Joshi Math

From Rishikesh pilgrims start their journey for Joshi Math. This city is 170 k.m. away from Rishikesh. In the way come many beautiful Prayags. The second important Prayag is known as Rudar Prayag. This Prayag is confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakani rivers. There is also situated a historical temple of Saint Rudar Nath. The travellers, who have to go to Kedar Nath, that place is very important for them. From here a road along Mandakani river goes upto Kedar Nath. Kedar Nath is about 54 miles from this Prayag. From Rudar Prayag the travelers reach Gauchar. Gauchar has been now converted into a very important place. Here the central government has formed four helipads for the journey of the VIP's and ministers. From Rudar Prayag we reach Karan Prayag. This place is confluence of river Alknanda and Pindar Ganga. The water of these rivers is very pure and through it we can see even the smallest particles. The small coloured: pebbles look like gems and jewels.

After enjoying the confluence of Karan Prayag the pilgrims reach village Chamoli. This place is junction of two roads coming from Kedar Nath.

Enjoying the natural scenes of the mountains and rivers we reach Joshi Math. The Hemkunt-Trust has built a very beautiful Gurdwara there. This Gurdwara provides all types of facilities to the pilgrims. It is also said that there are many old manuscripts in the possession of this Gurdwara. In this Gurdwara the holy Dasam Granth Sahib is also enshrined for the study of the pilgrims. There is also a large Dharmsala in this city. Thousands of travelers can stay in this Dharmsala. This Dharmsala is known as 'Kali Kambli' Dharmsala.

Joshi Math is one of the four important Maths of Shankracharia. It is a well-known historical city. Badri Nath is considered to be the highest sacred place. When due to severe cold weather, it becomes difficult to stay there, then the residents of Badri Nath climb down to Joshi Math. There are many old temples in this city. The Naths bring with them idols of the Badri Nath temple and worship those here. There is also an old path which connects Joshi Math with Mansarovar and Kailaslh Parbat. Tapo-ban is only eight miles away from this city. There is also an old tree near the cave of Shankracharya. It is believed that the life of this tree is more than 25000 years. In the main Bazaar Gurdwara Dusht Daman is situated. This Gurdwara was constructed in the supervision of Sant Thandi Singh. It was got completed in 1966. Later on the Hemkunt-Trust built the residential buildings. In Gurdwara Dushat Daman, the travellers are provided all types of facilities. The pilgrims stay there at night and next day early in the morning start their journey towards Gobind Ghat. In the way, comes Vishnu Prayag where river Akalnanda and Vishnu Ganga confluence. This is fifth and last Prayag. When we go further we see a mountain of great height. On one side of the mountain there is Lakshmi Temple and on the other side there is a pond of very hot water.

There are also temples of Nar Singh, Bhagwati, Durga Dass Dev and Jaiteshwar god. As we continue our journey we feel fascinated to see the natural beauty all around. Though the tiresome journey overpowers our physical calibre, but the divine message of the celestial power solaces us so much that we forget all types of fatigues.

We remember and praise the supreme Lord for His wonderful creation. We realize that we should not forget him, who has given us the life to see such beautiful spots. There, the holy Baani of Jaap Sahib revolves in our minds and we recite it again and again.

"Salutation to the Immortal

Salutation to the Compassionate

Salutation to the Formless

Salutation to the Unrivalled.

Salutation to God who is beyond portraiture

Salutation to Incorporeal

Salutation to Unborn.

Salutation to Impregnable.

Salutation to Indestructable.

Salutation to God who is beyond Name.

Salutation to God who is beyond place.”

In this way reciting holy hymns of Guru Gobind Singh, we proceed on to have a glimpse of that wonderful place, called Hemkunt Sahib.

ROUTE 1 - Haridwar 
ROUTE 2 - Paonta Sahib