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Dev Bhoomi Sojourn

It was mid-semester break in our University. One of my friends and I planned a trip to Himachal Pradesh. Why ? because they say Himachal is  “A Destination for All Seasons and All Reasons” be it the Summers of March or the love for nature and adventure. 

We randomly searched buses and their timings for Manali. We booked two Volvo seats in redBus. The boarding point was petrol pump Majnu ka tila at 6 pm. There was a halt at a Punjabi dhaba at 9 pm in Karnal road. The deboarding point of the bus was Volvo Bus Stand Manali. Beas river along the road to Manali makes the trip mesmerizing.

Pic 1. Mid way halt to Manali

Next day in the morning we got off the bus. From there we walked Mall road to get to the hotel. It was Post Office IQ, an accommodation facility provided by Government of India for their employees. It was very cold in Manali, we wondered if there was any use of the wall mounted fan. When you go from such a hot place like Delhi then resort city like Manali would be a delight. It was very cold there but in no time we could acclimatize to cold weather. All thanks to the room heater. Room was very comfortable. There was housekeeping staff to provide all kinds of facilities in the room.

Pic 2,3. Post office IQ room

For breakfast we ordered dal and paranthe at a Punjabi dhaba which was situated nearby our accommodation. We reached Hadimba temple on foot. The temple has featured prominently in Bollywood movies: Roja (1992) and Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani (2013). A good place for tourists to take pictures with white fluffy angora rabbits and yaks. Hadimba is a place of historical and archaeological importance.It is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima, a figure from the epic Mahabharata. It is said that the temple was constructed by the raja of Kullu, Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. It is a quaint structure with a four-tiered pagoda-shaped roof and a wooden doorway that is adorned with carvings of mythological figures and symbols of gods and goddesses, animals, designs resembling leaves and episodes depicting Lord Krishna’s life.

Pic 4. Hadimba Devi Temple

When we were coming back from Hadimba we booked a cab. First we went to visit Vashisht temple. A temple dedicated to sage Vashisht, who finds mention in the oldest religious book of hindus the Rig Veda. The Vashist temple is decorated with excellent and beautiful carvings on wood. The interior of this temple is rather traditional which is ornamented with antique painting and figures. There is a market as well primarily curio shops. One can buy local handmade Himachali cap they say it “Pahadi Topi”. Make sure you buy Himachali because Tibbetan and Himachali looks similar in first impression. The Vashisht Hot Water Spring is one of the popular attractions of this locale. The hot springs is believed to have medicinal value. The springs are said to fix many skin ailments. Numerous individuals go to the Vashisht showers to take a plunge and free themselves of skin contaminations and maladies. There are additionally isolated bathrooms for men and women. There is another old stone sanctuary known as Rama Temple nearby the Vashisht Temple. Inside the Rama sanctuary the icons of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana have been installed.

Pic 5. Outer view of Vashisht temple

Pic 6. Ram temple in Manali

And then we directed towards Solang valley which is located 12 km from Manali. We wore snowboard jackets and opted for skiing. Indeed it was a great experience. The outstanding snowy landscape, chilling weather and fine ski slopes add to make the place a hot favorite for travelers from different parts of the country. Believe me, nothing's better than some hot soupy noodles with the snow below and the sun above. When you are there go for it. Harsh cold weather resisted us to stay more. We rushed to our hotel room.

Pic 6.  Snowy scene at Solang Valley

Pic 7. Trying my hands at skiing

Following day in the morning we had breakfast. And headed to Shimla. Here, we took a bus to reach Kullu. Basically we did break journey to reach Shimla it may be because of HOLI or we wouldn't know the bus route and timings since we were new to the place. Again we took a bus from Kullu to Mandi. We were very hungry by the time we reached Mandi. We had lunch before  heading towards Bilaspur. And then we finally got to Shimla. Let me tell you these destinations were covered listening to local songs with local people in the local bus. One can make observation that Hindi, Punjabi and English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade. Local usually speak the Kulluvi dialect in their everyday dealings. There were many school children who were applying colours among others near the bus stand.   It was the first instance of Holi celebration, we could notice. Later the celebration went till we left Shimla.

Pic 8. Inside view local bus Manali  to Kullu

Pic 9. Passengers on Holi at Kullu bus stand

Pic 10. Our national flag at Mandi bus stand

We deboarded at the Old Shimla bus stand.  We had to go to the “Grand Hotel” situated at Mall road. People welcomed us outside our hotel and offered sweets & water after the Holika bonfire. We took sound sleep since we were tired. It would be your kind of  real strength checking when you reach the uphill area. There is Lakkar Bazar, a must visit market. It will be a surreal experience when you find district Administration Shimla at such a place. One instance left me blank that to bring commodities, materials etcetera they do not have any option but to use manual labour.  

