सत्य (Satya-The Truth Of Life)

इस जीवन के कुछ पल जी तो लूँ
फिर आजाना तू मुझको लेने,
ऐ मौत क्यों न तुझे दया आती,
ये वक्त नहीं है मरने का।

    क्यूँ फूल खिले बगिया में,
    वीरान उसे जब होना था,
    अब अपने भी पराये लगते हैं,
    तू रूक जरा उन्हें पहचान तो लूँ ,
    ये वक्त नहीं है मरने का।

कुछ रिश्ते हैं,
कुछ नाते हैं,
कुछ अपने और पराये हैं,
अब घर की चार दिवारें पूछती,
वो कौन जो तेरे अपने हैं,
वो कौन जो तेरे पराये हैं।
ऐ मौत मुझे कुछ और पल  जीने दे,
इन दीवारों को समझा दूं मैं,
ये वक्त नहीं है जाने का..।

    इक बीज था मैंने बोया,
    अंकुर से पेड़ बना वो,
    कितना सहलाया,
    कितना दुलराया,
    सोचा कभी छाँव मेरी बनेगा वो,
    पर इस उम्र कि तपती धूप में,
    उस छाँव को ढ़ूढ़ति फिरती हूँ,
    ऐ मौत जरा रुक,  रुक
    उस छाँव में जरा बैठ तो लूँ,
    ये वक्त नहीं है मरने का...।

जिस पेड़ को तूने पाला था,
हलराया था,
दुलराया था,
वह पेड़ तो ऊंचा हो चला,
उस पेड़ के नीचे छाँव नहीं,
बस कांटों की है भरमार वहाँ,
जिस पेड़ को तू ढ़ूढ़ती है,
वह पेड़ तेरे आंगन में कहाँ।

    उठ यहां कोई तेरा अपना न पराया है,
    यह देश भी तेरा बेगाना है,
    तेरी बगिया सदा आबाद रहे,
    इसी मनोभाव से तुझे लेने आया हूँ,
    अब देर न कर,
    तू चल, देर न कर,
    तुझे अपने, पराये दिखाता हूँ।

यह अटल सत्य है रे पगली,
यहां कोई किसीका अपना नहीं,
सब बेगाने हैं।

    मैं मानने को तैयार नहीं,
    भटके कदमों ने ढ़ूढ़ ही लिया,
    सोचा
    अब पेड़ की छाँव में बैठूंगी।

पग लड़खड़ाऐ,
आंखें भर आईं,
     डग मग डग मग लुड़की मैं,
     मौत ने मुझको थाम लिया,
     मौत ने मुझको थाम लिया।
             -----------------

Colorful Riots

The sky was clear, such pure blue color of sky reminded me of my childhood, when gazing at sky and imagining what lay beyond that pure blue used to be best time for fertile brain of we youngsters.

The roads were lined with thick vegetation of different shape, size of trees. My son took me to my dream land. Yes it was indeed as if I have landed into the dreamland of my childhood, only this time it was earth not sky.

It was the month of October and most of the people I saw or were clad in woolens and why not the wind had a sharp nip to it. But here was I with a sleeveless dress enjoying the cold wind caressing my arms, my cheeks and blowing away my hair.

It seemed that God had painted the earth with all colors it had in its pallet. Hues of yellow, red, brown, green…..!  it was riot of colors. I always let the child within to remain alive in a small corner of my heart, just for the occasion and place like this. I danced with joy seeing and being amidst the pure, natural beauty.

 

The sound of river flowing at a distance in the reserve forest, the rustling of leafs due to movement of small earthy creatures could be heard, the quietness and tranquility of the place was mesmerizing and infectious. I wished the time to stop, or at least slow down, so that I could feast my eyes till they refuse to remain open, and when they indeed close I dream only and only of the beautiful site I behold in my memory.

