"Our Family Pilgrimage: Exploring India's Sacred Cities

 

Our family of four embarked on a journey of faith, beginning in the vibrant metropolis of Bangalore. This bustling city, a captivating blend of modernity and tradition, served as our launchpad for a spiritual exploration of India's sacred cities. With hearts brimming with anticipation, we boarded an 8:55 AM Air India Express flight, arriving in Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Rama, by 11:30 AM."

 

Ayodhya: The City of Lord Rama

 

"Stepping off the plane in Ayodhya felt like journeying back in time. A palpable sense of spiritual energy permeated the air. The magnificent Ram Mandir, a testament to unwavering faith and resilience, stood tall, a beacon of hope for countless devotees. Before entering the sacred precincts of Ram Janma Bhoomi, we were guided to visit Hanuman Garhi, a revered shrine just 150 meters away. A sizable crowd awaited, and we patiently queued for about an hour to receive Hanuman's blessings. Continuing our pilgrimage, we approached the Ram Janma Bhoomi complex. A serpentine queue snaked from the entrance, leading us through a series of security checks before reaching the main temple. The intricately crafted Ram Temple, still under construction during our visit, was a sight to behold. We spent approximately 20-30 minutes in serene contemplation, absorbing the spiritual ambiance and the melodious chants that filled the air. After offering our donations, we were blessed with prasad and proceeded towards the serene Saryu River, where Lord Rama is believed to have performed his ablutions. The Saryu River, meticulously maintained, was adorned with the enchanting spectacle of the Sarayu Aarti. At the entrance, a newly installed Veena idol added to the divine aura. We spent some time on the riverbank, offering Diyas to the flowing waters. Next, we visited Surya Kund, a captivating site with a 30 INR entry fee. A mesmerizing laser show depicting the Ramayana and the legend of Surya further enriched our experience. Finally, we returned to our accommodation at Ram Anandam Inn on Raebareli Road and enjoyed a delicious dinner at 3AG Hotel."

 

 

Varanasi: The Eternal City

 

Bidding farewell to Ayodhya, we embarked on a scenic road trip to Varanasi, a city steeped in history and spirituality, with the experienced Sandeep Pandey as our guide. The Ganges River, the city's lifeblood, flowed majestically, its banks adorned with a myriad of ghats where pilgrims performed their sacred rituals. Sandeep skillfully navigated the city's traffic, parking the car a short distance from the main Kashi Corridor complex. We then ventured through the bustling Varanasi alleys on foot. Having pre-booked VIP Darshan tickets online for 300 INR, we effortlessly entered the Kashi Corridor and were deeply moved by the spiritual experience. Sandeep thoughtfully arranged a private boat for our exclusive viewing of the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a breathtaking spectacle of light and sound that left us spellbound. We embarked on a serene boat ride, witnessing the iconic Kashi Ghats from Assi Ghat to Namo Ghat, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere. Exploring the labyrinthine lanes of the old city, we encountered a tapestry of ancient temples, vibrant markets, and the ever-present rhythm of life, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Following our spiritual immersion, Sandeep, leveraging his local connections, secured us a table at the renowned Kashi Chat Bandar, where Neeta Ambani had recently indulged in the delectable street food. Despite a large crowd of over 200 people, we were fortunate to savor the delicious chats. Our culinary journey culminated with an exquisite Banarasi Paan, a true delight for the senses. We then returned to our comfortable accommodation, the Click Grand Gateway, located approximately 8-10 kilometers from the heart of the city

 

Gaya: The Land of Liberation

 

Our pilgrimage led us to Gaya, a city deeply revered for its profound Buddhist significance. At the heart of our journey was the awe-inspiring Mahabodhi Temple, the hallowed ground where Buddha attained enlightenment. Enveloped in an aura of profound peace and tranquility, we felt a deep sense of connection to this sacred site. The revered Bodhi Tree, under whose shade Buddha achieved enlightenment, stood as a testament to his profound spiritual awakening, inspiring awe, and reverence in all who beheld it. A compassionate monk at the Mahabodhi Temple graciously guided us through seven significant locations associated with Buddha's enlightenment, enriching our understanding of this pivotal moment in history. Beyond the Mahabodhi Temple, we explored other significant Buddhist sites, including the majestic Chinese, Sri Lankan, and Japanese Temples, each reflecting unique architectural styles and cultural influences. For ease of travel, we availed ourselves of the convenient "Toto" (a modified auto-rickshaw) service, which efficiently transported us to 7-8 key temples, including the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree, at a reasonable cost of 200 INR per person. Having planned to perform Pitru Karya (ancestral rites) in Gaya, we sought guidance from the esteemed Uttaradi Mutt, located adjacent to the revered Vishnupad Temple. The following day, we arrived at the Mutt as scheduled and performed the Shraddha Karya under the expert guidance of the patient and knowledgeable Mohana Acharya. We then offered Pinda (ritual offerings) at the sacred Vishnupad Temple, completing the sacred rituals. The Acharya graciously guided us through the intricate procedures of Shraddha Karya and generously served us a delicious meal, making our experience truly enriching. We then started our Travel back towards Varanasi and stayed at Hotel Surabi International in Saranath, Varanasi.

