Having been in Vrindaban for a few days and having been bowled over by the number of spectacular temples to photograph, we thought we ought to look around at the other towns in the area.
It’s a bit like the old days when one went to Blackpool. The illuminations, the tower and the golden mile are all spectacular – surely there must be other places close at hand that deserve a visit. ..Fleetwood? St Annes on Sea? They used to prove disappointing. So too, in a way, did Mathura. It is a town only eight miles or so from Vrindaban. Mathura has all the legends about Krishna to offer. It is a place, some would say, where he was born. Unfortunately a mosque and a mandir mark the site and these two buildings, supported by two different religions, Islam and Hinduism, do not get on. The whole area is something of a militarised zone with the army in attendance. “Sorry no cameras!” Even the Dwarkhadish Temple has large notices (fortunately not in English) saying NO PHOTOGRAPHS
Vishram Ghat
The Vishram Ghat - a colourful bathing place on the Yamuna river was a good deal more relaxed. We were rewarded by seeing a visiting wedding party who had come to the river to embark on one of the boats. The local brass band who accompanied them decided, illadvisedly most people thought, to embark on another!
Indian bands major on colour and noise – not quite so much on rhythm and sweetness. But looking hot and ever so slightly scruffy they contributed to a sense of occasion. It was memorable in one form or another.
Moving on we visited small but clearly well-loved shrines, erected where Lord Krishna had performed one act or another. Our local guide was greatly taken with these sites – as indeed were the beggars and stall holders. There was almost a punch-up at one place where the authority of our guide was called into question. The matter could have been remedied if he had paid the 11 rupees asked! It was all a bit of a mystery to us . We endured bravely but were safely back in Vrindaban in time for lunch.
Robin
Sounds like you`ve seen some great spectacles-(so too the monkeys). You should be prepared for considerably lower temperatures on your return to the UK. It still feels like winter here!
Hope you have a good journey back.
Jan
Jan
Many thanks I will have my duffle coat waiting at the airport.
Robin