Irumbai and Greening of Auroville - a guestpost

Do you remember our vivid travel around the world in 26 days, dear reader? Since my P was Pondicherry and my urge to travel there has not diminished notably since last April, I figured it was time to feed my urge. So, what could be better than to have one of my favorite bloggers Beloo Mehra take us to her Pondicherry?

I came across Beloo's blog in the same challenge - and followed her 26 posts on Education In India with enthusiasm, curiosity and awe. Since then I have been stuck on her blog LetBeautyBeYourConstantIdeal. I am honored and excited to showcase Beloo here, and hope you will enjoy her writings as much as I do. Thanks for accepting my invitation, dear Beloo: the floor is yours:-)

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Irumbai and Greening of Auroville

Beloo Mehra

 Once upon a time, maybe 500 years ago or more, there lived a highly evolved Siddha, a Yogi (Self-realized person) known as Kaduveli Siddha. He lived in a small village presently known as Irumbai, about 10 kms from Pondicherry, and near Auroville, the international township with a deeper aim to realize the inner unity of humankind.

Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.

To read more about Auroville, visit: Auroville.org
To read Auroville Charter, click here.

Back to the story...

During a time when the village and nearby areas were not getting any rains and the drought condition was making life difficult for people and other creatures, Kaduvella was busy performing his austerities and spiritual practices (tapasya) sitting under a peepal tree. He was so fully concentrated in his tapasya and the intensity of his physical and spiritual heat (tapas) got so strong that soon an anthill started to rise up around him. People thought that the drought was getting worse because the tapas generated by the Siddha's intense tapasya and austerities. But they didn't know how to break the yogi's concentration, especially when they saw the anthill grow bigger and bigger with every passing day.

Suffering because of the drought and resulting deprivation, the villagers approached the king who agreed that the Kaduvella's ongoing tapasya must be 'broken' in order to bring down the intensity of the 'heat'. But he too didn't know how. A temple dancer, named Valli, a woman of enticing beauty and a devotee of Lord Shiva, decided to do her best to get the attention of the yogi, and to rescue the King and people from the adverse effects of his tapasya (penance).

Valli observed that occasionally Kaduveli would, with his eyes shut, put out his hands to catch and consume the falling, withered leaves from the peepal tree where he was sitting. So she prepared a bunch of thinly fired apalam (a flat salty wafer made out of green gram daal), and started placing them in the yogi's outstretched hands as he tried to catch the falling leaves. He would eat the apalams and slowly got his taste back. In a few days he grew fatter until finally the anthill broke and he was once more exposed to the daylight.

One day finally Kaduveli ended his tapasya and opened his eyes. Valli was extremely happy and convinced him to go to her house where she kept him happy with her dedicated service and dancing talents. Meanwhile, the rain gods were relieved from the torture of the heat of the yogi's tapasya. The village received plenty of rains and the people were once again happy and on way to become prosperous due to abundant crops.

This called for special celebrations and the King arranged a special Puja to be held at Irumbai temple, (also known as Mahakaleshwara Temple). As part of the celebrations, Valli performed the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, the Nataraja. It so happened that while she was dancing one of her anklets fell off, and she lost her balance and rhythm. Kaduveli, who saw the Lord Shiva in Valli, picked up the anklet and put it back on her feet. The King and other members of the royal court were shocked to see an enlightened Yogi touch the feet of a mere dancing girl. They mocked and ridiculed him and made sneer remarks. Kaduveli got furious and invoked the Lord Shiva to come out of his temple and prove his innocence by causing a rain of stone. Immediately the shivalingam in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple exploded, and wherever its fragments fell became desert. The Siddha cursed that no greenery will grow in that area.

The King was naturally frightened and begged the pardon of the Siddha, bowing down to him with all his entourage and pleading with him to take back his curse. Kaduveli was by now calm enough to realize the devastating impact of his curse. He told the king that the curse couldn't be taken back, but sometime in the future people from far-off lands would come and make the desert land green and fertile again.

