaller gate. Once you are in you’ll be welcomed by a hoard of goats freely grazing.

There are a few mysteries surrounding Kiradu, which was first brought to public notice at a grand level by an MTV reality-adventure show, Roadies XI, post which the site has gradually recording some occasional tourists. Few days back a team of News Nation also visited this place with Indian Paranormal Society to find truth behind these stories, and they are surprised to record paranormal activities & amount of negative energies here. This also confirmed that the place is really not safe to visit after sunset.

Mayong - Land Of Black Magic & Witchcraft !!!

Do you know there is a place in India known as Capital of Black Magic and Witchcraft? Amazing na…!

'Mayong' a small hamlet in Marigaon district of Assam lies on the bank of The Bramhaputra River, approximately 40 km (25 mi) from the city of Guwahati (Capital of Assam) is called as Land of Black Magic.

The name ‘Mayong’ is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word “Maya” means – “Illusion” or appearance of the phenomenal world. Therefore it is considered as land of Illusions. However, according to some, it has derived its name from the Maibong tribe that inhabited the region. According to another legend, sacred parts of Goddess Shakti fell at this place and owing to this, the local's named this place Maa-r-Ongo (parts of the Goddess Shakti), which later became Mayong.

Every aspect of Mayong has a story associated with it. Even the origin of the name has an unresolved mystery. Following are some of the stories narrated by the natives:

During the time when all the northeast states were one under a common name Assam, it is believed that Manipuri's from the Maibong clan used to inhabitat this area therefore; the name Maibong became Mayong with time.

Another story:
Mayong is a hilly area that was full of elephants, and in Manipuri language an elephant is called Miyong. Hence, a few believe that Miyong became Mayong with time.

This village inhabits a peaceful environment and picturesque beauty is simply treat for eyes but it doesn’t feel normal, the air of this black magic land carries particles of fear and an unknown danger with itself. It feels as if it is wrapped in some sort of mystery. Many tales of a man disappearing into thin air, or humans being turned into animals, but magic cannot fight against the odds of nature like floods, etc. Magic is still practiced in the village but not to the extent to which it used to be.

Black Magic Doll or Voodoo Doll (Image:Source)

Upon a visit to Mayong, one can witness some rare tricks which may look like unnatural practice to modernity but are enough to shake one from within. The most common tricks include fortune telling via sea shells, palmistry, and future projection through a piece of broken glass look unbelievable.

The magic in Mayong is believed to have been used for social welfare.

One of the magic tricks leads to curing an illness from a distance only by cutting only a handful of plants while chanting some secret words.

Perhaps one of the most outstanding acts of magic is the act of curing back pain. The witch-doctor(Ojha) puts the cure trapped inside a magic chant in a copper dish to track the pain. When the pain originates, the plate gets stuck with the body. Locals believe that this dish eats away the pain.

Witch-Doctor Practicing Magical Treatment (Image:Source)

If the person is really suffering from pain, the copper dish becomes extremely hot and within seconds, it breaks and scatters automatically.

Another trick includes finding a stolen item. The witch-doctor(Ojha) puts a flower in a metal bowl, which starts moving by itself and moves directly to the place where the stolen item is kept. As untrue as they sound, these tricks have been proven.

There are several mantras too, which are used for different reasons. For example, to create attraction between two individuals, they have Mohini mantra, Bokhikaran mantra.  Reportedly, in the old times, people could actually move to whenever they wanted in minutes by the use of Udan mantra, or the chant to fly.

Bej Practicing Magical Tricks (Image:Source)

People who practice these dark acts are referred to as Bez or Ojha(Witch Doctor).

It is said that the saints of black magic and the witches take shelter in the Mayong forest till now. Many tales of men disappearing in this forest are narrated by locals in the village. People here believe if some enters forest during the holy period of witches he never returns back to the village and neither is the dead body is found.

Even today, people of Assam believes that they will never return back if they visit Mayong as there are popular saying that the magicians can turn humans into goat, buffalo, etc. Until 30 years ago, sorcery was widely practiced here and every fifth household possessed a Bej or magician. Although, they do not practice it openly today, occult practice or black magic is still prevalent in the region. 

