Vasudhara Falls

2021-12-14T12:49:14Z

2409:4050:DB9:6D33:B8EA:F4:DC2:2779: /* Mythology */

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2017}}
[[File:Vasudhara Fall, Sep 2012.jpg|thumb|Vasudhara Fall, Sep 2012]]
'''Vasudhara Falls''' is a waterfall situated near [[Badrinath]], in [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]].

== Geography ==
[[Uttarakhand]] is surrounded by waterfalls. Vasudhara waterfall is set in the background of a 145 m cliff. Nearby mountains are [[Chaukhamba]], [[Nilkantha (mountain)|Nilkantha]] and [[Balakun]].<ref name="harsh" />

The falls flow into the river [[Alaknanda]], flowing towards Badrinath Temple. The distance from [[Badrinath]] to Vasudhara is 9 km.

The height of this waterfall is {{Cvt|400|ft}}.<ref name="harsh">{{cite book|last=Bisht|first=Harshwanti|title=Tourism in Garhwal Himalaya : with special reference to mountaineering and trekking in Uttarkashi and Chamoli Districts|year=1994|publisher=Indus Pub. Co.|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788173870064|pages=41, 43|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6C6DGU73WzsC&q=vasudhara+fall&pg=PA43}}</ref>

[[Satopanth Glacier|Satopanth glacier]] sits near the bottom of Vasudhara.<ref name="harsh" /> [[Satopanth Tal]] is 25 km from [[Badrinath]]. Laxmi van (forest) is on the way to Satopanth glacier from Vasudhara.

== History ==
[[File:Vasudhara Falls.JPG|thumb|Vasudhara Falls, Uttarakhand]]
'Vasu' refers to [[Lord Vishnu]]'s [[Vasudeva]]. [[Dharā|Dhara]] (river in Sanskrit) means "path of the river", so "the path of [[Lord Vishnu]]".

In Hinduism, the legend says that lewania is a 2 person soul. It is also the place where Sage Vedavyasa divided the Vedas into four Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva.

The water of this spring does not touch the body of sinners. For this reason, [[Hindu]]s take the water of this spring with them. Sinners should stay away. It is said that if the holy water of this spring starts falling on you, then you are a virtuous soul. The one on whom it falls is considered to be entitled to salvation and because of this, devotees stand under this holy waterfall. This spring is considered to have a flavor like [[nectar]] because its water has been enriched by [[Ayurveda|Ayurvedic]] herbs, such that the person on which its water falls becomes healthy. [[Hindus]] keep holy water at their homes to use in religious practices.

The [[Pandavas]] passed through Ehi on their way to Swargarohini Yatra. [[Sahadeva]] gave up his life near Vasudhara. They reached two hills, but could not cross them. Mahabali Bhima was the most powerful among them, so he picked up a boulder and threw it between the two hills, making an enormous bridge, allowing them to continue towards heaven. From Tawi the bridge is called Bhempul.

Asthavasu was described in the [[Puranas]], one of whom meditated there. He received [[Shri Krishna]] as his son. He became Nand Baba in [[Dvapara Yuga]], Vasudhara is Nand Baba's favorite meditation place.

== Access ==
Mana Village and Vasudhara Fall are usually accessible to tourists from the second week of May to October or November when [[Badrinath temple]] is open to the general public. [[Badrinath]] is accessible by motor vehicles from [[Rishikesh]], the nearest railway station.

== Trekking ==
[[File:Valley to Vasudhara.jpg|thumb|Valley to Vasudhara]]
The three-hour trek starts from Mana village. After passing [[Saraswati Mandir]], the trek becomes very steep, allowing views of Vasudhara river valley.

The route is stony with some grass and shrubs in the sides. Even on a bright sunny day, the weather is mildly cool and breezy (during June to August). Sometime misty and fog may appear. A light jacket is advised for late evening hours.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Commons category|Vasudhara Falls}}

[[Category:Waterfalls of Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Geography of Chamoli district]]

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Vasudhara Falls