Today, there are villagers in Irumbai and many other villages near Auroville who feel that the Aurovilians, many of whom hail from many different countries, are the people from far-off lands mentioned by the Kaduveli Siddha and that the curse is now beginning to leave them. Spending a little time in Auroville and seeing all the "green" around one gets a sense that the legend may indeed be true.

To learn more about the ongoing afforestation and other 'greening' work going on at Auroville, click here and here.

Love of Nature is usually the sign of a pure and healthy being uncorrupted by modern civilisation. It is in the silence of a peaceful mind that one can best commune with Nature.  (The Mother, Collected Works, Vol 16, p. 401)

All pictures are from Irumbai temple, credits: Suhas Mehra

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Aaaahhh, dear reader. I hope you enjoyed the story? I sure did, nature lover as I am... And my urge to visit Pondicherry area, Irumbai temple and Auroville? Oh yes, still there, maybe even more...:-) Thank you dear Beloo for sharing this wonderful story:-)

About Beloo:
Beloo donned the hats of school teacher, university professor and researcher for many years, and is now happy to be doing what she does best – learn. Living in Pondicherry for the last 7 years and working part-time as an online educator for a private university in the US, she devotes most of her time to studying the works of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, blogging, reading, gardening and just being. She blogs at http://letbeautybeyourconstantideal.blogspot.in/ and can be reached at beloome@gmail.com

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Have a continuous good week!
Ta ta from Mumbai!  

My 7 top Goa Monsoon Moments

Every time I have been to Goa, the sky has been blue. The sun has been shining and it has been filled up with tourists from all over. Hectic, busy, fun and a bit exhausting.

This week, when I went, the sky was grey. The clouds were dark and rain was pouring constantly. But you know what, dear reader: I totally loved it.

Back in Norway we say: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" - so I put on my monsoon plastic shoes and headed off to explore monsoon Goa. These were my top favorite moments:

1. Nothing beats the vibrant colors and the freshness that the rain brings out. The coconut trees seems taller, the rice fields seems brighter and the nature comes to life again. And as I was strolling around in the fields, mesmerized by the green beauty, clicking away - I just hear my friends going: " - Oh, we are impressed Eli - see you walking around without fear for all the snakes and crocodiles." - Eeeeeeeeeeeeek....

2. Having Chicken Cafreal - and lots of other goodies at the local Florentines restaurant. I like the Goan cuisine for their smart use of spices. The restaurant is great: visited by locals, genuine and clean, cheap prices and most important: very tasty food:

3. Feeling the amazing and including atmosphere at The Miraculous Cross at the Holy Cross church in Bambolim:

4. Shopping the best cashew nuts (in the world ?)- in Sawantwadi. A long drive, but totally worth it. A beautiful place - and back in "my" state - Maharashtra.

5. Being the almost only (playful) tourist in a normally very crowded tourist area. How peaceful and calm to go for a stroll along the sea - feeling the breeze and rain at the beautiful Dona Paula beach area - famous for the myths of the Portugese lady Dona Paula and for shooting of the Bollywood films Ek Duuje Ke Linge and Singham. Usually packed with people, but not this week. Not even possible to buy the Fresh Lime Soda with Singham Masala  and Bombay Masala..:-) Hm - gotta come back here:-)  

6. Being invited to new friends' homes and feel happy when they show me their gardens with blooming flowers, the little birdie that they saved, their new kittens, the newly born calf or their old Portugese home which has been in the family for centuries and that they preserve with love, respect and pride.

7. Just sitting there, watching the rain pour down - feeling relaxed and happy - and knowing that the sun is waiting. Patiently. Because over the dark clouds, the sky is always blue..

Bye for now, dear Goa - see you again:-) 

Mumbai and Me - a guestpost

 - Eli, you make me miss Mumbai like hell - he writes in his comment. And I know it is him, the outspoken Vishal, whom I share my intense Mumbai - fascination with..

