There are over 5000 temples in Vrindaban said my guide-book and I can believe it is true. Almost every other building in the old part of the town is a mandir to one manifestation of God or another.
My understanding of Hinduism was of a quiet thoughtful religion – aged gurus passing on gobbets of wisdom. Students pushing back the visible world as they search out their interior souls through the practice of yoga. Old sanyasis renouncing the world and wealth in search of moksha (escape from the cycle of reincarnation).
Well forget all that. In Vrindaban religion is all about noise - drums, cymbals, trumpets, clapping and cheering. All day long the rhythmical banging of drums comes from one part of the town or another. There is no visible sign of penitence in the Hind pilgrims I have met. There’s quite a lot of pushing as one after another they try to catch a glimpse of a sacred object or God. No scallop shells or rosaries here – there are garlands (providing the monkeys don’t swipe them) and mobile phone cameras. It is all part of the Hind pilgrim dress.
At one temple Banke Bihan, it is the time of year when the priests bring out the God to show to the people in a religious procession. We arrived there yesterday just after the deity had been safely returned to his shrine. The crowd of devotees, many covered with flower petals, resembled football team supporters celebrating a popular win at a local derby. They laughed, the clapped as they rushed to greet old friends.
Like many of the Hebrew prophets of old Hindu devotees are of the ecstatic tradition. Religion is about joy, exuberance and celebration. Hare Krishna!
wow sounds like a great adventure! sights sounds and smells galore! interviewee on radio 4 today suggested rhar smells bring back instant memories,cow pats will never be the same.
Cheers Bill – great to hear from you. Sorry to hear your weather is not too good. We are enduring 37 degrees plus.
Robin