Local Witch-Doctor(Ojha) at Mayong (Image:Source)

It is said P.C. Sarkar, the world famous magician, has been known to have acknowledged his indebtedness to Mayong’s teachings for many of his performances.

Many tourists call Mayong a land of ‘necromancy’, where within the layers of scenic beauty lies a plethora of secrets of magic and myth.

History:
It is believed once King Aurangzeb ordered Raja Ram Singh, his general to suppress Ahom kingdom in Mayong. Ram Singh was not afraid of an army of his enemies but he was scared of a mystical and land of black magic. Though he was lucky enough to survive but had faced a defeat there. After than many Kings (raja’s) tried to invade Assam and one among them was the Sultan of Bengal, Ikhtiyaruddin Uzbek Tughril Khan, he never returned from the battle (jung) it is said he along with his entire army vanished somewhere.

Tourism:
Mayong is a tourist and archaeological location because of its rich wildlife, archaeology pilgrimage, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism and river tourism. There are numerous archaeological relics and artifacts, including books on black magic and Ayurveda at the Mayong Central Museum and Emporium, which was opened in 2002. Very close to Mayong is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. This Sanctuary has the highest density of one horned rhinoceros in the world.

Mayong Central Museum (Image:Source)

Run With Your Love At Bhagoria Tribal Festival - Mass Swayamwar - Unique Way To Propose A Girl

 People of West Nirmar Alirajpur & Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh celebrates Mass Swayamvar(Marriage Ceremony) for couples who are looking for true Love. Heaven for those who believe in love marriages or you can say Tribal Valentine's Day.

Bhagoria Festival in Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh

Bhagoria Festival or Bhagoria Haat(Mela) is the multi-hued festival of the Bhil's and the Bhilala's tribes of Madhya Pradesh. This is a festival of Colour, Music & Love.

The Bhagoria Fest usually held a week before the Hindu festival of colours, Holi. Men and women celebrate it with traditional dancing to the beat of drums and thalis and the melodious voice of shehnai and bansuri (flutes). Bhagoradev or the god of dance is worshipped on this juncture. The most respected village elder or Sarpanch supervises over the ceremony and offers sweet meals to the god.

Festival name itself indicates its purpose ‘bhag’ means ‘to run’ - after choosing their partners, the young people elope and are subsequently accepted as husband and wife by society through predetermined customs. During the Bhagoria Haat or Mela, the boys put Gulal (red/pink powder) on the face of the girl to whom he wants to get married, if the girl too willing to marry the same boy, she has to put the same Gulal (red/pink powder) on the boy's face after which both of them run away from that place and if not, she wipes it off and walks away. But if the girl does not get convinced in the first instance, the boy can go behind her to sway her and may win her heart. This may not happen immediately but the boy may pursue her and succeed eventually. Usually the couple may have met before the fair several times, and hence the idea of eloping is rather a formalized process, more stylistic than real, and conforming to the laws of their traditional rules and regulations. Bhagoria festival is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February – March) seven days before Holi, the major Indian festival.

Tribal Women Dressed up in Traditional Silver Jewelry

Earlier, the Bhagoria Haat was also the place for settling old disputes; open invitations were sent to enemies for a fight in the haat. Bloody battles used to be quite common in the past but today police and administration do not allow people to go to the haat armed. The Bhagoria haat also coincides with the completion of harvesting, adding to it the dimension of being an agricultural festival as well.

Tribal Women at Bhagoria Haat

During this festival, young tribal girls and boys dress up in colorful clothes and big and traditional silver jewelry which one does not see in everyday markets. Each group wears a matching set of clothes which helps them stand out in the crowd. The groups of boys enter the arena dancing and playing instruments like the flute and other such instruments to create attention of females toward them. This festival is full of dance and songs and drunken revelry. The tribes make homemade alcohol drinks called ‘tadi’ (Local wine) made from the fruits of the mahuaa tree. The fruits of this tree are dried and fermented creating a local brewed alcohol which is enjoyed by the entire tribe. Tadi is a famous rural alcoholic drink of India.

