STILL LIFE: Another Day in Deva Bhoomi - Rishikesh

After many years of thinking, finally my cousins Ritesh and Ravi decided to join me on my latest trip to Rishikesh. Recently one of my friends asked me, which temple I visit to meditate and practice sadhana and I said, "You don't need a temple, just sit down any where on the banks of Holy River Ganges, you will find peace". And I believe it so... as many of the Rishi, Saints and Sadhu's have been doing Tapasya in and around this place for thousands of years and the Ganges has been the source of their energy...

This time, I was invited by Swami Omkarananda Ji to spend some time with him on this trip as well as work on the Yoga Center and it was a pleasure to be with him. The place where we stayed, curtsy Swami Ji, is the ashram where South Indian Star Rajnikanth stays regularly. It was interesting to hear from Swami Ji some of the stories about the simplicity of the Star, who could actually go out to have Ground nuts from the road side stall, without getting mobbed...

The following images from the journey to one of the most holiest places ... Hope you will enjoy them.

Although the journey started in Delhi, this is on the way to Rishikesh
from Dehradoon...

This time, there were two camera crazy guy, happily capturing the journey
while...

... Shilu kept on waiting on the side lines of our shooting spree..

As we reached ashram, the beautiful sky line welcomed, in its full
glory. The holy river Ganges was very inviting as it softly flowed by...

Soon, we were joined by our host, Swami Omkarananda... before we were
to leave for one of the most powerful temple of 'Neelkanth Mahadev"

Though the sun was not too hot, but some were looking for
opportunity to pose....

And the journey to Neelkanth Mahadev was on...

Neel Kanth Mahadev Temple, 30 KMs by road from Rishikesh, is
beautiful but then the trek of 16 KMs is far more exciting..

One of my favorite places 'Little Buddha Cafe - German Bakery',
The view of the river is beautiful from the place.. as we waited for...

Swami ji along with Satya and his wife to join us for dinner...
Those few hours together was very interesting as we discussed Yoga..

Sun rise is always beautiful in Rishikesh. After hours of meditation
along the banks of Holy Ganges, this view is powerful source of energy...

The ashram also hosts Super Star Rajnikanth, who visits regularly and stays
in this room. Interesting to hear about him from Swami Omkaranada.

As Superstar Rajnikanth loves to do, many of the devotees spend time,
deep in meditation... One of the devotees caged in her own thoughts...

One of my favorite places in Rishikesh, Muni Ke Reti - The Beach along
the river, soft sand white and serene invites you to sit down and think...

While some of the kids monkey around in the sand... they wanted me
to capture their backward flip... 

And some monkey, fooling around with Coca Cola.. yes finally he /she
opened it ...

And some (more?) ... having fun in the river Ganges at Triveni Ghat

And some are watching the life pass by...

Some are devoting themselves to a life of devotion....

Another day started with spiritual bath and the ritual breakfast of
Puri, Sabji and Jalebi... 

And the time to take our leave of Rishikesh and holy river Ganges..
It was interesting, at many levels, to be with my cousins on this trip.

Swami Omkarananda and his friend, joined us to see us off. It was good
learning as I spend some time with him... Looking forward to next time

And the sun sets on another journey to Deva Bhoomi Rishikesh...

Hope you have liked the walk with me on this journey of self exploration ...

__

Shashi

ॐ नमः शिवाय

Om Namah Shivaya

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Through the lens of Kaanvaria - Rishikesh