9 August. Leh Ladakh Trip - 8 - 16 Aug 24 - Shanti Stupa.

LEH - LADAKH TRIP - SHANTI STUPA..

LADAKH SHANTI STUPA

Namu Myo Ho Renge Kyo

Located at an altitude of 3,609 metres or 11,841 feet, Ladakh Shanti Stupa with the holy Buddha relics enshrined inside, is the world's highest Shanti Stupa. It symbolises World Peace. The Most Ven'ble Nichidatsu Fujii Guruji, founder of Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order of Japan had built many such holy Stupas in different parts of the world. An associate of Mahatma Gandhi, Ven'ble Fujii Guruji was a recipient of the coveted "Jawaharlal Nehru Award of International Understanding" (1978).

Keeping in mind Ladakh's famed ethos of peace, harmony and tolerance, Ven'ble Kushok Bakula Rinpoche (Padma Bhushan) also known as the 'Architect of Modern Ladakh', sought one such holy Stupa in Leh. He approached Fujii Guruji in this regard while assuring him of his personal cooperation in the matter. His request was accepted by Fujii Guruji. Accordingly, Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura was deputed to Leh to coordinate the construction work which commenced on the Changspa Hill in Leh. Sadly, due to his advanced age, Most Ven'ble Fujii Guruji could not visit Leh

The Land Purification Ceremony of Ladakh Shanti Stupa was performed by Ven'ble Kushok Bakula Rinpoche on 8th April 1983. Among those who attended the ceremony included Shri Pinto Norbu, Minister of State for Hospitality and Protocol, Government of J&K, Shri. C. Phunsog, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Brig. R.K. Gaur of the Indian Army, guests from Japan and other dignitaries.

H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso laid the Foundation Stone of Ladakh Shanti Stupa on 25th August 1985 on which day the temple attached to the Shanti Stupa was also opened by His Holiness.

On 25th August 1991 Ladakh Shanti Stupa was inaugurated by Ven'ble Thiksey Khenpo Rinpoche in the presence of guests from Nipponzan Myohoji, Japan, leaders of different religious faiths, community leaders, other dignitaries and a large number of people. Ven'ble Togdan Rinpoche Inaugurated the main prayer hall adjacent to the Ladakh Shanti Stupa.

Bulk of the construction cost of Ladakh Shanti Stupa was met by

Nipponzan Myohoji of Japan through funds provided by Buddhists in Japan and other parts of the world. People from across Ladakh including school children, government employees and social organizations under the banner of Ladakh Buddhist Association, headed by Shri Sonam Stobdan and Ladakh Gonpa Association, provided free labour (Shram-

daan) during the entire process of construction. Logistics and material support were also provided by the Leh administration and the Ministry of Defence through its local formation. The approach road to Ladakh Shanti

Stupa was constructed by the PWD which was made possible with the intervention of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India.

Ladakh Shanti Stupa is registered under the Societies Registration Act under the name and style

'Nipponzan Myohoji Shanti Stupa Leh' Execution of Ladakh Shanti Stupa project was supervised throughout by Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura who is also the founding President of the Society.

May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Management Committee Nipponzan-Myohoji Shanti Stupa Society, Leh.

This information is taken from the information board installed at the Shanti Stupa by ASI.

Please read the photo captions for additional information. Link to the photo album of Leh- Ladakh Trip is given below.

https://rb.gy/yypdx5

9 August. Leh Ladakh Trip - 8 - 16 Aug 24 - Leh Palace.

Leh Ladakh Trip - Leh Palace, 

Recent Trip to Leh Ladakh.

Leh Palace.

ANCIENT PALACE LEH (Gle-Chen dPal-mKhar)

Leh Palace is an architectural masterpiece and an engineering feat of the Namgyal dynasty, the second dynasty of Ladak rulers. The construction of the Palace was completed in a short span of only three years during the reign of Senge Namgyal (C.1590-1635 A.D), the most Illustrious king of Ladakh. The Palace is built in Tibetan architectural style with materials like stones, sun-dried mud bricks, wood of poplar, juniper and willow procured from different areas of Leh.