You see, dear reader, an amazing and unexpected joy of writing this blog has been connecting with fellow writers/bloggers. Vishal's blog: Scripting the story of life is a pure addiction to me. Vishal writes with humor, depth, style and strength and he has an incredible ability to cover a wide range of subjects. And he is, like me, in a passionate relationship with Mumbai. It was meant to be. I just knew that at some point I had to ask him to guest post. So, guess what he chose as a theme..? 

Please dear reader: buckle up for an emotional, funny unforgettable ride, when Vishal takes us to his Mumbai:

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Mumbai and Me

When true-blue Mumbaikar Eli- that’s how I call her- asked me to do a blog post for her, the idea that popped in my head was, Mumbai. No prize for guessing. Now, what do I write about Mumbai? A city that fascinates me to no end, where life is celebrated unplugged throughout the day and night.

I was not born and brought up in Mumbai. Like millions, I came with aspiration to chase my dreams, owing to my fascination for this amazing city where I know I can make my life. Mumbai struck my senses on Day One as I stood, amazed at the towering and iconic Chattrapathi Shivaji Terminus, less known as CST but more as VT, dating to the colonial era, yellow-and-black cabs, Best Buses and, of course, fake Gucci bags, sold at Colaba causeway. It was a life-long thrilling experience where we made memories drinking to heaven at the cheap Gokul, Leopold or Sports Express Bar. It was love at first sight.

The local trains became my life line. My first tryst with local train was when I hopped on a jam-packed local from Churchgate to Santacruz. As the train ambled past Bandra, I became shit scared. How can trains be so crowded? How on earth I am gonna get out! I wriggled my way, shoved by the crowd and finally pushed my my tiny body out. I felt like the Olympic champ, fighting the human masses to breathe free. Don’t they say if you fight the crowd out of the train, you’ve won the first Mumbai battle. How true!

I would spend two and half years in Mumbai, making friends with two twin sisters and street urchins at Marine Drive who would call me, ‘Seth’ (Boss). We became friends. What I like best about this cosmopolitan city is that no matter where we belong to, Mumbai welcome us with open arms. The cute twin sisters, no matter how battered they were with life, would always delight me with a smile on their faces. For the rest of the world, they are beggars but for me, they were two sweet friends who are an inspiration. I still miss them!

Once I reached Mumbai past midnight and was clueless where to go and find a place to sleep. At that time, I was still in Pune and but had to travel to Mumbai every week for my Post Grad’s admission. The time I reached Churchgate, I couldn’t find any place to stay but went straight to the University hostel, International Students Hostel (ISH), trying out my luck to find a shelter for the night. The security guys didn’t relent but some boys, somehow, convinced them to let me in. Finally, I was accommodated on the dining table in the mess. Yesh! In Mumbai, you can sleep anywhere if you got the pace to survive, be it the pavement, Marine Drive or a table. Deep inside, I decided that I have to be in Mumbai no matter what it takes and even if it means, sleeping on the streets to survive.

Experiences! There are many. My first encounter with the beggar, who skillfully hid his right hand under his shirt, walked to the taxi I was sitting in, asking for money. I readily gave him ten bucks, feeling sad that the poor man lost his right hand. The next day, the beggar-actor pulled another coup but this time, the left hand was lost. I felt like an idiot. This is Mumbai for you.

I call Mumbai, my city. Maximum City, as it is called, gave me so much where I experienced and learned so many things about life. Right now, I am not in Mumbai but the addiction that it is, grows on me every single moment, reminding me that I’ve never left and not once, I don’t miss Mumbai. It’s my muse. No matter where you go, the city will grow on you so much, reminding you that it’s waiting for you with open arms. I shall be back. It may take me some more time but I will embrace my muse. 

That’s the power of Mumbai. You cannot bid good bye forever.

Once a girl told me at the time, I was starting my life in Mumbai, “If you got the pace, you survive.’

My muse! I’ll be back soon to make new experiences and memories.

Loove you, Mumbai

Vishal

  

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There, dear reader - what did I say... ? Amazing huh? 

