Sandakphu - The Sleeping Buddha

Manebhanjan-Sandakphu-Phalut-Gorkey-Ramman-Srikola-Darjeeling

The 'only' place at an altitude of 3636 mtrs/11,941ft from where all the 4 highest peaks in the world Mt.Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse are visible. And the Kanchenjunga range has the best and full view in the form of 'Sleeping Buddha'. From any other part of the Himalayan range we will be unable to see the face part of the Buddha we get to view from here!

This was an itenary prepared by ourselves and we two girls decided to do it on our own instead of going with a group or a package. A bit of Homework to visit such a heavenly place was all worth the efforts! Manebhanjan, was the base for the trek and this is situated in the North West Bengal where we also get to see the border of Nepal rather one side of it was India and the other side of the road was Nepal. 

This trail is blessed with variety of colorful Rhododendrons and Magnolia flowers in bloom this season which makes it special.

While trekking, the unique landscapes with flowers, dried trunks of the trees, Yaks, furry Sheep, Cows, Beautiful villages, the houses built with bamboos with bright flowering plants in their balconies, friendly locals and exciting closer views of the Himalayan range was a bonus! 

Rhododendrons Flowers

Phalut: We were not lucky to view Mt. Everest or Lohtse from here which actually is visible however too much of fog did not allow us to view. However, this place was breathtakingly beautiful with an amazing landscape!

 The Map of the trek route:

 Magnolia:

Sharing the border with Nepal and Sikkim, the North West Bengal with the adjacent Singalila forest through which we trekked to different places like Phalut, Gorkey, Rammam, Srikola were beautiful.

Srikola was a paradise for bird lovers. Our stay here next to the river was simply superb. We happened to see varieties of birds.

Fell in love with the Singalila forest; as while trekking we were continuously accompanied by the music of varied birds chirping throughout. It certainly can be named as a Birds' Paradise.

They weren’t easy to capture for me as usual! However, I remembered and wished my expert friends were here to capture their images! Yet another most beautifu place one must visit :)

Melukote - Vairamudi

Melukote:

‘Melukote’ in Mandya district, Karnataka is about 133 Kms from Bangalore and is one of the sacred places I have been hearing since my childhood from many and this is my one of my grandmother’s favorite place. She often narrated stories as to how she often visited this place and the challenges they faced It used to be an entire day’s affair to reach by a crowded bus, further take the bullock cart and finally walk up a long distance to reach this place to witness the Utsavs that happen annually. 


Melukote has many historical stories and temples and also is famous for numerous beautiful Kalyanis or the 'Step wells'. Yoganarasimha temple is built on the hilltop here in Melukote. There is also another temple at the foothill called the Cheluvanarayana swamy Temple.

Vairumudi Brahmotsavam:

Vairumudi Brahmotsavam is an annual spiritual event and festival revered throughout South India.  The entire place was decorated with light and the streets were full sweets, toys and other articles that were on sale in the jatra.

Utasava murthi is believed to have been worshiped by Lord Rama and the kings of Surya Vamsa dynasty for generations. And further the same was also said to be worshiped by Chandra Vamsam, who was from the dynasty of Lord Krishna. Hence, Cheluvanarayana swamy is unique as this deity was worshipped by both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. 

As early as during 16th Century the Mysore king Krishna Raja Wodeyar III acquired Srirangapatna near Myore adopted the Srivaishnava faith and further this temple was richly endowed and now has most valuable collection of jewels in its custody. A gold crown set called Raja Mudi made of gold and embedded with precious stones and also other jewellery was presented by this King and his Queens. This crown is named after him Krishnaraja-Mudi or famously called as ‘Vairamudi’.

Vairamudi is an annual event that has a procession of the Lord Cheluvanarayana Swamy; on the Melukote streets in Karnataka. Lakhs of devotees throng to visit this historic occasion that has been a culture that started as early as 15th Century every year.

My grandmother was the first to climb up to the temple and I wonder how she gers such energy to climb such steep hills. That is I guess what happens when you are at your favorite place :p

Hilltop view of cheluvanarayana swamy temple

Fulfilled my wish and was feeling blessed to have witnessed Vairamudi. The idol of the Lord as it is famous for, was decorated with precious ornaments including the famous diamond studded golden crown. As narrated by my grandmother, it is a tradition followed that this crown is not to be looked at when it is not worn by the festival image; hence each year, prior to the start the officiating priest picks up the crown from its chest with his eyes blindfolded and then places it upon the Lord’s head! 

Also, the idol is carried on a golden garuda, along with idols representing his divine consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The crown is then placed on the Lord’s head with another jewel clamp and none are supposed to use hands to do so! Jatras are held annually during March–April and more than one lakh people congregated here.

Tiru Nakshatra: 

According to a legend, this metallic image of the Lord  was lost and was recovered by the saint Sri Ramanujacharya . Also during early 12th Century the well known Srivaishnava saint Ramanuja lived in Melukote for 14 years. Tiru Nakshatra is another utsav,  that happens and is celebrated in memory of birth anniversary of Sri Ramanujachar on one of the 10 days celebrations that happens here.  In his memory there are many cultural events that happen throughout the nights as well for many number of days. Cheluva Narayan swamy get ‘dashavatara dressing’ while going around the temple. 


Sri Ramanuja at Melukote is said to be of great significance as it was here that Sri Ramanuja achieved ample victory over all the evil forces that resided in various locations of South India and established the Vedic path to realization and fulfillment.  

What makes this 10 day celebrations so unique?

This is the only "BRAMHOTSAVAM CELEBRATION" to Sri Ramanuja. Nowhere is the country is such a celebration ever conducted. On all the 10 days, during morning, Sri Ramanuja is taken in procession around the temple town on Vahana's starting with Samarabhupala, Hamsa, Chandramandala, Ashwa, Gaja and so on. In the evenings, the procession of Sri Ramanuja seated in a Golden Pallakki is held for the first 4 days. Sri Ramanuja seated on a "Pushpa Pallakki", 'Mudi-Utsava', then Utsava Moorthi "Shelvappillai" and the finally on the 10th day is the actual day of appearance of Sri Ramanuja on this earth and marks the grand finale to the whole celebrations. 

The 24 hour celebration starts as early as 6:00 AM with Samara-Bhupala vahana followed by Tirumanjana of Sri Ramanuja along with Dwadasa-Aradhana which is unique. By late evening on the last day, Sri Ramanuja proceeds to the main gate of the temple to witness the great and unique 'Dasha-Avatara' by Lord Shelvappillai revealing the 10 avarata's of Lord Vishnu.

Soon after, the Sabha arranges to decorate Lord Shelvappillai with flowers full of aroma.The celebrations continue till daybreak. Those who witness these celebrations cannot but have a sense of fulfillment.

About 8 hours of drive with 7 hours of sleepless wait in the midnight amidst a massive crowd to have a glimpse of the ‘Lord’ was all worth it! Thanking God for this opportunity and moving my sacred memories into my travel treasury :)