Tribal Women from Bhil Tribe

How to reach Alirajpur:

Alirajpur is placed at Khandwa - Baroda State highway number 26 . The Distance of Alirajpur is 150km from Vadodra, 48 kilometers from Kukshi (Dhar) and 85 KM form Jhabua. Road is very good to reach here from every side. It is Located 250 kms away from Indore and also with several direct buses available from there. Nearest Railway Stations are Dahod, Megh Nagar and Chota Udaipur and the nearest Airport is at Vadodra, Indore, Bhopal & Jabalpur.

Time of Visit Alirajpur:

Visit in any month of the year but especially for Katthiwada waterfall visit in rainy season From July to November month and to enjoy Bhagoria festival visit 1 week before Holi in the month of March.

Accommodation near Alirajpur:

There are some Rest Houses of PWD and Forest Department and many private Hotels.

Near-by place to visit: 

At one end, forest of Katthiwada (known as mini Kashmir) and at the other end greenery over the mountain at Mathvad area in sondwa block As well as the view of Narmada river with heavy flow of water and boating .Besides of these there are an ancient temple of Goddess "Malwai" Mata, Jain Holy place "Lakshamani" and many places of historical importance.

Play Holi In Barsana Style - The Lath-Mar Holi

All of us must have celebrated Holi - the very joyful, energetic and religious festival of India, people celebrate Holi with dry colours, coloured solution, the means to fill and spray others with coloured solution (pichkaris), water balloons filled with coloured water, and other creative means to colour their targets. Holi - Popularly known as ‘Phagwah’ in Assam, ‘Dol jatra’ in West Bengal and ‘Fagu’ in Nepal, Holi is celebrated with different names and traditions across India.

But what if we tell u that there is a village in Mathura district, Barsana (also known as Brahmasaran, Barsana Dham or Varsana) where people play Holi with wooden sticks. This unique type of Holi famously known here as “Lath Mar Holi” or “Braj KI Holi”. ‘Lath’ means Bamboo stick (staff) and ‘Mar’ means Hit – Hitting with Lathi’s.

Barsana lies on a slope of ridge. Holi of Barsana-the birthplace of Radha, a village 40 kms away from Mathura, is of particular interest. Here, men from Nandgaon-the birth place of Lord Krishna, come to play Holi with the girls of Barsana and hope of raising their flag over Shri Radhikaji's temple. But, instead of colours they are greeted with sticks by the gopis. Hence, the Holi get its new name here Lathmar Holi (A Braj way of celebrating Holi).

LathMar Holi at Barsana

Lathmar Holi takes place around a week before the main day of Holi. The next day, it is the turn of men of Barsana. They reciprocate by invading Nandgaon and drench the womenfolk of Nandgaon in colours of kesudo, naturally occurring orange-red dye and palash. Today, the women of Nandgaon beat the invaders from Barsana. It is a colourful site.

Holi Celebration at Barsana, Braj Bhoomi

Story behind Lath-Mar Holi:

As per Hindu mythology Lord Krishna visited his beloved Radha's village on this day and playfully teased her and her friends. It is said that Lord Krishna being dark in complexion and Radha being fair, Lord Krishna applied color to her face. Thus began the festival of colors, Holi. The women of Barsana took offence and chased Lord Krishna and his friends away by running after them with lathis (Bamboo Sticks). Men and Women of Braj even today clash in a colorful display of battle of the sexes. Men of Nandagaon raid Barsana with the hopes of raising their flag over Shri Radhikaji's temple. They receive a thunderous welcome as the women of Barsana greet them with long wooden sticks (staff). The men are soundly beaten with Lathi’s as they attempt to rush through town to reach the relative safety of Shri Radhikaji's temple. Smart enough, men come fully padded as they are fully aware what kind of welcome awaits them and also the fact that they are not allowed to retaliate on that day. In this mock battle the men try their best not to be captured. The unlucky ones are forcefully led away and get a good thrashing from the women. Further, they are made to wear female attire and dance in public in the spirit of Holi. All this takes place in the sprawling campus of the RadhaRani or LadliJi temple, the only temple of RadhikaJI in India.