Vishal is a freelance journalist and runs the blog Scripting the story of life. He also do book reviews and can be contacted on vishal.v.bheeroo@gmail.com. He stayed in Mumbai for two and half years, is fascinated about Maximum City and calls it his muse. Mumbai is an obsession for him. He is passionate about movies, books and loves writing short stories.

Well, I hope you enjoyed Vishal's journey as immensely as I did? And what do you know: tomorrow is another day, and yet another celebration here in Mumbai... Human pyramids coming up..... Happy Janmashtami everyone! 

Thank you so much Vishal! I am so happy you accepted my invite for a guest blog. It was such a pleasure to have you here.

Ta ta from Mumbai! 

A Foodie's favorites in Matunga

So, I had a revelation. You see, exploring Matunga, there was an aspect (of the exploration) that I instantly knew deserved a blogpost of its own. And if you are a foodie like me, you will completely understand....

Because, dear reader, those south Indian flavors...oooooh yum!

We started our morning at Cafe Mysore - or as the sign outside says: The oldest restaurant in Mumbai for South Indian delicacies. The coffee here is served like this:

... and then you have to mix the coffee, milk and sugar yourself by pouring from one tin cup to the other - a few times. Or have a skilled waiter do it for you in a very elegant way. Our attempt ended ... well on the table in a not so elegant way - but fun and very tasty. We were told that coffee is more of a south Indian drink than India's national drink tea. Our tour guide from Travel-logs told us that a popular story goes that a Muslim saint on a pilgrimage to Mecca, smuggled 7 coffee beans from Yemen into India, and planted them in the hills of Chandragiri in Mysore. But think again if you think this is a place for coming and hanging out over your coffee while chatting with friends for hours. The message is clear:

I have to admit we might have bended the rule a bit because we did a lot of chatting over those coffee cups... However, we did try the local specialty: 

At Cafe Mysore we had toast omlet - because as being (the first ) udipi restaurant in Mumbai .. for the south Indians coming to Mumbai to work and settle down these restaurants were set up to provide quick, simple and cheap meals. And the omlet had no eggs in it  ---- a very tasty vegetarian version.

And the foodies moved on, and I tell you now: if you love idlis, like I do, you will be in paradise at The Idli House. Also a small come-order-eat-and-leave place, and with a "waiting room " on the pavement outside - because this is a popular place!

...and if you do not finish your pudi, you will have to pay 8 rs penalty.. Ha ha - how great is that?!

.....aahhhh - in idli heaven... before:

..and during.. My favorite was the coconut idli - with a sprinkle of chili powder on top, but all so yum!!

After the idlis we were strolling on, and passed this cute little book store - can you imagine going treasure hunting in there? - and what could be more perfect than having a coffee bean outlet next door:

Ayappan Idli Stall was a very busy place - perfect for dosas and vadas - a quick bite on the sidewalk - a very popular place.  Centred on a busy street corner you could also drive up, jump out and get your fast food - but so not for a minute think it is a drive-in-restaurant- . You have to get out of your car/bike/rickshaw and yourself go up and order...

And if you have eaten south Indian food, you have probably, like us, had some kind of banana - or maybe had it beautifully served in banana leaves. Well, the banana market said it all:  

In my quest to explore my adopted city Mumbai, I have, in addition to heading around (sometimes like a headless chicken) on my own, also tried out different tour guides and companies. Walking tours are my favorite, and this time I for the first time went with Travel-logs. According to their site they are: a bunch of intrepid travellers, who love travelling … seeing new places, experiencing different cultures, trying to de-mystify history, and of course eating different foods! We are a team of loosely connected but tightly bonded individuals. And what binds us together is our deep passion for India and discovering her, everyday.

I have to say I felt that passion:-) I enjoyed their enthusiasm and level of knowledge, so Chief Explorer Dhiresh and co: you will see me again for sure. Your tour was interesting, varied and fun:-)  

NB: This tour was not sponsored. And as always: my opinion is mine and mine alone:-)

Ta ta from Mumbai! 