The tall trees were yellow with sprinkling of green to remind us that they were painted initially pure green, then Mother Nature wanted to add color so sprinkled them liberally with bright yellow. Some trees got envious and went to God to complain about not getting colorful treatment by Mother Nature. Come on! do not be so jealous, go back and let me check what can be done. Thus he gave Mother Nature pallet full of blue, red, purple, maroon, pink, white, crimson color. Go and be judicious to all trees, they are your beauty, savior and life. Be impartial and of course I expect you to be most artistic. Let no plant come again to me complaining.

One by one the colors were used and none of the plants were left untouched by them. After finishing the work, much exhausted Mother Nature went to rest a bit. This was the time I first saw the beauty of Fall colors. So bright, so welcoming, nature in its full glory.

 

We went around the forest reserve for almost one hour.

My love for camera and taking pictures for posterity sometimes irritates people with me, but that day I was not interested in taking photos as I wanted to soak in the nature and the fresh cool air around me. I wanted to one amongst them (Trees). Camera was a obstacle that day. (My son clicked the photos).

Almighty was happy and showering all warmth and love on the savior of life on earth “The Trees”. Beauty when goes to the head can bring the downfall. Now with everyone is appreciating the colorful beauty of plants, they got little high headed. Laughing at the creatures living on then or near then, swaying fiercely with their crowning glory, toppling the nests of birds (sometimes with their eggs or little ones in them), dropping their leafs on ground in hoards thus causing darkness to the creatures snuggling there.

The cost they paid? Well it was heavy cost they had to pay.

The warmth bestowed by God was no longer there, the colors started to fade and then the Mother Nature scowled upon them. The nature was in its dark, cold mood. Blue sky was covered with white, grey and black clouds.  

With the warmth and blessing of Mother Nature gone the trees could not sustain themselves. Leafs became dull brown, and the branches started shedding them in hoards. Leafs fell on ground and got trampled upon by humans and animals walking there. They cried, snuggled with each other but to no avail. They got crushed. They could not regain their lost beauty.

Rain and snow came from above and said “Soak in me and earth will soak you and get enriched”. The oneness with soil is the penance you must do. Thus the trees were denuded of their bright foliage. When they soaked in the water and snow and learned to love the lowest of the creature, their penance was completed.

The foliage returned to the trees with full glory of green, to through the same cycle again.

Every phase of this cycle is awesome. All the adjectives in lexicon are mere words for such a marvel of nature.

Come on Ma, we are waiting for over an hour for you. His hand on my shoulder brought me out of my trance.

Oh Uday I felt like a child in dream world and wanted to shout out of happiness.

Indeed you did and loudest. You were very happy Ma.

Yes son I was very happy and the memories bring smile to my face always.

Matrys

Listening to debate of Republic TV today, I felt sad and distressed that people like Owasi and Pramod Krishnan cannot understand that a militant and terrorist is not an Indian, thus is labeled by his/her religion. But Indian security forces, Army, Navy, Airforce personals are all Indians, thus not labeled by religion. They are taught to leave their religious, cast, creed outside before entering forces. They are Indians and only Indians.
It pains and angers me to see these people playing politics at the martyrdom of our heros.
I salute those who have sacrificed their lives, their families who will bear the loss through out their lives. Because of them we are safe and enjoying life.
Dear politicians please give them a gift this Valentine's day :
"Give due respect to matrys and do not politicize their martyrdom".
Jai Hind.

महकता हुआ इक हवा का झोंका

महकता हुआ इक हवा का झोंका आया,

खुशबू कितने फूलों की लाया,

पर मैं तो खडी रही हतस्तब्ध,

मैं भ्रमित हूँ या कोई झोंका हवा का आया?

