Eternal Quest (Part - 3)

On a misty winter morning we arrived at the Prayagraj railway station from Kashi, to witness the world's largest spiritual gathering of the millennium. The 'Maha Kumbh Mela', a significant Hindu pilgrimage festival, which was held in Prayagraj city, Uttar Pradesh. From January 13 to February 26, 2025. It is celebrated every 12 years and is considered the largest religious gathering in the world, attracting millions of devotees. This year's 'Maha Kumbh' is believed to be a once-in-144-year event due to a rare astronomical alignment. The event's key focus is the sacred bathing rituals (Shahi Snans) at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers converge. In this, millions gather to bathe in the holy waters, seeking purification and spiritual renewal. The sacred bathing rituals are a central part of the festival, believed to wash away sins. The event is believed to be an ultimate spiritual experience for Hindus. It is a once in a life-time opportunity for the attendees and considered to mark the completion of 12 cycles of 12-year Kumbh Mela. It is said that, it takes about 12 years of 'Brihaspati' to go around the sun, and thus 'Purna Kumbh' mela occurs when Jupiter completes the orbit. As Jupiter moves through different zodiac signs, its position relative to the Sun and Moon determines the specific location and timing of the Kumbh Mela.

This Kumbh Mela, is held at four sacred locations: Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain and Prayagraj (Allahabad). These locations are chosen for their spiritual and historical significance, especially for their proximity to holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari and Shipra. It is also chance for devotees to engage in deep introspection, gain spiritual knowledge, and strengthen their faith. The Kumbh symbolizes the union of the mortal body with the divine. 

It was half passed 7 in the morning, at the Prayagraj railway station. After getting down we started walking towards auto stand to fetch an auto or a cab to go to the boat club, so that we can hire a boat, which will take us to the nearest Sangam point to take the holy dip, these tips we got by our close friends who recently travelled to Kumbh. But divine has his own planning. We walked down towards auto stand, but stood confused seeing ocean of crowd. Finally got into an auto (tuktuk) which was not less than a mini XUV. He told us that, he can drop us just 3 km before Sangam, it’s in a walking distance. Minimum 15 people can accommodate in that electric auto. We somehow managed to enter the back side of the rickshaw. We made R to sit inside, myself and N somehow managed, we were literally hanging holding a small rod on the celling of auto. My one leg was outside hanging and my dupatta was flying in air. It was no less than a scene from Bollywood’s blockbuster movie Swadesh, in which a ocean of people travelling in a bus. Hardly driver and rare mirror was seen (ha-ha). With jerks, speed breakers, and bumpers and long annoying horn, we were dropped. We got down and were in total confusion, where to go and how to reach Sangam.

Upon asking a army police, we understood. Sangam is minimum 10km far from the place where we were dropped. As we were in Prayagraj just 3 days before the Shahi Snan date, there was a torrent of crowd. People from all walks of life were present in this auspicious event of millennium. Hence any type of transport was strictly banned. Announcements were made by the police, to just keep walking and not to gather groups and rush in between roads. It was 10am and we were exhausted and hungry. And we understood, our day is full of surprises and uncertainty. So planned to have breakfast first. Get some energy and start our walkathon. We walked almost for 5plus hours to reach Sangam. We saw huge and very huge mass crowd walking towards the ghats to take holy dip. And in no time, we became the eternal part of it. People carrying bags on their head, with small kids, who were tied to a rope so that they should not go missing in that supersonic crowd. We were just walking without looking up, as we could see only the heads up of ocean of people, which made me claustrophobic. It was definitely not an easy walk. We had few known contacts who were waiting for us near Sangam, where the Akhadas' tent city was made to refresh. But due to heavy rush, network was jammed. We couldn’t contact them, and we reached the Sangam around 1.30 pm, in the noon. There were many bathing ghats, which allowed the masses to take sacred bathing rituals. 

