Since time immemorial, Uttarkashi within the greater Himalayas, has been generally known as the house of celestial beings. That is what has drawn sages and non secular aspirants who’ve continued to dwell right here within the many Ashrams (non secular hermitages) down the ages. Positioned on the banks of Bhagirathi river, a tributary of Ganga, Uttarkashi is taken into account an abode of Shiva, like town of Varanasi (Kashi) within the Gangetic plains. And similar to Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath temple right here is the primary attraction for guests.
An attention-grabbing characteristic of the large Shivlinga being worshipped right here is that it leans in the direction of one aspect. Recounting the genesis of the temple, the priest right here mentioned that the stone Shivlinga was not sculpted by man, it had emerged from the bottom by itself. I had visited Varanasi and had gone to Kashi Vishwanath temple there. The hanging distinction between each locations was very obvious.
The advanced additionally homes the well-known Shakti Temple. I had seen a tv serial, which confirmed a revered saint Baba Loknath’s journey to Uttarkashi greater than 200 years in the past, the place there was a big trident that many individuals have been making an attempt to maneuver however have been unable to take action. I used to be actually intrigued, did such a trident actually exist, even at present ?
By no means in my wildest creativeness I might have thought that in the future I might stand nearly transfixed earlier than the identical large trident, known as Shakti Stambh within the Shakti Temple. For my readers exterior India, I wish to make clear that the phrase Shakti means “energy”, and is one other identify of Goddess Durga (Common Mom / Supreme Consciousness).
Goddess Durga, the warrior goddess, and the supreme primordial female power, is worshipped right here because the trident. It’s believed that after defeating the demon Mahishasur, within the epic battle between demons and gods, she threw her trident at this very spot.
There are in fact many various and engaging tales concerning the origin of the metallic trident, which is nearly 20 ft excessive. Some consider the metallic composition of the trident will not be of this earth, whereas others declare that it’s 1000’s of years previous. The thriller of its origin is but to be solved. It’s mentioned that you simply will be unable to maneuver the large trident after making use of all of your energy, nonetheless should you contact it with a finger it is going to begin vibrating.
As quickly as I stepped contained in the Shakti Temple, I might really feel a really sturdy power. Being an empath, I’ve all the time been extremely delicate to power, however was a bit shocked that how overpowering it was. The temple was nearly empty, other than two individuals from our tour group. My fellow travellers have been meditating.
I stood there staring on the trident wrapped in crimson and gold fabric, which is usually supplied to Goddess Durga. All of the sudden, I might hear a voice say loud and clear “Sit”. It was authoritative and distinctive. Was it a communication or did it come from someplace inside me, actually I have no idea. And I heard it once more, “Sit”.
I sat down on the ground and the second I closed my eyes, I acquired right into a deep state of meditation. I’ve been meditating nearly on a regular basis since greater than 20 years, however such deep meditation, nearly immediately, has been uncommon.
After I opened my eyes I couldn’t see anybody from my group, so I believed perhaps it was time for me to go, despite the fact that I didn’t need to depart the temple. Once I went exterior, our tour supervisor Rupesh advised me that there was nonetheless a while for our departure. Fortunately I entered the Shakti Temple once more and sat down, to meditate and soak within the setting.
After a while as I used to be about to step out of the sanctum santorum, an previous lady got here to me and stretched out her hand. She had come from contained in the temple although I had not observed her earlier. I used to be a bit greatly surprised, the girl didn’t appear to be a beggar to me. Standing on a holy floor, proper earlier than the trident, I couldn’t say no, I quietly took out a Rs 20 be aware from my purse and gave it to her. Silently, she took the cash and gave me a berry. I used to be a bit hesitant to simply accept it, however once more couldn’t refuse.
I washed the berry on the water faucet exterior and had it like a prasad. It was an uncommon trade of which I take into consideration usually. I consider, there’s a message in it for me to know about giving and receiving – I’ve all the time thought that I give much more than I obtain, this incident has by some means made me realise that there’s all the time receiving, despite the fact that I’m not conscious of it. The trade occurs concurrently.
Each time I take into consideration the Shakti Temple and my expertise there, I’m stuffed with an exquisite feeling of pleasure and pleasure, as if I used to be connecting with a secret and sacred area throughout the interior recesses of my being. I do know now why for 1000’s of years non secular aspirants have travelled 1000’s of kilometres to return right here – for the following huge step of their journey inside.
Essential data:
The best way to attain: Uttarkashi is at a distance of 160 kms from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport. A cab is the most suitable choice, there are additionally buses plying usually.
Lodging: There are various funds inns in Uttarkashi, totally on the Gangotri highway.
Greatest time to go to: Complete 12 months spherical, aside from the monsoon months (July – August).