Picture: Jagannath Temple; central tower
Today we start with a new driver, but he knows Mannu, our driver from yesterday so I ask him to call Mannu to get directions and he now knows the way. We first proceed to Jagannath Temple. Cars are not allowed to proceed closer than one half of a kilometer from the Temple so we hire a bicycle rickshaw; we are cautious of the heat and sun, as Carla was overcome with heat when we were walking back from the Taj Mahal.
Our rider/driver takes us down to the Temple, the library from which most days you can get a glimpse of the temple from the outside is closed today. He offers to take us around the perimeter of the Temple which we agree to (all of this is done without a common word language, but we seem to get on all right without words).
Jagannath Temple means “Lord of the Universe” and is part of the holy Char Dham pilgrimage. It is one of four sites, the others being: Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram; representing the four cardinal points of India. It is a pilgrimage particularly of interest to worshipers of Krishna and Vishnu (Krishna is a manifestation of Vishnu).
We feel a definite spiritual power emanating from this Temple. Non-Hindus are not allowed entry; even foreigners who claim to be Hindu are prohibited. Similarly to Judaism, Hindus are not interested in converts, for much emphasis is placed on genetic lineage.
Our driver deposits us on a filthy lane where another man eagerly guides us through a narrow maze between buildings that are living quarters for families. Truly, the subsistence level of so many Indians is meager. We emerge through some three stories of steps, where trash is swept out of the way as we ascend uncertain steps, and finally we emerge onto the flat rooftop that has a view from the side of the temple complex.
Ancient towers and gardens abound across the street from our rooftop view. Amidst the garbage and scantily clad children with us we feel a wonderful Shakti emanating from this temple. Perhaps these children are physically impoverished, but they live in a spiritually charged environment. Who can tell who is the impoverished and who is wealthy in comparison? Of course, the golden middle path would point in the direction of having a balance of both physical and spiritual health and prosperity as the ideal.
Carla stands rooted in place, absorbed in these environments. As has happened on several occasions on this pilgrimage she has been deeply affected. When we went to Master’s boyhood home she burst into uncontrolled tears. Pilgrimage destinations can have a profound effect beyond the conscious mind’s understanding for the sincere aspirant. We feel greatly uplifted from our viewpoint of this holy site.
We circumambulate the temple clockwise on the streets; our very sweet rickshaw driver returns us to our car and driver. He asks for no extra money, but I quadruple his rate and he is all smiles. Somehow, I feel such great love for this bicycle rickshaw driver, communicating on a level beyond words. felt deeply in the Soul. God bless his heart.