Mizoram by Train: Into the Hills of Silence and Scenery

Mizoram is one of the states of Northeast India, with Aizawl as its capital. The name is derived from Mi (people), Zo (belonging to the people of Mizoram/Lushai Hills), and Ram (land), so Mizoram broadly means “land of the hill people”.

Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Mizoram is home to several Mizo tribes whose traditions continue to shape the state’s identity. Its culture is deeply intertwined with tribal customs, vibrant festivals, and a distinctive way of life that gives the state a character of its own.

Aizawl

Mizoram is one of the states in India where non-residents require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit. The ILP can be obtained online while planning the trip, and the permit is normally valid for 15 days.

Inner Line Permit process

Step 1

Submit the application online for Temporary ILP, Temporary Stay, or ILP Exemption to obtain a reference number. The reference number can then be used to track the status of the application.

Step 2

After verification by the concerned authority, the applicant can pay the fees online using the reference number for Temporary ILP or Temporary Stay. No fee is required for applicants seeking ILP Exemption, and an SMS is sent to the registered mobile number for payment confirmation where applicable.

Step 3

After completing the online payment, the applicant can download the pass in PDF format. The pass holder must carry a photo identity card along with the permit during travel.

It is also possible to obtain the ILP at the station itself, but travellers need to carry photographs, copies of identity cards, and fill out the required form at the exit. The IRCTC railway ticket also carries a cautionary note stating, “ILP MANDATORY FOR TRAVEL TO MI”.

There was a marriage in the family in Kolkata, and the journey was originally planned as a train trip from Mumbai to attend the event. On hearing this, a family friend suggested extending the journey to Mizoram to see the unique railway bridge near Aizawl, and soon the travel plans fell into place well in advance.

However, one friend was not willing to return by train and chose to fly back from Aizawl instead. In another twist to the story, one more family friend joined midway, and the tickets were booked separately; their return later coincided with a flight disruption, and they reached Mumbai 12 hours late.

Day 1 

The Mumbai–Howrah Duronto was rescheduled to leave more than seven hours late from its origin, and it ultimately reached Howrah 16 hours behind schedule. After attending the marriage, on Day 3 and Day 4 the stay shifted to Gariaahat, where friends had already made a booking. They joined later in the evening, and after a brief stroll around the hotel area at night, the day came to a close.

Day 5

The next day was spent exploring Kolkata. The places visited included Kalighat, New Market, Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dakshineswar, and Belur Math.

Kalighat

Victoria Memorial

Belur Math from Boat on Hoogly

Day 6

The following day, the onward journey began by train from Kolkata to Sairang in Mizoram. Sairang is the railway station that connects Aizawl, and the recently opened Bairabi–Sairang line has given the capital a major new rail link. The Kolkata–Sairang Express takes about 31 hours and 20 minutes and has 26 halts en route. The train often reaches Sairang around midnight or later, possibly because of operational constraints on single-line sections, and on this trip it arrived at about 1:30 am. The railway bridge was visible on the way from Sairang station to Aizawl city. After checking in at Tourist Lodge, Aizawl, there was time for a quick rest before setting out for sightseeing at around 10 am.

Bridge to nowhere, Sairang Bridge

Day 8

Aizawl is known for virtually zero honking and strict lane discipline, creating a peaceful and orderly travel experience. The city, situated at about 1,132 metres above sea level, is flanked by the lofty peaks of Durtlang and spread across ridges of steep hills overlooking the valleys of the Tlawng and Tuirial rivers.

Aizawl literally means “a field of wild cardamom,” a name believed to have originated in the early nineteenth century. It is both the political and cultural centre of Mizoram, and the Mizo people, who are mostly Christian, are often associated with a westernised lifestyle shaped by local traditions and modern influences.

Sairang railway bridge

A key highlight of the visit was the Bairabi–Sairang New Rail Line, constructed at a cost of ₹8,071 crore. For the first time, Mizoram’s capital city, Aizawl, is being connected to the Indian Railways network through a major infrastructure project executed in difficult hilly terrain. The project includes 45 tunnels built under complex geological conditions, 55 major bridges, and 88 minor bridges. Bridge No. 144, located just before Sairang railway station, stands 114 metres high and is described in the file as 42 metres taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar. At 742 metres, it is identified as Mizoram’s longest railway bridge. Spanning a deep valley and linking toward National Highway-06, this modern piece of rail infrastructure improves connectivity between Kolasib and Aizawl districts while promising safer, faster, and more affordable travel.

