A Hectic Pilgrimage: My Journey to Banaras & Ayodhya
Recently, I embarked on a spiritual yet chaotic trip to Banaras and Ayodhya with my close friend Prateek. What started off as an exciting plan turned into an experience full of divine sights, long walks, scooter rides, and a bit of travel struggle. Here’s how the journey unfolded.
From Bhubaneswar to Banaras
Our journey kicked off in Bhubaneswar. After a long train ride, we finally arrived at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Station (formerly Mughalsarai). Exhausted but excited, we grabbed an auto rickshaw and headed straight to our hotel in Banaras (Varanasi), ready to immerse ourselves in the spiritual essence of the city.
Temples, Legends, and Midnight Ghats
After a quick freshen-up, we wasted no time and started exploring the ancient city. First on the list was the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple—a place that resonates with devotion and history. Despite the crowd, the energy inside the temple was surreal.Next, we visited the Kaal Bhairav Temple, a lesser-known but deeply powerful shrine dedicated to one of Shiva’s fiercest forms. The aura of this place was intense and mysterious.We then walked to the sacred Chandrakoop Well, believed to hold mystical powers, followed by a stop at the Dhanvantari Koop, associated with healing and Ayurveda. It felt like stepping back in time, connecting with stories and legends we had only heard about before.
Late into the night, we made our way to the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the holiest and oldest cremation ghats in India. The sight was overwhelming—both haunting and spiritual. Watching the eternal flame burn through the night reminded us of the impermanence of life.
Onward to Ayodhya: The Land of Shri Ram
The next leg of our journey took us to Ayodhya. We hopped on a local train and reached the sacred town, where we stayed for the next two days. The town had a serene charm, despite the construction and crowd surrounding the newly developed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi area.
We rented a scooty to move around the city, which was both convenient and adventurous. Our visit to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple was emotional. Witnessing the massive scale of the temple and feeling the collective faith of people around us was moving.
The Blue Lassi (Not-So-Great) Experience
One of the must-try items in Ayodhya (and Banaras too) is the famous Blue Lassi. We decided to give it a go, expecting something extraordinary—but honestly, it didn’t live up to the hype. Maybe we had the wrong expectations, or maybe we just hit the wrong shop at the wrong time. Either way, it was underwhelming.
The Return Hustle
As our trip came to an end, the struggle began. We couldn’t manage to get a confirmed seat in the return train. Tired and with no better options, we had to settle for the general class. It was crowded and uncomfortable, but somehow we made it back home in one piece.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the trip was a mix of highs and lows. Spiritually, it was fulfilling—Banaras and Ayodhya both carry a divine energy that words can’t fully describe. But practically speaking, it was quite hectic and not the most comfortable journey we’ve had.
Would I do it again? Maybe. With better planning, for sure. But all in all, it was an adventure worth remembering—with my buddy Prateek by my side through every twist and turn.
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