Since time immemorial, Uttarkashi within the increased Himalayas, has been referred to as the house of celestial beings. That is what has drawn sages and non secular aspirants who’ve continued to stay 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 the town of Varanasi (Kashi) within the Gangetic plains. And similar to Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath temple right here is the principle attraction for guests.
An attention-grabbing characteristic of the large Shivlinga being worshipped right here is that it leans in 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 complicated 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 huge trident that many individuals have been making an attempt to maneuver however have been unable to take action. I used to be really intrigued, did such a trident actually exist, even right now ?
By no means in my wildest creativeness I might have thought that sooner or later I might stand virtually transfixed earlier than the identical huge trident, known as Shakti Stambh within the Shakti Temple. For my readers exterior India, I want to make clear that the phrase Shakti means “energy”, and is one other title 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 after all many various and engaging tales in regards to the origin of the metallic trident, which is sort of 20 toes excessive. Some consider the metallic composition of the trident is just not of this earth, whereas others declare that it’s hundreds of years outdated. The thriller of its origin is but to be solved. It’s mentioned that you simply will be unable to maneuver the huge trident after making use of all of your power, nevertheless in case you contact it with a finger it can begin vibrating.
As quickly as I stepped contained in the Shakti Temple, I might really feel a really robust power. Being an empath, I’ve at all times been extremely delicate to power, however was a bit stunned that how overpowering it was. The temple was virtually empty, aside from 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 mostly provided to Goddess Durga. Immediately, 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 obtained right into a deep state of meditation. I’ve been meditating virtually on a regular basis since greater than 20 years, however such deep meditation, virtually immediately, has been uncommon.
After I opened my eyes I couldn’t see anybody from my group, so I believed possibly it was time for me to go, although I didn’t wish to go away the temple. Once I went exterior, our tour supervisor Rupesh instructed 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 outdated lady got here to me and stretched out her hand. She had come from contained in the temple although I had not seen her earlier. I used to be a bit greatly surprised, the girl didn’t seem like 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 observe 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 change 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 at all times thought that I give much more than I obtain, this incident has one way or the other made me realise that there’s at all times receiving, although I’m not conscious of it. The change occurs concurrently.
Each time I take into consideration the Shakti Temple and my expertise there, I’m full of a beautiful feeling of pleasure and pleasure, as if I used to be connecting with a secret and sacred area inside the inside recesses of my being. I do know now why for hundreds of years non secular aspirants have travelled hundreds of kilometres to come back right here – for the following massive step of their journey inside.
Vital information:
Methods 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 recurrently.
Lodging: There are lots of finances motels in Uttarkashi, totally on the Gangotri street.
Greatest time to go to: Complete 12 months spherical, apart from the monsoon months (July – August).
