To Varanasi (Kashi)

The Taxi-cab driver we engaged to go to Delhi railway station from Rishikesh was excellent. Much cheaper than the one that we hired from Delhi airport to Rishikesh. We enjoyed the ride. I still have his business card and would not hesitate to contact him if and when there is need. More over, we were not sick bodily. Spiritually, we were uplifted. Anyway, it was enjoyable. The last time I visited Delhi railway station was in 1991 with my children. Prior to that it was in 1970. It appeared to have improved, There was no smell of urine any where. People understood English (!) and were polite too.

Nirmala was in touch with the Tamilian priest in Varanasi. He made the arrangements for our stay, for the priestly services, for a local guide and so on. The streets were narrow and the ride was bumpy in the vehicle. The cows grazing on the streets, children walking around with beautiful smiles on their faces took my memory back to my grandfather's village, where we had to walk quite a distance from the bus stop to reach home. Everybody knew everyone in the village. Cow dung lying on the streets was not at all disgusting. To see a cow first thing in the morning was a sign of good fortune. Feeding the cow was like feeding the divinity itself and so on. If any household had new visitors, the members of the other ten families would come to greet and welcome them. As we reached the Choultry, we were greeted with grace. It was not a fancy hotel, mind you. We were given one room of the house with a cot (hardwood) with no mattress of any sort. A common bath room for all the residents, shower area being separate from the toilet. To us, this arrangement was neither odd nor uncomfortable. Across from this house was a bigger house where, food was being served and later on the rituals were conducted there. Having lived in the west for too long, sitting on the floor cross-legged (to eat) was tough. The meal was very simple and light. You have to be there on time-otherwise you missed the meal.

Will post next about Varanasi and the Temples.