खिलखिलाकर जब उसने याद दिलाया,

खुली आँखों से सोयी,

जैसे स्वपन हो कोई,

उसे अपने सन्मुख तब मैंने पाया।

कितनी मधुर थी वो संध्या की बेला,

जब उसने मुझे नानी कह कर बुलाया।

तुम्हारा लड़खड़ाते हुए भाग के आना,

नानू से नानी की शिकायत करना,

रसोई में ड़ब्बे बरतनों को खिलौंना बनाना,

खिलखिलाना भाग के गोदी में आना,

बहुत याद आता है ओ मेरी गुड़िया,

तेरा खिलखिलाना।

बहुत सलीके से रख्खा है घर अब,

नहीं कुछ इधर से उधर होती है अब,

आओ ना मिल कर खेलैंगे हम तुम,

घर को मैदान बनाएंगे हम तुम,

'मिकू किधर है' की पुकार लगाऊंगी मैं ,जब

मेरे पास भाग कर आओगी तुम,

खिलखिलाओगी तुम।

नानू नानी याद करते बहुत हैं,

अब जल्दी से आओ,

मिहिका वह हवा का झोंका पुनः ले के आओ।

पुनः ले के आओ, पुनः ले के आओ।

इंतजार करती हुई

तुम्हारी नानी।

When I Got Lost

I am so often told story of Bruno getting lost, when he left his mom’s side in a crowded mall. The idea of getting lost used to send shivers down my spine. But then destiny had decided for me to experience the feeling of getting lost and then coming home to my loved ones.

    I had gone for an outing with my family. Usually I am with young ones playing with them, but this fateful day I was in custody of the elders. Sometimes I was clutched firmly by hands and sometimes I would swing by the shoulder of the grand old man.

    Going around Washington DC, was such a pleasure. Oh! Such a beautiful place. It was sunny day, with slightly cold breeze. We all were so happy clicking photographs. We went around in leisure to see each and every memorial, garden, Hudson riverside walk and many other places. We were tired but happy. 

    Next day we visited the beautiful, amazing creation of nature “Luray Caverns” in Virgina. I was staring wide eyed, for I had never seen such a beauty of nature. I was urging to be picked up again and again so that i can have best view of different colored hanging of minerals. I was admonished not to jump so much else i would be out of energy very soon, and feel tired. I was told by the old man "You will be made to sit in car when we go treasure hunting in maze garden". 

    For me all of it was a double treat, because I was out of the house, away from windy, uncertain weather of Chicago and was visiting such amazing places. I was enjoying the sun more than any one else. 

     The old lady with us was not so happy with sun and always either drinking water or covering her head and face with hat and scarf. O my God! It is so hot here, I prefer Chicago, she would say again and again. We all would laugh aloud making her furious. Why come out sightseeing if you cannot bear sun and like only cold climate, or shaded places, I would think aloud and make funny faces at her. But she was such an enthusiast, that despite of bright sun, she would not stop playing with me or the big brother of mine whom she had always by her side.

     We were headed for the Smithsonian Air and Space museum Virgina. While car was being taken out of parking lot (which was almost 2 miles away) we decided to enjoy the cold breeze under the canopy of sprawling green tree.

     Oh my God! They just forgot to pick me up and just walked away toward the approaching car. I take a sigh of relief, when the grand old man (God bless him), remembers that all of them have walked away without me. He comes running to pick me up lovingly and admonishes me for leaving his side and running around the tree.

     The drive to Air and space museum was so much fun, great music was being played by the young lady and we all were laughing and cracking jokes. I could see the magnificent building of the museum, but this time I did not leave the side of my caring grandpa. I just hung to his shoulders, unmindful of people laughing at my monkey tricks of swinging from left to right.

     There were space ships, planes oldest to the latest. Oh! I wished I could climb on all of them. The old lady was excited like a small child. I loved when she ran from one place to another with a big smile on her face. I just wondered what was going in her mind. 

Her son was showing both the ladies all the exhibits, telling their history and all technical details to them. I listened for few minutes and then went ahead with the old man, because he was going to space section and I loved it more than anything else.

     When I could not see, he would lift me up to show the exhibits, every time pressing my right shoulder. I felt luckiest person on earth.

     I did not know what lay in store for me when I was taken to the rest room. Sitting on the table near wash basin I heard all funny sounds, and then it happened. I was waiting to be picked up but it was not done. I thought I have been abandoned, otherwise how the can the old man forget that I was on sitting on the table.

     I was shell shocked. I could not utter a word. I was crying silently. I reached for the hand of every visitor in rest room, but nobody bothered to pick me up. I sat there feeling lonely, tired and defeated.

