One of New Govardhana’s main pujaris Dhanistha devi dasi recently embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the Himalayas. Along with friends, Bhuvana Mohini devi dasi and Madhu, Dhanistha braved dangerous slopes and high altitudes to eventually arrive at Gangotri, the origin of Mother Ganga.
Their journey began with a day drive from Rishikesh to Janaki Chattion, a very windy, frightening road complete with treacherous mudslides. Next, the team hiked six kilometers to Yamunotri, a very steep, but beautiful climb 3,291 meters above sea level. Despite being exhausted due to altitude sickness, the team continued on, only relenting to ride a pony for the last kilometer.
“I was particularly amazed at the inspiring local devotees, some of them quite elderly, who regularly make the climb. They smiled at our team and urged us onwards,” says Dhanistha.
From Yamunotri, the ladies followed on to Gangotri, driving two days to get there. Gangotri is nestled in the Garthwal Himalayas. The temple there attracts many pilgrims who also bathe in the icy cold pious waters of Mother Ganga.
Dhanistha’s pilgrimage into the Himalayas is inspiring to say the least!
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