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Fireside's Visit to India
- Thread starter Fireside_Hindu
- Start date
Fireside_Hindu
Jai Lakshmi Maa
Yes! That is the one. Thank you!hi Fireside _Hindu ji , Its Bangla Sahib i think
Fireside_Hindu
Jai Lakshmi Maa
I am skipping a lot of touristy stuff because I figure people here are more interested in the people/spiritual aspect of the trip. I definitely want to go back for a more independent trip. It just isn't possible to get into a spiritual mindset when you are lumbering around in a big group of tourists. Although I had some very nice rare moments.
Moving on...
I will say this about the children of India. They are, by and large, thrilled to see cameras and are always ready with a smile. I thought they were all so beautiful, particular the girls of Abhaneri village. While we were in the village we visited a small rural school .Two small rooms, ages 5-14. We brought school supplies for them. (Although, being the artist that I am I brought them non-drying clay, crayons and drawing paper- hey, kids got to have fun too, right?)
After the younger children performed a few skits and songs for us, we were invited inside to meet the older kids. The first 30 seconds were awkward because they didn't have much english and I was the only one with Hindi. I finally turned to one of the girls and told her she was beautiful in hindi but she didn't respond. (Maybe shy? Maybe that was not an appropriate thing for me to say?) But the teacher heard me speaking and stepped in to encourage the girl to respond. I asked her about her age and her favorite subject. (Age 14 and English) Then I became engrossed with the teacher because he was interested in how I learned Hindi. We talked for a bit about his life and family, and I told him about learning Hindi online. He turned to the kids and explained to them how I knew Hindi and the whole room burst into applause, which made me feel happy, but also shy. At that point our tour guide came in to gather us up and I wished them a hasty goodbye. Again, I wish there had been more time. I could have spent the whole week just getting to know the kids there.
I sadly ran out of film before this encounter so I have no photos of the children from the school. But I do have this one of a school group visiting the Gandhi Memorial in Delhi:
Moving on...
I will say this about the children of India. They are, by and large, thrilled to see cameras and are always ready with a smile. I thought they were all so beautiful, particular the girls of Abhaneri village. While we were in the village we visited a small rural school .Two small rooms, ages 5-14. We brought school supplies for them. (Although, being the artist that I am I brought them non-drying clay, crayons and drawing paper- hey, kids got to have fun too, right?)
After the younger children performed a few skits and songs for us, we were invited inside to meet the older kids. The first 30 seconds were awkward because they didn't have much english and I was the only one with Hindi. I finally turned to one of the girls and told her she was beautiful in hindi but she didn't respond. (Maybe shy? Maybe that was not an appropriate thing for me to say?) But the teacher heard me speaking and stepped in to encourage the girl to respond. I asked her about her age and her favorite subject. (Age 14 and English) Then I became engrossed with the teacher because he was interested in how I learned Hindi. We talked for a bit about his life and family, and I told him about learning Hindi online. He turned to the kids and explained to them how I knew Hindi and the whole room burst into applause, which made me feel happy, but also shy. At that point our tour guide came in to gather us up and I wished them a hasty goodbye. Again, I wish there had been more time. I could have spent the whole week just getting to know the kids there.
I sadly ran out of film before this encounter so I have no photos of the children from the school. But I do have this one of a school group visiting the Gandhi Memorial in Delhi:
Fireside_Hindu
Jai Lakshmi Maa
Some pictures I did manage to take in Abhaneri were those of the Chand Baori, or step well. It has a wonderful atmosphere and there were green parrots taking up residence there. There is a very small Devi temple tucked inside it and an old woman who tends it.
It could have been my imagination but it seemed to me that Hanuman is very popular in the north. I saw his temples most often. The big cities seemed to have a Hanuman temple on every corner. There were other temples too, but Hanuman seems to have temples in an overwhelming majority. Maybe someone from northern India can confirm this? If Hanuman is especially popular in the North is there a historical reason?
It could have been my imagination but it seemed to me that Hanuman is very popular in the north. I saw his temples most often. The big cities seemed to have a Hanuman temple on every corner. There were other temples too, but Hanuman seems to have temples in an overwhelming majority. Maybe someone from northern India can confirm this? If Hanuman is especially popular in the North is there a historical reason?
