22/08/2023
My Somnath Tour
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The day had finally arrived – the day I embarked on a soul-stirring journey to Somnath. With a heart brimming with excitement and curiosity, I set out from the comfort of my home. My son, Rahil, graciously dropped me off at the TV Tower Metro Station in Ahmedabad, marking the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.
The metro ride was a tranquil prelude to the journey that lay ahead. The gentle hum of the train and the soothing ambiance set the tone for the day's exploration. As I reached Kalupur Railway Station, the heart of Ahmedabad's bustling railway network, a sense of anticipation filled the air. There, I had the joyous reunion with my travel buddies, Nirav and Hardik. We shared hearty conversations and exchanged anecdotes while seated in the serene ambiance of the IRCTC Lounge.
With eager hearts, we joined our fellow travelers, a group of 17 adventurous souls bound by the shared desire to experience the spiritual sanctity of Somnath. Our journey continued on the Veraval Express, departing at 10:10 PM. The night was young, and the camaraderie of the group created an atmosphere of excitement that kept us engaged in conversation until the wee hours of the morning.
As the moonlit night enveloped us, we eventually found our way to rest. The rhythm of the train lulled us into peaceful slumber, and we awakened at 5:50 AM, greeted by the promising light of dawn announcing our arrival at Somnath. The air was crisp and carried the essence of spirituality that surrounded the ancient town.
With a quick refresh, we headed to the Gau Swami Dharamshala. There, we indulged in a much-needed bath, renewing both body and spirit. As the sun rose higher, we exchanged our travel-worn attire for fresh clothes, preparing ourselves for the divine journey that lay ahead.
Our steps led us to the sacred Somnath Temple, an iconic site that beckoned us with its centuries-old history and spiritual significance. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stood as a testament to devotion and resilience, a living embodiment of faith. A mere walking distance away was the Lilawati Bhavan, where we enjoyed a wholesome breakfast, fortifying ourselves for the day's explorations.
Energized and eager, we proceeded towards the temple complex. Our first stop was the Ahalyabai Temple, a place that exuded serenity and reverence. Amidst the ancient walls, we captured moments of joy and togetherness, preserving the memories with photographs that would forever remind us of this sacred journey.
Before entering the Somnath Temple, we left behind our worldly possessions – our mobile phones – in the locker room, along with our shoes. This act of detachment heightened the sense of entering sacred space. The temple's ambiance was one of devotion and surrender. As we gazed upon the divine lingam, we connected with the spirituality that transcends time.
Having paid our respects to Lord Shiva, we continued our exploration of the temple town. The ethereal Banganga, the spiritual Bhalkatirth, the transformative Bhidbhanjan Mahadev – each site added a layer of depth to our experience. We stood at the Triveni Sangam, where the three holy rivers merged, symbolizing unity and harmony.
The Hinglaj Mata Cave, a hidden sanctuary, left us in awe of the ancient stories it held within its walls. As the day unfolded, we reveled in the beauty of the coastline, its waves dancing in rhythm with our souls. The camera shutter clicked, capturing moments of laughter and connection against the backdrop of the expansive sea.
The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue upon the landscape. With coconuts in hand, we strolled along the beach, immersing ourselves in the simple pleasures that life offered. The experience was a symphony of senses – the taste of the coconut water, the sound of the waves, and the joy in our hearts.
As the day drew to a close, we returned to the Gau Swami Dharamshala, our hearts full and our spirits nourished. We gathered to share stories and reflections, weaving a tapestry of experiences that would forever bind us as kindred souls. The journey wasn't just about the physical places we visited; it was about the connections we forged and the moments that touched our hearts.
As I lay down to rest that night, the memories of Somnath danced in my mind. The journey had been transformative, a tapestry of spirituality, camaraderie, and self-discovery. The ancient town had embraced us in its sacred aura, leaving an indelible mark on our souls.
With gratitude in my heart, I closed my eyes, ready to embrace the dreams that awaited me, dreams infused with the magic of Somnath.
