Journey of Joy

Since my younger days, I was always fascinated by train journey. This is because in every journey I experience something new. Last month when I went to Jaipur by train , few medical students boarded the train from Delhi Cantt, they were discussing their exam paper with full excitement. It seemed as if the whole compartment turned into an examination room. As soon as chai walla and samosa and bread pakore walla entered the compartment, within few minutes the seller’s thali was emptied . These young doctors full of energy, made me feel proud. When the train reached Alwar junction I saw locomotive steam engine, which remided me of my childhood.

When I was going to Hubli from delhi by train with my family, the railway junction of each state  reflected its own culture. Like Mathura’s pedhe, dal pakori, Agra ka petha , Gwalior’s sachi milk  etc.

I can never forget Bhusawal junction which is adjoined with the Tapti river from where one could see the huge banana fields. Early morning, when we got down at bhusawal station and I saw local people selling home made dhoklas, pav vadha and bhel puri. Manwadh station hasn’t changed from the past 100 years. We heard a loudspeaker giving information to the guard to wave the green flag. This kind  of communication I have never seen before.  We slowly crossed the small towns of Maharashtra . These places have  preserved their culture from clothing style to their  language.  All the students and service class people got down at Pune because of which our train was almost vacant . We were soon accompanied by some intellectual people.  And all of us were engrossed with discussions on  politics and Anna Hazare’s fast against corruption.  Many of them shared their experiences with us which was a kind of learning experience for me.

After all these unforgettable moments, we finally reached Hubli station. It seemed as if we have landed in a dreamland with drizzling and hills surrounding the station.                    

Journey of Joy

The Hindu saints since the ancient times, made various rituals which provided directions in the lives of the people. For a long period of time, we thought that the festivals, traditions and rituals are the means to pass our time. But later we understood that each festival, traditions and rituals are depended on the seasons. In fact our food,clothing and other small things related to our lifestyle are associated with these traditions. These things not only provide directions to our lives but also happiness, ability to deal with sorrow and also develop our strong social support .

In Hindu religion, there exist a tradition that a married son will take his family members to a shrine. Why was this tradition  made? Because it strengthens the unity of the family and it helped the bride to understand the values of the family in which she is married. The energy of the young adults of the family made the whole family happy.

In our journey to Houmbaj, we saw our children's happiness at each moment which made our journey even more enjoyable.  

We never thought that Karnataka is full of scenic beauties, the river,lakes,hills , paddy fields, enhanced the beauty of Karnataka.. The banana fields, coconut trees and areca nut trees added to the charm of the land. The colorful houses and the temples gave Karnataka a unique look.  We reached Jog fall half wet due to rain. How could we forget the sweet pineapple we had on the roadside, brunch with hot Idli-Sambhar and dosa. and the view of the small village houses. While on our way to the destination, these sights made our trip a priceless experience. 

    

Growing With Faith

Since 1998, I wanted to visit one of our Jain shrines called Houmbuj which is located in Karanataka. Houmbaj is located in Shimoga district which is 7 hours away from Bangalore and 3 hours away from Hubbli.
In 12th century B.C.Houmbuj was one of the biggest cities of ancient India which was then known as Paromprush. The queen of the city, Rani Chetawati made Panchvasdi which mean 5 temples in one campus of the 5 Jain Teerthankars which are Adinath, Ajitnath, Shantinath, Parashnath and Mahavir swami.


This temple is now, preserved by The Archeological Department of India. Apart from these temples, the main temple near Panchvasdi is Bhagwan Parasnath and Ma Padmavati temple which is visited by many devotees each month.


I worship Ma Padmavati  not because my parents asked me to worship Ma but my faith in Ma Padmavati bloomed after my many personal experiences through which I felt the presence and blessings of Ma in my life.
First, my eldest daughter Priyanka wanted to be admitted in one of best colleges of Delhi University which was known for its course in Geography. Priyanka prayed to Ma Padmavati for whole one year. Not only did Priyanka completed her BA and MA but also went to Kentucky University for her PhD.
After 2 year of her Masters in Kentucky, I was again bothered for her marriage. I  looked at  Ma and prayed that once Priyanka get a suitable spouse, I will come to Houmbuj for Ma's darshan.
But after her marriage, I had fallen sick and for 2 years I didn't get the chance to visit the shrine. After my second daughter's and my son's marriage, I was again unable to visit Houmbaj.
Last year I  again fell sick. It was at that time that I made a strong will to go for Ma's darshan. 
And finally got the opportunity to visit Houmbuj with my brother- and sister- in- law along with my son and daughter-in-law.


While entering the temple, I felt the presence of Ma everywhere. The compound of the temple had some of the oldest sculptures of god and goddess. The main temple of the whole complex was of Bhagwan Parasnath with Ma Padmavati. The statues of Bhagwan Parasnath and Ma Padmavati was made out of Black Marble.


The shringar and the garlands enhanced the beauty and power of Ma Padmavati and it seemed as if Ma was sitting in front of us and was smiling. While praying i felt as if Ma was showering her blessings on us.
I have installed in my heart  Ma and Bhagwan Parasnath's idols.