Garhmukhteshwar
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
Location
The Times of India, Sep 2, 2011
Journey down the Ganga, take a tour of temples at Garhmukhteshwar.
—BANI D
Garhmukhteshwar, only 100 km from the Capital, is also a much-visited destination because of its association with the Mahabharata. It was a part of Hastinapur, the capital of the Kauravas. Apart from the historical connection, the religious aspect of the Ganga — considered to be the holiest river — makes it a popular destination for a wide spectrum of tourists. The Dussehra fair in September-October which attracts 50,000 to 1 lakh devotees and the bathing fair at Brijghat (6 km) which takes place on full moon day in the month of Kartik (November).
GETTING THERE DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Delhi-Noida-Hapur Garhmukteshwar (driving time: 1 hr, 50 min; 100 km) In the vicinity: Parikshitgarh: 31 km, Bulandshahr: 50 km; Meerut: 52 km, Hastinapur: 60 km En route: Stop at dhabas for paranthas, chole bhature or poori chole, washed down with milky tea.
ON THE RIVER
Along the left bank of the river is a large marble platform. In the middle is a walkway leading to the water’s edge where a row of boats bobs up and down, awaiting customers. At Rs 200, you get a 30-minute ride in the river Discovering farms: Alight at the other end of the river and explore the farms. If you wish, spend a couple of hours exploring the countryside watching rural life and enjoy a hot cuppa with villagers. Request a farmer to take you on a tractor ride
There is a point mid-river where the water is just two-feet-deep. Many tourists jump into the river for a holy bath. Ask the boatman to click pictures of you on the boat if the idea of getting your clothes drenched doesn’t appeal to you. The crowds are big at any given point of time. Infants in the arms of their mothers waiting to be blessed by pandits, giggling young couples boarding boats for rides, relatives of the deceased getting their head shorn... there is never a quiet moment on the banks. Whether it is birth or death, the cycle of life is incomplete without the presence of the Ganga
Mudda (chairs) of various shapes are available in plenty. The small ones at Rs 25 each are ideal for kids. A set of four big chairs for your garden costs around Rs 250 but do haggle hard for a good bargain. You can even pick up puja paraphernalia like bells, idols, containers for gangajal, and incense sticks
Places to visit
MUKTESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE: The ancient Shiva temple, said to be built by King Shivi, is visited because of the shivlinga, known as Mukteshwar Mahadev
MEERABAI KI RETI: The sandy stretch of land opposite the Mukteshwar Mahadev temple where Meerabai stayed over for a Ganga snan, is known as Meerabai ki Reti. Later, Meerabai had built a temple at the site
NAHUSH KOOP (NAKKA KUAN): It is said that after getting salvation, King Nahush of Hastinapur, had performed a yagna here and then constructed a baoli within the premises of Mukteshwar Mahadev temple. The source of water in this well is said to be the Ganga. The well is bettern known as Nahush Koop or Nakka Kuan
GANGA TEMPLE:: An ancient temple dedicated to the Ganga stands atop a mound. Earlier, the temple had 101 stairs leading all the way to the river, of which 85 stand today. The temple houses the idol of Ganga and a unique white stone statue of Lord Brahma
OLD MUKTESHWAR TEMPLE : There is another Mukteshwar temple in which Ravana is believed to have offered prayers JAMA MASJID: Ghiyasuddin Balban built a mosque here in 1283
