Kasar Devi Chronicles: Unraveling the Hidden Gems of Uttarakhand’s Spiritual Gem
There are several towns and places in India that, when visited, give one an experience of indescribable and ethereal serenity never experienced before. Kasar Devi, in the Almoda district of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is one of such place to visit. Welcome to the mystical realm of Kasar Devi, nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand, where spirituality meets serenity. Our journey unfolds the secrets of this spiritual gem, promising an odyssey through the hidden treasures that make Kasar Devi a unique haven for seekers of tranquility and spiritual awakening.
The Enchanting Landscape
Embraced by the Himalayas
Kasar Devi, cradled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, boasts a panoramic view that transcends the ordinary. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this spiritual retreat offers a breathtaking backdrop for introspection and meditation.
Lush Greenery and Tranquil Vibes
As you traverse through the winding paths, the lush greenery envelopes you in a cocoon of serenity. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of Himalayan flora, creating an atmosphere conducive to meditation and self-discovery.
Spiritual Significance
Ancient Temples and Sacred Vibes
The Kasar Devi Temple, believed to be over 2,000 years old, stands as a silent witness to the spiritual evolution of this sacred land. The energy within its ancient walls resonates with the vibrations of countless seekers who have sought solace here for centuries.
The Mystical Charms of Kasar Devi: A Haven for Philosophers, Psychologists, and Seekers
There is a small village and temple just 10 km from Almora town. Believe it or not, many famous philosophers, doctors, psychologists, writers, poets, and artists of the western world have spent a lot of time in Kasar Devi, Uttarakhand. In 1890, Swami Vivekananda wrote about the spiritual power of Kasar Devi and its meditation experiences in his notebooks. This place got a good reputation after that. Over time, the world-famous psychologist at Howard University, Timothy Leary, spent much of his life here. According to a theory given to this scholar, the magnetic field around the earth known as the ‘Ven Allen Belt‘ touches only three places on the earth. One place is Stonehenge in Britain, another is Machu Picchu in South American country Peru, and the third is Kasar Devi in Uttarakhand. Not only from India, but also according to many foreigners who have visited here, this magnetic field is the root cause of the special peace felt in Kasar Devi.
Celestial Connections
Legend has it that luminaries like Swami Vivekananda and D.H. Lawrence found inspiration amidst the serene ambiance of Kasar Devi. The celestial energies that permeate the region are said to heighten one’s spiritual awareness, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a deeper connection with the cosmos.
Kasar Devi’s Celestial Magnetism: A Gathering Place for Icons and Seekers
Psychologist Timothy Leary made a breakthrough with his research. American singer Bob Dylan, German philosopher Ernest Hoffman, American writer Robert Thurman and his actress daughter Uma Thurman, George Harrison and Kate Evans of the famous band ‘Beatles‘, and many other painters and thinkers visited Kasar Devi to experience its supernatural and indescribable peace.
Sacred Serenity at Kainchi Dham: A Spiritual Oasis Linked to Icons and Innovators
On the way to Almora, there is another important spiritual place. Name: Kainchi Dham. Here is the ashram of Baba Neem Karoli Baba, whose founder, Baba Karoli, passed away in 1973 AD. As per most common belief, he was an incarnation of Lord Hanuman and had divine powers. People also believe that visiting this place is a good omen and gives good fortune to its visitors. It is also a fact that Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg visited this place before founding their respective companies, Apple and Facebook. Julia Roberts is another well-known celebrity who visited this place. One can feel the thrill while entering the premises. The ashram has shrines to Hindu deities and a small cave, where Baba Karouri used to meditate.
Almora’s Charm: Colorful Hillsides and Sweet Delights
Almora is a big town. The colorful houses standing next to each other on the slopes of the hills present a unique sight. There is a famous sweet shop, ‘Kheemusih Mohansingh Rotela Halvai’. Their specialty is the dessert called ‘Baal Mithai‘, which is made by putting fine sugar pellets on the Milk Khoya. Also, a sweet called Singori is made from milk and coconut and served in a pocket of betel leaf.
Mystical Experiences
Cosmic Energy Center
Kasar Devi is often referred to as a cosmic energy center. Visitors report experiencing a heightened sense of awareness and an unexplainable connection to the cosmos. It is believed that the unique energy of this place acts as a catalyst for spiritual awakening.
Kasar Devi Temple
Inside the temple, there is a small cave called Kasar Devi. In front of the statue, the Akhand Jyot is burning non-stop. Climbing a few steps to the outside, there is a Shivalaya (Temple of Lord Shiva) where Swami Vivekananda meditated in 1890 AD.
The present Kasar Devi temple has been renovated. The rest of the original temple is said to be around 2,000 years old. Some remains of a mythical temple are also visible here. Surrounded by giant pine and cedar trees, this place has huge rocks that face the valley. It is an ideal seat for meditating or simply sitting while observing nature. As noted earlier, Kasar Devi is the touch point of Earth’s magnetic field, according to popular belief. One can attain divine peace here by sitting or meditating for a few minutes.
