A Tiny Hamlet Where Kings Walked

With alluring panorama, Pushpawati Pooth tempted me to explore its surroundings extensively. Locally called as Pooth, this small village in dist Hapur of UP, holds sweet memories of Mahabharat. Pushpawati was a part of Pandavas’ capital. It happened to be a magnificent garden where kings of Hastinapur had leisurely walks. Queen Draupadi used to come here frequently. And now I was walking in its fascinating environs on Ganga banks.

Ganga banks at Pooth
Villagers navigating through shallow waters
Smiling faces that enchanted me

Present day Pooth has a high profile Gurukul as well. Gurukuls are very significant in the spiritual ecosystem of sacred Ganga. The core of gurukul’s teaching is rooted in Vedas and ancient texts. In current times most gurukuls have included other general subjects as well to keep students well versed in the modern education system. I interacted with students and faculty there.

Gurukul college at Pooth

I had wished to capture the mystical dawn and rising sun at Ganga banks in Pooth. Luckily I could do so being the clear sky that day.

Mystique of dawn
Women worshipping at day break
Magnificent sunup

From Pooth I walked to Shankara Tila, a piece of history on the verge of extinction due to encroachment and erosion. Adi Shankaracharya spent time on this mound while on his way to the Himalayas. An extraordinary Vedic scholar, Adi Shankara could recite all Vedas at the age of four. He walked the whole country, educating and re-establishing the dominance of Vedas. Shankara tila is one of the significant findings on sacred Ganga banks that I came across during my Ganga walks. Nearby, there is a village also known as Shankaratila, named after this historical mound. Priest of Ganga ghat at Pooth volunteered to walk with me for around 10 km from Pooth to Shankara Tila mound and back. A very scenic trail.

Scenic trail to reach Shankara Tila mound

Pooth is also the first Ganga Gram of India. A distinction awarded to selected villages on Ganga banks.

36 Comments

  1. What a beautiful sunset you experienced. Looks like an amazing place to visit, explore and learn about x

  2. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article about the charming little village where even kings have walked. The vivid descriptions and beautiful photos truly transported me there. Your passion for travel and cultural exploration shines through in your writing. Keep up the excellent work!

  3. You go to the best places ever!!! This is so amazing, I would love to go there one day, that would be amazing.

  4. Your vivid descriptions and stunning photos really transported me to that magical place. It’s amazing how much history and culture can be found in such a small, remote corner of the world. Reading your post has definitely piqued my interest in visiting the area myself someday.

  5. What a charming hamlet. I enjoy visiting unheard places like this, it’s much more interesting than popular destinations.

  6. You cannot beat those views..the sunsets are stunning. What a beautiful quiet corner of the world you’ve found…it looks so peaceful there.

  7. Such a beautifully written post! Your love for travel and exploration is evident in your words. I loved seeing all the beautiful photos of this magnificent place. Thank you so much for sharing!

  8. It looks like a lovely place to visit. All the clicks are really so beautiful and scenic. I would love to visit

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