Sairang Railway Bridge

Aizawl Peak Point

For a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills, Aizawl Peak Point in the Durtlang Hills is a must-visit. The road is steep, but the view from the summit is breathtaking, offering a remarkable meeting point of urban life and natural beauty. It is the kind of place that appeals instantly to photographers and nature lovers. A recently added glass walkway has made the viewpoint even more attractive for visitors.

View of Aizawl from Peak Point

Mizoram State Museum

Located right in the centre of the city, the Mizoram State Museum showcases the rich heritage of the state. Along with archaeological artefacts, photographs, and natural history specimens, one entire gallery is dedicated to the Mizo tribes. The objects displayed are distinctive and offer insight into aspects of life that are not commonly seen in other parts of the country. Tools, implements, household materials, hunting and warfare objects, ornaments, and textiles together present a vivid picture of Mizo history, culture, and tradition. The museum offers visitors a meaningful glimpse into the cultural and historical nuances of Mizo society. For anyone interested in understanding the region beyond its landscapes, this stop adds depth to the travel experience.

After dropping the friends at the airport, lunch was taken just outside the airport. The short halt also offered a brief pause before continuing with the remaining local visits.

Aizawl Zoological Park

Located at Lungverh on the outskirts of Aizawl, the Aizawl Zoological Park also lies on the route to Sairang railway station. It is maintained by the State Forest Department and offers a quiet green stop for visitors. The Park could benefit from clearer signboards for those trying to return to the main entrance or exit. However, the animal and bird enclosures do have name boards, and with a little repainting and better wayfinding, the overall visitor experience could become more convenient.

Aizawl Zoological Park

Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s Temple is a striking architectural landmark and a powerful reflection of the Christian ethos that resonates across Mizo society. Open to all visitors, its white façade shining against the verdant hills creates an atmosphere of peace, reflection, and admiration. Its scale and setting make it one of the memorable stops in and around Aizawl. More places to visit in the region find here https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/mizoram/aizawl

Solomon's Temple, Aizawl

Day 9 

The return journey by train from Sairang to Kolkata began the next morning at 7:15 am. Departure from the lodge was at 5:30 am, and the station was reached by 6:15 am.

Sairang Railway Station with Aizawl clouded in misty background

Day 10 

There was a connecting train from Howrah the following day at 7:30 pm. A quick check of the previous arrival timings of the Sairang–Kolkata train created some anxious moments, as the transfer from Kolkata to Howrah would leave only a limited margin for catching the onward train. Fortunately, the train reached Kolkata at 4:30 pm, leaving enough time to travel to Howrah and continue the return journey to Mumbai. In all, the trip covered about 7,000 km by train over a period of 10 days, making it a memorable rail journey through family occasions, city exploration, and the scenic landscapes of Mizoram.

Kolkata Railway Terminus

The Last Leg of Kashi Yatra - Rameswaram, Tiruppunavasal, Tiruvadanai, Tiruchendur, Sri Kalahasti, Gudimallam

 Last leg of Kashi yatra. It ends where the first leg started i.e. Rameswaram. Added Tiruppunavasal, Thiruvadanai and Tiruchendur to the itinerary.  Went from Mumbai by Chennai Express and from Chennai to Mandapam by Rameswaram Express.  

Rameswaram

The day started with darshan of Ramanatha Swamy.  We wanted to have the abhishekam of Ganges water which we took it from Sangam in Prayagraj in the afternoon (Temple closes at 12 noon and opens at 4 pm) as afternoons are relatively less crowded. Went to Arichalmunai, the land’s end. The road (NH49 Rameswaram-Arichalmunai Road) up to this point was constructed and opened on 27.7.2017. Visited the ruins at Dhanushkodi railway station after the cyclone in 1964. An estimated wind velocity of 280 km per hour and tidal waves as high as 23 ft swept Dhanushkodi on the night of 22-23 December 1964. Around 1800 people died in the cyclonic storm including 115 people traveling by the Pamban-Dhanushkodi passenger train that night. 

