Introduction
More often than not, trekking as an activity is associated with a sense of thrill, adventure and adrenaline rush. How does spirituality come into the picture, you ask? Well, the answer lies in the quaint Parvati valley, located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
Popularly referred to as Lord Shiva’s abode, the picturesque Kheerganga is where his son, Lord Kartikeya, was believed to have meditated for a thousand years. To satiate his appetite, Goddess Parvati mixed rice with the water sources available in the region, effectively converting water into a rice pudding (kheer). According to Hindu mythology, Rishi Parshuram feared that as the transition from Satyug (era of truth) to Kalyug (era of darkness) would transpire, humans would inevitably quarrel over this source of food. To put an end to the ensuing mayhem, he removed the food particles, leaving behind a hot spring. Thus, not only does this place have religious bearings but also signifies the renouncement of worldly, materialistic ambitions and true attainment of peace.
Kasol Kheerganga Trek – A Scenic Adventure
The Kasol Kheerganga trek is extremely well-known because of its scenic views, the gushing waterfalls on the way and the dense forests comprising alpine trees. Situated at an altitude of 2960 metres, it takes roughly 6 hours of trekking to reach the summit. A gem of a place, one reaches Barshaini, the juncture of rivers Parvati and Tosh, that serves as the base camp for this particular trek. From there on, one encounters three major routes for travelling, each possessing a charm of its own.
Presumably the shortest and mostly used path is through the beautiful village of Nakthan which acts as a muse for your cameras with stunning visuals of surrounding greenery and the Parvati river flowing on the left side. If you opt to stay the night at Tosh village then you can trek or hire a vehicle till Nakthan. The third way of reaching Kheerganga is the Kalga route which provides the best opportunity to undertake a journey through the dense and mystic woods. The immersive walk through nature brings a sense of solitude and serenity which is much needed given the fast-paced culture of urban centres.
Rudra Nag Waterfalls – A Holy Oasis
After a short 30-minute walk, the majestic serpent-like water body, the Rudra Nag waterfalls comes into view. Considered holy and sacred because of its connection to Lord Shiva, the water is pristine and crystal clear. The Rudra Nag temple beside it is an architectural marvel with its traditional artwork and intricate interiors. Devotees seek blessings while some of the trekkers catch their breath at the nearby dhaba (food stall). Sitting near the temple grounds, one gets the time to truly reflect on things that matter and on life at large. Furthermore, once you reach the top, there is also a Shiva temple which is considered as a pilgrim site, and an ashram where tired travellers can seek accommodation. These lodging facilities are sometimes provided by monks and sadhus at reasonably affordable rates, and offer a more naturalistic way of living.
Speaking of nature, the Kheerganga trek is renowned for its natural hot spring, the Parvati Kund and the magical healing properties it supposedly possesses. Surrounded by mountains, it is indeed a surreal experience to ease the sore muscles and relieve yourself of the stress that the trek as well as hustle and bustle of the city puts you through.That being said, while some may see it as a way of relaxing after a long journey upwards, few people also come here for religious purposes. In both cases, the visitors feel rejuvenated and gain energy to physically deal with the journey downwards, and philosophically, to deal with problems that plague them.
Kheerganga – A Place of Spiritual Significance
Moving away from Hindu folklore, Kheerganga also serves as a pious locus within Sikh religion. The scientific explanation for the white complexion of the water is the presence of sulphur in it. However, it is believed that Guru Nanak Singh, while visiting his follower, Bhai Mardana, discovered the hot spring while looking for a fire pit to cook Rotis (Indian bread) and there is also a concrete value associated with this incident- the act of sharing and donating. The food when dipped in water was constantly getting dissolved but when pledged to God and the needy, it reappeared. This is also one of the foundational blocks of Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara which is located on the way to the trek.
Conclusion
All in all, the Kheerganga trek is the one of the most popular treks in northern India because it connects a person to his or her roots. It binds you to nature, compels you to spend time alone introspecting life and allows you to detach yourself from trivial worldly desires. Ultimately, it makes you travel on a path of spirituality which is seldom possible in the 21st century.