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Poeticus
| abhyAvartin |
Yes, FH, Lord Shri Hanuman is extremely popular in the North, more so than he is in the South. There are probably many historical, and socio-cultural, reasons as to why this seems to be the case, but one that comes to mind is the prevalence of Rama-worship by cultural Hindus of the Northern states (as well as the Western state of Gujarat). And where there are laudations of Lord Shri Rama, there are the praises of Lord Shri Hanuman by default. Jai Bajrang Bali!
Fireside_Hindu
Jai Lakshmi Maa
Moving on to Jaipur!
In Jaipur we we saw many beautiful places - the Amber Fort, the Pink City, the Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, the Hava Mahal. At the Amber Fort we had the option of taking a elephant up to the fort front gate. I declined to go up on an elephant even though I desperately wanted to touch them and meet with them (not allowed), for personal and ethical reasons. Over the years I've read too much about the treatment of elephants in India to really be comfortable with it. Things have improved a lot over the years,according to our tour guide, but I'm not an elephant behavior expert and I'd rather not find out later that I was part of something harmful. Our tour guide arranged for a jeep to take me up the back side of the fort, where I met with the rest of the tour group, including my MIL. (She has quite the story from her elephant ride that still makes us laugh.)
In the Amber Fort, there is a small Kali Temple. The walls are beautiful white marble. I took the opportunity to prostrate and receive prasad. The priests offered anyone who wanted one in our group a flower garland. I'm sure this is just something for the tourists but it's still nice. My mother in law received one made of roses so I tried to tell her how lucky she was. (The rest of us had marigolds which I actually like better but she was 'picked' to get the roses out of everyone so I wanted make her feel good about it.)
I wish I could have just stayed there all day, although the Fort is stunning. There are black faced monkeys everywhere along the walls and the views from some of the balconies are amazing.
In the evening we went to our first bazaar. And let me tell you, that is a whole world of chaos. (Both good and not so good) I almost died several times =) At one point a motorcycle zipped passed me and the arm of the man driving it brushed up against mine. Close call to say the least! It was dark by the time we arrived at the bazaar so the lights from the chops and the merchants yelling and the food venders selling - I knew it would be overstimulating but I still wasn't prepared for it . I would still love to go back and experience it again with what I know now. Also, maybe during the day too
There was a small Hanuman Temple right along the lane and as I rushed passed and backtracked slightly to offer a quick pranam before carrying on.
The next day we visited the Birla Lakshmi Narayan temple, which is a beautiful structure although slightly odd too. It's built like a Hindu temple, but there is also Buddhist and Islamic architecture in it. Also, the outer columns are carved with religious leaders and figures from all over the world. I guess it's kind of meant to be welcoming to all religions. Inside it's rectangular with high ceilings and there are stain glassed windows featuring many Hindu deities. Again, beautiful but I got a very "Catholic" feel from it. It was just odd. Not bad, just different. The Lakshmi Narayan murties are white marble and very beautiful. We were there in time for the Aarti ceremony which made me happy because my MIL got a chance to see it.
In Jaipur we we saw many beautiful places - the Amber Fort, the Pink City, the Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, the Hava Mahal. At the Amber Fort we had the option of taking a elephant up to the fort front gate. I declined to go up on an elephant even though I desperately wanted to touch them and meet with them (not allowed), for personal and ethical reasons. Over the years I've read too much about the treatment of elephants in India to really be comfortable with it. Things have improved a lot over the years,according to our tour guide, but I'm not an elephant behavior expert and I'd rather not find out later that I was part of something harmful. Our tour guide arranged for a jeep to take me up the back side of the fort, where I met with the rest of the tour group, including my MIL. (She has quite the story from her elephant ride that still makes us laugh.)
In the Amber Fort, there is a small Kali Temple. The walls are beautiful white marble. I took the opportunity to prostrate and receive prasad. The priests offered anyone who wanted one in our group a flower garland. I'm sure this is just something for the tourists but it's still nice. My mother in law received one made of roses so I tried to tell her how lucky she was. (The rest of us had marigolds which I actually like better but she was 'picked' to get the roses out of everyone so I wanted make her feel good about it.)
I wish I could have just stayed there all day, although the Fort is stunning. There are black faced monkeys everywhere along the walls and the views from some of the balconies are amazing.