Finally, we arrived to a ghat where we could see very less crowd and the Sangam water to an extent looked clean, hence we decided to take dip in this place itself. We planned to take a dip in the holy Sangam turn by turn. Firstly, I went inside the water anxiously. I being not a water baby, at the confluence of Holy Ganga, Yamuna and Sarswati, under the clear skies, on the shores of pristine waters and in the midst of millions of voices chanting, I took my first dip into the river. All those pain, anguish and phobia's seeing that crowd, vanished in the first dip, sun was sharp and water was cold. After my 3rd dip, body was immersed in water, mind filled with the love of divine and soul soaked in divine energy. I was in total gratitude from the bottom of my heart for her divine calling. R and N were waiting near the shore of the river, I came up and changed my clothes. Changing rooms were made near each ghats for ladies. Now R and N went to take a holy dip. I was clicking their pictures. They both were having a gala time playing and swimming in water. Barricades and safety measures were made, which allowed people to take a dip or swim only up to certain level in the Sangam. After experiencing the blissful dip, we went near to a police van to check for food stall, We three were exhausted and heavenly hungry. Upon speaking to a policemen, we got to know that we took dip in the VIP ghat, which was open only for esteemed guest. We were so happy to know that, divine planned our sacred bath dip to taken in a most calm and clean ghat. I just looked up to the sky and bow down in gratitude. These are stories which make you believe and come close to the divine. 

After having our lunch, we started walking towards the exit to reach railway station, which was our second walkathon. We started walking towards the city of Prayagraj in search of an auto which can drop us to the railway station. But it turned to be a extremely chaotic, due to the rush going back to their stationed place. It was 5pm in the evening and we were caught in the middle of city, since no auto was free to drop us. My son broked down in tears, seeing the crowd after walking for almost an entire day minimum 18 to 19km, in that heavily crowded city. It is natural for 11-year-old kid, who was so patient and calm for almost 20 plus hours, as we started our journey early morning. One has to be smart in this kind of crowded place. I couldn't see him crying, N and I stopped a running auto and literally request him, saying we have our train back to Kashi in next 30 minutes. That rickshaw man finally agreed seeing us helpless. I offered him three times more money to drop, since there was no other way. And he immediately agreed to drop us. As the rickshaw started, we took a deep breathe. R was happy and totally exhausted, so were we. There was total silence. We were just watching the people on the roads carrying heavy luggage waiting for transportation. It was once in a lifetime experience. We were happy that R was able to witness this. It was a huge learning for him. 

My heart was overwhelmed watching those streets which was filled with ocean of people. There were people from all walks of life. On that day, I saw multitudes of people, streams of humanity all guided by faith and spirituality. I witnessed the magnificence dharma, spirituality and heritage. Some barely had clothes to cover their body, while others joined in their luxury vehicles. There were small kids excited and joyful, elderly struggling with frailties of health. I saw VIP's, their subjects, doctors, diseased. I saw ascetics as well as spiritual people. And it did not matter. For I realised that we are all one in that cosmic union. The Kumbh is not just about rituals, it is about awakening your spirit and realizing your purpose in this world. When we immerse ourself in the holy waters, you are not just cleansing your body, but your mind and soul as well, beginning anew with divine blessings. We reached railway station around 6pm, and got settled in the waiting lounge, our train was around 8pm back to Kashi, where we were stationed. We planned Prayagraj as a day trip.  

There was an unending happiness in me, after witnessing Maha Kumbh. It was just like a dream with open eye. In the waiting lounge we got to hear stories from people, who were on their way back home, like us. Few didn’t walk at all, they took a tour in the bike, with the help of locals, which was a smart move. We were clueless how to go about, other than the boat ride.  Met a beautiful, tall, seamless soul, with whom I jelled very well. Spiritual yet modern, down to earth, independent yet homely. As far I got to know, she was a total travel baby, who had come along with her friend. After a refreshing 1 hour of chat, time to say bye, as she had a train back home. We exchanged numbers and assured to be in contact. And yes, we are in touch even now, thanks to social media.

It was 8pm and we boarded our train back to Kashi, R went to sleep, which was expected. The lights went dim inside the train, on a winter night, as I was watching outside my window, so many thoughts were ruminating in my mind. On that day I witnessed, faith is a living, daring, confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a human could stake his life on it a thousand times. Inspite of such massive crowd, people from all walk of life, were walking in faith to be one with the supreme power without any second thought. I feel 'Faith is not a belief without proof, but trust without reservation'.

With this I am concluding my 'Eternal Quest', with a beautiful quote from my Gurudev - Sri Sri Ravishankar ji -

"There are multiple ways and beliefs to attain the divine, but being able to accept and honour them all, is what makes one truly great and noble".....

Har Har Gange!