Pic 11. Grand Hotel compound

Pic 12. Inside Grand Hotel room

“Grand Hotel” comes under CPWD meant for government employees. Jugaad works here if your cousin or friend is in government service. It was a fabulous hotel. Far from the cacophony of busy Indian cities, the snowy mountains and deep river valleys of Himachal have the power to infuse new life into anyone.

Pic 13. A morning: Mall road Shimla

Next morning, we had breakfast and headed towards Kufri. It was Holi so we couldn't see the zoo but we did horse riding. It was an amazing place. One would get astonished how come there could be an ecosystem of humans and nature at such a high altitude. We returned to the hotel room. We rested for sometime then went to church. Christ Church is one the oldest churches in North India and was built by the British in 1857 to serve the large Anglican British community in the area. The majestic appearance of the church and its stunning location makes it a prime attraction in Shimla.

Pic 14. Kufri: Horses and horse-riders

The following day in the morning we had breakfast. We rushed to Shimla bypass from the old Shimla bus stand for our bus to Delhi. 

Observation:

Carry cash when you plan to visit these places. 

Woolens are essential when visiting these places.

In summers, light woolens with a scarf for the evenings. 

Unforgettable Himachal

Video links:

Skiing Solang Nala

An Evening: Mall Road Shimla

Grand Hotel Shimla

Why "Vipassana se Sikhna" is relevant today: My Memoir

Exploring Vipassana Meditation

One of my mentors had told me about the Vipassana course. He said after joining this course he got benefitted so I should also go for this course. Since then only I started researching about Vipassana to get atleast the rough idea.

I could find Dhamma Sota, a Vipassana meditation centre which is situated at Village Rahaka, Sohna (Haryana) almost 70 Kms from New Delhi Railway Station. It was established in 2000. This centre is in 16 acres of land surrounded by the deep green valley of Aravali Hills.

Picture 1. Outside view of the centre.

I applied online for 10 days course in Dhamma Sota since it was nearer to Delhi. Generally this registration processes are being done before two months of commencement of the course. My course held from 02/10/2019 to 13/10/2019.

It was on Gandhi Jayanti I left to join the course. I de boarded  metro at Badkal Mor station. Bus by the name of "Eicher Public School" comes to Badkal Mor metro station to take the meditation students directly to Dhamma Sota.

Picture 2. Name plate outside the gate of the centre.

After doing all the formalities I was allotted room and  was asked to submit my mobile phone & other valuables for the next ten days. I opened the door of my room and kept my bags. It was 6 P.M. now so there was an alarm for the evening snacks. After having snacks I returned to my room.

Picture 3. Inner view of room number 43.

At 7 P.M. we were briefed  about the rules and guidelines to be followed for the next 9 days during the course and allotted seat in Dhamma hall, where all sadhaks (mediators) meditate together. There were students ranging from age group of 20-50 years. I was allotted seat number G6. Meditation teaching was started and it went till 9 P.M.. The 10 day-long course initiated with AnaPana,   is awareness of the natural breath coming in and going out. Instructions were given to meditators by recorded audio of Guru Ji  S.N Goenka. First instruction from Guru Ji was " to observe noble silence" during the course.   There were two female assistant teachers and one male teacher to teach meditation. There were around 70 male mediators and 45 female meditators. After 9 P.M. we were told to go to respective room to take rest. 

Picture 4. Inside view Dhamma Sota's Dhamma hall.

To awake meditators at 4 A.M. in the morning they use alarms followed by ringing bell and knocking doors at every meditators' room by Dhamma sevaks (servers). These servers serve there selflessly and voluntarily for smooth conduct of the course. They do help novice mediators like me who opt the course for the first time. Here, we had to do AnaPana for the next three days. Gradually we learnt just to focus at the triangular portion of our  nose and see how the breath is coming in and going out. At 6:30 A.M. bell rang, for breakfast. Breakfast contains 1 glass of milk, banana, apple, pomegranate, idli sambhar, and tea. They make sure that meditators get healthy food full of nutrients.

Picture 5. Path to dinning hall.

We used to clean our rooms and take bath between 7-8 A.M. and go for meditation in Dhamma hall till 11 A.M.. After that we go to dinning hall to have lunch. Again meditation till 5 P.M. From 5-6 P.M. we would take snacks and walk in the lush green campus full of different types of birds. I was thinking to leave the course since I had severe pain in my back on the first day itself. Later I came to know every meditators were going through the same. But Guru Ji there keep telling us how we are slave of our own mistakes and wrong habits that we were not sitting properly till then. Again 1 hour meditation sitting, 1 hour 15 minutes of audio- visual discourse by Guru Ji and 45 minutes sitting of meditation. After 9 P.M. onwards we were instructed to go for our residents and take rest. And, this schedule followed till the completion of the course.