The most impressive feature of the Palace is the high-quality stonework visible in the sharp-edged corners and the gently tapering wall with horizontal timber lacing which prevents vertical cracks in the structure. The size of the window increases from a mere slit at the lower level to highly decorated overhanging balconies at the upper level. It is a great example of the style of architecture represented by Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet) and is the highest building of its time in the world The Palace comprises nine levels with over a hundred rooms, however, the purpose of only a few of considerable importance are known. The rooms in the lower levels served for use by staff, servants and as storage silos. The Palace is entered through

an elaborately embellished wooden portico gate known as Singe-sgo. (The Lion Gate) at level two. At level fourth is a large open courtyard known as Khatok Chenmo, a platform for social and cultural activities of the royal family as well as a royal shrine The ministers and other members were addressed by the king in the hall of audience located on fifth level in the south-east corner. The living quarters for the royal family were reserved on level sixth while for the royal apartment and chamber of the ki level seventh was used. The level eighth has few ancillary rooms in the northeast

corner and the ninth, apex level comprises of a shrine dedicated to the protector deity of the royal family.

The Palace was occupied till the time of the Dogra invasion (1834-40), after which the royal family shifted to Stok Palace. Since then, the Palace remained more or less abandoned, due to which the decay began; both man-made and natural factors played an equal role. The Palace was in a ruined state when the Archaeological Survey of India declared the edifice a Monument of National Importance in the year 1982. Since then, ASI has carried out restoration and conservation in a phased manner to consolidate the structure, thereby infusing new life in this historic monument and reviving the glory of the Palace.

The above info is taken from the Information Board installed by the Archaeological Survey Of India(ASI)

PS.

Please read the photo captions for additional information. Link to the photo album of Leh- Ladakh Trip is given below.

https://rb.gy/yypdx5

08 Aug 24. Leh ladakh Trip - 8 Aug - 16 aug 24.

LEH - LADAKH TRIP 8 AUG - 16 AUG.

Way back in 2019, we had booked a trip to Russia and the Scandinavian Countries with Kesari Travels
Then, in March, the famous COVID lockdown was ordered. Leave alone foreign tours, even going out of the house was not allowed.
Kesari informed us that they have deducted an amount of approximately 60 K, and the remaining amount was placed in a credit shell.
Eventually, when the COVID lockdown was lifted and travel was permitted, we were told that the credit shell amount could be used only for foreign travel.
By then, Priti had taken a policy decision that, due to the possibility of anything going wrong with our systems being very high, we would not be undertaking any foreign travel in future.
So we had an impasse.
Later, due to good relations with Kesari Staff, Radhika in particular, we were permitted to use the credit shell amount for domestic tours as well.
We decided to use that credit shell for the trip to Leh.
The trip was from 08 August to 16 August 2024 and from Leh to Leh. Which meant that e had to make our own arrangements to teach Leh on the 8th of August. Also make our own arrangements from Leh to return to our own place.
The total cost for both of us worked out to Rs 1,04,980/-
We booked our flights from Nagpur -Delhi - Leh.
Return was a bit involved,
Leh- Delhi. Halt 16 -19 Aug.
Delhi - Indore. Halt 21 -24 Aug.
Indore - Nagpur 25Aug 24.

08 August 2024.

Our Delhi flight departure was at 0715.     

As is our practice, we reached the airport two hours before the flight departure time. By 0530 we had checked in our luggage and also done security.                                                               The patio after the security has a nice coener, and the airport authorities make efforts to put up nice adornments to make it look attractive. This time, they had a beautiful peacock picture on display. Boarding and flight were smooth.

Landed at IGI airport and deboarded at Terminal 2.

Luckily, our next flight to Leh at 1100 was also from Terminal 2. 

After landing, we reached our departure gate by 0930, well in time. Saw a flight departing for Leh at 1000. In due time, boarded our flight and departed for Leh. Took some photos.

During the flight, we were very pleasantly surprised airhostess approached and, after wishing Priti, handed over a very nice note and a packet of Makhans.😀

Leh Ladakh Trip - 8 August to 16 August 2024.

Leh Ladakh Trip - 8 August to 16 August 2024.

These are the Google Maps screenshots of our Leh - Ladakh Trip.   

Leh Trip, This map is included just to show the start, the place where we stayed in Leh and the IGI Airport, where the trip ended.

This screenshot is just to give you an overall picture of the routes followed, hotels where we stayed, restaurants where we had food and the tourist attractions we visited. 

Photo icons indicate photos and their precise(as near as possible)  location where they were taken on the map.

 But these details can not be accessed here. They can be accessed only on the 

interactive map.

Leh Trip. Screenshot of the interactive map. This is part of the interactive map. You will see when you open it. Link to the interactive map is given in the text.

FOR INTERACTIVE MAP, GO HERE.

(for your viewing convenience, the link will open in a new tab.) 

Join Priti and me in our Leh Trip by navigating through the Google interactive map through the layers of 8th Aug and the 16th of August.

