Rishikesh will be ever etched in my memory and memory is very smart in storing in audio and video i.e., sounds and pictures, which may be good and not so good also.
For me, Year 1998 was in many ways a watershed year; It marked the beginning of downfall of the brilliance, brightness and talent which was characteristic of the author through a series – sequence of events especially from 2001, which was to culminate into total change in the Life situation towards adversity, negativity & downfall, activities and Self-image.
Great Earthquake shook the state of Gujarat on 26th Jan 2001. Somewhere within also, bigger earthquake shook me from inside... upside down from which, I have not yet been able to recover. Slowly and steadily, I have been suppressed ever since that day with few bright days in between. Continuing in the same breath for the last 2 years 2004-2006, I have spent some of the most anguishing moments. Rishikesh was somewhat of a welcome relief back in August-October 2005, when I was called for 51st Yoga Vedanta Course at Divine Life Society at Sivanandanagar, Rishikesh.
Earlier in 1996 and 1998 also I had visited Rishikesh for Meditation and Sadhana practice courses. Rishikesh to me is a perfect Place for serious, intense and deep meditation to practice Sadhana for Self Realization. No wonder many centers “Ashrams” are found in its lap for such practices. It is supposed to be the gateway to interior forest area more suitable for “Sadhana”. Rishikesh, the word comes from “Rishi” meaning sage and “kesh meaning “hairs”; so Rishikesh literally means Hairs of a Sage. The Ganga, which comes down from the Himalayas winding its way through many holy and pilgrim places strangely signifies the “Hairs of the Sage”. Rishikesh is part of the “Dev-sthal” or God’s own Country.
Uttaranchal state has done admirably in developing the region. The two bridges "Ram Jhula" and "Lakchaman Jhula" are masterpieces to cross from one bank of the river to the other. "Topiwala" Restuarant can never be forgotten with its unique welcoming mode ...
The temples are filled with Divine vibrations. In fact, the whole place is charged with Divine vibrations, especially The charming Ganges ... It is beckoning us!
Let us answer its Call .....