 

Eternal Quest (Part -2)

After having a divine darshan in Ayodhya, we started towards our second destination and reached the railway station @ 9pm and got settled in an electric rickshaw, starting towards our hotel on a winter night. My heart filled with the joy and devotion, watching the colourful streets with sparkling lights across the city celebrating its existence. It is my, or rather our favourite place on this planet I could say. It is considered to be the oldest living city in the world, older than history, older than tradition, older even than legends & looks twice as old as all of them put together. A doorway for the beyond, and an epitome of creation in its energy form. This is the beautiful place that exists only a few, where the birth and death meet on the shore of Ganga. Which is a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, faith, devotion which leads to salvation. It is said three worlds form one city. According to Upanishad’s this city rests on the trident (Trishul) of the Lord Shiva. This ancient city was built as an instrument that gives human beings the phenomenal possibilities of uniting with the cosmic whole. On the shore of Ganga, from sunrise to sunset, this city paints a canvas of divine inspiration. This city illuminates truth and reveals reality. It does not bring new wonders into the scope of vision, but enables one to see what is already there. Where this eternal light intersects the earth, which is a mystical realm and a timeless destination that transcends mere sightseeing. It is not less than heaven, with the divine's energy. We arrived to explore the mysteries of spirituality, "Dev Nagari - Kashi". 

This was our second visit to Kashi. Our first visit was just after Covid, which was not planned and was spontaneous. It was my sudden wish to visit Kashi and everything got planned according to my wish, from hotel we stayed to having Vishwanath Baba darshan with Maha Rudrabhishek, to walk on ghats etc. As if a child's wish was fulfilled. Since then, it has become my second home. The joy after reaching Varanasi or Banaras, (One city many names) was a home - calling for me. R was tired and sleepy as we reached the railway station. We had travelled from Ayodhya to Kashi in Vande Bharath express, super-fast, clean, and convenient with no traffic, due to the seasonal rush. R loves train travels too. The moment we started towards our hotel, watching the decorated streets of Kashi, R was back in his form. Super happy and energetic. I was equally elevated with the happiness, that Mahadev called us for the second time. The city looked like a postcard celebrating its existence. It was half past 10 in the night, and we got settled in one of the beautiful hotels in Kashi. It is a palace turned into a beautiful luxurious hotel. We stayed in the same hotel on our first visit too. So, this is our home in the city. 

In earlier times it was believed only after human's reach 60 or start their Vanaprasthashrama, are supposed to travel to Kashi to attain Moksha. But in our first visit I understood, one has to travel to Kashi to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of life and death, which leave a lasting spiritual impact and inspire a deeper understating at a young age. And yes, in Kashi one has to be ready to walk miles, to see the real Varanasi, which has narrow and puzzled alleys, beautiful temples, shrines, all the major markets, cultural and religious diversity, and the most famous real Varanasi-food, people, cows and bulls, all is found inside the alleys which are not possible to visit by any vehicles.

On the second day in Kashi, we started in tuktuk to Kaal Bhairav temple. Sri Kaal Bhairav baba is the form of Bhagwan Shiva, who rules Kashi. It is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in Varanasi. The word "Kaal" holds triple meanings - 'Time', 'Death', and 'Fate', signifying Bhagvan Bhairav’s dominion over the three. According to popular belief, even death itself trembles before Kaal Bhairav. Bhairav baba is regarded as the Kashi's Kotwal (guardian), and it is said that anyone wishing to reside in the city or visit Kashi Vishwanath temple, must seek his divine permission. And this temple often has long queues, but it moves quickly. To avoid mid-morning/noon rush we reached the temple in the morning, and surprised with the crowd and heavy rush, due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh. After walking for 1 and half hour, we finally got the divine darshan of Lord Kaal Bhairav, who was majestically standing wearing a garland of skulls and carrying a club adorned with peacock feathers, symbolizing his formidable nature. In this temple as the sun sets the temple prepares for its nightly ritual, the Shayan Aarti. It is believed that the deity, Kaal Bhairav himself, awakens from his timeless slumber. It is my wish to witness this arti in this lifetime, as one has to be patient and hold on to night's sleep. Between 12pm to 1am, as per the season. The Aarti rises to its peak! It is said every moment during this arti, is governed by discipline as one stands in reverence.