Exploring Mumbai hotels

Scenery from 2012: - Ok, my friend said: - You are sure you are moving to Bombay? I nodded. She looked at me, still with the what-on-earth-are-you-thinking expression on her face. She had moved to my country, and now I was telling her that I was moving to hers. Finally, she smiled: - Ok, you go to Gateway of India, and then you go for tea at the Taj Mahal Hotel, ok? I smiled back. Sure, I could do that.

And almost 2 years down the road: here I am, sipping tea at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and with it, sending some warm thoughts to my friend. At The Hotel. Not staying. Just visiting. Because - we don't do that do we? Hotel-ing in our home town? Yet, surprisingly often, I have found myself -  in a hotel here lately.

For 2 reasons: 1. That's where some of my leaving friends spend their last few Mumbai nights, after they have packed up their house, and before they are flying out. So: a natural place to drop by for a last coffee /drink /hug. 2. Some writings I have been doing lately, has brought me the fortunate task of researching various hotels around the city. Oh, let me tell you: hotel-ing in India.... Wow. New adventures await also for you experienced hotel-ers out there.

Take Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. From 1903, the first grand landmark in Bombay harbor, built 21 years before Gateway of India. Walking into that hotel is like traveling back in history..

I was impressed to find out how they, through 110 years, also have managed to renew the hotel. In 1972, India's first coffee shop opened, they were the first to serve Bombay street food in their fine dining restaurant and India's first Japanese restaurant opened here. As I sip my tea and look out the window at the Gateway of India, the sea and the colorful boats, a feeling of grandness and comfort overwhelms me.. I like how they maintain the history, and at the same time seems to keep an eye out for new trends and new ideas.

Well. I finish my tea, take my bag and wander off through the long hallways, already with the next hotel lined up in front of me. But, I have to admit that I have developed a soft spot for the nostalgic atmosphere of this place. But let's see what comes up next.. (and PS: my opinions are mine and mine alone. No sponsored tea this time:-) )

And then.

As I sit in the car, going home, forming fancy sentences about the hotels in my mind, being all focused on ideas on how the places will appeal to tourists... I look up and I look out the window. And there, hanging on to the back of the car next to me: 3 boys. The little one is struggling. I can see he is holding on so tight. Its like his hands are slipping. And all of a sudden, my hotels are wiped off my mind, gone with the wind, and all I can think of is: please please don't let them fall off, please don't let them fall down...

Oh, Mumbai my Mumbai -

- You take me on an emotional roller coaster Every Single Day...

Have a wonderful week ahead dear reader and thanks for following:-)

PS: By the way - do you have a favorite hotel? In Mumbai or elsewhere? Please share! 

Food walking in Dadar

2 days later, and I still feel stuffed: panna, thali peeth, amba daal, bharli wangi, chawli bhaji, matki usal... Need I say more? You get the picture? Saturday I went to explore Maharastrian food, in Dadar.

You know, India is making a huge impact on our kitchen, and I am learning - day by day. I enjoy finding out about the origin of the dishes, be amazed by the variety of flavors and blown away by the use of spices. And let me tell you: Indian food is simply not just Indian food. All over the country there are different ways of cooking, and a bouquet of variations and recipes, from south to north. Lucky me who get to dive in and explore that ocean of culinary threats. And what could be more natural than increasing my knowledge on our local cuisine: Mumbai or Maharashtra. So, off I went on a food walk to find out.

