Utiarakhand 69
where remains of a party of pilgrims which went on a pilgrimage
are still found, scattered all over the place.
Another route from Karanprayag goes to Gairsen, Pandua-
khal, and Dwarahat to Ranikhet passing through Simli,
Chandpurgarhi and Adi Badri. The remains of ancient temples
which lie at Simli and Adri Badri are famed pieces of ancient
Indian architecture and sculpture. Although only few remains
of the past grandeur are available, yet the sculptures inside the
temple are gorgeous in majesty and beauty. The Shiva Parvati
forms have been carved out with perfect ease and precision.
Tfee Trident of Gopeshwar
From Karanprayag, some 20 kms. ahead is Nandprayag
where Mandakini meets Alaknanda. It is a small town full of
activity. A little ahead is Chamoli, the Tehsil headquarters of
the Chamoli district Tehsil. At a distance of 10 kms. on the
rocky hill terrain is located the District headquarters of the
Chamoli district at Gopeshwar which also houses probably the
oldest temple of Garhwal. It is huge in dimensions, magnificent
in execution, perfect in style and abundant with the beauteous
sculptures which adorn the temple. But the most significant
feature of the temple is the famed trident which declares "The
illustrious prince Aneka Malla having extendedh is conquest on
all sides, brought together upon the spot sacred Mahadeva,
under the emblem of a pillar, the very sovereign of the world
whom his prowers had overcome and thus having re-established
this same pillar of victory, he acquired reputation. It is a pious
act to raise up a worthy foe where he has been humbled." Thus
runs the inscription in the trident. Aneka Malla was probably
a Nepalese king who invaded the interiors of Kedarkhand
around 1200 A. D.
I stayed in Gopeshwar for nearly three years. I still remember
many memorable incidents of my stay over there. It was only
there that I could learn much about Garhwal and the history of
Uttarakhand.
JosMmath—the gateway to Holy Dham
From Chamoli Joshimath is only 54 km, but the journey is
over precipous rock faces, scree and deep winding valley. The