On the same day in the evening we started, to one of the most significant Ghats of Kashi - ''Dashashwamedh Ghat". This bustling Ghat is the second of the five holy tirthas to take bath/dip in the Ganges. And also, very famous for its - 'Ganga Aarti'. This ghat is located close to Kashi Vishwanath temple. According to Purana's, in the heart of Dashashwamedh ghat, Bhagwan Brahma himself performed the grand 'Ashvamedha (ten horse sacrifices), with king Divodasa (King of Kashi). This ghat whispers of those long-ago sacrifices promise to confer the vast benefits upon each bather as ten Ashvamedha rituals. We reached the Dashashwamedh ghat around 6.15pm, due to crowd all over, with the help of a local people, we climbed 4 floors and stood on the last floor of his building which looked almost reaching the clouds, there were few foreigners who were already seated on chairs to witness the grand Ganga Aarti. We got settled, and to my amazement there were no boundaries to my joy, our view was almost like touching the sky, and the Ganges were shimmering like gold on that evening after sunset. As the sun's fiery embrace begins to wane, the Ganges stir, her currents reflecting hues of marigold and crimson. At twilight, the temple bells begin to sing, their melodious hymns resonating in perfect harmony. The conch rising in the air, the synchronised movements of priests, the waves of oil lamps on the river, and the vibrant colors of the offerings create a mesmerizing spectacle. The Ganga embrace the pilgrims, and the evening transforms into a symphony of devotion. The evening Ganga Aarti unveils its true enchantment. " Har Har Gange"

Next day we got ready and all set for the day tour. I had made a check-list where to eat, which ghats and temples to visit, keeping the rush in the mind. These cities were heavily crowded with the biggest festival of the Millenium had started (The Maha Kumbh). On our third day in Kashi - we visited nearby temples - Tulasi Manas, Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple, Tri-dev temple. All these temples are located in the radius of 1km. The joy of travelling in that electric rickshaw (tuktuk) and cycle rickshaw, was of a great joy in itself. This is the best mode of transport in Kashi to avoid traffic. After a point one has to walk in those small narrow lanes, to see the real beauty of Kashi. Kashi is no mere holiday destination but a gateway to eternity, where life is observed, lived and felt with each passing moment. From the ghats to the picturesque landscapes, you will embark on a journey of discovery, experiencing the soul of this ancient city in all its glory. After a good 4 hours of ride in tuktuk and completing our 10k plus steps, we were super hungry, and started towards the Banaras - Shaan, "The Ram Bhandar" Here we get lip smacking, authentic breakfast, delicious - Kachori Sabji and crispy mouth-watering, Jalebi made in desi ghee (clarified butter) Situated in the heart of the city Thateri Bazar. We walked almost 1 km in search of this shop, through narrow lanes, when we were heavenly hungry (ha-ha) Finally we spotted the shop, rushed inside to get a token. In a matter of 5 min, it went heavily crowded. After a wait of 40 min, we finally got our hands on the most lip-smacking breakfast of Banaras. After each bite there was hmmmm- Wah! My soul was happy (ha-ha).

We reached our hotel and spent a peaceful lovely evening, in the golden hour. Smelling the greens on a winter evening, in the beautiful lawns sitting on a wooden bench, sipping hot coffee. In winter the sun sets quite early. After 3 days of zip around, this was the most relaxing evening, we were looking for. R enjoyed his swing in the garden. At night we had an early dinner. This hotel has the most delicious, authentic food on their menu. We had a hearty meal. Went to bed early and slept soundly. 

On the fourth day, around 5 am we reached Kashi Vishwanath temple, and took our VIP pass, and saw there was a long queue. We stood in line for 2 hours. The original temple was called Adi Vishveshwar temple. This is one among 12 Jyotirlinga, the holiest Shiva temple. This temple was destroyed many times by Mughal rulers and reconstructed many times. The original 'Kashi Vishwanath' temple is said to have been built by King Vikramaditya perhaps as long as 2500 years ago, around the time of Varanasi's earliest history. The temple also appears in 'Kasha Kandra', an ancient text that may be as old as the 6th century. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself has declared this spot as his Royal residence. According to Purana's, Shiva appeared as a column of light, or Jyotirlinga, when Brahma and Vishnu argued about their supremacy. The places where Shiva's light pierced the earth became 12 Jyotirlingas, and Kashi Vishwanath is the 1st Jyotirlinga.  It is believed - Baba Vishwanath, himself plans one's trip, whom he wants to see in Kashi. And it was a divine calling for us. As we approached the temple, its golden Shikhar stood in resplendent glory. Plated with gold, this luminous spire seemed less an architectural marvel and more a celestial flame, eternally guiding the lost soul’s home. We firstly took blessings from Dhundiraj Ganeshi ji and chanted hymns, one has to first offer prayers to Dhundiraj prior to Lord Vishwanath, and later offered prayers to Goddess Annapurna, who is regarded as the queen of Kashi alongside her consort Lord Vishwanath, the king of Kashi. In this temple, Worshipping Goddess Annapurna is believed to bring both material, abundance and spiritual fulfilment, creating a balanced life. 

