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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.

Wandering Thoughts - Wildlife in the midst of Heritage

At the Masroor rock cut temples, while I was trying to identify all the deities, Samhith was busy elsewhere. He had spotted a lizard on one of the rocks, and spent the rest of his time trying to follow it, and see just how many there were! 




It wasn't too hard to spot them. They were everywhere!!! 



Obviously, they were at home, among the many nooks and crannies that nature and temple builders had conspired to provide them with!



It was fascinating to see them appear and disappear at will, even while we admired the intricacy of details the artisans had created. 

The lizards are just the common, or garden lizards, ones we see everywhere. And yet, when you see them so much at home in a monument aspiring for World Heritage Site status, you want to click a photo. Do you agree? 

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Since the last month, I have been writing at least once or twice a week, about my Summer Trip. I am not even halfway through, with Himachal yet to be completed, Amritsar on the way, then Rishikesh, and finally, my Southern sojourn patiently awaiting its turn.

Yet, I am now taking a short break, for another trip - this time, a deeply personal one, to Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. For those who may not know, in Puttaparthi village is Prashanti Nilayam, the abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. We are heading there to participate in the Ashadi Ekadashi  and Guru Poornima celebrations. This, as I have already mentioned, is a personal trip, and I most probably won't be writing about it. I will also be offline for the most part during the next week, as I am taking this opportunity to relax and re-energize myself for all the work that is sure to be awaiting me when I return. 

Meanwhile, here are quick links to all the links in the #summertrip series so far....

  • The Himachal Series- 

Comments

  1. Yes, I agree when I too see lizards or wild life during a tour I wish to click them and store them in camera.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to see that you too share the enthusiasm, Tushar.

      Delete
  2. Hello Anuradha
    My love for heritage sites is universal. The images of your masroor rock cut temples captured my imagination. What were really funny were the lizard’s photographs, creeping among the perfectly sculpted rock structures. The sculptors must surely, be smiling in amusement. Thanks for providing the lighter side.

    ReplyDelete

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