     The clock stuck five. Announcement was being made to vacate the museum but I could not jump off the table. I was alone in empty museum.

     Then I heard some footfalls, somebody came in. I smiled happily thinking; after all I am neither forgotten nor abandoned. More funny sounds from the room started coming. Cleanliness done the man was about to lock the restroom, when by God grace he happened to brush by my stretched hands. He picked me up, cuddled me, took me outside and removed my jacket to cool me. He tried to find out whom I belonged to. But when he failed to so, he put me in a big room full of things I had never seen or heard of.         I was scared and cold, lonely, too lonely. I wanted to scream, I wanted to cry loudly, but not a sound would come out of me. I was dying for that big warm hug I always get.

     Next day I was sent to another big room far away from Virgina. I was not sure of my fate. I was crying silently and praying to Almighty to send me to my family.

     They were checking something in their computers, keeping me firmly by their side. They really cared for me, looked after me lovingly. I was hoping that they are looking for my address, which I being small could not tell them.

     Then a big smile was flashed by the pretty lady, who was clicking away the keys of computer with furious speed. I hoped she was furious at my family members for forgetting me. Careless people she would say.

     They dressed me in soft warm cloths, patted my face again and again and sent me in a car to some destination I did not recognize. I could just hear some mumbling in the other room.

     I was picked up and handed over to some other person. I was wondering now where am I being taken? Oh the hands holding me were so familiar, the broad grin on the face certainly belonged to my brother. Yes O! yes I was getting the biggest, warmest hug. I was now after a long journey, with my family.

     I was taken inside the house and the loud happy shriek the old lady gave was the sweetest sound to my ears. The young lady "Indira" was standing silently, watching the whole drama and smiling.

     Uday picked me up and said to the old man, his father, “Papa take it. Please keep it with you, use it to click photos of the places you visit”.

     Yes! I am Sony camera and this is my story of getting lost. Thanks to Smithsonian for all the efforts to trace my owner. I am back in my cozy place, in the cupboard I belong to. The old man smiles every time he sees me.

A note from the owners:

We had two more cameras, could afford to purchased one more, but the photos in the memory chip of this camera were precious to us. They were memory of our time spent in such educative, thrilling, wonderful places in and around Washington DC, with our children.

We thank Smithsonian, for such a wonderful gesture of returning our camera which we left in Air and Space museum. They did not charge us even for the expenses involved in postages etc. The packet with camera had a sweet note, thanking us for visiting the Air and Space museum. I will cherish this thoughtfulness, honesty and helpful nature of Smithsonian, throughout my life.

Thank you Smithsonian.

Glimpse Of Gujarat Part: 5 Somnath/गुजरात दर्शन :५ सोमनाथ (The First Of Twelve Jyotirlingas)

Saurashtre Somanathamcha, Srisaile Mallikarjunam|

Ujjayinya Mahakalam, Omkaramamaleswaram||

Paralyam Vaidyanathancha, Dakinyam Bheema Shankaram|

Setu Bandhethu Ramesam, Nagesam Darukavane||

Varanasyantu Vishwesam, Tryambakam Gautameethate|

Himalaya Kedaaram, Ghrishnesamcha shivaalaye||

Etani jyotirlingani, Saayam Praatah Patennarah|

Sapta Janma Kritam papam Smaranena Vinashyati||

The twelve Jyotirlingas are so well described in the above shloka along with the power of shloka to give nirvana. Somnaath is the first amongst the twelve Jyotirlingas which every devout Hindu wishes have darshan. We had already had darshan of Vaidyanath, Tryambakam, Bheema Shankar and Grishnesh Jyotirlingas and Somnaath we will be doing now. It was the most befitting end to our first tour of Gujarat.