Arichalmunai, Dhanushkodi

Kothandaramar Temple where Shri Ram is said to have made Vibhishan as the King of Lanka.  The temple is on the left side of road which ends on a small mound while going to Arichalmunai. Saw other temples like Panchamukhi Anjaneya, Ramar Tirtham, and other places.

Kothandaramar Temple

Ramar Tirtham

Natarajar Temple

In the afternoon, we did the abhishekam with the Ganges water which was brought from Sangam, Prayagraj. (Special tickets for the same has to be purchased).  Had very good darshan of the God and Goddess.

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Day 2 - Devipattinam

The Navapashanam Temple is an ancient Hindu temple, located in Devipattinam, 70 kilometers away from Rameshwaram. It is dedicated to the Navagrahas (9 planet deities) located a few meters into the sea near the shore of the village, and the installed stones represent the nine planets. The Navagrahas can be seen partly submerged in the sea but close to the beach.

Navagraha Tirtham, Devipattinam

Tiruppunavasal

The Vridhapureeswarar temple in Thirupunavasal, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its distinctive Shiva Linga and 'Aavudayar' (the pedestal on which the Linga is placed) with the largest circumference. The presiding deity of the temple is known as 'Vruddhapureeswarar' or 'Pazhamainathar' (both meaning ancient) due to the ancient origin and association with Brahma's worship at this sacred location. The temple features an impressive east facing rajagopuram, which stands at a height of 65 feet. 'Brahma Theertham' is adjacent to the temple.

Vridhapureeswarar Temple, Tiruppunavasal

The temple architecture is a fusion of Pandyan and Cholan architectures in that the Vimana gopurum above the Sanctum is also as tall. The Shiva lingam in the sanctum sanatorium is installed on a base (aavudai) is around 82.5 feet in circumference, with the Lingam itself being about 9 feet tall. Devotees present a specially made 90 feet cloth for the deity here to adorn the Lingam. Abisheakam is performed using a special ladder that goes across the aavudai.

Another View of Tiruppunavasal Temple 

There is a shrine for Kudavarai Kali opposite to this, who is believed to bless pregnancy and delivery [there are no delivery hospitals in the vicinity]. Within this chamber Kali's fearsome visage can be glimpsed through a reflective mirror. Tiruppunavasal is believed to have been in existence in all the four Yugas referred to by different names in each Yuga. Consequently, there are four 'sthala vruksham' within the temple. A disregarded variety of cactus known as 'chatura kalli' was the 'sthala vruksham' in Kruthayuga indicating that in the eyes of God every being is equal. In Kruthayuga this place was known as Vajravanam or Indirapura. In Threthayuga it was called Brhamapura with 'kurunda' (wild orange) as 'sthala vruksham'. In Dwaparayuga, it was known as 'Vrudhakasi' with 'magizha' (intermedlar tree) as sthala vruksham and in Kaliyuga, it is referred to as pazhampathi with the 'punnai' (mastwood) as sthala vruksham.

Thiruvadanai

'Aadanai' as here is where Varuni's curse for lifted, this sacred place holds significant spiritual importance. Varuni, the daughter of Varuna, the celestial god of rain, once unintentionally ignored Sage Durvasa, who was deeply engrossed in his penance. Enraged by her disregard, the sage cursed Varuni to have the head of a goat and the body of an elephant. Realizing her mistake, Varuni humbly sought the sage's forgiveness. Sage Durvasa advised her to worship God Shiva, who was revered by the Sun God himself at this very location, in order to regain her original form. This place came to be known as 'Aadanai' in Tamil, derived from the words 'Aadu' meaning goat and 'Yanai' meaning elephant, in reference to Varuni's transformation. Interestingly, it is believed that even in the present day, when the linga is anointed with milk during noon, it takes on a mesmerizing blue hue. The architectural layout of the temple is meticulously designed in such a way that during the Tamil month of Masi, the rays of sunlight beautifully illuminate the idols of the God and Goddess.

