BRAIN DUMP: July 2011

A voyage of faith!

Last year when I visited Kurukshetra, my ancestral town, a feeling of nostalgia gripped me. The trip was more of an ancestral quest, a way to trace my ancestors and their origin. I was there for a 'purpose'. This was my second visit in four years to the land of Bhagavad Gita, the land of Gods where Sri Krishna had spoken words of wisdom and had enlightened Arjuna with the message from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, which is a holy book of Hindus. Historical, religious or mythological, call it what you may, but my visit to the holy land transformed me. I was overwhelmed and humbled.

When I went this time, I explored the place with a different angle. For me, it was like a voyage of faith where emotions and thoughts synchronized. Kurukshetra, as we’ve all read, is the battlefield, a place of Dharmayudha ‘Mahabharata’. I chose the day of Somavati Amavasya, Shahi Snaan, to visit the Brahma Sarovar. The origin of this Sarovar (tank) is naval of Lord Brahma and it is a place where Kauravas and Pandavas had taken bath earlier. Amidst loud trumpets, beating of drums and chanting of slokas and vedas shilanyas – thousands of devout bathers, sanyasis, sadhus, mahants and 'naga' babas – Brahma Sarovar looked resplendent in moonlight.

Kurukshetra, a place of historical and mythological significance, is a fusion where one can revive connections to religion and explore more about Hindu and Sikh philosophy.

I was staying at a Dharamshala just 10 steps away from Brahma Sarovar. It was a beautiful sight to see lights dimming on the Sarovar and listening to vedas shilanyas all day and night. Last time when I visited this place, it was to inaugurate our ved gurukul – Kurukshetra Ved Pathshala, named after my great grandfather Pt Garud Dhwaj Shastri, who was the Rajguru of Nahn estate and one of the senior most gyaanis in Kurukshetra. The pathshala has 35 students aged between 14-20 and are given Sanskrit lessons by other Gurus and Pandits.

We all understand that serenity has its own charm. I had gone there in search of peace. First time in 20 years, our entire family was together, to perform the last rites of my grandmother who passed away in February last year. For me, it was not only about getting together with aunts, uncles and cousins, but a tête-a-tête with my roots. Yes, I interacted with the locals because I wanted to explore this holy town from every nook and corner.

I don't want this piece to read like any other travel piece. I want to keep it simple and 'serene'. :)

Just sharing some of the pictures I clicked in Kurukshetra during Somavati Amavasya!