There are several beautiful places around the Kasar Devi temple, among which the 13th-century Kataramal Sun Temple is worth a visit. Built in the Nagar style, Kataramal is a cluster of 45 small temples. It was built by the then-central Himalayan ruler, Katyuri King Kataramal. Its an impressive view amidst the surrounding greenery.
Meditation and Yoga Retreats
Numerous meditation and yoga retreats dot the landscape, offering immersive experiences for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. The tranquil surroundings amplify the impact of these practices, making Kasar Devi a sought-after destination for wellness seekers.
Exploring the Surroundings
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. Home to diverse flora and fauna, this sanctuary provides a refreshing contrast to the spiritual ambiance of Kasar Devi. The vibrant biodiversity adds another layer to the overall experience.
Spectacular Sunsets and Himalayan Vistas: The Allure of ‘Brighter End’ in Almora
The other place worth visiting is a viewpoint known as ‘Brighter End’, from which a sunset is worth seeing from the Almora horseshoe-shaped mountain range. It is said that a visitor to Kasar Devi tends to end up withholding more than what he has decided to invest. The rain is the most probable reason for extending the stay by one night. In the evening, from the balcony of the homestay room, the peaks of the Nanda Devi range are clearly visible on the horizon, and the snow turned golden as the sun rays fell on the mountains.
Traversing the Himalayan Forests: A Journey to Mukteshwar’s Victorian Charms and Chauli ki Jali Adventure
The road also passes through the high mountain forests of the Himalayas. Mukteshwar can be reached in the late evening, taking many breaks on the way and enjoying the natural beauty. During the rule of British India, this place was the headquarters of the British army. Hence, all the government buildings here are of Victorian construction. The temple of Mukteswara Mahadev can be reached by climbing a few steps from the main market of the village. Another attraction of Mukteshwar is a unique place known as Chauli ki Jali, with a rocky outcrop of jagged rocks and a deep valley hundreds of feet below the rocks. Tourists feel the thrill of sitting in this dangerous place. A two-day stay in Mukteshwar became a lifetime memory for us. After spending time in the tranquil surroundings of Kasar Devi, Binsar, and Mukteshwar, the noise and commotion of Nainital’s traditional tourist culture were mind-blowing. One remembers the supernatural peace of mind experienced in Kasar Devi and near the temple there.
Zero Point Expedition: Breathtaking Beauty and Himalayan Views in Binsar
The next morning, Binsar can be visited. Binsar can be visited from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to a place called Zero Point by obtaining a permit from the forest department. The highway leading up to it is dirt and rough, but the natural beauty of the way was indescribable. Buransh (Rhododendron arboreum) trees on the slopes of the Himalayas were blooming with red flowers. Flowers falling from some trees on the road formed a beautiful rangoli. Hence, it feels like being on the set of a film. Buransh (Rhododendron arboreum) flower juice is helpful in increasing the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and controlling blood pressure.
At the end of the road comes the tourist guest house of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, where the motorcycle can be parked and the easy trek of about 2 km to the zero point can begin. A watch tower has been built by the Forest Department at the zero point, and from there, a beautiful view of peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Panchachuli, Neelkanth, Trishul, Chaukhambha can be seen.
The other place worth watching is the temple of the Golu deity. The Golu deity, who is considered to be an incarnation of Kalabhairav, is presented with a white shawl and turban by locals and devotees.
Good to Know for Perfect Trip…..
Getting There
Reaching Kasar Devi is an adventure in and of itself. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, followed by a scenic drive through the mountains. For those opting for a more leisurely journey, a train to Kathgodam combined with a picturesque road trip is a delightful option.
Best Time to Visit
The charm of Kasar Devi is ever-present, but the best time to experience its magic is during the months of April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the views are at their most captivating.
Transportation
The nearest airport is Delhi, from where you can get trains to Kathgodam. Kathgodam is also connected to other cities by rail. Uttarakhand State Transport Corporation runs from Almora and Nainital. But if you have your own vehicle or taxi, you can do it flexibly.
Accommodation
Kumaon Mail Vikas Nigam’s official website www.kmwn.in can be booked for their hotels and resorts, each of whose properties are located in the most beautiful locations. Home-Stay is easily available almost everywhere. If not booked in advance, one can easily get accommodation even by going to the place.
The local delicacies of Kumaon are worth relishing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kasar Devi beckons those in search of more than just a tourist destination. It is a pilgrimage for the soul, an exploration of self in the lap of the Himalayas. The ancient energy, coupled
modern-day tranquility, making it a haven for seekers of both spiritual enlightenment and natural beauty.
Embark on this journey to Kasar Devi, where the hidden gems of Uttarakhand await your discovery.
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