The Spiritual Journey

We embark on journeys for various reasons: work, to reunite with family, to spend time with friends, to explore new places, or simply to unwind. However, today I will delve into the concept of a spiritual journey. It's not merely a trip to religious sites; it encompasses the lessons learned during such journeys, which I will discuss. While delving into the detailed meaning of spirituality, I discovered that it transcends the self. It entails a sensory experience that reveals a force greater than oneself, a cosmic and divine universal energy. This force must be felt; it cannot be taught. Moreover, spirituality is not solely about religious experiences or personal growth; it involves the quest to find one's purpose in life. How many of us truly yearn for this spiritual journey? I believe many embark on it consciously, while others do so unconsciously, as if it's ingrained in their very being.

Recently, I visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, performed the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, witnessed the breathtaking Ganga Aarti, and visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. I encountered remarkable individuals during these visits and sensed a profound spirituality within them. Our first stop was Ayodhya, where the recently inaugurated temple was still undergoing construction. Our corporate group was the first to visit, consisting of 70 to 80 people, requiring meticulous coordination to ensure everyone's comfort during the darshan. The locals in Ayodhya were thrilled to see such a large group and went above and beyond to extend their hospitality, assisted by our corporate staff. One guide continuously expressed gratitude for our presence.

Another guide shared their tradition of offering personal hospitality to guests. We were taken to a restaurant for lunch, where each of us was personally served with warmth and a smile. After lunch, we were gifted plants, chosen based on our names and planetary influences, with the belief that they would bring positive energy and prosperity to us and our families. Such gestures of hospitality, beyond mere obligation, epitomize spirituality as a wish for the well-being of others.

From Ayodhya, we journeyed to Prayagraj to witness the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet. Mythology describes Yamuna's quiet flow, Ganga's rapid current, and Saraswati's silent merging into the other rivers. At the sangam point, we witnessed the distinct flows and colors of these rivers, amidst heavy traffic due to the auspicious Maha Sud Purnima, drawing visitors from across India. Following this, we headed to Varanasi for the evening Ganga Aarti.

Our driver took us to a place from where we could proceed by boat. He was eager for us to visit the Triveni Sangam and arranged for two young men to row the boats, ensuring we could return as quickly as possible. These two young boys guided us, explained everything, and facilitated our worship rituals. Upon our return, when we offered them money for their services, they declined, saying something that resonated deeply with me: "You have come to this holy place to worship. We are sailors; we do not accept payment unless we fulfill our duty." We were amazed by their dedication, witnessing the coexistence of humanity and spirituality. Such young individuals have the potential to shape the future of our country.

Throughout our pilgrimage, we felt blessed at every location we visited, thanks to the support of kind souls we encountered. Despite being delayed, our driver ensured we reached Varanasi in time for the Ganga Aarti. He felt responsible for us experiencing this spiritual event. We arrived just minutes before the Aarti began, amidst a massive crowd of perhaps over one lakh people. Despite the crowd, we found a place with the help of a stranger. The Ganga Aarti was truly mesmerizing, with seven pandits performing in perfect synchronization for an hour. One pandit blew the shankha continuously for nearly 15 minutes, showcasing remarkable lung power in his devotion to the divine. These pandits perform the Aarti every day, regardless of weather conditions, demonstrating pure dedication. The presence of spirituality was palpable in the air.

The positive vibrations of the Ganga Aarti lingered in my heart. While there, a journalist with hearing impairment approached me, not seeking assistance but requesting an interview for an online platform. During our conversation, I realized his struggles with hearing aids, which weren't effective. I suggested improving his hearing first, and after receiving his hearing graph, I arranged for him to receive advanced hearing aids from the Josh Foundation. With improved hearing, his speech normalized, and he excelled in his profession. He even conducted an online interview with me.

When I visited Lucknow later, I messaged him, and he eagerly agreed to meet on a Sunday morning in Varanasi. Despite his commitments, he traveled near Varanasi the previous evening, just to ensure he arrived on time. I had provided him with hearing aids over two years ago, yet he expressed genuine gratitude by touching my feet for blessings. We visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple together, where he ensured our comfort and even presented us with sweets his wife had made. Witnessing his humility and gratitude, I realized that my spiritual journey during this pilgrimage was enriched by encountering such humble souls. I returned home with a renewed sense of positive energy.