KEDARNATH
32 Days Before Devastation
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
I commenced my shoot with 4 HDV and DSLR cameras on 8th May 2013 and ended on 17th May 2013 after the successful completion of the given task. The date that was decided for the presentation of the film was 16th June 2013. But that was not to be! The entire world woke up to the shocking news of massive devastation in Uttarakhand on 16th and 17th June 2013, which would go down in history as the ‘Uttarakhand Tragedy’. All Television News channels flashed videos and photographs of the flood and landslide affected parts of the state and it was not long before I saw that even Kedarnath and the other adjoining areas where I had shot, could not escape nature’s fury. I do not know whether to call it a fortunate or the most unfortunate film made because it has everything that is not in existence anymore. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Kedarnath temple every year, but it was those thousands who came this year… never to return. Many lost their lives and many more were buried alive under the debris. There are those who allege the government for allowing the bringing down of the Bhairavi Temple, while yet others who believe it’s the wrath of Lord Shiva that has unleashed such destruction in the holy area, resulting in the death of numerous devotees. I would rather not delve into the causes of this calamity, but it gives me great pain to think of the pilgrims at Kedarnath, Ram Bara, Gauri Kund and Sonprayag and the local dwellers at Guptkashi, who got no time to escape and evade death. It might take years to restore the destroyed areas, but even believe, to bring back the lost glory of this land and reinstate the faith of its devotees.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
This book may be considered as a book of records, showing the glorious past of one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus – Kedarnath. While filming the ceremonial events at Kedarnath, I had never dreamt of such massive destruction that was about to take place there just after thirty-two days. The temple surroundings, shops, roads, property and thousands of lives were destroyed by the horrifying rage of nature. It won’t be incorrect to say that this book has now become a historical evidence of the beautiful Kedarnath. During my recent visit to Kedarnath on 5th October-2013, I sincerely appreciated the endeavors of the state government of Uttarakhand and Shri Badrinath Shri Kedarnath Temple Committee for restoring the traditional rituals and allowing the pilgrims to visit the Shrine. It is also true that the past glory of Kedarnath that you may find in this book is no more present and there is hardly any chance of it being seen again as before.
About the Author
As regular routine I kept writing my diary during my film shoot in the Uttarakhand, I recorded ceremonies of at the holiest temples just 32 days before the devastation. The holy places like –Kedarnath, suffered from massive destruction, numerous pilgrims died on 16th and 17th June-2013. It is not possible to reopen the shrine in coming 5 years or so. A book with the pictures taken by me 4 weeks ago will be invaluable because no one was allowed to do it before. My forefathers lived Rajasthan and since 1992 I have been living in Delhi and Mumbai. My films and conservation works were acknowledged and awarded by Government and world known NGOs. My films are mostly based on archaeological discoveries, wildlife and conservation. I would like to add that when I was shooting in the Uttarkhand from 8th May-2013 to 17th May-2013, my mother who was suffering from cancer, was in ICU, she at that time kept sending me messages to continue the shoot without any break. I am proud to be the son of such a bold parents. My 12 years old daughter ‘Mirambika’ is a great source of encouragement. She helps me at every phase of my life within her best caliber and capability. I also feel that it was the desire of the Almighty otherwise why I just few weeks ago I got the opportunity to shoot with four HD cameras. We completed the shoot in extreme weather conditions. I feel now people of world will enjoy the book because for few years the holiest Shrine Kedarnath will remain closed for an unknown period.