In the evening we went to our first bazaar. And let me tell you, that is a whole world of chaos. (Both good and not so good) I almost died several times =) At one point a motorcycle zipped passed me and the arm of the man driving it brushed up against mine. Close call to say the least! It was dark by the time we arrived at the bazaar so the lights from the chops and the merchants yelling and the food venders selling - I knew it would be overstimulating but I still wasn't prepared for it . I would still love to go back and experience it again with what I know now. Also, maybe during the day too
There was a small Hanuman Temple right along the lane and as I rushed passed and backtracked slightly to offer a quick pranam before carrying on.
The next day we visited the Birla Lakshmi Narayan temple, which is a beautiful structure although slightly odd too. It's built like a Hindu temple, but there is also Buddhist and Islamic architecture in it. Also, the outer columns are carved with religious leaders and figures from all over the world. I guess it's kind of meant to be welcoming to all religions. Inside it's rectangular with high ceilings and there are stain glassed windows featuring many Hindu deities. Again, beautiful but I got a very "Catholic" feel from it. It was just odd. Not bad, just different. The Lakshmi Narayan murties are white marble and very beautiful. We were there in time for the Aarti ceremony which made me happy because my MIL got a chance to see it.
Aupmanyav
Be your own guru
Where are the photographs of the silver Gangajalis (with you or your MIL standing beside them)? They are beautiful and well-crafted.
They were created by two Jaipur silversmiths from 14,000 silver coins. The pair of silver water jars avoided the use of soldering sections together, so they are considered as a solid single pieces of silver. Each of the silver urns had a capacity of 4,000 liters. Maharaja Madho Singh II's used these for his visit to London 1902 to attend the coronation of Edward V. Each of the silver water vessels weighs 345 kg and stand at 1.6 meters are recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest single objects constructed from silver.
Madho Singh II and his retinue did not consider European water suitable for drinking and required Ganges water for the daily religious ceremonies (Ganges water was much cleaner in those days). Thankfully the 8,000 liters of water was sufficient for Madho Singh II's short visit to England. The pair of fantastically expensive water containers are located in the center of the Maharaja's City Palace.
Jaipur was famous for two things, its music (Jaipur House - Gharana) and its cultured tawaifs (dancing girls) who had their houses in Ramganj Bazar (one of the four roads from the crossing near Hawa Mahal (and, of course, its jwellers).
Ram Ganj Bazar
They were created by two Jaipur silversmiths from 14,000 silver coins. The pair of silver water jars avoided the use of soldering sections together, so they are considered as a solid single pieces of silver. Each of the silver urns had a capacity of 4,000 liters. Maharaja Madho Singh II's used these for his visit to London 1902 to attend the coronation of Edward V. Each of the silver water vessels weighs 345 kg and stand at 1.6 meters are recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest single objects constructed from silver.
Madho Singh II and his retinue did not consider European water suitable for drinking and required Ganges water for the daily religious ceremonies (Ganges water was much cleaner in those days). Thankfully the 8,000 liters of water was sufficient for Madho Singh II's short visit to England. The pair of fantastically expensive water containers are located in the center of the Maharaja's City Palace.
Jaipur was famous for two things, its music (Jaipur House - Gharana) and its cultured tawaifs (dancing girls) who had their houses in Ramganj Bazar (one of the four roads from the crossing near Hawa Mahal (and, of course, its jwellers).
Ram Ganj Bazar
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Fireside_Hindu
Jai Lakshmi Maa
Yes, there are more! I've just been busy (and a little lazy). My laptop is locked for this website starting at 9am So let's see if I can get some pictures down before then =)
Before Varanasi we visited Khojuraho. All I could imagine the entire time was what it must have been like back when the were still functioning. Especially since in the area that now hold 20 temples there were once 80! Can you imagine the festivals?
Fireside_Hindu
Jai Lakshmi Maa
I understand what you mean. I think though, that in a country that relies heavily on tourism for income, as long as the monuments are cared for I see no problem. I'm happy that the government was at least able to save 20. The others were leveled by invaders and time. What I find upsetting are all the ancient artifacts that have been taken out of India and lie in forign museums and private collections. But I think we already did a thread on that.
