Archive for December, 2007

At the end of the pujas, we were off for a dip in the Ganges.  I had thought about the (supposed) risks of swimming in one of the world’s most polluted rivers…but when the time came there was no question.  In I went and it was a spectacular experience.  There really is something special about [...]

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We started at about 8 am and were still going well after dark…

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The ancestor yagya was very long and as we continued a crowd began to gather.  By the end there was a large collection of observers including lots of newspaper reporters and TV cameramen from the local stations.   The yagya itself was fascinating with one pot, with a white flag for Brahma who rules over heaven, [...]

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We began with some pujas and then we moved down to the Ganges for special offerings that were made in the water as special mantras were recited.

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The next morning we walked from our hotel down to Asi Ghat where the priests had prepared for us to participate in the ancestor yagya.  This was taking place on the day of the year that was most astrologically appropriate for it, so there were many people from all over India in the city for [...]

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It was a completely unexpected pleasure to visit the ashram and have contact with the sanyasi. I was left with the feeling that we had done something good for them and they for us!  I have seen over and over again the amazing experiences that are possible when visiting India in the company of priests [...]

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The ashram contained a number of little temples, or rooms really, where you would find a Shiva lingam.  They were usually simple but nicely decorated and obviously cared for.     

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A small Parvati temple in the ashram.  

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These are traditional sanyasi sandals, but they don’t look comfortable at all!

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 I have never seen such an amazing collection of dramatic beards!         

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