Dwarka to Somnaath is 237.5 km. and it takes approximately 4.5-5 hour to reach Somnaath from Dwarka via Porbandar. Porbandar is coastal city of Gujarat and District head quarter of Porbandar district. The lanes and by-lanes are dotted with ages old and brand new temples. But we chose to visit two sites for which Porbandar if famous “Gandhi ji’s birth place” and “Sudama temple”. Sudama ji was the friend of Lord Krishna. We grew up listening to the tales and folklores of their friendship. Since we did not make night halt at Porbandar thus had to go to these two places skip the beach and rest of the many worth visiting places.

The market was bustling with activity, roads were narrow thus it took quite some time to be out of the city area. We wanted to reach Somnaath before evening prayer time, so that we could get the darshan of lord Shiva the deity of Somnaath and also witness the light and sound show of the temple.

On the way we visited many temples which had their own history, and each temple had different architect influenced by then rulers, some preserved very nicely some begging for attention from ASI.

As the lunch time was approaching we told our driver to take us to an eatery which serves authentic food from that part of Gujarat. Thus we were taken to an eatery by the road side which could accommodate at least 100 patrons at a time. Vegetables were kept ready for lunch and roti were made fresh as per order. Chas was served in tall glasses and by spending just 30 rupees one could get a liter of chas. Spotlessly clean, hygienically cooked food in a kitchen where one could see ladies cooking by fire wood.

Being curious by nature I asked the owner that he has such good reputation amongst locals as well as visitors, so why not have a good air-conditioned, modern eatery? Well I am satisfied with what I have now, because in this place rich or poor both can enjoy food, where as in the place you suggest only rich will come and I do not want that, Period. I was duly chastised and enlightened. He was so correct and astute about his thinking. What an amazing meal of freshly made Bajara (Millet) roti on chulla (fire wood cooking gives a wonderful taste to Bhakri which one cannot get on gas or electric stove), served with generous amount of homemade butter, variety of vegetables and chas.

Normally one bajara roti would have been enough but the aroma of fresh roti and it’s awesome taste with butter made us order the second one. Yes we finished it and knew we had over eaten, so not dinner required. Indian hospitality is famous worldwide, but I feel Gujarati people serve with so much open heartedness and love that it floors one completely.

Having our fill we started off and our next stop was Somnaath. Journey from Dwarka to Somnaath was thrilling, joyous and relaxing. The sea view, the thin strips of sand running in sea, occasional drizzle, flocks of birds hovering over sea and the golden fields with ripe paddy crop showed us how much nature has to offer and how much variation it can have with in the distance of few kilometers.

We reached Somnaath by 4pm. Kokilaben resort is by seaside and all rooms have a balcony giving a perfect view of sea. It was time to enjoy the beauty of sea and rest a for a while before evening Aarti starts in temple.

Since mobile, cameras and any leather items were not allowed in the temple so we left all in room and headed for the temple which is 5 minutes walking distance from our resort. In fact we could see the temple from our room.

Long but orderly queue ensured that everyone gets a chance to pray. The area in the temple as well as outside is very well maintained and plenty of space is available for resting and praying at peace.

Somnaath is first of the twelve “Jyotirlingas” Hindus revere and wish to visit. The temple is situated by the side of sea in Saurashtra. Vast blue sea and its splashing waves, mingled with the chanting of mantras, sound of blowing conch, cymbal, bells, is an experience altogether different, almost ethereal, and one just does not want to leave that place.

Soaking in the aura of temple gave me feeling of calmness. Time was approaching for the light and sound show thus we headed towards the direction of open air auditorium.

The show was very good. The whole narration was an amalgamation of religious beliefs, mythology and history. Few things in today’s worlds were a bit too farfetched and to me were more of mythological than truth. But history was narrated correctly and perfectly. The colorful light falling on different parts of temple and the sea making splashing sound behind us was too surreal.

The actual era when this temple was first constructed is not documented but mention is found that after first destruction of the temple by invaders, the second time it was built some times in 649 C.E

Whatever may be age and era of construction, Somnaath temple holds venerated place in all Hindu hearts.