RadhaRani Temple in Barsana

Renowned poets like Surdas, Nand-das, Kumbhan-das and others have picturesquely described how Lord Krishna received similar treatment and was forced to don a sari and wear make-up and perform dance before being released by the gopies.

One of the other delights of this festival is a drink called thandai (भांग), During intervals, participants sip 'thandai', a cold drink that is sometime intoxicating because it is laced with a paste called 'bhang' made of cannabis, almonds, fennel seeds, saffron, milk, sugar and cardamom. Bhang and Holi go together. After drinking bhang, people react in different ways, some crave for sweets, and others cry or laugh. It is an ecstatic experience, which is heightened by the revelry. It is a great way to de-stress and bond. Lathmar Holi is a day where the normal routine is broken.

About Barsana village:

This village is settled on and around two hills which are adjacent to each other. The white colored hill is the longer one and is called Brahma Hill while the black colored one is called Vishnu Hill. Padma Purana states that Lord Brahma has taken the form of these hills in Barsana so as to get the dust of the lotus feet of Shri Shri Radha Krishna and Their devotees on his heads. There are four peaks of these hills- Bhangarh, Maangarh, Daangarh and Vilasgarh and each of these peaks is one of the heads of Lord Brahma. Vilasgarh lies on the Vishnu Hill while the rest three peaks lie on Brahma Hill.

Why people celebrate Holi in India:

There are two legends associated with Holi. Originally, Indians celebrate this festival to commemorate the departure of winter and the beginning of the new season of spring, which brings good harvest.

The other legend according to Hindu mythology is that of the death of Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashipu – the King of Demons. According to this legend, Hiranyakashipu was granted a unique boon by Brahma after a long penance. The boon made the King of Demons invincible, specifying that he cannot be killed during day or night; inside the home or outside, not on earth or in the sky; neither by a man nor an animal; neither by astra nor by any shastra(Weapons). The king soon compelled people of his kingdom to worship him alone. It was his own son Prahlada- a devotee of Lord Vishnu- who rebelled against him. Seeing this, the arrogant king ordered his own son to be killed. Despite Hiranyakashipu’s endless threats and warnings, Prahlada continued to offer his prayers to Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlada many times – poisoned his food, made elephants walk over him but nothing could harm the little boy. The king then went a step ahead and locked his son in a room full of poisonous snakes. But yet again, he failed in his attempt. When all his efforts failed, Hiranyakashipu ordered Prahlada to sit on a pyre with his sister Holika, who was gifted with a boon that prevented her from getting burnt. The obedient boy readily agreed to his father’s command. As he sat on his aunt Holika’s lap, he started praying to Lord Vishnu for his safety. The Almighty’s blessings saved Prahalada while Holika was burnt to death, thereby surprising one and all.

The death of Holika symbolizes the end of evil. And hence, people across the nation celebrate Holi with utmost fervour, by using myriad colours, to celebrate the victory of good over evil.


Holi celebrations:

Also, Holi is not a one day festival as celebrated in most of the states in India, but it is celebrated for three days.

Day 1 – On full moon day (Holi Purnima) colored powder and water are arranged in small brass pots on a thali. The celebration begins with the eldest male member who sprinkles color on the members of his family.

Day 2- This is also known as ‘Puno’. On this day Holika’s images are burnt and people even light bonfires to remember the story of Holika and Prahalad. Mothers with their babies take five rounds of the bon- fire in a clockwise direction to seek the blessing of the God of fire.

Day 3- This day is known as ‘Parva’ and this is the last and final day of Holi celebrations. On this day colored powder and water is poured on each other. The deities of Radha and Krishna are worshipped and smeared with colors.

Holi celebration in different regions of India:

In Assam, Holi is popularly called ‘Deol’ or “Phagwah”.

In Manipur, Holi is celebrated along with their centuries-old festival of ‘Yaosang’ and it is celebrated for six days.

