It was late in the evening when my father asked me to visit the temple. He had always wanted me to realize how peaceful it is to be beside God. As always, I was reluctant at first. But after his humble pleas, I agreed. Although I did not find it productive or meaningful to spend time there.
Wearing an unhappy face, I walked to the nearby temple with a certainty that it was going to be a big waste of time. I removed my flip-flops and stepped in. To my surprise, the pessimistic thoughts about the temple visit washed away from my mind. Seeing people with happy faces, hearing the dulcet bhajan which was sheer melody and the little lamps the lights of which illuminated my eyes as well as my mind and heart, positive thoughts slowly started to pour into my mind. Consequently, bad emotions wiped out and peace came welcome. My ears got sensitive to the hum of the bells. I went on to peacefully savour the moment. I felt as though I was in the heaven of my city.
I took one lamp and kindled it. Because I saw everyone do the same. The flame very slowly grew to its biggest size. I offered it to the feet of Shani Maharaj, the bringer of bad luck, with sheer devotion. My father told me that I should pray to Him with utmost honesty because He is known to be very kind to such devotees and showers pious blessings to them. So I joined my hands, closed my eyes and prayed for all that I needed urgently in my perplexed life--focus, strength, love, kindness, solitude, and simplicity in turn. Yes, that was all I needed. While I was praying, it sparked vigor and gay vitality in me.
We had prayed to Shani Maharaj (this was the only most important thing my father wanted me to get done with) and were to leave for home (as it was expected). But I expressed the willingness to stay there longer and head back home only after attending the Aarti. After all, the ambience had fully absorbed my attention. The light of the lamps, the hum of the bells, the elated people out there, the fragrance of the incense sticks and the flowers--all had mesmerized me long enough and intensely enough for me to be ready to return only after spending at least a few hours there.
I walked in further, rang the bell several times, with my eyes closed and my mind engaged in pious contemplation. I chanted mantras with almost vague thoughts and it left me spell-bound. I was diving deep into the ocean of divinity, its waters cooling my entire body and soul. Then I lay on the ground and touched it with my forehead, bowing down. I rang the bell that came in front of me. Below was a Shiva lingam with a metallic snake around itself. I prayed to Shiva for the well-being of people who love me and who I love. I suspected my father was intently watching me do the things he had always wanted me to. And I certainly was not in the least aware of who else was seeing me or laughing at me. There were numerous teenagers my age out there who prayed with as much devotion as I had. There were kids even younger than me who jumped and struggled till they were successful in ringing the bell at least once. Yes, it was their own way of showing gratitude toward the Creator.
I came out and sat in one corner of the temple in order to observe people. There were parents who came with their children and sought to enlighten them about the glory of God. They explained to them the basic rules of Hindu prayer. The children listened intently and excitedly. They often imitated their parents in every wise. I saw girls and boys around my age that came and prayed and chanted hallowed hymns. They appeared to have come there immediately after departing from their coaching classes. They were very focused and totally unaware of the surroundings, proving wrong the widely accepted belief that teenagers seek attention.
A group of old men and women were engaged in singing bhajans. Although their voice was somewhat bitter, the songs were fantastic, more so because the vigor with which they were singing spread vitality all around. It drew attention of all the people. Despite their old age, they sang with so much energy that all the women--young and old--sitting right there suddenly stood up and began to dance rhythmically. Oh, it was exciting!
After getting fully satiated with observing, I sat before the Durga statue and meditated. I cleared my mind and savored the inner solitude. I chanted the holy mantras I knew, several times. I welcomed the waves of peace into my mind, body and soul. I felt like I was in another world, a world so remote from this world, a world so heavenly, and a world so pious.
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