A tale of two bridges
In epic Ramayana Lord Ram and Laxman are like two ends of a bridge
by nature. Ram is described as responsible serious, ethical and strict by
nature whereas Laxman is just opposite by nature. He is frivolous sometime,
joyful, jovial and equipped with sense of humor as Tulsidas describe him in
epic. The bridge that connects both of them is commonality of purpose. Not only
they belong to same family but also both the characters are known for the
resolve they took for well being of people.
It is said Laxman took a penance in Hrishikesh. A flimsy rope
beneath Laxman jhula, first suspension bridge of India engineered by British
during pre- independence era, reminds of him who might have used rope to cross
over mighty waves of Ganga. Though exact location is not known but many temples
claim and give us a feeling of his presence a long time back. Both brothers
spend a long time here as per epic and now reflections of their natures are
seen in environment in and around both jhulas i.e. ram jhula a recently built
suspension bridge on entrance of Hrishikesh and Laxman jhula.
Ram Jhula
Around Ram jhula are hordes of ashram where you will find most of
the time Darby and Joan like characters seeking spiritual path and lessons at
prime of their age. Euphony of bells in the temples accompanied with Aartis and
bhajan chants generates a sense of surrender towards Supreme power.
Ashrams have strict rules and regulations when it comes to daily
routine and meals. Meals often called as 'Prasad' are served free of cost in
some ashram or at very nominal price of Rs.10 and take word it is an experience
to have a food with beggar might be sitting next to you and eating tastiest of
meal ever served prepared with shuddh ghee most of the time. If you manage to
take a stroll on the roads just keep walking and at last corner of muni ki reti
you will see a damp isolated building that once upon a time was ashram of
Maharishi Mahesh yogi where Beatles spend time as spiritual seekers for six
months.
It is situated on foot of Muni koot parvat starting point of
Himalayan ranges. As per anecdote on this mountain, when requested by Gods,
Lord Shiva came here to drink venom that saved earth. His throat as a cumulative
effect turned blue so he was given name Neelkanth (one who has blue throat).
It's best to visit temple taking trek route which begins from temple of ghosts.
During 11 kms of journey you will come across variety of snakes, leeches,
lizards, crabs and other poisonous creatures that it is said they are soldiers
of Lord Shiva still on work to mitigate effect of venom spread out thousands
years back.
Yogi of fame Baba Gorakhnath worshipped Lord Shiva in Jhilmil Gufa
situated above main temple. As name suggest it is filled with natural light all
the time, a cave without a roof top.
Laxman Jhula
As stated nature around Laxman Jhula have impressions of very
nature of epic hero. Frivolous Ganga is one of white water source here available
in world for river rafting along with other water sports.
With food of all varieties and International flavors available on throw
away prices, housing too is not a problem. You can take rooms with all
amenities on daily to yearly basis even. All westerners prefer to stay here and
learn yoga and other spiritual techniques of holistic healing, from local to
International yoga classes available.
Ananda Spa situated above in mountains offers relaxation and rejuvenation
of soul at luxurious prices. Life is celebrated here and instead of ghats you
will find Ganga beaches full of foreigners basking in the sunlight. As evening
grows life blooms in full swing and you can hear tunes of drums and guitars and
people celebrating life on roof tops of restaurants. All restaurants are here
with a view. It's an experience when you sip a ginger tea and keep staring flowing
Ganga and after sometime it becomes like meditation where you become witness to
situation and mirror your thoughts in waves of river. You are still but life is
flowing in front of you. Hrishikesh has started captivating your senses. Its
Hrishikesh meaning lord of senses or Hrish ka ish. Water, trees and mountains
are part of nature and proximity to it means natural happiness number of time
you see it in front of your eyes and that's for the reason it is a perfect destination
for attainment of spiritual path. It's a pilgrimage and spiritual place where
spiritual seeker seeks highest good and absolute freedom staying for long time
over pilgrimage that is of short duration.
No comments:
Post a Comment