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 in 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 ---------