Sacred Journey to Ram Mandir, Ayodhya: Faith and Heritage Pilgrimage

 Sacred Journey to Ram Mandir, Ayodhya: Faith and Heritage Pilgrimage

At the heart of Uttar Pradesh and surrounded by the banks of the peaceful Sarayu river, is the city of Ayodhya, which throbs with the spirituality and resounds with the praises of devotion. The trip that I made to Ram Mandir, recently, inaugurated, was no ordinary one, it was like a voyage between mythology, history and contemporary devotion.

Call of Ayodhya:

Ayodhya has remained to be the heart and soul of millions. Worshipped as the birthplace of Lord Rama, it has been subject of devotion, argument and fate. Upon the large scale opening of the Ram Mandir in January 2024, the city has become a vibrant spiritual center with pilgrims and tourists visiting it all over the world.

When I entered the city, the air was somehow unusual; it was filled with expectation, with awe and a feeling of belonging. There were saffron flags, paintings of lord Ram, temple bells, bhajans, saffron flags, temple bells and bhajans on the streets.

The First glimpse of the Temple:

As I drove closer to the temple complex, I was actually moved by its sheer grandeur. The Ram Mandir is constructed on the traditional Nagara style, with a height of 161 feet and a length of 360 feet and a width of 235 feet. It has intricate carvings on its 392 pillars, which depict various stories in Ramayana and each sculpture is a witness to the rich artistic heritage of India.

The temple itself is made out of pink sandstone throughout and this makes it warm and golden in the sunlight. When I entered the immense portal I was overcome with a certain feeling, this was not merely architecture, but centuries of faith were expressed in this building.

Darshan Experience:

The sanctum sanctorum enshrines the idol of Ram Lalla, the infant idol of Lord Ram which is made up of sacred Shaligram stones which are obtained in Nepal. The statue emanates purity and divinity and when I stood in the queue to have a darshan, I could see the silent tears, clasped hands and the muffled prayer of other devotees.

The darshan process is very efficiently organized by the temple trust. The passes will be issued during particular time slots, which will be smooth and respectful. I have had the privilege of attending the Shringar Aarti in the early morning hours of the day, which is an exquisite ceremony of flowering and decorating the deity with gold and jewels and the melancholic sounds of conch shells and bells of the temple.

Visiting the Ram Darbar:

The Ram Darbar is another recent addition to the temple, which is on the first floor. In this, Lord Ram is presented in royal avatar where he is seated along with Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Hanuman. The Darbar is so regal and peaceful which signifies the perfect kingdom, Ram Rajya, where justice, compassion, and dharma reign.

The Darbar has specific timings when it is open to darshan and passes have to be taken, just as in the case of Ram Lalla. The humiliation of appearing in the court of God was a lesson that Lord Ram symbolizes.

Outside the Walls of the Temple:

Ayodhya is not merely Ram Mandir. Having passed the darshan, I was roaming around the spiritual scenery of the city- Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and Ram Ki Paidi. Every place contributed to a new layer of cognition of Ramayana and the cultural background of Ayodhya.

The sunset Saryu Aarti was bright. I was very calm as the river glistened in the twilight sky and as the lamps floated across the water. It felt like the city was telling the tales of faith and survival.

Travelers Tip:

- Ideal Visit: October to March: The weather is good. Such festivals are particularly lively as Ram Navami and Diwali.

Darshan Passes: Online booking can be done on the official temple site. Bring your valid ID and be there early to your slot.

Dress Code: Traditional modest, clothing is welcome. Barefooted is required to enter the temple.

Stay Options: Ayodhya is well equipped with places to stay- dharamshalas, budget hotels and even luxurious hotels. It would be a good idea to book in advance during high seasons.

Local Food: Do not forget the street food, kachoris, jalebis, and lassi are local delicacies.

Thoughts of Faith and Unity.

My trip to Ram Mandir was not a spiritual break but rather a historical journey through time, faith and self. The temple is not only the monument of devotion but the symbol of unity, endurance and the strength of faith.

