Haidakhan - Beauty of this place is spectacular. One would be awestruck after reaching this place. Located in the foothills of Himalayas ie the Kumaon range, Haidakhan is of religious importance known as Haidakhan Vishwamahadham after Baba Haidakhan.
Haidakhan remains unheard and unknown to majority of travelers. It is a 3 hrs diversion from Rambagh railway station on the way to Nanital (Uttaranchal). The journey uphill is ecstatic and memorable. For anyone who enjoys serenity and calmness would cherish the journey as well as the destination.
The long stretch to reach my destination was full of surprises. It was like a suspense, like life. Every turn gave a novel view, something different. At a point, a feeling to have lost the way. There is no one to help, no guidance , just a gut feeling that this is the right way. Roads look untraveled & we head into a pathless destination.
Twittering of birds, dense forests and tiny roads create a sense of adventure.Haidakhan is known for the Ashram of Baba Haidakhan. The likes of Priyanka Chopra take an annual visit to the place. A brief history of the place: Haidakhan Baba, who is also known by many other names such as Kanchopi Topa Baba, is considered by many to be the same person as Mahavatar Babaji who initiated Lahiri Mahasay in 1861. This account is quite famous because it is well documented in Paramahamsa Yogananda’s autobiography. He received the name “Haidakhan Baba” because he was often seen in the Kumaon region of the Himalayan foothills in a village known as Haidakhan. These appearances mainly occurred between 1800-1922.
The main attraction of the place is the Ashram which is beautifully managed by the Pandits. Many toiurists visit Haidakhan during Sep-Oct when its at the peak of its beauty. The wide riverbed fills up with shallow water & to visit the Main Temple one has to walk barefoot on the riverbed making it an entrhalling experience. The crystal clear water gurgles which makes us aware of the Power of Nature & its immense beauty. Parallel to the riverbed runs a well kept flowerbed where one can find rare & exotic flowers.
The Temple has a long series of giant bells (Mandir Ghantas) which creates a heavenly music and echoes amidst the mighty mountains mingling with the softness of twirling water & fragnance of exotic flora.Only a handful of local people in Nainital & surroundings are aware about Haidakhan. The place might look very mundane & lacking all attractions of a big city/tourist destination, but its worth the experience.
There are no fancy restaurants present. A meal at the Ashram dhaba or Maggi & chips makes it a very enjoyable experience. I am not sure if ever in my lifetime I would see that place again. The imprints of some places & people are so strong that they always remain engraved in our memory. The journey to Haidakhan, my stay for 5 hours there & after 2 years all seems so fresh.
When small stream-lets sift underneath our feet. When holy bells create an enchanted harmony with breath-taking mountains. I would just say that " Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads".
At the Stairway to heaven there is No Snow, No Rivers, No Fancy Trees , No Comforts. There is just a mere human thankful for everything. At a Stairway to heaven there are no regrets , no worries , no success & nothing that money can buy.
There are some places which you don't remember visiting & some which you never forget. At a Stairway to Heaven you just love where you are. If in daily life we carry this feeling around, It would be a Bliss.
Till then take those Stairs & Be healthy - Body & Soul.
