Day 258 of Indian places making you smile – The gate of Lord Shreenathji – Nathdwara
A few months ago, my group of friends had planned a trip together by flight to see Lord Sreenathji, but I was not sure about joining them due to my hectic and erratic travel schedule. So it was almost a last minute decision to accompany a few of them on a 13 hour long road trip from Mumbai to Nathdwara! Yes…it was the Lord himself who wished to have me there…when the Lord beckons, we flock to him!
Our so called ac rooms in the temple Dharamshala were quite tacky with bare minimal beds and sheets. And horror of horrors…after all these years, we actually had to bend our aching knees to adjust to what used to be an easy to use simple Indian toilet!
But all this was forgotten once we got to the bustling streets and walked hurriedly to the temple. A live band played soothing music as we waited with the crowds to get into the general category darshan lines. We Indians seem to enjoy the rushing and pushing aspect in front of Gods of famous temples. Once the doors open we all ran to secure our spot in front of the idol. Thanks to my big build, I just swayed side to side as the ladies in the crowds jostled with one another to get a glimpse of the idol of Lord Sreenathji.
Once I got connected with the Lord, everything else was forgotten. The dark image of the idol was splendidly decorated. I read a legend that this idol was being transported away from Vrindavan to escape the atrocities of Islamic fundamentalists. The wheel of the vehicle with the idol had got stuck deep in the mud at this place, so the escort party decided to construct a temple at this spot.
The left hand of the image of the Lord is raised symbolizing how Krishna as a child had lifted the mountain Govardhan to protect the locals from the fury of the storm!
There were other courtyards and smaller temples to visit on our way out, but I was still basking in the pleasure of seeing Lord Sreenathji for the first time during this evening darshan. And then it was time to explore the local markets with many colourful items on display. There the famous ‘pichwai’ paintings, sweets, food stalls, jewellery stores all screaming for attention.
I was most interested in the colourful textile stores…yes couldn’t resist…I ended up buying 2 sarees, a skirt, jacket, saree border, salwar kameez dupatta bedsheet sets etc for real good deals. And luckily there was no bargaining in any of the stores.
On the next day we had to try out the local chaat stores, fried snacks, powa, dhokla, fafda, Rajasthani thali, thandai, shikanji drink, yes this trip was also a feast to out gastronomical taste buds!
The spiritual ecstasy of going again and again for the different kinds do darshan at different times was an unforgettable experience. Getting up at 2.am, being the first group outside the temple gates at 4 am, singing devotional songs as we waited for the doors to open…the minimally dressed Sreenathji for the first Mangala darshan, the spectacular Shringara darshan for which we went twice, the seva of cleaning vegetables in the decorative open courtyard, the high energy clapping and devotional singing for the afternoon Rajbhog darshan…will be permanent memories etched into my mind!
I did not go for the temple tour or the flag changing ceremony as I had to get out to make an urgent phone call. As I waited for the rest of the group to come out, I was beseeched by urchins and beggars. By this time I felt saturated by the overwhelming crowds all engrossed in worlds of their own with me enjoying the role of a silent spectator.
It was only later that I understood that our group had paid extra for Manorath darshan by a special entrance, since our contribution was part of the food offered to the Lord that day. We received a lot of holy food called Prasad from the temple. We took the sweets home and distributed the balance food to the poor and needy.
In the evening we were very fortunate to witness the local villagers dressed in colourful costumes singing and dancing in a procession along with decorated horses and camels. And yes our completely self expressed group merrily joined the dancing on the streets, much to the amusement of the local bystanders.
The highlight of the day was a visit to the huge cowsheds, I actually crawled under the belly of the Kamadhenu wish fulling cow! We were amazed to see the crowds running towards their evening meals. They seemed like bikes being jostled for parking space! Do visit the goshala to see the well fed cows like never before.
Thank you Nathdwara…the doors to the Lord will always be open in our hearts.
So which Indian place made you smile today?
Please share your experience of Indian places that made you smile
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