Picture 6. Seat allocation details.

After 3 days of Anapan, we practiced Vipassana meditation for the next 7 days. After 5 days of Vipassana meditation every new student is alloted individual cell in Pagoda.

Picture 7. The outside view of Pagoda.

On tenth day at 10:15 A.M. only after Mangal Maitreya, we meditators were allowed to talk among others. In Mangal Maitreya we basically share peace with others. It seems very strange that we have been living together for 10 days and we don't know even the name of others till tenth day. Schedule followed strictly on tenth and eleventh day the only unique thing happened was that we given our mobile phones from the management. On eleventh that was the last day we were free to go our homes after 2 hours of morning discourse followed by breakfast.

Picture 8. View of Block-D in Dhamma Sota.

Vipassana is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation which means to see things as they really are, not what they appears to be. It is a way of self-transformation through self-observation.  It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion.

There are no charges for the courses - not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the opportunity to also benefit.

My takeaway

What?

• The technique does not believe in preconceived notions, but properly guides to see the reality of things, as they really are.
• It is based on purely Law of Nature.
• It helps a human being to "know thyself".

Why?

• It reduces hostility and helplessness.
• It enhances hope and a sense of well being.
• The beauty is that it can be availed of by all, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.

I would highly recommend to join this course.

Mumbai Sojourn

#Travelogue

The aim of a travelogue should be to present the actual emotions that one felt at particular point of journey, not a later introspection with shaky memories & addled imaginations. What follows below is an account of one whole week of Mumbai trip and my takeaways.

When you leave for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus, Mumbai from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, your friend comes to see off you. You couldn't ask for more.

One with Boomer mitra

Edit 1: Marine Drive

I and my mitra Assistant Director (A.D. henceforth) de-boarded Churchgate station and directed towards Marine drive.

There was University of Mumbai affiliated Jai Hind College in the midway. One of the most highly reputed colleges in India. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Chanda Kochhar, Shaan are some of the notable alumni.

Marine drive, a natural bay is C-shaped concrete road along the coast of Arabian sea. It is also known as Queen's Necklace. A large number of people could be spotted sitting there while listening the sound of the waves hitting against the rocks. We also went fashion street since it was at the minimal distance.

At Maine drive

Nearby Fashion street

Edit 2: Lords College, Radio Mirchi and Infinity mall

Went Lords Universal College, University of Mumbai to meet mitras who were actors, models, creative assistant, fashion photographer and junior artist. And directed towards office of Radio Mirchi Lower Parel. There was good working environment at the radio station.

To celebrate birthday of one struggling businessman mitra we directed towards Infinity mall Lokhandwala, Andheri.

Lords Universal College near cafeteria

Radio is the theatre of the mind

Birthday of Pandit ji

Edit 3:  Juhu Chowpatty, Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir and Worli Sea Link

Being at Juhu beach in the early morning is worth it since you had to sacrifice your achhi neend. We could spot some of the renowned directors and producers walking at the beach. There were many television artists taking yog classes and martial arts classes. We could interact with them because this A.D. mitra was mitra of the instructor of Martial arts.

We directed to Prabhadevi where Siddhivinayak temple is situated. The trust of this temple contributes a lot towards social activities and human welfare. There is a board in the temple itself where visitors come and write with their fingers if they had any manokaamna. 

Bandra fort serves as shelter for couple. A good sightseeing near Worli Sea Link.

At Juhu beach

Entry side of the temple

Favourite place for bollywood shoot

Edit 4: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Gateway of India and Arabian sea

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is UNESCO World Heritage site. Such a fabulous architecture!. It is the headquarter of India's central railway.

There was good crowd of visitors at the iconic symbol of the city, the Gateway of India. We could not go Elephanta Caves, there was high tide in the sea. Underwent a ferry ride for 30 minutes. You would fear in the ride but then you'll love it.

A side view of CSMT

The Gateway of India

Arabian sea

Edit 5: Colaba market

Colaba market is very good market for fashion lovers and foodies lover. When you go there try vada pav. In no time you'll fall in love with these street foods. I went there along with 3 mitras, as their shoot was scheduled.

Representational image

• On societal perspective, Mumbai gives you immense opportunities to chase the dreams as they say "City of dreams".
• Politically,  Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Karayala is established almost in every society and serve the larger good.
• Economically, the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India.
• Environmental, You would adore the weather.
• Infrastructural, good connectivity of local train but someone from Delhi would really miss Delhi Metro.
• Law enforcement perspective, good to witness when officer refused to take bribe for overloading of auto rickshaw.
• On individual level, you will realise there is something which will let you sleep for long & long hours.
• For the first time I tasted chicken shawarma there and it was awesome.

