Runaway Soul – Shores of Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
It was during the summer of June 2011, that, I embarked for solitude, after the frenzied events happening in my life and escaping the same, in quest of peace. Anxious, desolate, puzzled, imploring for wisdom, I traversed through an unknown state of mind which directed me to ‘Dev Bhoomi – Land of Gods’ – ‘Rishikesh’. Though, in the land of divinity, I felt a bit afflicted. Something was deficient, Psyche was apprehensive. I was exploring for a locale to be at serenity.
Drifting through the narrow lanes, amid mysticism, I elapsed through many individuals clad in maroon and saffron longing for acumen. Rhesus Macaques’ along the boulevard played tranquilly with the pedestrians. Flavors of hot beverages and zesty lip-smacking snacks being made in the proximate kiosks filled the air. Shops selling local handicrafts were embracing the patrons for the affair. Local shutterbugs were keen to silver screen the tourists in the backdrop of the magnificent iron gargantuan – the ‘Laxman Jhula’. Snarling winds whisked past, making the environment more appealing with the oozing Ganges.
Segregating my way from the sounds of life, I marked my way down to the banks. Nestled in the base of Garhwal Himalayas, with waters of Ganges gushing along, are the maiden sandbanks, waiting to be reconnoitered. Sanctity is in the air. Just north of the western promenade of the illustrious Laxman Jhula Bridge at the plaza, stroll downhill on a narrow path covered in canopy of the greens. A few strides further, across a seasonal stream and Voilà, landscape’s untouched splendor and the hullabaloo of the bustling square was unheard. It was me, the open & wide Blues and the Azure Ganges. A few moments there and I were in poise. Time transpired and the sun was at the horizon. The shrines were beginning to brighten up for the dusk, with holy psalms and the oil lamps lit up, conferring reverence to the Mother Ganges. A sight to behold! My search for peace was attained.
Summers are the prudent period to stay in the divine land so as to escape the roaring waters of the rains and the freezing winters. Once at the concourse, taste the snacks and delicacies served by the hawkers and the adjoining food cabins. Don’t forget to get your exquisite moments snapped in the stunning landscape. And, to procure absolute harmony, just advance to the suggested lane from the plaza. Simply relax on the white sands and feel the temperate water. It’s YOU and the Mother Nature, total bliss! Your mind is at peace.
About the Author: An Architect by profession & an enthusiast of Political Science; traveling, exploring and understanding distinctive locales & cultures hold a center stage in me. Each human settlement in the world has its own identity making it distinct from another, which is shaped by its language, cultures, natural features, etc. Such uniqueness needs to be appreciated. Through the passage of time, I have felt an impulse of exploring them and comprehend it.
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