05/08/2023
A sacred Hike to a century-old Gompa (monastery), somewhere in Arunachal Pradesh.
Let's talk about Rituals. We weren't avid ritual-followers, but this journey challenged our beliefs and opened our hearts to something extraordinary.
Hiking at 12,000 feet, in a cold gloomy mountain weather was something worth looking forward to. However, before we set foot on the sacred path, our local team member gave us strict instructions: no meat, egg, cigarette, alcohol, onions, or garlic, and we had to bathe in the freezing morning! It sounded daunting, but there was a reason behind it all.
This monastery hold centuries of significance for the Monpas, and people trekked from far-off villages to the sacred place seeking blessings.
Walking through the surreal views, passing unattended caves (used by monks to meditate) and quiet woods, we finally reached this small stone structure. The monastery was a perfect example of the old Indian architecture treasure - a rock cut monastery. We were greeted by wise old grannies caring for the sacred place. Their initial shock to our alien faces, soon subsided urging us to follow their ways of worship. Like eager novices, we absorbed their teachings, performing the Parikrama as they did when one of them looked at the sky and bowed down on the ground.
A hawk gracefully circled above us, the only sign of life we had seen apart from us and the swaying Rhododendrons while on the trail.
"Our lama who built this monastery said he will come in the form of a hawk to bless us.", she whispered to us with folded hands.
Was it mere coincidence or the result of following the rituals? We can't say for sure, but that entire experience touched us in a way beyond words and pictures. It was 'Sacred' in every sense of the word.
We choose not to disclose the name of the Monastery or share pictures from inside the gompa and caves. Our hope is that this sacred place remains untouched by tourist footfalls and retains its purity. Some places are meant to be revered, not just another spot on a travel checklist.
Tell us about your Sacred moment.