 

Prayagraj: The Sangam of Faith

 

Our journey culminated in Prayagraj, where the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge. The Sangam, revered as one of Hinduism's holiest sites, was a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. We witnessed the unwavering devotion of pilgrims as they immersed themselves in the sacred waters, seeking blessings and redemption. We also visited the Triveni Sangam, where the three rivers unite, and felt a profound sense of spiritual connection. Having planned to perform rituals in Prayagraj, we contacted Palimar Mutt through the kind assistance of Mohana Acharya in Gaya. We reached out to Krishna Achar in advance, scheduling the Veni Dhana (hair offering) and Shraddha ceremonies for 8 AM. The next morning, we embarked early from Varanasi, arriving in Prayagraj precisely at 8 AM. The Veni Dhana ceremony was conducted at the serene Uttaradi Mutt, adjacent to Palimar Mutt, involving an hour-long ritual. The Mutt thoughtfully arranged an auto-rickshaw to transport us to the riverbank, followed by a boat ride to the Sangam. The ceremony involved a symbolic cutting of a small portion of my spouse's hair, which was then offered to the sacred waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The boat driver then guided us closer to the Sangam, where a nominal fee of 25 INR per person was charged. We both took a dip in the invigorating, albeit chilly, waters of the Sangam, experiencing a profound sense of spiritual renewal. The entire ritual process took approximately two hours, after which we returned to the Mutt to perform the Shraddha ceremony. Krishna Achar expertly guided us through the intricate rituals, providing detailed explanations at each step. We then enjoyed a delicious meal at Palimar Mutt before embarking on our journey back to Varanasi, arriving around 7 PM. We made a brief stop near a local ghat to indulge in some last-minute Banarasi Saree shopping before returning to our hotel. As the Maha Kumbha Mela was scheduled to commence in just 15 days, we witnessed the impressive preparations underway. The Uttar Pradesh government was diligently working to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims from around the world, with the construction of numerous tents, toilets, and food stalls in full swing. The sheer scale of the preparations was a testament to the significance of this grand spiritual gathering

 

Our Departure from Varanasi

 

Our flight back to Bangalore from Varanasi was scheduled for 1 PM. On our final day, we hired an auto-rickshaw to explore Sarnath, located near our hotel. We visited the magnificent Sarnath Main Temple and the revered Stupa, followed by a delightful local breakfast. We savored a delectable array of delicacies, including Kachori, Poori Bhaji, Jamoon with sour curd, and Jalebi. We reached Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport by 10:30 AM, only to encounter a two-hour flight delay due to inclement weather. Finally, we touched down in Bangalore at 5 PM, bringing our enriching spiritual journey to a close.

 

Reflections

 

Our journey through these sacred cities was a profound and enriching experience. We witnessed the unwavering faith of millions, experienced the power of spirituality, and gained a deeper understanding of Indian culture and traditions. Each city offered a unique glimpse into the soul of India, leaving an indelible mark on my heart and mind.

 

Our Plan

 

Date	From	To	Details
24-Dec-2024	BLR	Ayodhya	Embark on a spiritual journey to Ayodhya! Catch the 8:55 AM Air India Express flight from Kempe Gowda Internation Airport and arrive in Ayodhya (Maharshi Valmiki International Airport) by 11:30 AM. Immerse yourself in history and spirituality with visits to the magnificent Ram Temple, the iconic Hanuman Garhi, Sarayu River and the sacred Surya Kund and Bharat Kund.
25-Dec-2024	Ayodhya	Varanasi	Embark on a scenic 4-4.5 hour car journey from Ayodhya to Varanasi, covering approximately 220 kilometers. Purchase a 300 INR VIP Darshan ticket in advance for expedited entry and a quicker darshan experience, estimated to take 30-45 minutes. Conclude your visit with a captivating boat ride along the Varanasi Ghats, culminating in a mesmerizing witness of the Ganga Aarti
26-Dec-2024	Varanasi	Bodhgaya	Embark on a scenic 250-kilometer road trip from Varanasi to Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Note that Bodh Gaya and Gaya are approximately 15 kilometers apart. Depart early morning at 7 AM and arrive in Gaya between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM. Check-in to your chosen hotel in Bodh Gaya and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance by visiting the renowned Buddhist temples. Please note that some temples may close around 5 PM. For those wishing to perform rituals in Gaya, kindly coordinate with your preferred pandits in advance to schedule the necessary arrangements. Note – Highway is under construction and there will be delays
27-Dec-2024	Bodhgaya	Varanasi	Embark on a scenic 250-kilometer journey back to Varanasi from Bodh Gaya. Since many rituals are typically performed in the morning, dedicate the morning to these sacred practices. After completing the rituals, return to Varanasi and explore the remaining temples on your itinerary. Don't miss the opportunity to savor some of Varanasi's renowned local delicacies before concluding your spiritual journey. Note – Highway is under construction and there will be delays
28-Dec-2024	Varanasi	Prayagraj	Embark on a scenic 125-kilometer journey from Varanasi to Prayagraj, followed by a return trip of the same distance. The road from Varanasi to Prayagraj is well-maintained, allowing for a comfortable 2-hour drive. Upon arrival in Prayagraj, conveniently access the riverbank where boats will be readily available to transport you to the sacred Sangam.If you plan to perform any rituals during your visit, it is highly recommended to contact your chosen pandits in advance of your departure from Varanasi to ensure smooth coordination and timely arrangements.
29-Dec-2024	Varanasi	Bangalore	Lal Bahadur Sastry Internation Airport

 Photos

Happy Journey