Shivaling Peak above the Tapovan meadow

Shivaling Peak, originally uploaded by Oda's Courses.

“This photo was taken the morning of full moon in May, 2007, while walking the Char Dam pilgrimage, a holy pilgrimage undertaken by Hindus to the four sacred temples at Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath”, says the photographer under the post, and adds, Shivaling Peak, at an altitude of 6,500 meters, is snow-capped all year round, royally adorning the clear blue skies above the Tapovan meadow (4,500 meters). Tapovan is situated above Gangotri and Gomukh Glaciers, the source of the Ganges River, with its lingam-shaped top, thus associating it with the God Shiva. This meadow is the ancient home of many sadhus and yogis who retreat from the world into make-shift dwellings of natural caves and rocks, into a hermit-like seclusion to do tapas (spiritual practice) as part of the spiritual quest.”