Somnaath temple was destroyed by invaders innumerable times and it lay in ruins till Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel started the project of building it in old chalukya style and restoring it to the glory it deserved.  The boundary of the temple is lined with Banastambh (Arrow pillars) which are the protectors of the temple and also indicators that this is the first land mass (Indian) in North from South Pole (The longitude and the latitude are also mentioned in the inscription on the Banastambh.

Somnaath is primarily a holy place for Hindu devotees and one can see many foreign tourists flocking here either due to holy tourism or simply to soak in the peace and tranquility that this place offers.

From the resort we got such a beautiful view of sea, sunset, fishermen returning after their catch of the day and some going to sea and spreading their fishing nets. It was a full pacakage deal as i call it. sea, sunrise and sunset, Oldest Jyotirlinga darshan. What more coulkd I have asked for.

We proceeded to our last stop Rajkot and on the way went to innumerable historically and religiously important places. 

Man proposes, God disposes. Outbreak and epidemic of swine flu prevented us from entering the city as we did not want to be caught by flu, thus spent the whole day at airport in Rajkot, with face masks on face and prayers in heart to the Almighty to send us back home healthy. Lord Shiva answered our prayers and we landed in Mumbai without being infected.

Blessed are those who get a chance to visit Dwarka and Somnaath. I thank my children Namita, Uday, Saurabh, Indira for the logistics and other help. I and my husband enjoyed this Gujarat visit. God willing we will go for the second Gujarat visit some times.

Thankyou Gujarat and the Gujarati people for such a rich, satisfying and wonderful experience.

The Sea just After Sunset

Glimpse Of Gujarat Part:4 Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka/गुजरात दर्शन :४ द्वारका

What we saw on the way to Dwarka was an eye opener. The devotion towards Lord Krishna, the philanthropy, the faith and the orderly way of the processions of scores of people coming from all part of Gujarat, yet no traffic jams, no unruly behavior or any untoward incident, was self-explanatory to the life style of people of Gujarat in general.

Holi the festival of colors was  just two days away and people from all over Gujarat were thronging to Dwarka to welcome Lord Krishna and Rukmani along with Radha and play Holi with them. This is the tradition going for centuries and people go on foot carrying palki (palanquin) of Lord. Every 1-2 km. camps with medical facility, fresh fruits, water, and food could be spotted.

We stopped at one such camp and despite of telling that we are travelling by car and those who are braving sun and long walk require the juicy watermelon they were serving, they requested us to partake their offering saying it is Lords Prasad, do have it. Their love and selfless service floored us.

The 6 hour drive was as enjoyable as it could get. As far as possible, I prefer road journey to rail or plane, as I get to see the county side, interact with local people, learn about their culture and of course have the local food.

Some parts were dry and parched but some stretches where rain God smiles more,  we could see paddy field and coconut grooves. Birds local as well as migratory live in peaceful coexistence with human.

The desire to reach Dev Bhoomi Dwarka was so intense that we decided not to stop for lunch and make do with the fruits and other eatables we were carrying.

The county side is dotted with wind mills and each and every village gets electricity 24x7. Amazing achievement by Gujarat Govt. and visionary then CM Mr. Narendra Modi! I am an apolitical person thus can appreciate good work and criticize wrong doing without hesitation. Proof of the prosperity due to good roads and wind energy is in seeing this place.

The sea wind started blowing through the open window of car indicating approaching of Dwarka. Some people say sea route (Ferry) would reduce the travel time, but then how can one see the marvel of nature and mankind if taking shortcuts??  To be a tourist and a visitor is different. I want to be a visitor, imbibing every bit the place has to offer.

Dwarka is situated by the Arabian Sea and the whole place gives a feeling of calm and satisfaction

Our hotel was just next to the platform situated by the sea side. The view was amazing. May be my faith makes me biased but I did feel some divine, positive energy in the cluttered, lanes and by lanes of this place.

The huge platform by the seaside gives a resting place under the stars to the devotees, tourists, and people who love listening to the symphony of sea under the watchful eyes of stars from above. No body disturbs other, here life is as peaceful as it can get. It was a pleasant surprise to see shlokas of Geeta inscribed on the stones mounted on the pillars rather than politicians name being in plaques.

