Soulie Saturday #4: Sunset with Mother Ganga, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh.

There was still some time for the evening arti to begin; I sat on the ghats of Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh as close to her waters as I could. The atmosphere was abuzz with activity and one could hear incomprehensible murmurs all around. I focused my attention on the soft gurgling sound sound of River Ganga instead...

Serene and calm, ah ...

Ganga Maiyya!

She looked beautiful.

Gushes of wind danced and swirled around her, making her look even more ethereal and other worldly. I simply sat in awe; letting my hand in, into her icy cold waters and felt like a child being taken into her mother’s arms to be held gently against her breasts.

As the last rays of the sun fell on her, illuminating through the mountains, I closed my eyes and prayed for her loving benediction and inner strength and power. Those moments, with Mother… they were assuring, her gaze which constantly told me that Lord Shiva was guiding over me in all my trials and tribulations so there wasn’t any room for worry.

As the sun’s light dimmed with each passing moment and the intensity of the night increased, I was overwhelmed with a profusion of balming serenity and a comforting guidance never experienced before. Even the setting sun became the veil, the aanchal, which she was drawing over all of her children present there, including me, to shield us from the noisy and frightening world outside.

In her arms, I felt safe.

I felt one with Mother, my own nature.

My reverie was soon broken by the loud sound of the bells, the arti had just begun… my heart was flooded in tears of joy and happiness.

Today, I salute and pay my respects to her in spirit, for I know I may be miles apart in Mumbai, but I always have a mighty divine force of Mother to protect me no matter where I am.

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This post is inspired by the highly talented travel blogger and photographer desi Traveler’s series on Mothers day titled #MerePaasMaanHai (मेरे पास माँ है) celebrating and honoring the unique essence of a mother-daughter bond. Do check his Instagram account to know more.

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Be a part of #Soulie!

A Soul Selfie series or “#Soulie” series aiming to meaningfully strengthen my personal connect with my Father, God (call Him by any name you like)  by peeping within my own heart —  collecting your experiences and feelings too as you discover the world – and jotting them down on paper. It’s a experiential and spiritual exploration of that which is Unseen and a celebration of that Ultimate sacred space we yearn for - within and without - and the riches we carry in our own hearts.

Here is what you can do if you want to join in.

Send me / blog about / instagram one picture clicked by you and a few lines by your heart on how that moment makes you relate with that Someone Higher in your life in a more meaningful and healthy way.