The walk was advertised " for you if you thought that Maharashtrian food starts and ends with the iconic vada pao" Hm. Well, we started off at the popular Aaswad, and get ready to drool, people, because this was yummy:

Batata vada with chutney 

And to go with the food: panna, a drink made by raw mango

After countless dishes at Aaswad, I think people were already started to feel a bit full, but at least we managed to get up, and walk out, and after a short walk we came to our next stop: Gypsy Corner, another place known for serving local food. I noticed chairs were put on the side walk, so people could sit and wait for an available table - another popular place (a good sign). And what do you know? - we did had room for more food after all!! Delicious missal pao, bhareli bhindi, bharli vangi, pitla and aamras:

Divine puris' with the most delicious mango dip ... Ohhhhhhh heaven

Oh, now we are talking filled up: we more stumbled than walked out to the busy streets and headed for some air, exercise and shopping - a chance to buy pickles, masalas and snacks. Pretty impressive that some of my fellow walkers (hello sweetie) managed to buy snacks and start to eat them then and there (and that most of us attempted to try).  

We ended our walk at a Malvani restaurant: Sindhudurg, to get a taste of the food from the coastal region of Maharashtra. So, Surmai thali and prawn fry was waiting for us, and a new miracle happened: we still had some room for those delicious bites..: 

Thali with fried shrimps and kingfish

So, no wonder, dear reader, that I still feel full, right? Delicious food and new knowledge. Our tour was all organised by Finely Chopped. To me the walk was more about food and less about walking, and I was thinking it might benefit with a bit more walking, but on the other hand:  if I then would have to choose less food in return, I am not sure what to give up. For sure, that would not be those puris with mango - they are mine:-) All mine:-)

PS: this tour was not sponsored. And as always: my opinion is mine and mine alone:-) Like those puris:-)

Ta ta:-)

P for Pondicherry

Do you ever, when you read a book or see a film, dream about going to that exact place? I do. My vivid imagination can take me on a spin and wander off to the weirdest places. I dreamed about traveling to the foot of Ngong Hills with Robert Redford when I saw Out of Africa, I was totally on that Beach with Leonardo, and I was strolling the alleyways of that little village in France with Meryl Streep in Julia&Julie.
But by all means: sometimes I also think: Never. Ever am I going to go to that place!

When I first read Life of Pi, this name came up. I had heard it before and the uniqueness had made me curious. And then, reading about it - even more. Pondicherry. The place Pi lived in India before he left with his family for a new future in Canada. Now, let me just say that my dream destination is not being alone on a small boat with a tiger.. Going to Pondicherry on the other hand... Yes. That I would like to do.

Life of Pi

Pi in Pondicherry

Very moving scene from the film. Pi and Anandi at the pier, Pondicherry

Pondicherry is on the south-east coast of India, and is often described as a quiet little town. I have never been there (but want to go) - so you may or may not trust my words on this..:-) It's history as a French Colony is visible with boulevards, colonial heritage buildings, street signs in French and the cuisine. And it has a coastline with beautiful beaches and piers. (from where Pi left on the ship)

It seems to me that Pondicherry, (fondly called Pondy), has an intriguing mix: French colonial heritage (some buildings from the 18th century), Tamil culture and a touch from many nationalities - all in a small but varied town. I have been told that the town is built based on very organized city plans, and you can find clean streets, churches, temples, and gorgeous houses painted in cream, yellow, pink and grey with vivid flowers - a beauty for the eye.

There are quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south of the town, and Pondy seems like the perfect base if you want to explore the whole area.. (f.ex if you, like I do, would like to visit Tamil Nadu). It is close to Chennai, and there are a lot of options for your stay like: beach resorts, heritage hotels, high class hotels or neat Ashram Guest Houses (perfect for the spiritual seeker). Whether you are interested in history, culture, spiritual inspiration or shopping- you might find something in Pondy! And for you foodies and beach lovers - yup, for you too...   

Peaceful Pondicherry - I would like to Give time a Break (their slogan) and I do hope to visit one day! Not in the far future. Seems like a good place to be. If you have similar plans please do check out: the website of Tourism. Pondicherry.

So, from party- ing with the Olympic Gods yesterday, to strolling in Pondicherry today... We sure travel fast and wild, dear reader? And it doesn't stop here.. Tomorrow we are off to yet another dream destination.. Q... here we come!

