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
“We saw a
male tiger crossing the path!” “We saw a female with her cubs!” Such were the
exclamations which greeted us on our arrival at Tadoba, by fellow guests who
had just returned from their morning safari. From what we heard, it appeared to
be their 5th or 6th safari, all within the core zone,
and, each time, they seemed to have had amazing sightings of that elusive
animal – the Tiger. Ours was a short trip, barely 3 safaris in the core zone, and
wondered if we would be as lucky. “Don’t
worry, Madam, sightings have been good” assured our driver as well as our
guide, as we set out on our first foray into the forest.
Now, before
you read further, please do read my previous post – In search of the Tiger atTadoba – to get an idea of our jungle experience, and understand this post in
the context in which it is meant to be read.
Getting
back to the story, we roamed the jungle, racing to sections where previous
sightings had been good, waiting at water holes, hoping the tiger would make
its appearance, but it seemed to have other ideas, and not one appeared in our
path. Then, as the skies clouded over, the guide’s face clouded too. We were
sure it was going to rain, and then, there would barely be any chance of
spotting animals, especially the Tiger. While he worried about the baksheesh he
obviously wouldn’t get, I began to prepare my son for the possibility that the
Tiger would remain as elusive as ever, at least for us.
It was
almost time to leave, and our driver, along with numerous others, made a last
round of a lake. Spirits were flagging, it was just starting to drizzle, and we
were all set to turn, when the guide stood up and pointed. There, on a rise
above a gully, a flash of orange and black indicated the presence of the animal
we so desired to see. And then, it walked down, and entered the ditch, staying
just out of sight. Sighs erupted from across the jeeps; as everyone settled
down to wait. The minutes passed, and seemed like hours, as eyes turned to
watches, as the penalty for staying inside the forest beyond the allotted time
was high.
We had just
about given up, and were all set to turn back, when the grasses parted, and the
animal moved into the fading light.
“It is Sonam, the tigress” whispered our
guide, and we craned our necks to get a better view as she walked through the tall
grass, right to the top of the mound….. and sat down. With the barest glance at
us, and all the Jeeps standing around, she settled down, as if surveying her
territory.
It took me
a few moments to begin clicking, so caught up was I in her regal bearing. She
was truly the Queen here. I could have sat there for hours, just looking at
her, but it was time and we had to leave. As the Jeeps one by one turned and made
their way back to the gates, she didn’t as much turn or look around. Her
serenity was an eye opener!
The drizzle
turned into rain as we rushed towards the gates before they closed, but we
scarcely felt it. We were just too caught up in the moment, glad that our first
sighting of the Tigress was so memorable.
Due to the
fading light, and my sheer awe at my first tiger sighting in the jungle, my
photos of that first encounter are few, and not too great. However, I did
manage to rectify that at our next sighting… Look out for the next post for
more tiger photos…
This is the third post in my series on my #summertrip 2015, and I hope to take you along with me as I recount stories from my month long trip, which took me across the country. To get an idea of all the places I visited, and what you can hope to read about, click here.
Related Posts:
- On Tadoba
- On the Summer Trip
Wonderful sighting!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was, Niranjan, A bit short, but memorable.
DeleteNice photos... I have been to Tadoba in my childhood... your post reminded me of those memories..
ReplyDeletehttp://travelhues.blogspot.in/
Thank you! childhood memories are the best!
DeleteWow, her coat color and pattern is amazing! I would definitely feel the same way as you - I could gaze for a very long time at the tigress as she lounged in the grass!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Natalie!!! and these coat and colour patterns are apparently unique to each tiger. I just wish we had more time to simply gaze at her.
DeleteIt's fantastic that you were able to spot the tigress.Great photos.Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteEnjoyed reading your article.Very well described and great photos as well.The article brings out the anxious moments one spends before the tiger sighting in spectacular fashion.The whole tiger spotting experience is absolutely amazing.It's heartening to know that you had your wish fulfilled.Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot.
DeleteBut finally you saw the Tiger. Don't worry for photo. Happiness for sure. Thanks for writing.
ReplyDeleteof course, Tushar
Delete