Being an avid theist, I have been to so many religious sites near around. I have vivid memories of years of expeditions of the places which are somehow religious sanctums for Hindus. Initially, most of my trips were with my family members, who often took me to gain blessing from the deity worshiped at that particular place. Although I too wished to get good luck, my trips were often more fun than a religious journey. I loved to be clicked with some enchanting locales in backdrop. I loved to dine outdoor and doing nothing especially from the study context.

When I grew up, I started visiting the places alone or with friends. But at that time too, I was in solitary confinement and didn’t know the real essence behind the trips.  But one trip that raised my inner essence and delighted me thoroughly was to Haridwar/Rishikesh about six months back. I was becharmed about the feel running in mind. I was no longer attracted to the food, shopping or leisure stay in hotel room. Haridwar was extremely crowded at that time, and there was immense traffic jam all in Haridwar and Rishikesh. No vehicle was going to the Neelkant temple. So I decided to go on feet.

This was first time I was ready to walk about 20km uphill. When I returned back after divine darshan of Lord Shiva, the roads were again blocked with excessive vehicles. Unexpectedly, I again decided to walk 30km (from Rishikesh to Haridwar) to join my group to take Kanwar on. I was on my feet for last 24 hours without any sleep and good lunch or dinner. Even though I was feeling full of energy and reached the place about 15 minute before the time of holding the kanwar. Truly, this was the when I felt the real meaning of pilgrimage. It give you inner delights and make you feel relaxed notwithstanding of how much troubles you have undergone.

After that trip, I have been to Veshno Devi Shrine, Salasar Dham, Jagannath Puri and several other temple towns in North India. And each of my rips was splendidly delightful and I enjoyed them a lot. This year, I am planning for Chardham Yatra in June.