The first time I visited Pandharpur was back in 2007 . The names Vitthal and Pandharpur, were just names to me. I had heard of them, but that was about it. Seeing the lord standing on the brick, hands on his hips, was memorable, but more memorable was the sight that greeted us as we walked out of the main sanctum of the temple. In the mandap just outside were a group of devotees singing abhangs , and dancing. This was the first time I had heard abhangs , and even almost 15 years later, I can remember the welling of feeling within me, listening to the songs, and how fascinated I was by the sight of the devotees dancing, lost in their love of the Lord. Over the years, as I have read more about Vitthal, and participated in Ashadi Ekadashi programmes at Puttaparthi, that first experience has stayed clear in my mind and heart. Every time I tell my Balvikas students of the saints who sang of Vitthala, it is that experience that I re-live. I visited Pandharpur again, in 2010, but that experie
This time, last year, we were at Sringeri. The Diwali
vacations were on, and we were there for a purpose – arranging Samhith’s
Upanayanam or Thread ceremony. It seems odd to think that a year has flown by,
and I would much rather be there again at this time of the year!!
It was one of those trips, which was almost completely
unplanned. Yet things fell into place so beautifully that it turned out to be
one of the best I have ever had! It was satisfying, not too expensive,
adventurous, fun... and memorable! We started from Mumbai by bus, hopping on a
KSRTC Volvo to Mangalore. We alighted at Udupi, and headed straight out to Sringeri,
switching to the normal buses, which ply the route all day long.
Sringeri has, for long, been a place I love – the peace and
quiet, and the spiritual atmosphere is almost unparalleled.... I have written a
detailed post on Arti’s blog, ‘My Yatra Diary’, on Sringeri. Click here to read the post.
However, the temples are not the only attractions Sringeri has
for me.
The river Tunga flowing peacefully....
Watching the sun set over the river...
The huge palm trees trying to touch the skies....
Groves of trees covered with betel leaf vines.....
People who go quietly about their business, yet find time to
pay attention to a little restless boy...
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| Read my post - A Smile to Remember |
It is such experiences which makes Sringeri such a special
place.
Sringeri was just the first halt in a trip that spanned over
a week. The experiences and adventures though seemed to be much more!! 2011 was
a year when I travelled a lot, but wrote little. I guess it is time I rectify
the situation, so I hope to catch up with all that I have neglected, in the
hope that many more opportunities for travel come my way soon!!! So look out for
some interesting posts!
Sringeri Factfile:
Distances:
- Bangalore – 360 Km
- Mangalore – 110 Km
- Udupi – 80 Km
- Shimoga – 105 Km
- Chickmanglur – 100 Km
How to Reach:
By Road: There are plenty
of buses to Sringeri from Bangalore, Mangalore, Udupi and Shimoga.
By Train: The nearest
railway station is at Udupi, on the Konkan Railway, and Shimoga on the South
Central Railway
By Air: The nearest
Airport is at Mangalore.
Where to Stay: The Sringeri
Sharada Peetham provides plenty of accommodation for visitors. No advance
booking is permitted, but accommodation is provided on a
first-come-first-served basis. There are a huge number of rooms, including AC
and Non AC rooms, as well as dormitories.
There are also many hotels
and lodges in the area.
Where to eat: The Ashram offers food to every devotee, though at stipulated times.. lunch and dinner. There are also plenty of hotels in the area. However, the best option is one of the many messes, which are basically run in houses. The food is home cooked, and simple. Not much variety is available, but what is available is excellent and tasty.
I can sense the peace and the quiet and why you love the place so much, Sringeri is indeed a beautiful place nestled in nature. Looking forward to reading all about your travels and wish you travel more and more in all the years to come. :)
ReplyDeleteTHanks so much, Arti!! At the moment, there is so much chaos in the house that I really wish I was back there.. it was so peaceful and serene...
DeleteI had gone to coastal karnataka this year on March 2012 for three days . But because of time constraint I couldn't go. Thanks for sharing this one Anu jee.It seems beautiful place .
ReplyDeleteNext time I will definitely visit this.
Thanks for sharing
Vishal, about 5 years back, we spent 10 days visiting coastal karnataka.. we visited many temples, but missed so many!!!! it deserves an unhurried visit!
DeleteI have never been to this place and I remember you telling me stories from this trip. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe photos say that Sringeri is indeed a beautiful place nestled in nature.
Wish you all the best with your travels, may you travel more, Anu!
Yes, Nisha... I remember telling you about this trip.. was such a wonderful one!! its a place you will love to.. you shd go sometime! and thanks so much!
DeleteThe landscape is so beautiful! And I remember your posts from the ceremony. But was that one year back?
ReplyDeleteThe ceremony was in jan, Mridula, so its not a year yet.. but this was when we went for making the arrangements.. and its already been a year!!
DeleteSringeri...
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting for me that this is a place that inspires you the way it does me!!
I love the tranquility and the Tunga is so peaceful. A sense of calm and absolute inner joy pervades me when I visit sringeri...a previous life connection maybe?
Now I wonder if you and I are really connected from another world space...
hahaa
Crazy thoughts...
hope we meet some time
yes, Sowmya.. we really should meet! the coincidences are just too much for us not to have some connection from some other time! really look forward to that day!!
DeleteWould love to visit this place. Nice shots Anu.
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Thanks Niranjan!
DeleteThere is only one word for Sringeri, Anu. SPECIAL :-)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Sudha!!
DeleteThe picture of Sringeri sharadha temple is beautiful
ReplyDeleteVery nice snaps,The river Tunga flowing peacefully images is very beautiful,Shringeri is one of famous temple in Karnataka,This temples established by sage Adi Sankacharya.visit more info http://www.karnatakatravel.com
ReplyDeleteHi can any one suggest me travelling shringeri and horanadu from dharmasthala is better or from udupi it is better (roadwise and ksrtc bus facility). how about bus facility to these areas from Udupi, Dharmasthala?
ReplyDelete