In Bengal, Holi is celebrated as ‘Dol Purnima’

In Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, Holi is populary known as “Braj Holi” The Holi festival is celebrated in the land of Braj bhoomi altogether for 15 days, right from the day after the Phalgun Amavasi.. In places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Goverdhan, Dauji and Baldev, the festival starts from the beginning of Basant Panchami. This season is known as Holika-ashtak. During this time, all other activities like weddings and family functions or sale and purchase of new properties etc. are put on hold.

Every year, devotees & foreign tourists from all over the world visit the Braj region to play holi and are seen lost in a trance, forgetful of their dresses, disfigured with splashes of colors. Devotees are also seen singing Holi songs in pure Braj Bhasha (the classical language of the land).

This year Lath-mar Holi celebrates on 24th February 2018 in Barsana, and on 25th February 2018 at Nandgaon. Holika Dahan is on 1st March 2018 and actual Holi celebration is on 2nd March 2018 across India.

PatalKot - Gates To Patal-Lok

I am sure you all have heard many stories about PatalLok. PatalLok a place where Danav, Daitya (Demons) & Naga lives as per Hindu Vedic Mythology. Now what if we tell you PatalLok still exists?

Yes there is a place in Chindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, PatalKot is known for the entry to PatalLok (Gate to enter patallok).

PatalKot Valley on Satpura Mountain Ranges

Patalkot name comes from Sanskrit word "Patal" that means “very deep” and “Kot” means “a place to live.” There is a belief that after worshiping 'Lord Shiva', Prince Megnath(son of Ravana) had gone to PatalLok through this place only. People say that Kings ruled this place in the 18th and 19th Centuries and that there was a long tunnel connecting this place to Pachmarhi in Hoshangabad district. Traditionally, the site is believed to be the entrance to PatalLok and discovered just few years back.. Also this the same place from where Lord Hanumana entered PatalLok to save Rama and Lakshmana from Ahiravana (King of PatalLok and Ravana brother) when Ahiravana (also known as Mahi Ravana) kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana.

ShivLinga Temple (Where Megnatha worshiped lord Shiva to enter Patal Lok)

Where is PatalKot or Gates to PatalLok:

Madhya Pradesh is known for its forest treasures and Patalkot is one of its best nature’s gifts with great geographical and scenic beauty situated in the hilly block of Tamia of Chindwara district. Patalkot is a lovely landscape located at a depth of 1200-1500 feet in a valley. Because of the great depth at which it is located this place is christened as Patalkot. When one looks down the place sitting at the top of the valley, the place looks like a Horse Shoe in shape and it’s just 70Kms from Chindwara. Doodhi River that bifurcates the valley is the primary water source of the region. Patalkot valley is spread over an area of 79 km2. As soon as the clock strikes 4 pm, the village transforms into darkness, no sunlight reaches the depth of the mystical valley of Patalkot after few hours past noon.

There are 12 villages & 13 hamlets in this valley, with total population of 2012 (1017 males and 995 females). Most of the people belong to ‘Bharia’ or ‘Gond’ tribes. The main villages of the valley are: Rated, Chimtipur, GujjaDongri, SahraPachgol, Harra-ka-Char, Sukhabhand, Dhurnimalni, Jhiram, PalaniGaildubba, Ghatlinga, Gudichattri, Gaildubba, Kareyam, Ghana, etc.  These villages are located at the distance of 2-3 km each. The tribal dwelling in this untouched land, live harmoniously and are gradually uplifting their lifestyle, however they are totally cut off from the current civilized world. 

PatalKot Valley View (Horse-Shoe Shaped) 

Gond and Bharia are the two main tribal communities out of those 45 living in the Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh state. It is said that Bharias are living here for more than 500 years and mainly constituted above 80% of the population and Gond tribe about 20%. Till a few decades ago, the tribes living here were totally disconnected from the outside world because of the difficult terrain leading up to the valley, and the dense forests sprawling across. Because of this disconnectedness and seclusion, the Bharias and Gonds established a close friendship, and dependence with the ‘sacred’ forests around them.  This valley is covered with tropical forests, which are supposed to be rich in biodiversity. Hundreds of economically important medicinal plants are found in abundance and endemic & rare flora is also found in this valley.

