Himalaya in Indian Mythology

Himalaya hold a prominent place in the culture and mythology of Indian people, particularly the Hindus.

Shiva, the most important among Trinity of Gods, resides on Mt Kailash and his consort, Parvati, is the daughter of Himalaya (or Himavan).

In Sanskrit, the word Parvati means ‘of the mountain’. When Ganga descends from the heavens after the long penitence of King Bhagirath, Shiva received her in his locks, and let her descend slowly on the Earth.

The river Yamuna is considered to be the daughter of Sun and sister of ‘Yama- the God of Death’. According to Buddhist mythology, Guru Padmasambhava was born from the lotus in a lake on the west of Mount Kailash.

This legend is similar to that of the birth of Lord Brahma in Hindu mythology.

AYURVEDIC PANCHKARMA – For a better quality of life

The Himalayas have remained an inspiration for spiritual pursuits down the ages and many sages have come seeking refuge in its secluded and serene valleys. This vast mountain chain is also the source of many rare herbs that have medicinal properties and have been used to heal many an ailing soul.

Himachal Pradesh, sheltered in the Himalayas has a rich bio-resource of medicinal plants and a rich stream of Ayurveda, a system of treatment indigenous to the Indian sub-continent, has been developed in the state. Some of the rarest medicinal plants with unique curative and preventive properties only grow in the rarefied altitudes of the Himalayan landscapes and are procured with great difficulty.

Ayurveda takes an holistic approach to life in which the objective is to achieve balance of the mind, body and spirit for internal and external harmony. When translated ‘Ayurveda’ literally means ‘Science of Life’.

Ayurveda as a system of treatment approaches life as a union of body (Sharir), sense organs (Indriya), Psyche (Mana) and Soul (Atma). It holds that disease erupts only when the equilibrium between three biological forces namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha breaks down. The treatment achieves results only when the balance in this ‘tridosha’ is established.

Of the varied ways of Ayurvedic treatment, Panchkarma therapy is unique and has become very popular. Panchkarma consists of five methods of treatment namely, Vamana, Virechana, Anuvasana Vasti, Niruhana Vasti and Nasya Karma. Panchkarma is a type of Shodhan Chikitsa where unlike Shaman Chikitsa, toxins are expelled out of the body and all the microcirculatory channels of the body get purified. This is a therapy based on three channels Purva Karmas, Pradhana Karmas and then Paschaat Karmas. Purva Karmas are the body preparatory procedures done before the actual process.

However, all five procedures are not always utilized. The treatment modality is based on the needs and circumstances of the individual,, so has Panchkarma always been an individual process. Therapies are chosen based on person’s innate constitution, strengths and weakness, imbalances, emotional state and even the season of the year. The digestive capacity of the individual is also considered. The Panchkarmas are intense treatments, done under the supervision of a qualified practitioner and require proper preparation.

Sarahan: In the Lap of Gods

23 kms from Rampur  is Jeori. From here leave the NH 22 and drive up in a road to Sarahan, 17 kms from here. At an altitude of 2165 meters the main attraction of Sarahan is Bhimkali temple. It is a three storey temple. Architecture is more like a Pagoda. The mixture of Hindu and Buddhist art has made this temple an unique piece of art. In the top floor there is an idol of Bhimkali Devi. Just beside the temple you can see the palace of Bushahar Kings.

Sarahan is the gateway to Kinnaur. Sarahan offers a spectacular view of the Srikhand range.Sarahan is 176 kilometers distant from Shimla.

Saharan is located on the Himalayan mountain slopes at an altitude of 1950 meters above sea-level. 

Sarahan lies on the Hindustan Tibet Road between Jeori-Sarahan and Kinnaur. Jeori is 17 kilometers distant from Sarahan. 

The road to Sarahan is lined with pine trees. Swift flowing mountain streams flow past the road. 

The fields and orchards in the vicinity of small villages with slate roofed houses impart a fairytale atmosphere to the ethereal surroundings. 

Many stately deodar trees rides the Himalayan mountain slopes.

Accompanying the deodar are trees of smooth birch and uncountable varieties of wild flowers. Medicinal herbs are also to be found on the Himalayan mountain slopes above Sarahan. 

Sarahan is sparsely populated. Many ancient legends can be heard in Sarahan. Sarahan overlooks a deep valley through which the river Sutlej flows to the sea. The snow-clad Srikhand peak lies across Sarahan