Tiruvadanai

On way to Thiruchendur, we passed through Tuticorin (Thoothukudi). I remembered Dr. Muthunarayan who was my room partner in our Greater Rann of Kuchh Trip in 2012.  Though we keep in touch in social media, never had a chance to speak to him.  He was pleasantly surprised when I called him.  He invited us to his house which was on the way.  We had a nice talk an hour or so.  After pleasantries, left for Thiruchendur who suggested us to visit the temple on that day itself.  So, we followed his advice.

Thiruchendur

After refreshing at the Hotel Tamil Nadu, we went straight to the temple and had a good darshan courtesy Dr. Muthunarayan

Thiruchendur Thirukoil is the Second place of Arupadai veedu. This sacred house of god is in the extreme south west of the Indian Peninsula located at shore of Bay of Bengal. The young Lord Muruga as the Devasenapathy vanquishes Evil in the form of Surapathma. The Tamils have ever since been celebrating the as an annual festival during Skanda Shasti. This temple is believed to be 2000-3000 years old. The place where this temple is located was earlier known as Thirchiralaiwai. The tower of the temple is 157 feet height with nine floors. After conquering Soorapadman, Lord Muruga performed Shiva Puja to express his gratitude for his victory. Here Murugan graces with a lotus flower on his right hand. He also wears a Jadamakutam on his head like Shiva Yogi.

Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Rajagopuram is located in the west direction of Murugan shrine in Tiruchendur. Lord Muruga looks towards the east in this temple looking at the sea. The main Gopuram was constructed behind to the Swami, (i.e. in the eastern direction) But the tower is built in the west because of the sea in the area. West Raja Gopuram gate is opened only for one day in a year at midnight during Murugan Thirukalyanam during the Kandashashti festival. Devotees are not allowed to enter at that time.

Nazhi Kinaru

It is a well 14 feet square, and reached below on either of its sides by a flight of 34 steps.The bath there is to be in two waters! One is a remarkable spring of fresh crystal water almost in a stone receptacle known as Nāzhik Kinaru. It is a foot square and about 7 feet deep and inset within the larger major well referred to. The latter is one of saltish and highly sulphurous smelling and muddy-looking water. This swells up during the day and pumped out daily so as not to allow it to over-flow into the smaller one.

Where from do these two distinct supplies of water with different tastes spring and how they are kept separate are a mystery and a problem for the physiographers to solve. A bath in the sea as well in these two waters is considered to be of much spiritual merit. The Nāzhik Kinaru swells up and maintains its level in spite of bailing out any quantity of water as the worshippers bathe out of it. Also the source of water supply for the two wells are unknown. It is believed that Lord Muruga had placed His lance, the Vel and had created this spring in order to quench the thirst of His warriors during the fight against Surapadhman.

Day 3

Thoondukai Vinayakar

The entrance to the main temple has a covered overhead like a shelter for about 1 to 1.5 kms. There are small shops on either side of the temple. Even before this pathway begins the temple of Thoondukai Vinayagar could be seen. Every devotee first visit this temple before having a darshan of Lord Chendur Andavar.

Thoondukai Vinayakar, Tiruchendur

Ayya Vaikundar Avathara Pathi

It is believed that God Maha Vishnu in a formless way and entered the seashore at Tiruchendur and returned in a human form, he was called Ayya Vaikundar, which was the tenth incarnation of Maha Vishnu and the said spot is named ‘Avathara Pathi’ (Avathara meaning the place of incarnation), one of the most sacred sites. Ayya Vaikundar appeared in the form of a mendicant dressed up in ochre robe, braided hair, sacred white mark on forehead, Rudraksha mala (garland) around the neck, Rishi’s Wand and a Kamandal (a water-vessel of a religious mendicant) in hands.