Holding a plate which consist of - Vibhuti, Milk, Water, Chandan, Bel Patra, Datura and some sweet which was offered to the lord Vishwanath, as I gazed upon the sacred Shivling, an overwhelming stillness engulfed me. R was chanting ‘Har Har Mahadev’, as my heartbeat took to a race I deeply in respect with gratitude, thanked the Lord for his divine blessings, guidance, and protection in our life. It was my heartfelt prayer acknowledging his role as the destroyer of negativity and the source of my inner peace and transformation. After our darshan in that freezing cold we sat inside the temple near a less crowded place and became just a witness of the moment. I went totally blank and was soaked in his presence and blessings. My heart was overwhelmed with gratitude and devotion. I never thought that this new year, our first visit will be to Kashi. I was living my dream. 'Kashi' - is also called as ' Cosmos city', because the city's design is believed to be aligned with the five elements of nature (earth, water, fire, air and space) according to Hindu scripts. It is a specific pilgrimage route representing these elements and their corresponding human body. These routes, are walked by countless devotees across millennia, and imbued with stories of devotion and miracles. We walked towards the exit gate of Kashi Vishwanath temple towards the mother divine - Goddess Vishalakshi Devi. A 10 min walk. 

Vishalakshi Devi temple is dedicated to the mother divine. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peetha's, a network of sacred shrine. It is believed, Sati's eye or earring had fallen in this spot. The name Vishalakshi, who represents the big eye of the cosmic mother. According to scriptures it was built and maintained by 'Nattukottai Nagar Athar', a mercantile community from Tamil Nadu. The majority of devotees visiting this temple are from Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In this temple one can witness the sacred feminine energy. Bowing down to the mother divine in reverence, thanking her for all her grace and blessings in our life and with much gratitude, we started walking towards the exit. Due to the heavy crowd, we couldn't do much shopping. Spent a pleasant evening in our hotel and had an early dinner. As we had covered all the main temples, our Fifth day in Kashi, we had kept, a little easy, for our favourite early morning boat ride in 'Asi Ghat'. Which is a popular activity that offers views of the Ganges and sunrise. 

We reached Asi Ghat around 8.30am and booked a decent Kayak boat. A narrow boat that is human - powered and propelled by a double-bladed. We sat in the boat and started our 1-hour journey, witnessing sunrise on different ghats on that misty morning, when winter was at its peak. We got to hear many interesting stories from our guide who was taking us on this boat ride. There was a group of Siberian Gulls flying over us. These birds arrive in Varanasi around November and stay here for two-three months. As the weather begins to warm up in March or April, they return back to their home - Siberia. As I was watching the Ganges, my mind was becoming more calmer, I felt total solitude. For a mind that is still and, in that stillness, there is an abundance of energy. This boat ride was through the timeless reflection of Kashi. The city illuminates truth and reveals reality. It does not bring new wonders into the scope of vision but enables one to see what already exists. This very body is indeed Kashi, the illumined divine field of cosmic energy and pure consciousness. In Asi ghat, people come together for a free morning session that includes Vedic chanting, Yoga and music. We took many pictures during our boat ride. It was a day of connection with your inner self and the divine. Due to the heavy crowd all over, our second part of the day we decided to spend a tranquil time and get charged up for our next day journey to the last destination in this trip. 

These were our 5 magical, blissful days in Dev Nagari - Kashi. It is a place which outshines our dreams into reality.

Arz Kiya hai -

काशी में जीवन का एक अलग ही बहाव हैं,

व्यस्त हर गलियां, मगर फिर भी ठहराव हैं।

बिंदास जीवन मगर, मरघट से लगाव हैं,

यही काशी में रहने का अद्भुत प्रभाव हैं।।

नमः पार्वती पतये हर हर महादेव !