PatalKot - Satpura Mountain Range

When you visit this mystical Patalkot, you can see wall paintings and slogans painted on the walls, along the way to the valley that highlights the importance of eco-system and conservation of nature. It is truly a good way to spread the awareness.

This valley is known as a treasure of medicinal plants. According Madhya Pradesh VigyanSabha (MPVS), which is working in the area for past 10-12 years more than 300 varieties of medicinal plants has been identified in the area. The tribal of Patalkot are skilled in using the forest plants to make effective medicines. Herbal healers locally known as Bhumka are real knowledge bank. They utilize medicinal plants that are grown in the valley.

Stairs To Reach PatalKot

There exist several mythological beliefs and traditional narratives that connect the origins of Patalkot to Mahadeo hills – a sacred site for Lord Shiva. Chota Mahadeo peak near Tamia an offshoot of Mahadeo hills surrounding Pachmarhi (the only hill station in MP on a plateau) is situated in the vicinity of the valley. According to locals, the deep gorge in Patalkot is owing to the mythical journeys of Shiva in the ‘Tapovan’ of this valley.

The people here believes that patalkot is the only entrance to patal-lok and they are the protector or watchman of the patal-lok.

RajaBhog Caves at PatalKot

About tribes of PatalKot:

Gods and Goddesses:

Tribals perform prayers and rituals everyday. The place, they perform Pooja (prayer) is called as Devghar. Tribals worship Mahadev, Badadev, Madai, Madmi Mai, Dhuladev, Nandia, Surjadev, Agiadev as their gods and goddesses.

Tribal instruments:

Nagda, Timki, Shehnai, Chakule, Singa, Tambura, Chikara, Bansuri, Ghunghru, Khadtaal, Madar, Dhol, Dahak and Tudiya are common instruments they play in various ceremonies and rituals.

Important festivals:

Meghnath is one the most important fair of the valley. This fair is celebrated on Chait Purnima (According to Hindu calendar, full moon night in March or April, depending upon the position of planet system). On this occasion, tribals make a wish and encircle on a big pillar. The place where Meghnath is worshipped is predestined and it is said to be a holy place in the village.

Best time to visit Patalkot:

The best time to visit this beautiful valley is during monsoons, as it is sheltered, with clouds all around.

Best time to visit inside the valley: October to February.

Best time to view the valley from top: July to September.

How to reach the PatalKot or Patalok gates:

Patalkot is located in the hilly region of Tamia tehsil. It is around 78-80 kms away from Chindwara in Madhya Pradesh. The best way to reach the valley via Chindwara is through taxi or hiring a car.

By Air: 

Jabalpur,Bhopal & Nagpur are the nearest Airports around Chindwara.

By rail:

From Bhopal/ Jabalpur broad gauge trains are available right up to Chindwara Station. After arriving Nagpur by broad gauge rail route, (only meter gauge trains (Choti Line trains) are available between Nagpur and Chindwara), one will have to make the necessary change of trains to reach Chindwara.

By road:

Chindwara can be approached by road from Nagpur (distance 125 kms.), Jabalpur (distance 215 kms.) or Bhopal (distance 286 kms.). Taxis and buses are also readily available from these cities connecting Chindwara town.

Where to stay in PatalKot:

There is no facility of accommodation in the valley; the nearest accommodation facility is in Tamia at the forest or PWD guest house. Patalkot is a good place for tourism of M.P. If you want to experience real experience or want to see tribal living, you can set your tents in the valley and enjoy camping.

The Mysterious NidhiVan Temple - Where Gods Appears Daily!!!

India is the only place in the earth where you will find most mysterious places. Some are still unknown or unexplored to most of us.

I am sure we all have heard about Beautiful Nidhivan temple in Vrindavan, Mathura district. Place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days also called Bankey Bihari Temple. But do you know mystery behind it?