Ayya Vaikundar Avathara Pathi

Moovar Samadhi 

Amidst the vast and roaring waves and an eternal silence, lay the Maha samadhis of three sadhus, Mouna Swami, Kasi Swami and Arumuga Swami. These three sadhus had spent their entire lifetime (1868 to 1940) in the renovation and reconstruction of this temple despite the fact that they were ever living in poverty. Mouna Swami had taken up a vow of silence. Kasi Swami had come down from Kasi and had joined hands with Mouna Swami. They were involved in the collection of huge funds by means of hundies. Arumuga Swami had taken up the work after Mouna Swami had attained the God’s feet and had contributed tirelessly for 24 years. It is believed that in order to pay homage to these sadhus who had contributed immensely to the construction of this temple with their selfless and tireless work, one should visit the moovar samadhi.

Valli Gugai (Valli Cave)

The Valli cave consists of a sanctum sanctorum dedicated to Valli. This is a cave of sandal mountains. Inside the cave, paintings and statues depicting the Murugan and Valli legend are present. In front of the cave, a mandapa with 16 pillars is constructed which is 24.5 feet long and 21.5 feet broad. A narrow path through the cave connects the mandapa and the sanctum. The main gateway to the temple is south-facing towards the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple.

Valli Gugai (Cave)

 Kulasekaranpattinam

Kulasekaranpattinam is situated on the way to Kanniyakumari from Tiruchendur. It is 20 kms from Tiruchendur and 65 kms from Kanyakumari. This village is famous for Mutharaman Temple, which is located on the shore of Bay of Bengal. This temple is nearly 150 years old. The Dassehra (Dasara) Festival is celebrated in a grand scale every year during October.

Mutharamman Temple, Kulasekaran Pattinam

After spending a few hours at the temple complex, left for Tiruchendur railway station to catch train to Chennai. Day4 to Day7 After attending some religious ceremony and marriage started back to Mumbai.

Day 8

Sri Kalahasti

Started by road around noon and reached in 3 hours.  Checked into a hotel near the temple.  After refreshment went to the temple and had darshan of the God Shiva the presiding deity.

Srikalahasti temple, situated 36 km away from Tirupati, is famous for its Vayu Lingam (Wind Lingam), one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, representing the wind. Shiva appeared before the sage Markandeya in Srikalahasti and preached that a Guru alone could make esoteric teachings and, therefore he is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Srikalahasti Temple

The inner temple was constructed around the 5th century CE and the outer temple was constructed in the 11th century by the Rajendra Chola I and other Chola emperors. The 120 feet (37 m) high main gopuram and the hundred pillared hall with intricate carvings was commissioned during the regime of the Vijayanagara Krishnadevaraya during 1516 CE

View from Kannappar Hill, Srikalahasti

The presiding image of Shiva in the form of Linga is made of white stone (believed to be the solidification of camphor) in a tall cylindrical shape resembling an elephant trunk. The stone is divided into 5 segments. The lingam is lit by many lamps in the sanctum. Miraculously, the lingam never caught fire even though camphor is a flammable substance. There is a rock-cut shrine of Shiva's son Ganesha, 9 ft (2.7 m) below the ground level.

Day 9

Gudimallam

Suggested by Dr. Muthunarayanan of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), diverted our car from Sri Kalahasti to Renigunta via Gudimallam.

Gudimallam Temple

The sanctum of the Parasurameswara Swamy temple has a square plan embedded in an apsidal structure. Greatness of Parasurameswara temple lies in its tall and erect linga within the sanctum which has no parallel in the country. It is a pillar with irregular broad facet, the front contains an image of Shiva in bold relief standing on the shoulders of a dwarf-yaksha. Excavations within the shrine brought to light a square rail and the manusha linga was set within two highly polished stone rings sometime in 2^nd-3^rd centuries BC.

Backside view of Sanctum Sanctorium, Gudimallam

Reached Renigunta in the afternoon and caught the evening train to Mumbai reaching home next day.

The Second leg of Kashi Yatra – Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Gaya

After completing the first leg of Kashi yatra, i.e. Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram and nearby temples as an addition, the second leg started a month afterwards.  Went from Mumbai by Banaras Express and reached Prayagraj Chheoki next day late night.  