When I was leaving Ayodhya, still hearing the shouts of Jai Shri Ram in my ear, I had a new sense of mission and tranquility with me. The Ram Mandir shows us in a world of prejudice, what cements us together truth, compassions and eternal seeking of righteousness.

A Divine Feast: A travel food journey to Sanwaliya Seth temple, Chittorgarh

A Sanwaliya Seth Temple, Chittorgarh Divine Feast: A Travel Food Journey

The Sanwaliya Seth Temple in Chittorgarh is a temple that can be at best described as a spiritual or religious hotspot, but to us it is a spiritual, cultural, and culinary treat. The last time I went to this holy temple it was more than a pilgrimage; it was a trip to all the senses as the smell of incense drifted up the nostrils intermingled with the scent of ghee-filled sweets and the chants of bhajans blended with the sound of steel thalis in the communal kitchen of the temple.

The Spiritual Prelude:

The Sanwaliya Seth Temple is situated in Mandaphia, which is roughly 40 kilometers away from the Chittorgarh. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his dark-skinned form or lovingly called Sanwaliya Seth. The foundation of the temple is surrounded by myths- the idol has been found after a divine dream by a milkman in 1840s, the idol was unearthed and enshrined and since then the temple has stood as a symbol of faith in the eyes of devotees all over India.

The vibrancy of the place was the first aspect that hit me as I entered the temple complex. The marble buildings shone in the Rajasthani sun and in the air a heavy fervor prevailed. However, what really attracted me was the aromatic, mouthwatering smell that emanated out of the bhandara or the community kitchen of the temple.

 The Temple Prasad: A Holy Offering

The prasad is a must once one visits Sanwaliya Seth. The temple trust provides free meals to thousands of people daily and it is as humbling as it is tasty. Barefooted and thankful, I got into the line and was given a steel plate of plain, but soul satisfying food: khichdi, sabzi, roti and a sweet halwa that melted in the mouth. It was not only the taste of this meal that was memorable but the atmosphere. Cross-legged on the floor surrounded by strangers whom I felt like family members, I remembered how food has united people. The volunteers were polished and moved with practiced grace, and served with smiles and folded hands, the spirit of seva (selfless service).

Street Food Exterior of the Temple:

Once I stepped out of the gates of the temple, I was welcomed with a busy bazaar of flavors. Food stalls with the purpose of satisfying the constant flow of pilgrims line the road to the temple. The street food here is a festival by itself, with sizzling kachoris and syrup-covered jalebis making an appearance. I began with a plate of mirchi vada: a spicy green chili filled with spiced mashed potato, dipped in gram flour batter and deep-fried to a beautiful golden color. It was spicy and hot to the core, but simply addictive. I drank a glass of lassi thick, creamy, and in a clay cup, to cool off. Then followed dal baati churma, which is a Rajasthani classic. The baatis-hard wheat rolls, were immersed in ghee, and accompanied by a spicy dal and sweet churma. It was primitive, wholesome and yet filling. I would not resist buying some mathri and besan laddoos packets in a local sweet shop to bring home.

A Cooks Pilgrimage:

The most remarkable thing about this visit was that food and faith are perfectly combined here. Every mouthful was a sacrament, every supper a rite. The kitchen of the temple does not only satisfy the body but also the soul. And the street food is also extravagant but filled with home-cooked love. The food scenario here changes to a feasting scene during such festivals as Janmashtami and Diwali. Believers present an assortment of offerings (ranging between makhan mishri (butter and sugar) and panchamrit (a holy combination of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)) to the deity. The temple trust also conducts special langars during these periods, the amount and variety of food is just amazing.

The Food Loving Traveler Tips:

Be on time: The prasad is given in batches and the earlier you come the fresher it is.

Local confections: Do not miss ghevar, moong dal halwa and balushahi in the local sweet stores.

Drink lots of water: The heat of Rajasthan may prove intense, so continue drinking chaas (buttermilk) or nimbu pani (lemon water).

