Hare Rama Hare Krishna
Internet sources told us that it is the spiritual capital of the world and so we were geared up for some soul searching and for a calm peaceful relaxed spiritual introspection. But Mayapur topped it all – the place is a must visit for people looking for a break from the hectic city life. Not too far from the city this town houses the headquarters of the ISKON community.
We took a long time to reach from Kolkata, thanks my slow start and also the confusion on whether to go by bus or train from Shantinagar (which by the way, has nothing to do with Mayapur) So basically lost and hungry and confused, we moved on from a local bus (Shantinagar - somewhere) to a local auto (Krishnanagar) to a local ferry (Nawadwip) to a small walk (Mayapur) leading to the temple.
Once inside in the complex, I was told politely that my 3/4th trouser was not the appropriate dress to be worn inside the premises of the temple. So I got to borrow a dhoti from the security, keeping a small amount as a deposit. The temple volunteers were quite efficient and polite and helpful at every juncture.
The stress and weariness of having coming all this way suddenly disappears once you enter the temple in white as the energy of the place and the people completely takes over you. People from different countries and colors, swaying to the chants of “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna” in a transcendental state, set the mood of the place. The main altar is a sight to watch. The idols are strikingly beautiful and the temple is neat, clean and well maintained. The white marble interior kept the hall cooler especially when the weather outside was scorching.
After the darshan, we dropped our bags in our comfortable room and came down for a good temple lunch – which was sufficient and devoid of too much spice or excess of any kind, which was great for me (suffering from a tummy ache) Post lunch we crashed in our rooms for more than 4 hours. When we woke up it was time for the evening pooja.
Not much a fan of bhajans and rituals, I spent more time at the Samadhi building which had sculptures representing the life and times of Srila Prabhupada. Entering the temple later while the pooja was getting over, I witnessed the energy of the pilgrims from different nations dancing to the tunes of “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna” and for the first time I could understand what made them leave a lot behind to come to this remote village in a faraway place from home. The sheer joy of this transcendental state is very infectious.
After another round of darshan, late at night I did something which I kept promising myself from the time I saw the temple across the banks of the Ganges - Jump into the river for a swim under moonlight and the starry night. It was truly awesome and I felt more blessed than ever.
Tip: The life of Srila Prabhupada depicted in paintings and sculptures in museums and various frescos are a must watch, if you are in the area.
