Haridwar: Sri Sri Anandamayi Ma's Samadhi, Chanda/ Mansa Devi Temples, Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat



The first time I had seen a picture of Ma was when I was still in Singapore poring over Google searches on things to see in my India trip. I had not known a great deal about her life, just that her picture itself seemed to draw me closer.

In Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahamsa Yogananda wrote about his visit with her, and in his book is a photo where she hides playfully behind him and stares naughtily at the camera. It had given me a strange jolt when I saw that photo.

Today as I entered her ashram and paid my respects at her samadhi, I could not hold back my tears as I saw a whole tableful of her photos on sale at the ashram bookshop. I felt so much love for her and I still don't know anything about her except what was written in Autobiography of a Yogi.

I had a wonderful time meditating at her samadhi till I got booted out at lunchtime when it closed for a 2 hour break.

Mansa Devi Cable Car

Had a wonderful time in the cablecars leading to the Mansa Devi and Chanda Devi Temples. Inside the temples was business as usual though.. "Cello Cello" the priest said impatiently as I handed him my pooja plate, and I get pushed past the deity.. fast food religion..

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Am endeavoring to revisit Har-ki-pauri during evening Aarti. I could not do so today because I had to get back to Rishikesh to attend evening Pooja at the Kriya Ashram and my nightly guided Kriya session.

2 comments:

Sylvan said...

Haridwar is a beautiful city and Har ki Pauri is a nice place to visit. I especially lovedits atmosphere at night. I though loved the temple of Mansadevi the most. The views from the top are enchanting.

You have taken some nice snaps and seems you enjoyed our country.

Anonymous said...

You are a very smart person!