Nidhivan is a Bankey Bihari Temple, Bankey Bihari or Murlidhar, Kanha, Giridhar, Leeladhar and are just few names of Lord Krishna. Shree Krishna is believed to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Shree Krishna was the 8th son of Devaki and Vasudev.

Twisted trees at Nidhivan - Image Courtesy : Source

NidhiVan is a sacred temple of Bankey Bihari in Vrindavan. The major part of the temple is surrounded with huge busy forests. The Temple derives its name from Nidhi meaning Treasure and Van meaning forest. Everywhere greenery and twisted trees. A very amazing thing about the forest that you can see as well is; all the roots, branches and the trunk of the trees are hollow. There is nothing life-giving inside it; also the land at the temple is really dry - still the twigs and leaves remain lively and green throughout the year.

Nidhivan Trees or Krishna Gopi's - Image Courtesy : Source 

There are many interesting stories or myths behind it. It is believed that Lord Krishna comes here every night and performs spiritual activities (RasLila) with Radha and all his gopis. Inside the temple there is a beautifully ornamented statue of Lord Krishna and Radha (Radhe-Krishna Idol). The park that surrounds temple is covered with small trees known as VanaTulsi (Basil Trees). As per the myth, Swami Haridas was a divine sage and a great devotee of lord Krishna. Seeing Haridas’s devotion, spiritual desires and hard reparation, Lord Krishna appeared in front of him. The place where Lord Krishna appeared is now known as PrakatyaSathal (place of appearance of Shree Bankey Bihari Ji).

The Nidhivan temple is closed after the evening prayer as it is believed that Lord Krishna & Radha appear here at the every night to perform their spiritual activities (Ras Leela). If anyone sees these activities he/she becomes dumb, deaf, and blind or may be even dies. The person is not found hale and hearty in the morning to disclose the spiritual secret of Lord Radha Krishna, Inside the Rang Mahal priest daily puts two toothbrushes, a saree, bangles, paan leaves, some holy water in jug with four sweets (Laddoo) and ready bed after aarti in the night, but in the morning everything is found scattered and seen as if someone has used it and paan leaves are chewed so after evening aarati, no one is allowed inside the premise. Even all the monkeys that stay there leave Nidhivan after evening aarti.

Mysterious NidhiVan, Vrindavan -  Image Courtesy : Source 

The natives of the place, the priest and care-takers are very well aware of the miracles. After the evening aarti, all the windows in front of Nidhivan temple gets closed till morning worship. Nobody dares to see Radhe-Krishna Rasleela. Many natives also claimed to have heard the sound of Ghungroos (Musical Anklet) at night.

Another mysterious factor of Nidhivan is the shape and size of the trees covered this place. All the trees are very short and intertwined to each other. Almost all of these trees are of same size and shape. The trees are believed to be Gopis, and their intertwined shape depicts the love between themselves. There is no sign of birds nest or some insect on tree. The Holy place and trees are said to be favourite of Lord Krishna. It is said that whatsoever worship here is benefited immensely.   

The Mysterious Trees at NidhiVan Temple - Image Courtesy : Source

Many historians and scientists, had visited Nidhivan to unlock mystery behind it but came back convinced that this place really house the Lord. So if you are planning your next trip to a mysterious or religious place, my suggestion to must visit Mysterious Nidhivan Temple.

How to reach Mysterious NidhiVan Temple:

By Air
Agra is the nearest airport from Vrindavan that is around 67 Kms away. Regular Flights connect Agra to important destinations in India such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to take you to Vrindavan. The Nearest International Airport is Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi (terminal III) which is 150 kms. away.

By Rail
The Nearest major railway station is Mathura that is only 15 kms away from Vrindavan. Several express trains connect Mathura from other major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Agra.

By Bus
Vrindavan is well connected to Mathura and all other important tourist destinations by bus services and is placed on direct road link from Delhi and Agra. Getting to Vrindavan from Mathura is very easy with the option of taking the frequent buses, shared tempos or taxis that are available throughout the day.