To be continued......

 

The Eternal Quest - Part - 1

It's been a month now, for our most amazing, self-awakening winter vacation. Our first destination was Ayodhya Nagari. Which started with the soulful chanting of lord Ram, as soon our flight took off. We were thrilled and overwhelmed to see the ocean of devotion in the crowd who were chanting ''Jai Shri Ram", in the interval of two and half hours of the journey. Visiting Shri Ram Janmabhoomi - Ayodhya, a sacred Hindu temple that is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, who is Purnavatara of Lord Vishnu, was a divine calling in short notice. As we landed Ayodhya airport, we were mesmerised to see the beautiful Madhubani paintings of Lord Ram - Patabhishekam (the coronation ceremony) on the walls of Valmiki airport, we were left in complete ecstatic (myself, our 11- Year-old son, and hubby) We checked-in, in one of the oldest palace of its time, "Rang Mahal" in Ramkot - Ayodhya, which is located just a 600 mtr walking distance to the main Ram Lalla temple. We were thrilled with its beautiful architecture. And I could feel the positive energy. Upon reaching out to the caretaker of this property, we learned many insightful stories. This beautiful mahal is 300-year-old, and the residing deity in this mahal is - Lord Ram with his parents and brothers.

                                           Ayodhya Airport - wall painting

We had booked a VIP darshan, which starts from 3 pm to 5 pm on the same day of our arrival. After getting fresh we rushed to Ram Lalla temple. There were no boundaries to my happiness. R was left a little distracted, after seeing a herd of monkeys everywhere. It was expected, after all, it's his Prabhu's Nagari. R used to start chanting " Jai Shree Ram" or "Jai Hanuman" as soon as a monkey passed by him. (ha-ha) While walking on the narrow small lanes of Ayodhya, I could see how people have immersed themselves in the devotion of the lord. Physically handicapped, special kids, and senior citizens were taken in the special wheel chairs to make their visit to the Ram Lalla temple convenient. Upon reaching security check-in we learnt that, our VIP pass was made for the next day darshan, which left us disheartened. We were deeply saddened, as we had our evening train to our next expedition. So darshan of Ram Lalla, was touch and go. Tears just rolled from my eyes, I just looked up at the top (gopur) of the temple and prayed to the lord, you have called us here and I will not leave Ayodhya without your darshan at any cost. Slightly unhappy we had dinner and came back to Rang mahal, R and N went to sleep. I was somehow not able to sleep, my mind was wondering about the Lord darshan, the next morning. Later I got settled, with the thought that perpetual optimism is a force of multiplier. I went to bed with a smile.

Winters was at its peak, with minimum visibility around 7.15am we got ready and started towards "Hanuman Garhi " temple. As we had made a checklist of the places which cannot be missed visiting Ayodhya. And our hotel manager too helped us in arranging a day trip, we thought of utilising the day before having Ram Lalla darshan in the second half. One should be ready to walk in these places which have narrow lanes. Only electric rickshaws are allowed. Since we were stationed in the heart of the city, we walked down towards Hanumanji temple, after reaching the temple we could see the ocean of people. We took some prasad and garland to offer it to Hanumanji, entered the temple by climbing 50 to 100 steps, chanting Hanuman chalisa, and we reached the main sanctum. It is a beautiful temple built by King Vikramaditya. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived here to guard Ayodhya. The temple featured a beautiful idol of baal Hanuman sitting on the lap of Maa Anjani. (Hanumanji mother) After having a blissful darshan we walked down the temple, and learnt from a sweet shop owner, that before visiting Ram Lalla temple, one should first visit Hanuman Garhi temple and take his permission and blessing to visit Lord Ram. And we were extremely happy, with the divine timing. I just looked up and thanked the Lord for planning our darshan.