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1-30 April I participate in the A to Z blogger challenge, and this post is written as a part of that. My theme for the challenge is Dream Destinations. I hope you had fun coming along. Please stay tuned for a new destination tomorrow:-) 

Go to atozchallenge.com

G for Golden Temple

So, we are leaving the green and peaceful Faroe Islands, and I promised you some glitter and glory today didn't I? Well, I will keep my promise and take you with me to a dream destination of my own. A place I had longed to see long before I moved to India, and the urge to go there has just grown stronger and stronger.. Yes, today we are headed back to India and to the magical Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.

Living in India has brought me new insight on religions and cultures I knew little about before. One of them is sikhism. The more our sikh friends have shown us about their way of living, the more fascinated I have become. It seems now un-avoidable for me to visit The Golden Temple, Harmandir Sahib, the holiest shrine for the sikhs. I know I just have to go there.

Now, of course, the newly discovered diva in me is beyond excited just by the whole Golden theme idea. Is it really gold? Wonder how it will shine? Must be magnificent.. Huh, can you believe that lady?

On pictures, the temple looks like a pure vision - with white and golden stone walls it is mirroring itself in the water surrounding it. It glitters and sparkles and looks so beautiful (the Diva gets ecstatic..). The temple was built in the 16th century in the unique sikh architecture. The holiest text of sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside the temple which is visited by over 100,000 people daily.

I find our sikh friends to be very inclusive and open, as is their religion. The Golden Temple has four entrances, from all four directions, to show that all people are welcome here. No matter where you come from or what religion or belief you have. So, in a way, the Golden Temple is not only a sacred place for the sikhs, but also a symbol of human sisterhood and brotherhood and equality. Every human being is welcome in the temple to seek spiritual solace and religious fulfillment.

So, dear reader, that is a destination I dream of traveling to. One day... One day....

I hope you enjoyed the journey to the Golden Temple? Tomorrow I will lead the way to a place that I have already visited, but to which I would not at all mind going back to! Anytime! H......... here we come!

Until then!

1-30 April I participate in the A to Z blogger challenge, and this post is written as a part of that challenge. Check out some amazing participating blogs here. My theme for the challenge is Dream Destinations. I hope you had fun coming along? Please stay tuned for a new destination tomorrow. 

Go to a-to-zchallenge.com

B for Banganga

So, yesterday we went all the way up to the Acropolis but today we are not traveling very far, at least I am not. Today I am taking you to one of my favorite places here in Mumbai: the Banganga tank at Malabar Hill.

When I first went there in 2012, it was love at first sight. Walking down some steep stairs and taking in the whole scenery of the narrow streets around the tank, all the temples, the trees, the people, just feeling the peace and quiet... And then sitting down at the stairs, looking at the water, hearing people talk around me, and get this intense feeling....  of both sadness and happiness.

You see, Banganga tank is one of Mumbai's most holy sites. Since it is said that the water here comes from Ganges, it is considered sacred and with healing effect just like the Ganges water. People come here to remember their loved ones who has passed away. You can see groups of people sitting on the edge, dressed in white and often with shaved heads (White is the color for mourning in India) - letting small packets of memories float off on the water or swim themselves in the sacred water of the tank.

(Almost) car-free alleyways surrounding the tank... 

So, the legend says that the spring was created by an arrow shot by Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana), and the minute the arrow hit the ground, water gushed from the ground, creating a tributary of the Ganges. Therefor the name is Banganga, the Ganga created on a baan (arrow).

To me, this place has a unique atmosphere. Sitting there, getting all dreamy and melancholic while philosophy-ing about life itself is what makes the Banganga tank a dream(y) destination for me. I hope that you enjoyed coming along with me as well? And stay tuned, because tomorrow we have a high up and down below destination when we travel to C....

Until then!

1-30 April I participate in the A to Z blogger challenge, and this post is written as a part of that challenge. Check out some amazing participating blogs here. My theme for the challenge is Dream Destinations. I hope you had fun coming along? Please stay tuned for a new destination tomorrow. 

Go to a-to-zchallenge.com