A trip to my soul...
As we speed down the highway to Somnath, I am thinking of the past two eventful days: of a journey that I entailed half-heartedly. I was told, by my parents, that we would be visiting Dwarka over the weekend, but didn’t give it much thought, but it was only when we left Mumbai on Friday night, that I realized that I had no desire to go anywhere; least of all, a temple.
So anyway, I enquired about our itinerary, and discovered that I was to be visiting not one, but two temples, and also the Reliance refinery at Jamnagar, and the Gir National Forest. Sounded like an incentive to be excited. But, when we landed at Rajkot that night, I was somewhat confused as to how I should feel.
Anyway, we were escorted to the guest house where we were to spend the night. The place had an interesting architecture. The rooms were in a circular tower, which had a corridor along the circumference of the tower, and stairs on one side. So, if you were to reach the second floor, you would have to go round the tower twice...got me giddy!
Though we had no appetite for dinner, we were forced by the regard that our host showed, to try the Gujarati specialties. Quite interesting, but I don’t think I really have a taste for gujju food. What followed was my favorite part: sleep!!
Early next morning, we left for Jamnagar, where we were to take a tour of the refinery set up by Reliance. The third largest in the world, it was indeed a remarkable feat to build it in 36 months flat. Even though a cyclone had caused massive damage, it was restored in just 12 days. The investment made was the single largest investment at any single point in India (US $ 5 billion).
The refinery is unique, in that it not only refines crude oil to produce petrol, diesel, LPG, ATF(aviation turbine fuel), kerosene, but also coke, naphtha, and sulphur, which are usually sold as is. The refinery is massive, but managed by a meagre 2000 employees. Most parts of it are fully automated, and employees are primarily monitoring data. Impressive indeed!
Another unique feature is the Jetty, which is a 4.7 km long bridge into the sea. It is used for loading marine liners with the finished product of the refinery. The reason it has been built so deep into the sea, is that the draft required is available only at that point. The Jetty can host up to four liners simultaneously, and is controlled by two employees at a time.
When we left the refinery, I knew I had learnt something I would probably never have, otherwise. After having seen that ‘Modern Indian Architectural Marvel’, we moved on to an ‘Ancient Indian Architectural Marvel’: Dwarka. Here we were to witness the evening Arti at the temple. The temple was indeed beautiful. 3500 years old, it was constructed by the grandson of Lord Krishna, in his memory.I don’t know how to explain the feeling, but when I stepped into the temple compound, I felt like I was being welcomed into a world of calm. Not only did I feel at peace, but I also got very positive vibes. Quite in contrast to my initial sentiments on the trip. I was glad I was there. I somehow felt it was something to do with the wish of the Lord.
The night was spent at a hotel in Dwarka. At the crack of dawn, however, we were on our way to Somnath. The plan was to attend the afternoon arti at the famous temple, known for the numerous raids that the Muslim invaders carried out on it, in order to loot the jewels that were embedded in the walls of the temple.
I now continue my log much after having visited the temple, and the Gir forest. The original temple was completely destroyed by the invaders, and a new temple has been constructed on the site. It is among the most beautiful sights I have seen. Located right next to the Arabian Sea, and outside the town, it gives the visitor a feeling of openness. The temple is built around a ‘jyotirling’, which is a ‘shivling’ that emerged naturally, and has a story behind it. The Somnath jyotirling is believed to be the first one to have emerged.
After a short visit, we continued on our journey to Sasan Gir, where we would be spending the night. The accommodation was quite unusual: it was a 'safari camp'. Designed to combine luxury and the feeling of adventure, the rooms were actually tents that had been done up quite well. Each tent had a double bed, a writing table n chair, and two sofas and a coffee table. The attached bathroom was also very cute. It was built on the model of a ship’s bathroom, and quite compact, with a lockable door (thank god!). Lunch followed our arrival, and consequently, the lion safari. It was a nice experience to be sitting in an open jeep, with the wind (and dust!) in my hair and face. Though we saw no lions, I will remember the safari fondly.
As my short trip concludes tomorrow, I sit here in my room and wonder why I had not wanted to come initially. The trip has helped me gain a whole lot of knowledge, and also touched my spiritual nerve. I feel enlightened, and I now have an urge to explore my spiritual being. I am grateful for this trip, and I know it has been an experience I will not forget.