Even while driving, I have clicked photos of anything that caught my fancy, or I thought was interesting, and I have plotted the locations where these photos were taken and are indicated by a photo icon on the map. I will urge you to go through the captions of the photos as they give interesting info. 

For better viewing and less confusion, close the days layer after you have navigated through it before opening the new days layer.

How to navigate through the interactive map:

Click on the square against '08 August. Nagpur - Leh'. It will open MapOtravelogue for 8th Aug.

Unlike the map above, when the interactive map opens, it may not be centred.  

How to 'centre' the map.

Place the cursor anywhere on the map, and an icon of a palm will appear. Press the left click, and the palm icon will turn into a fist icon. With the left key pressed, move the map to the desired position. Once you are 'centred,' release the left key.

To see a particular place.

In the panel on the left of the map, click the place name you are interested in, and that place will be highlighted in the panel, and the map will move automatically to the location of the place. At the same time, a panel will also appear giving information about that place. If photos have been taken at that place, they will also appear in the same panel.
Zoom in to the max and centre it to better view the place/attraction. Every time you zoom, you may have to recenter the map.
After you have gone through the place, zoom out again before going to the next place.
HAVE A NICE TRIP.

Photographs of the whole trip are given in the shared album "Leh-Ladakh trip. 08 - 16 August. " I will urge you to go through the captions of the photos as they give interesting info. 

To go to the photo album of the Leh trip, go HERE. 

 

Vertical Challange, East Coast Park.

Vertical Challange, East Coast Park. 

When we had visited Singapore in 2018, construction on this side was still going on to day there is this huge play tower called Vertical Challange.

Located at Area B of East Coast Park,  Coastal PlayGrove is the latest family-friendly destination at East Coast Park that has everything you need for a day of endless fun.

Play Tower Vertical Challanges an slides are Suitable for youths aged 13 years and above. Vertical Challenge is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 8am - 10pm. Play Tower Slides are open daily, 8am - 10pm. Usage is not recommended when equipment is wet.

The 16m, four-storey high Play Tower houses the Vertical Challenge, a vertical net play area and numerous rope-based obstacles which includes stepping pods, hammocks, grip wall and disc swings. Visitors can scale up and scramble through the nets and obstacles to reach the very top. Once at the top, take a moment to enjoy the breezy winds and the lovely 360o view of East Coast Park and the sea. If you’re raring to go for another round, take the enclosed tube slides on the third and fourth floor for a quick descent and start all over again.

The nets offer unique challenge for climbing and make adreline running through your body for higher exciting.ment and enjoyment.

View of the nets from first level.

upward view of Vertical challang nets seen from ground level.

The view of East Coast Park area fro the top level is really breathtakingly beautiful. 

View fro top level of Vertical Challange.

View fro top level of Vertical Challange.

View fro top level of Vertical Challange.

Mumbai - Pune - Kokan Trip. 05 Jan - 21 Jan 2023.

 Mumbai - Pune - Kokan Trip. 05 Jan - 29 Jan 2023.

(Created between 25 Jan 23 & 24Mar 23)

 The Break-up of the Trip:

5 Jan 23 -             Nagpur Mumbai.

5 Jan - 9 Jan -      Mumbai Stay.

10 Jan 23 -           Mumbai - Pune.

10 Jan - 15 Jan -  Pune Stay.

15 Jan - 21 Jan - Kokan Trip.

22 Jan - 29 Jan - Pune Stay.

29 Jan 23 - Pune - Nagpur.

This is a screenshot of our MapoBlog - Nagpur - Mumbai - Pune - Kokan - Nagpur Trip.  This Screenshot is just to give you an overall picture of the routes followed, the hotels where we stayed, the restaurants where we had food and the tourist attractions we visited. But these details can not be accessed on this map. Full details and descriptions about routes, hotels stayed, restaurants, where we had food and the information/write-up about tourist attractions visited by us, can be accessed in "interactive" Google Maps. 

For the interactive map GO HERE.
In case you have a problem / need to be more conversant about navigating through the map, guidelines are given below.

How to navigate through the interactive map:

When the interactive map opens, it may not look like the map above, it may not even be "centred". 

 To 'centre' the map, place the cursor anywhere on the map and an icon of palm-fist will appear. Press the left click and drag the map to anywhere or to any desired area you are interested in.