At Tanjore they do both. It's a tourist place as well as a house of worship. Maybe if they re-activated even one or two temples there it would be nice. But yes, I understand too. It's not just there, but also in Cambodia, tons in Indonesia, and in Vietnam. It is what it is.
Fortunately the invaders didn't demolish these ones completely, like they did in so many other places, and would today if they had the opportunity.
Fortunately the invaders didn't demolish these ones completely, like they did in so many other places, and would today if they had the opportunity.
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Aupmanyav
Be your own guru
When these temples were constructed, there were cities around/near them. Now the kingdom and cities are gone. That is why they are abandoned. But then, Konark, Khajuraho, Chennakeshava and many others are beautiful examples of Hindu sculpture. Click to enlarge:
And, IMHO, at that time instead of grassy spaces, there were groves and ponds around them.
Edit: Madanika - Maidens.
And, IMHO, at that time instead of grassy spaces, there were groves and ponds around them.
Edit: Madanika - Maidens.
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Fireside_Hindu
Jai Lakshmi Maa
I should mention that there is an active temple just outside the complex that is from the same era i think. the village around Khajuraho seemed quite small so maybe as Aup mentioned there wouldn't be enough people to attend them regularly.
Aupmanyav
Be your own guru
Two interesting small temples near Udaipur: Sas Bahu temple (MIL DIL temples). Found something new, at least I did not know. The actual name is Sahastrabahu. That is how stories are made. These are Vaishnava temples. The fourth ruler of Udaipur, Nagaditya, got them constructed in 10th Century AD. Nagda, where they are located was the capital of Nagaditya's realm. Not in use now, it is a lush green forested valley. When I went there, there was no Archeological Survey information.
Fireside_Hindu
Jai Lakshmi Maa
Varanasi!
One interesting cultural thing about Varanasi. Whenever I would refer to Varanasi by it's name to a local, I would be corrected in an interesting way. "Your people call it Benaras." I thought it was fascinating that they would correct me with the name the city used to have, even though Varanasi is it's Ancient name. No one was rude about it, it was just as if someone were correcting an incorrectly pronounced word. Anyhow, moving on....
There are only a few pictures from Varanasi even though it was my favorite city on the journey. I guess I was so wrapped up in the experiences that I forgot to take pictures. Like the other cities we visited most of the streets were lined with trash, however there was a difference. In this ancient city, in many of the neighborhoods, it seemed like the local people had taken waste management into their own hands. Entire blocks were clean or being cleaned by mostly women - the trash being pushed into the small alley's. I know that isn't a solution but I was struck that it seemed they were doing the best with what they had. If the city government couldn't manage the streets, the people were trying int heir own small way. It's hard to watch them struggle though.
We were not given as much attention in Varanasi by the locals and I think it's because most people in Varanasi are focused on religious activities and don't really have time or the inclination to gawk at westerners. We spent a good amount of time both days on the Ganges in a small boat. I did not venture in to her for a dip, however I was sure to take a handful while we were on the boat and splash the top of my head. I don't know if that counts, but may 1.5 sins were cleared away that way
Also, I took the opportunity to get soil from the shore and water from the river, even if it was only a few drops - to bring home with me.
The city side of the river is beautiful with houses and temples all crammed together on the ghats. We saw the cremation ghats and people bathing in the river.
We also saw what I thought was a small temple sinking in the water, but if I'm wrong and someone knows for sure please correct me:
More pictures from the bank:
On the first night we watched the Ganga Aarti from our boat in the river. It's hard to describe that experience. It was also impossible to get a good picture. The bells and the voices of the priests spilled out over the water and filled the air. The sky was clear that night and we could see the stars above and the water was dotted with dry leaf cups made into deepa lamps. It was a really beautiful, spiritual moment. I wish I could have wandered the crowds that night although maybe that would be unwise in reality.
I put my own deepa on the water. Our tour guide told us to say a prayer or make a wish for something and that because we were making it on the Ganga it was certain to come true. I was torn between two. A prayer for India and a prayer for my youngest brother (He has a chronic medical condition). I decided that India has thousands if not millions of people praying for her, and my little brother might only have me, so I prayed for him.
