We started from Boondi to Gadaria Mahadev. After
running on Jaipur Kota highway[ NH 52] for some time our vehicles turned and
later on entered into an area having dry trees forest for a long stretch. Our
vehicles ran on narrow uneven kachcha path and on both the sides stood short,
dry trees with their arms extending to all sides. We have travelled through
many dense tropical forests, forests of gigantic tall trees standing erect on high
mountains but this one had an entirely different feel. As if each one of those
trees has some tale hidden inside, a story different from that of lush green
forests. This perhaps was part of Mukundra hills tiger reserve. We visited the place with an intention to enjoy
the spectacular view of famous turn of mighty Chambal river and the little shrine
of Lord Mahadeva in the caves below.
As we reached the place from where we could see
the Chambal river flowing down many feet below with hills standing guard on
both the sides, the rugged panoramic beauty made us awestruck. We were the only
visitors there at that time. As I said earlier the river flew many feet below
from the place we were standing but it’s width and slow, grave flow gave a very
clear idea of it’s depth. Watching it from the rocks above the force of flow,
waves or the churning in the water can not be apprehended but even from that
far one can feel the wild, mighty and profound nature of the river. It as if
clearly cautions not to mess with her. But then there was that tiny dot like
boat coursing through its flow, the sole boat slowly making it’s way towards
some destination. Watching it intently at first I wondered how the person or
persons in that boat could muster so much courage as to go down there in waters
and why on earth he was rowing a boat there but then slowly once again the realization
dawned upon me, how so ever defiant, imposing the nature and it’s forces might
appear we need to surrender to them with complete faith and our boat would
definitely reach its destination.
After enjoying the panoramic stretch for some time,
we walked down to the shrine. On the way at some places steps are cut and on
others rocks itself work as steps. Near the cave steps are cut, made properly.
we reached the shrine. Three four locals were there. Pujari was there. He told
us that he resides there only. In another very small chamber of cave his living
quarters could be seen. High green trees surround the cave and down flows the Chambal.
His living alone there in the wild surroundings once its totally dark, once
again reinstated my faith in the miraculous powers of thoughts and beliefs.
By the time we reached the shrine the tiny boat
which we watched from above too had reached there. Its sole occupant tied the
boat with trunk of a tree and started climbing the steep rocky terrain to reach
the cave. To us it felt very dangerous, but he moved forward with ease.
We spent some time offering pooja, talking to
priest and locals and treasuring the enriching experience continued our onward
journey.
The
place is about 20 Kms from Boondi.
All pics by Sunder Iyer.
No comments:
Post a Comment