To see the location you are interested in, click the name of that location in the left panel, which will become highlighted, at the same time, a panel will also appear on the map at the location of that place, giving its name and write-up/description/details about that place. You will / may have to centre the location on the map for better viewing. Zoom in to the max and centre it for better viewing of the place/attraction. 

If photos have been taken at that place, they will also appear in the same panel. These photos do not give captions nor can they be viewed in zoom mode. To see the captions and view the photos you have to open the "trip-album".

A link to the "trip album" of the complete trip is given at the end.

In this album, you can zoom in to see photo details and also read the captions. 

After you have gone through the place and seen the photos zoom out again before going to the next place.

PHOTOGRAPHS.

The shared album "2023. Mumbai - Pune - Kokan Trip." gives photographs of the whole trip.

Open the album by going to the link given below. GO HERE.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZPCaZS5ALZNK7KXn7

IMPORTANT TIP. 

Photos in the interactive map have been uploaded in chronological order. 

Open the album either in a new tab or a new window.

Photos in the album have the same chronological order as that of the trip. So, If you follow the map chronologically your photos will also appear in that order and you see the locations as well as zoomable photos with captions in their proper order/sequence.

 This will save you from the bother of repeatedly going forward or backwards in the photo album.

BAPS Akshardham Temple. Gandhinagar.

 BAPS Akshardham Temple. Gandhinagar.

As was expected there was a fair crowd, mostly devotees of Lord Swaminarayan and a few of our kind, generally called “the tourists”, who come to see so-called tourist attractions, which are generally beautifully constructed, well-landscaped, and laid-out buildings, temples etc.

One can not carry mobile phones or cameras in the temple

 IMPORTANT TO NOTE 

1.     If you go to the gate directly you will be sent back to the deposit room to deposit all your phones and cameras. If there is too much of a crowd and you have to return all the way back to deposit the phones/cameras is quite frustrating. So go and deposit the phones/ cameras first. A token will be issued to reclaim the items deposited. To compensate for this the temple authorities have their own photographer who takes your photos which can be collected after a gap of about 30 minutes. Of course, this comes at a cost and you have to pay for the photocopy. The Photo for which we paid is attached.

2.     While issuing the token, a photo of the person who is depositing the items is captured. If visiting in a larger group, remember that only the person who has deposited the items can reclaim them. This insures that no fraud takes place.

Those who go to Akshardham or any temples considered tourist attractions are not necessarily atheists. At these places of worship, We the tourist also pray and pay obeisance to God. We being who we are, like to have something to remind us of our visit to these wonderful places. Photos taken at that place are the only memories we can carry. I see no logic or valid reason for the “No photographs” rule at Akshardham or any other place of worship or of tourist interest. It is high time the Department of Tourism issued guidelines on this subject.

Akshardham Gandhinagar lives up to the rightly earned reputation of r by the “Akshardham” temples built by BAPS all over India and the World.

Like all the others, Akshardham Gandhinagar is grand, it is huge, and it is built of pink red sandstone with exquisite and amazingly beautiful carvings, It is located in a vast sprawling ground. These grounds are very nicely and professionally landscaped with the right kind of well-maintained, trimmed plants and shrubs. It also has plats and shrubs with excellent topiary work.  

As you face the temple, on the right, there are five exhibition halls. Others from the group were happy with whatever we had seen by then and wanted to proceed to the next place. But I wanted to see one of the halls named “The Mystic India”. I was sent off to satisfy my wish with a stern warning not to take more than half an hour. So off I went. One cannot enter any hall at his will. The entry has to be through hall number one, progressing from hall 1 to hall 2, and so on and so forth till you reach hall five and finally exit the hall’s corridor. So, I went to hall number 1.

Entry to the exhibition halls is as per laid down timings. Luckily, I did not have to wait too long. Exhibition Hall no 1 had paintings of, life-size tableau covering the start of the pilgrimage by Shri Swaminarayan at the age of 11. There is also an audiocassette playing in the background describing the paintings and the tableau. As I was in a hurry I walked fast through the hall. My progress was halted as the exit door to hall 1 and entry door to hall 2 both were closed. The doors were opened only after the audio cassette ended describing events covered in painting and tableau in hall no 1. As I was pressed for time I requested the staff and came out without going through the other 4 exhibition halls. Apparently, there is a continuous audio recording describing the life and achievements of Shri Swaminarayan. Your progress through the halls is controlled by the progressive unwinding of the audio cassette. The recording is approximately 2 hours plus duration. So if you want to see all the exhibition halls earmark about 2 hours plus for that activity.  

I joined others and we were good to go for Dandi Kutir which was the next place on our itinerary.