Uttarakhand Hikes – Exploring the Dhaulinag Temple
We count the hike to Dhaulinag temple as one of our most exciting Uttarakhand Hikes. Our stay in Vijaypur, Uttarakhand, was quite an eventful experience to say the least of it. It was spiked with allergy bites, back breaking falls (which still makes it difficult for me to remain seated for long), a swim in the boisterous mountain rivers, overturning of Kayaks and many more. On the whole it was exhilarating, exasperating and ecstatic. Though difficult to believe, but it was stupendously stress relieving.
Our hike to the Dhaulinag temple was largely responsible for making it so. I
Vijaypur Destination Guide
For those who are still unaware of where or what I am talking about, look up Google for more inputs. Also make sure you start packing your bags because as soon as you are finished reading this, you are going to take the first train to Kathgodam.
Located at a distance of 25 kilometres from Bageshwar,Uttarakhand, Vijaypur is a small sleepy hamlet. It is just about waking up to the onslaughts of tourism. On our first night there, we were informed casually about the Dhaulinag temple located at about a kilometer away from where we were. So we decided to explore and thank God we did!
Dhaulinag – The Snake Temple
The Hindu Pantheon describes the presence of around 33 crores of (known) Gods and Goddesses who bless India. As a result, you will find a temple or a Hindu place of worship snuggled in almost every corner of its vast geography.
Dhaulinag refers to the snake ‘avatar’ or mortal form of Lord Vishnu. Dhauli means ‘Dhawal’ or white and is the white snake form in which Lord Vishnu appeared on earth. The temple is built in Northern styles. It is one of the oldest and most popular temples in the area dedicated to the serpent god. The route to the temple lay through a beautiful meandering trail wreathed in verdant forests of Pine and Rhododendron. The beauty of the trail was magnified by the presence of the Himalayas. The pristine beauty of the path lay preserved in its majestic embrace. We were sufficiently intrigued and signed up for the hike.
The Hike
Geared and all set we started out. The gates of the temple were on the main road and painted a pretty picture. The yellow and red pillars enfolded within its embrace a shining temple bell. We rung it to announce our arrival to the Serpent God far above. When you look up from the gate, you will hardly see anything to indicate that you have approached the temple precincts. It is then that you realise the challenge you have set for yourself.
Trudging up the steep mountain paths is an experience in itself. The gnarled roots of the surrounding trees have spread themselves on the rocky surface cradling mud in their spiny fingers. Over the years devotees braving the terrain, have used these as steps. Unflinchingly they have scaled the heights and still continue trudging up its verdant terrain as faith has given them new wings to their feet.
The beauty of the trail will often leave you breathles. You can, then, rest your tired self on the stones placed where the trees had e missed a step. These are the moments when the rustic beauty of the surroundings will keep you gasping for more. However, Nature seduces you to keep on moving until she wrings out the last inch of breath from you and keep you floating altogether on a different high.
The Temple
We approached the temple only to behold another story unfolding before us. It presented a vibrant canvas of colours picturesquely complimenting the surrounding vista. The striking collage of yellow, blue and red walls stood out uniquely in the midst of the varying shades of green surrounding it. Despite its height, the Dhaulinag is supposed to be very popular among devotees especially during Navratri (The festival celebrating the nine forms of Goddess Durga).
The Descend
On our way back a whole new drama was awaiting us. We followed the jungle route refusing to take the metalled roads. A young and energetic chameleon popped out from its hole to check up on us for a while. We tiptoed down the mountain slopes strewn with dried pine needles. To avoid any unpleasant accidents (as pine leaves can be dangerously slippery), we tread softly but surely on the path.
At several places we witnessed the twisted tree trunks torn and shattered by nature’s fury. It looked as if their very life had been ruthlessly wrung out from its roots. Charred logs with soot glistening on its trunks lay strewn across our path. It reminded us of the recent forest fires that raged through the lands and the immense damage it wrecked.
Ending Lines
By the time, the sun reached mid sky, we had completed our walk. As we left the forest behind and entered civilization, a voice within our hearts screamed out loud and clear “Give me More!!!”