Do not disrespect the space: Although food is special, it is a holy place- be decently dressed and be decent.

Final Thoughts:

My visit to Sanwaliya Seth Temple was a lesson that travel is not about destination, it is about memories that live many years after the trip is over. The temple gave me peace, the food gave me joy and they all combined to give me a memory which I will hold with me always.

When you are ever over in Rajasthan, head into this heavenly corner over at Chittorgarh. Arrive hungry not only the hunger of food, but the hunger of connection, culture and a taste of something really holy.

Exploring Nathdwara: A Spiritual Retreat & Culinary Delight 

Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Nathdwara is a town that seamlessly blends spirituality, tradition, and culinary excellence. Known for the revered Shrinathji Temple, this sacred destination attracts thousands of devotees and travelers seeking divine blessings and cultural immersion. But beyond its spiritual aura, Nathdwara offers a rich gastronomic experience, deeply rooted in Rajasthani and Gujarati traditions. 

A Journey Through Nathdwara’s Spiritual Essence:

The town’s name, Nathdwara, translates to “Gateway of the Lord,” and rightly so—it is home to the Shrinathji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple’s intricate architecture, adorned with Mewar-style paintings, narrates tales of devotion and grandeur. The Mangala Aarti at dawn is a mesmerizing experience, where chants and prayers create an atmosphere of divine serenity. Beyond the temple, Nathdwara’s narrow lanes are filled with vibrant markets selling Pichwai paintings, silverware, and handcrafted souvenirs. The town’s artistic heritage is evident in every corner, making it a paradise for culture enthusiasts.

Savoring Nathdwara’s Culinary Treasures:

Nathdwara’s food culture is predominantly vegetarian, following the principles of a sattvik diet, which emphasizes purity and balance. The town’s delicacies are a fusion of Rajasthani and Gujarati flavors, offering a delightful mix of spices, textures, and aromas. Must-Try Dishes in Nathdwara - Dal Baati Churma – A quintessential Rajasthani meal featuring spicy dal, baked baati, and sweet churma. - Gatte ki Sabzi – Gram flour dumplings cooked in a tangy yogurt-based curry. - Ker Sangri – A traditional dish made with dried berries and beans, infused with local spices. - Aloo Puri – Deep-fried Indian bread served with spiced potato curry, a comforting favorite. - Mirchi Vada – Spicy chili fritters stuffed with tangy potato filling, perfect for spice lovers. - Rajasthani Thali – A platter offering a variety of dishes, including dals, sabzis, rice, and chapatis. - Lassi – A creamy yogurt-based drink, often flavored with cardamom and saffron, ideal for cooling down.

Mint tea, or Pudina Chai:

Nathdwara special mint tea (Pudina Chai locally) is a one of a kind drink with fenugreek and ginger as its ingredients. It is a popular drink in Nathdwara, town near Udaipur in Rajasthan, India and many street vendors make it. The tea has a fresh taste and is full of flavor.

Where to Eat in Nathdwara:

Some of the best restaurants in Nathdwara you must visit to taste the pure cuisine are:

Shree Nath Dining Hall – Known for traditional Rajasthani Thali (Mandir Mandal subsidized outlet)
Krishna Dining Hall – Good Dal Baati Churma, so it is a must visit.
Annapurna Bhojnalaya – Famous for tasty Gatte ki Sabzi.
Lords Plaza – Blue Coriander Restaurant – Serves both international and Indian vegetarian dishes.
Haveli Gokul Palace – A small place for some homemade food and the Mirchi Vada being a must-try.

Final Thoughts:

A trip to Nathdwara is more than a pilgrimage, it is an assault on all your senses, as you are surrounded by devotion, art and food. Be it visiting the Shrinathji Temple, admiring Pichwai paintings or treating your taste buds to some delicious Rajasthani food, Nathdwara stays with you, in your soul.

So, if you are on a trip, then head to this pious destination and come with an open heart and an appetite to fill your heart and stomach with divine blessings and unforgettable flavors.