My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
Every temple has vendors outside, selling flowers and coconuts....
Outside the temple on Chamundi Hills, there were a few more, selling items made of stone and wood...
The wooden articles were common ones, but these stone figures were beautiful!
And yes, for once, I did succumb to the temptation, and bought some too!
Outside the temple on Chamundi Hills, there were a few more, selling items made of stone and wood...
The wooden articles were common ones, but these stone figures were beautiful!
And yes, for once, I did succumb to the temptation, and bought some too!
I always end up buying something or other even if I don't need them . :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!
Much as I am tempted, Indrani, I usually hold myself back from buying stuff thanks to lack of space, but this time i just couldnt resist those cute little elephants and the beautiful lamp!
DeleteI usually don't buy stuff but it is good to indulge sometimes I guess?
ReplyDeleteYes, Mridula. I dont usually buy much, but these were just too beautiful! plus,we are always on the lookout for stuff from across the country to keep for our annual navaratri golu. these were perfect!
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