After having our breakfast, we started our day trip in an electric autorickshaw. As the sun raised the temperature was dipping, it was teeth biting cold and we were covered with warm clothes as we sat in a rickshaw. First, we reached "Guptar Ghat". This is the place where Lord Raam took Jal Samadhi in Sarayu River and reached his original adobe Vaikuntha. It is a popular belief that taking a dip in the Sarayu River on this ghat will wash away one's sins and relieve them from worldly worries. We bowed down on the shore of the river and dipped our legs and hands and prayed to the lord. There was no way to take a dip in that frigid weather. The ghat is lined with temples of Ram Janki, Charan Paduka, and Lord Hanuman. After having a divine darshan we started towards - Surya Kund. Surya Kund in Ayodhya is a holy reservoir that is a symbol of the city's cultural and spiritual heritage. Legend says that, Lakshmana, brother of Lord Rama, created this Surya Kund to provide water to Maa Sita during their exile. The water of Surya Kund is said to have healing properties. As we entered the Surya Kund, a pond-like water body, surrounded by huge steps to walk down. Due to heavy fog, there was no sign of Surya dev giving darshan. We walked down the stairs and one pandit arrived seeing us, and started guiding us how to give Sun Arghya. I regularly give arghya to Surya dev daily morning after my bath as a practise for a long time now. On that day holding water in my hand, I prayed Lord Surya dev to bless us, it is believed by doing this Lord Surya dev free devotees from all their problems and grant all their wishes. There he came to peep on us and the rays directly fell on our face, It was no less like a Bollywood scene (ha-ha) it was a divine experience. Surya Kund is a testament to the celestial reverence for Lord Surya dev. The temple above Surya Kund has a statue of Lord Surya, as well as idols of his children, Lord Shanidev and goddess Yamuna.

After a good 1 hour rickshaw ride that misty morning, we reached "Dashrath Mahal". This is a historical site, believed to be the palace of king Dashrath, father of Shree Ram. It represents the royal lineage and valorous narratives of the Ramayan, offering a glimpse into the epic grandeur and Ayodhya's royal past. Our last place of sightseeing before visiting Ram Lalla temple was, Janki Mahal. It is a historical palace known for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Tourists can explore the palace, and enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty. It is believed that this palace was given as a wedding gift by Kaikeyi - to Mata Sita, on the day of their wedding with Lord Ram. Kaikeyi is the third queen and favourite consort of King Dasharatha. Beloved mother of Lord Ram. Kaikeyi deeply loved Ram, her stepson, often considering him more like her own son than her biological son Bharata. (Lord Ram was born to Kaushalya)

It was half passed 2 in the noon, and we reached Ram Lalla temple premises 1 hour before our darshan timing. Keeping the heavy rush in mind, one needs to act thoughtfully, during such peak season. The city is deeply intertwined with the Ramayana epic, which has significantly shaped Indian culture and values. As we reached the security check, to enter the VIP lane, chanting Ram Naam Jaap, started walking towards the entrance of Ram Lalla mandir, it looked like a city in itself. There were no boundaries to our happiness. We were awestruck, witnessing the architectural marvel. It is constructed in the Nagara style of architecture. The Ram Mandir stands as a testament to the ideals of Lord Ram, embodying love, trust, and dharma. From Ram Janmabhoomi to Ram Mandir, a journey of faith and resilience. It was a century-old dream, which came true. Every stone of the Ram Mandir carries the echoes of centuries of prayers and the spirit of "Jai Shri Ram'. Although the temple is still not complete, one can observe the vastness and grandeur of this temple. This was the effort of 500 years of sacrifice and patience.  As we walked-in and reached the main sanctum, seeing Ram Lalla, where the Idol represents as a five-year-old form of Lord Ram I couldn't resist the tears of joy and heart was brimming with devotion. There was an eternal peace which cannot be expressed. And to our surprise, on that day Ayodhya was celebrating its 1st anniversary of Pranapratishta of - Ram Lalla - statue. It was a blessing in disguise. There were no boundaries for our happiness.

After having divine darshan, holding some prasad and Ram Lalla Idol to keep in our pooja mandir, we checked-out from the palace and started towards the railway station to our next expedition. It is said, with faith, discipline and selfless devotion, leads one towards the divine. Visiting Ayodhya allows devotees to immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere and connect with the rich history and mythology associated with the Lord. Our quest for eternal life is nothing other than a quest to understand who God is. Here I start my eternal quest with this beautiful quote by 'Paramahamsa Yogananda' (Yogi) "Mankind is engaged in an eternal quest for that 'something else', he hopes will bring him happiness, complete and unending. For those individual souls who have sought and found God, the search is over. He is that something else.

In the presence of Lord Ram, every moment is sacred. Let the light of Lord Ram illuminate every soul. " Jai Shree Ram".

To be continued ---------