A Family Pilgrimage


Right after my board exams got over we decided to go for a family pilgrimage to Vaishnodevi. It seemed right to visit the shrine as the results were going to be out soon. The trip which was supposed to be a family pilgrimage turned out to be tiresome excursion.


It took us more than 24 hours and different connecting trains to reach Katra which was the junction point for all pilgrims going for the holy pilgrimage. Many people from far off lands of India were here, occasionally a few foreign tourists could also be spotted. Old people, youth as well as young children flocked together, preparing themselves for the long walk to the shrine. It seemed to be a world fair going on. 


We booked a room nearer to the starting point. Everything seemed to be overpriced, but that’s understandable because tourism was the only source of income for many local people. After having breakfast we started our journey on foot. Thousands of people were going to the sanctum, most were on foot, some were carried by people on their back and others were on horses. We were all full of enthusiasm. Occasionally we would yell “Jai Mata Di”, which would reenergise us. It was fascinating to see how much people are devoted. Everybody was walking in the same direction for a common cause.


On the way we took many breaks to rest and eat. It didn’t even feel like we were in a remote place. There were also many monkeys all along to keep us company. As the sun went down, temperature dropped quickly and we were also losing our stamina. After a long walk, we managed to reach the gates of Vaishnodevi by late evening. That’s when we came to know still one-fourth of the journey is left. At that moment I felt vulnerable and wanted to go back home. Rest of the people were in the similar situation as us but somehow their emotions were overpowered by devotion. All four of us were exhausted so we came to a decision; let’s just seek blessings from here. Then, we hired four horses which carried us downhill. 


There is a saying, “You have to answer when Vaishnodevi calls”, but we were not able to do that so well. Without visiting the shrine, we returned back. But, that’s okay, because we knew we are always blessed by her no matter how close or far we are. Faith is in heart.

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