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The Vaishnodevi Experience 2023

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.
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Beginning the New Year with a smile...

10 days into the new year, 2015 promises to be just as hectic as the last one. 2014 was a mixed bag, taking us on a roller coaster ride of emotions.I hope 2015 brings us all a lot more peace in our lives, and gives us more reasons to smile. Sharing with you all a pic clicked from my recent trip to Kolkata...



This is the head of a Bodhisattva, 2nd century C.E, from Sankisa in UP, now at the Indian Museum, Kolkata. The sculptor has so beautifully captured the inner peace and contentment behind that serene smile. May we all be blessed with the same peace and contentment this year....



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  1. NishaJanuary 10, 2015 at 10:49 PM

    Wish you a very happy and prosperous, full of smiles year, Anu.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Byłem tu. Tony Halik.January 12, 2015 at 6:51 AM

    All the best in the New Year! Lot's of travels and only good adventures!
    Joanna

    ReplyDelete
  3. CharukesiJanuary 14, 2015 at 5:00 PM

    The Bodhisattva always has a peaceful, calming smile :) have a wonderful 2015, filled with travels and adventures, Anu!

    ReplyDelete

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