"The Pilgrimage"

Just a few days ago, I concluded a pilgrimage that lasted for a fortnight. Setting foot on the soil where divine souls lived, ruled, meditated, preached and spread knowledge amongst the mankind, I felt humbled and thanked the God almighty for blessing me with such an opportunity. Though the entire landscape had undergone many changes from the times of those great souls to the present day, there was something in the soil, the trees, the water, the air and everything around that clearly made an impact on me.  It will not be an exaggeration to say that throughout my stay in those holy places, there was a distinct vibration in me that steered me clear of the mundane human existence and took me closer to “Self Awareness”.

Looking back at the pilgrimage and the spiritual journey I had undertaken, a strong feeling comes from within me and questions “was it I who traversed such a path? Can it be done often? How can I retain the imprint and carry it forward?”

Those fifteen days were spent as if my external self did not exist. I took in everything around me like a hungry man devouring all the food kept in front of him and fed to my soul. I started becoming aware of my inner self radiating with new energy and brightness. “Did it show on my face as well?” I wondered. “Must be” I mused.

The waters of the holy rivers I bathed-in seemed to have touched my heart and soul. The mighty rivers, which for ages have been the symbols of civilization, spirituality, succor and sustenance welcomed me into their fold and touched me with love. I was overwhelmed with joy and reverence when I stepped into their waters, took holy dip and offered prayers to the Sun God. While doing so, I saw images of all the holy and divine souls who lived on the banks of those rivers with their countenance full of brightness and wisdom. I felt as if they were beckoning me to rise above myself and take the inward journey; a journey of purification; a journey of soul search and a journey in search of the divine.

One such river, flowing gently from atop the mountains through groves of mighty trees overwhelmed me visually and spiritually. The river and its surroundings were once the abode of a great sage. A divine soul left the comforts of his kingdom to uphold Dharma and lived on its banks for years. The water was crystal clear with many innocent fish playing merrily. A sense of peace dawned upon me when I stepped into the river and I succeeded to a great extent when I tried to be one with the sanctity of the place.

Towards the end of our pilgrimage, we halted for a night in a thick forest which was the abode of all the sacred souls. It was the place where the religious ceremonies and rituals were taught and I was deeply connected to each and every grain of the soil. Going around the place, I was transported into another age and another world; the forest echoing with holy chants, holy souls endeavoring to bring peace and welfare to the mankind and the Gods paying homage to the divine souls residing on the Earth.

Back to my home on the conclusion of the pilgrimage, I sense a peaceful calmness surrounding me. I find myself mentally traversing the length and breadth of all the places I visited and relive the impact the pilgrimage had on me. While my mind recalls the places and people, my heart relives the feelings and my soul goes on to remind me that I need to consistently emerge out of my external self and embark upon self purification.

“How many more pilgrimages do I need to undertake before I am fully purified?” I ask myself.

“With the insight and strength gained on this pilgrimage, undertake an inward journey, get to know self and purify your soul. Then you are ready for the ultimate journey and pilgrimage”. So I heard, making me wonder whether it was my inner self or a divine soul which beckoned me to rise above self.