Lamayuru is one of the most ancient monasteries in Ladakh, the oldest surviving structure dating to the 11 th century CE. What makes this monastery particularly fascinating, is its location, amidst what is today called the “moonscape”, for the spectacular natural rock formations, which truly are “out of the world”! As per legend , there once existed a huge lake in this area, populated only by the Nagas (serpents). It was prophesized that there would be a great monastery built here. This prophecy came true when the great acharya Naropa (756-1041 CE) arrived. He emptied the lake, meditated for many years inside a cave, and built the first monastery here. The present structure is a new one, built around the cave where Acharya Naropa is said to have meditated. This legend seems to fit well with the geological formations seen in the area, which suggest this was a paleo-lake, which disappeared around 1000 years ago. Lamayuru is about 130 km from Leh , and the Indus River flows along th
I have always enjoyed travelling. When I was young, we always had to travel on a tight budget , so we always took the trains and buses, and stayed at simple lodgings where ever we went. In fact, we always tried to look for a relative or friend at whose house we could put up. it never seemed like an inconvenience to anyone, as that was what almost everyone did! As a result, my mother has a huge list of friends/relatives/acquaintances at various places, all of whom she actually knows quite well!
we usually went to temples, or my uncles' or aunts' places, but as there were so many of them, we went out for every single school vacation, and spent quite some time at each place.
today things are a lot different. with affluence has come more travel, that too with more comforts. Since my marriage i have been travelling almost 4 to 5 months in a year. many of my journeys are still spiritual, as we usually travel along with my in-laws, but once a year, my husband takes time out for a more tourist-like destination. we don't hesitate to take a vehicle where ever we go, but now time has become a major factor. where earlier we had all the time in the world, now we are running after our schedules everywhere. trips to any place, be it places or worship, or historical places, the urge is to see as many places as possible, so one usually compromises on the time we spend in one place.
we usually went to temples, or my uncles' or aunts' places, but as there were so many of them, we went out for every single school vacation, and spent quite some time at each place.
today things are a lot different. with affluence has come more travel, that too with more comforts. Since my marriage i have been travelling almost 4 to 5 months in a year. many of my journeys are still spiritual, as we usually travel along with my in-laws, but once a year, my husband takes time out for a more tourist-like destination. we don't hesitate to take a vehicle where ever we go, but now time has become a major factor. where earlier we had all the time in the world, now we are running after our schedules everywhere. trips to any place, be it places or worship, or historical places, the urge is to see as many places as possible, so one usually compromises on the time we spend in one place.
Wondering whether this is your very first blog or not.!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have started this little piece of writing with the lines "I have always enjoyed travelling" ..... and now after marriage, motherhood, miles n miles of bumpy roads and hundreds n hundreds of blogs later YOU HAVE GRADUATED TO EBOOKS (Kashi Yatra) for the benefit of other wanderlust souls.!!!!
Congratulations.!!! You have been a great inspiration for me to write.!!
Thanks.
Greentrek Kumar
Thanks so much! I have come a long way since I wrote that first post more than 4 years ago. Since then, I have travelled quite a bit, though it has actually reduced in frequency thanks to my son's school schedule. However, more than anything, what has changed is the way I write... and that is thanks to readers like you who read and comment, and tell me what they like (or dont like!) thanks again!
ReplyDeleteMost welcome. The fact is I need to thank you since u have put the fire in me to write.!!!! Thanks a lot.!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt feels so wonderful to hear that!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post
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