The Queen of the hills

TRAVELOGUE

DAY 1 (Dehradun -> Mussoorie)

We took a Uttarakhand Transport Corporation bus to reach Mussoorie. It was a thrilling journey, traveling from lower to upward direction. You would feel altitude sickness is very obvious.

Attention: Sharp turn ahead (We also call it laheriya cut).

One fine morning at Dehradun Station.

We booked a hotel near the SBI Mussoorie branch in the Mall Road itself. It was a good hill view from the hotel window. It gave immediately a good impression since we demanded for the hill view wala hotel. In no time, one of my trio screamed out at hotel manager  after noticing that there was only one wall fan in our hotel room and no AC.

Click right after arriving Mussoorie.

Post taking lunch we left for Kempty Falls, in the Tehri Garhwal district which is 13 km from Mussoorie. As what Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. And I truly believe, Nature is man's teacher (gender neutral) & we must learn as much we can.

Shot at Kempty Falls from water flowing direction.

After that we moved towards where we stayed and tried coffee in the midway at the shop situated right there down the hotel, since the evening was getting cold. All three of us liked the hard coffee. When we came back to the hotel. We demanded one more blanket from manager. And we couldn't get the chance to switch ON once the fan over there during whole stay.

On a lighter note: My friend cursed upon himself why he unreasonably argued with the hotel manager for not providing AC.

A click at the Mall Road after Gandhi Chowk.

Now dinner, First time I came to know about Egg Paranthe but I couldn't taste it due to Navratri days. One of my trio tried and gave a good feedback.

DAY 2 (Mussoorie -> Mussoorie lake)

Despite extreme cold weather I woke up at 6 o’clock and took a bicycle and went a ride to Buddhist temple… in the midway there comes LBSNAA, such a beautiful campus, ground and etc it has!

Right before you reach zero point.

After that we went for GUN HILL POINT from cable car station. The 400m ropeway ride was fun and all through the travel, you would get to enjoy a panoramic view of this scenic hill station. Gun Hill is the second highest point of Mussoorie, located at an altitude of 2024m. We could see snow covered mountain of Kedarnath and Badrinath which is the part of Garhwal Himalayan range.

Upper cable car station at Gun Hill.

Later we went 6 km down to Mussoorie lake for some adventures. We decided to do either zip-line or paragliding but couldn't do either due to budgetary constraints. Our adventure ended up doing boating..hahaha

Mussoorie lake adjacent to Adventure park.

It was a very good excursion. Be it talking with native people, eating foods to be very brief their culture.

Take: ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ at its best level there, we should strive to replicate in our locality and city.

Thanks!

खुद को पत्र

                                                     E ९१, मुखर्जी नगर
                                                     दिल्ली ११०००९
                                                     दिनांक: ०१/११/१७

प्रिय शशि,
जब से हमने दिल्ली विश्ववद्यालय में नामांकन कराया है, तब से हमारे मन में कई विचार व कई आत्म प्रश्न अना लगे हैं। जो यकीनन सेल्फ डाउट्स हो सकते हैं लेकिन डीमोटिवेट होने  कारण नहीं। छोटे- छोटे शहरों से खाली बोर दोपहरों से सिर्फ हम ही नहीं बल्कि और भी साथी हैं जो झोला उठाकर चले हैं। और कई साथी है जो यहां (दिल्ली) के ही निवासी हैं, जो यहां के आबो- हवा से परिचित हैं। हमारे लिए यह चुनौतीपूर्ण फैसला था कि  क्या हमें दिल्ली जाना चाहिए? वहां के लोग कैसे होंगे? वहां पर जाने के बाद पढ़ाई के माहौल कैसे होंगे ? क्या हम अपने आप को वहां के अनुकूल देख पाते हैं य नहीं? फिर न जाने कहां से हम तक " दिल है छोटा सा छोटी सी आशा, चांद- तारों की छूने की आशा " पहुंचती है।  सारे सवालों को पीछे छोड़कर अपने राह पर निकलकर अपने मंजिल पूरा करने की प्रेरणा देती है। सचमुच! बड़ा ही अद्भूत एहसाह/अनुभव है यहां के लोगों से मिलना, उनसे बातें करना। सबसे रोचक बात तो यह है कि मेरे सभी नवीन साथी किसी ना किसी फिल्ड में अपने को बेहतर प्रदर्शित कर पाते हैं। उनसे बहुत कुछ सीखना है हमें।