Varansasi is also where I had my encounter with the kind silk weaver who tied a red and gold thread around my wrist. I thought I never got any pictures of the silk weavers but I looked back and I even have a picture of him! =)
He's the one in the front with the brown vest and blue shirt. Maybe one day I'll find out his name. I'm grateful for his kind gesture.
One interesting cultural thing about Varanasi. Whenever I would refer to Varanasi by it's name to a local, I would be corrected in an interesting way. "Your people call it Benaras." I thought it was fascinating that they would correct me with the name the city used to have, even though Varanasi is it's Ancient name. No one was rude about it, it was just as if someone were correcting an incorrectly pronounced word. Anyhow, moving on....
There are only a few pictures from Varanasi even though it was my favorite city on the journey. I guess I was so wrapped up in the experiences that I forgot to take pictures. Like the other cities we visited most of the streets were lined with trash, however there was a difference. In this ancient city, in many of the neighborhoods, it seemed like the local people had taken waste management into their own hands. Entire blocks were clean or being cleaned by mostly women - the trash being pushed into the small alley's. I know that isn't a solution but I was struck that it seemed they were doing the best with what they had. If the city government couldn't manage the streets, the people were trying int heir own small way. It's hard to watch them struggle though.
We were not given as much attention in Varanasi by the locals and I think it's because most people in Varanasi are focused on religious activities and don't really have time or the inclination to gawk at westerners. We spent a good amount of time both days on the Ganges in a small boat. I did not venture in to her for a dip, however I was sure to take a handful while we were on the boat and splash the top of my head. I don't know if that counts, but may 1.5 sins were cleared away that way
Also, I took the opportunity to get soil from the shore and water from the river, even if it was only a few drops - to bring home with me.
The city side of the river is beautiful with houses and temples all crammed together on the ghats. We saw the cremation ghats and people bathing in the river.
We also saw what I thought was a small temple sinking in the water, but if I'm wrong and someone knows for sure please correct me:
More pictures from the bank:
On the first night we watched the Ganga Aarti from our boat in the river. It's hard to describe that experience. It was also impossible to get a good picture. The bells and the voices of the priests spilled out over the water and filled the air. The sky was clear that night and we could see the stars above and the water was dotted with dry leaf cups made into deepa lamps. It was a really beautiful, spiritual moment. I wish I could have wandered the crowds that night although maybe that would be unwise in reality.
I put my own deepa on the water. Our tour guide told us to say a prayer or make a wish for something and that because we were making it on the Ganga it was certain to come true. I was torn between two. A prayer for India and a prayer for my youngest brother (He has a chronic medical condition). I decided that India has thousands if not millions of people praying for her, and my little brother might only have me, so I prayed for him.
Varansasi is also where I had my encounter with the kind silk weaver who tied a red and gold thread around my wrist. I thought I never got any pictures of the silk weavers but I looked back and I even have a picture of him! =)
He's the one in the front with the brown vest and blue shirt. Maybe one day I'll find out his name. I'm grateful for his kind gesture.
Aupmanyav
Be your own guru
Yes, Varanasi and Kashi are the old names. Kashi is still in use, but in day-to-day reference, Indians use Banaras (not Banares as the British spelt it). Banarasi pan, Banarasi sarees, Banarasi (langda) aam, and "Banarasi Chhaila". Now what is 'Banarasi Chhaila'?
"Banarasi Chhaila" always was a strong young man with a pan in his mouth who was supported by the city traders and spent half his time in the Indian gym (akhara) and the rest in loitering around the lanes of the city with a staff in his hands and bossing around. He was of a very romantic nature and would fast come to the rescue of damsels in distress. In the evening you could find him somewhere near the ghats, singing with his hangers-on and drinking glasses of 'bhang' (Marijuana).
India's Super Hero Amitabh Bacchan as "Banarasi Chhaila" in one of the most famous songs.
"Banarasi Chhaila" always was a strong young man with a pan in his mouth who was supported by the city traders and spent half his time in the Indian gym (akhara) and the rest in loitering around the lanes of the city with a staff in his hands and bossing around. He was of a very romantic nature and would fast come to the rescue of damsels in distress. In the evening you could find him somewhere near the ghats, singing with his hangers-on and drinking glasses of 'bhang' (Marijuana).
India's Super Hero Amitabh Bacchan as "Banarasi Chhaila" in one of the most famous songs.
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