   

Nice vegetarian lunch and good rest invigorated our energy and we were ready to go to have darshan of Dwarka Dheesh (Doors of temple open by 4pm). Though preparation for Holi festival were in full swing yet everything was very orderly, queuing up after entering from Swarga Dwaar (Door to heaven) to exit from Moksha Dwaar. We had nice darshan while the evening Aarti (prayers) were going on. Since it was past 6 pm the boat ride to Gomati River was stopped for the day, but then that gave us a chance to quench our thirst of having darshan again. Such is the attraction of that place that one does not want to leave.

Till now I did not even notice the beautiful carvings, pillars, and the huge Pataka (Flag) atop the highest point of (170 feet) of the temple. (It was just Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare)

The changing lights of the temple façade, the flowing Pataka, the chanting of hymns, all add to the mystic glory of the temple and its surrounding.

My heart was saying please stay here, but we had to go to Byet Dwarka the next day and the driver had to take good rest thus we left and sat by the seaside to enjoy the breeze and beauty of splashing waves of Arabian sea.

To go to Byet Dwarka one has to travel almost 40 km, public transport is available till jetty, from there we had to take ferry for Beyt Dwarka. The co-existence of Mosque and Lord Krishna abode in the sma small island is indicative of unity in diversity in Hindustan (India).

The flock of hundreds of sea birds, huge waves rocking the ferry and the birds eating out from our hand was an amazing experience. I was too excited and once again the child within me was awakened, I fed the birds popcorn, I shrieked when they came too near, I clapped when they caught nuts thrown in air and I clicked as many phots as I could. I was mesmerized.

Getting down from ferry we hailed an auto to go to the temple which was on the height and 1-2 km away. It was very bright and hot so the to and fro auto.

The temple is so serene, beautiful place, exquisite carving, the architect of golden era of this place cannot be described in words. One has to see to understand the aura of the place and appreciate it.

Surprisingly there were no priests (agents of God as I call them) harassing the visitors and faithful. Certain fixed number of people are allowed turn by turn and given a tour of the place and one is free to worship, pray for as long one wants. Everything is maintained by the temple trust, no charges are levied for any services rendered.

Photography inside is not allowed, but then who wanted to spend time in taking picture in such a place? Certainly not me, I wanted to see every minute thing, listen to the person guiding us through the temple premise and pray to Lord for prosperity and peace.

Second visit to Dwarka is in my mind and I intend to spend a week there, exploring the area and learning about the history and archeological facts of the city, Dev darshan being integral part of the visit. Lord Krishna I was besotted by you since childhood. I feel privileged that I could visit this Dev Bhoomi, one of the Chardhaams with my husband.

Being one of the four Dhaams (lords residing place) this place boasts of many centuries old temples. It is said that after Byet Dwarka one must visit Radha and Rukmani temple. 

This completed our parikrama of Dwarka.

How can I go away from sea side without watching sunset (being in west sunset could be seen by seaside very nicely) thus the evening was spent near Shiva temple and we feasted our eyes to a beautiful sunset with fishing trawlers in the sea and huge waves splashing the rocks.

Tomorrow we have to leave early in the morning for Somnath and on the way see all the temples and listen to the fables, the temples in this district are many centuries old and have their own history.

http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/10/glimpse-of-gujarat-part-2-nirona-and.html

http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/09/glimpse-of-gujrat-part-1-bhuj-and.html

http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/12/glimpse-of-gujarat-part-3-mandvi.html

On the parting note: To all those who believe and propagate that Lord Krishna had 16800 wives, well it is a misconstrued story. Lord saved on the of Narhar Chaturdashi (Narak Chaturdashi) the 16000 ladies imprisoned by Cruel King Narhar (also called Rakshasa Narhar) and they regarded Lord Krishna as their savior and Like their husband. Krishna never married so many wives. He had Rukmani and Satyabhama (and according to different holy books 6 more) as wife. Radha was an ardent devotee and took an oath of taking Lord as her husband and never married. She devoted her life to Krishna thus is worshipped with Krishna.