Prayagraj

The sand named Veni Madhava which was kept in puja room and taken to Prayagraj. After performing Veni Madhava puja along with other rituals, went to Triveni Sangam in a boat where the sand brought from Rameswaram was dissolved. Veni is given as Daan by cutting a portion of hair of your better half.  Veni Daan is performed only at Triveni Sangam. Like three rivers confluence here, a woman’s braid has a pattern formed by three strands of braids of hair, a little portion is offered into the holy waters of the Sangam. This is the point where the brown water of the Ganga meets the green water of the Yamuna, along with the mythical Saraswati, which remains unseen but believed to run underground. After Veni Daan, bath with your better half is taken at the sangam. Then proceed to do the remaining rituals like Shrardha, etc.

Sangam, Prayagraj

After a break of two hours, visited other places like Nag Vasuki Temple, which is located on the north of Sangam in the northern corner of Daraganj on the Ganga bank. It has statues of Nag Raj, Ganesh, Parvati and a reclining statue of Bhishma Pitamah. There is a Shiv temple in the premises. Lalita Devi Temple, located in Mirapur locality. It is counted among the 51 Siddha Shaktipeeth in the country. Alopi Devi Temple located in Alopibagh locality west of Daraganj. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple there is a round platform there is a coloured cloth below which there is a small cot. Devotees pay obeisance here. It is said to be one of the Shaktipeeth. Veni Madhav Temple located in Daraganj locality and has attractive idols of Radha and Lord Krishna. There are 12 Madhav deities in Prayag but the Veni Madhav temple at Daraganj close to the Sangam is especially significant.

Vasuki Mandir, Prayagraj

    

Lalita Devi Temple, Prayagraj

Bade Hanuman temple, is a must visit place in Prayagraj. It is located very close to Sangam and Hanumanji is in lying position instead of being in sitting or standing form as is common in thousands of other Hanuman temples in India.  There is also Shankar Vimana Mandapam which was built on the initiative of Shankaracharya Chandrashekharendra Saraswati of Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth and was inaugurated by Shankarachrya Jayendra Saraswati in 1986. This three-storied structure is made on 16 huge pillars on the bank of the Sangam. Its height is 130 feet and it was completed in 16 years. It has the idols of Kamakshi, Lord Balaji and Lord Shiv. The Shiv idol weighs 10 tons.

Bade Hanuman, Prayagraj

Alopi Devi Mandir, Prayagraj

There are many places of interest in Prayagraj which you can visit if you have time. https://prayagraj.nic.in/places-of-interest/

Ayodhya

10 second bliss. Jai Shri Ram. Generations wait ended in flat 30 minutes. Joined the line and came out in 30 minutes. Separate line for ladies and gents. In Gents line, be on the right side line only. The extreme right line is for ladies only. For some distance ladies only but near the entrance of the main temple you can switch over and change to extreme right line. This is the nearest to the Ram Lalla and get more darshan time as you come out.  Do not take mobile, bags, belt, watches, etc. If you want to carry mobile, add at least 30 minutes for depositing and taking back. Chappal stand also takes time. Water bottles will be chucked out at the security check.

Ayodhya Mandir

Saryu River, Ayodhya

Hanuman garhi also crowded but you can carry mobile. As I have left mobile at the room itself no photo of Hanuman garhi Mandir. Vikramaditya got a temple constructed which later on came to be known as Hanuman Garhi. It is believed that Lord Hanuman (Pavan Putra) lived here to guard Ayodhya. You will find here a beautiful idol of Bal (young) sitting on lap of Maa Anjani at the main temple.

You can visit Kanak Bhavan, Dashrath Mahal, Sarayu River Front, Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, etc. after visiting Ram Lalla. Dashrath Mahal in Ayodhya is at a distance of 50 meters from Hanuman Garhi and attracts many due to its beautiful architecture and elite standards. Kanak Bhawan is to the north-east of Ram Janam Bhumi, Ramkot, in Ayodhya. Kanak Bhawan is one of the finest and famous temples in Ayodhya and is a must visit. It is believed that this Bhawan was gifted to Devi Sita by Kaikei immediately after her marriage to Lord Ram. This is private palace of Devi Sita and Lord Rama. Vikramaditya got it renovated. Later it was rebuilt/renovated by Vrish Bhanu Kunwari which exists even today. The main idols installed in the garbhgrih (sanctum), are of Lord Ram and Devi Sita.

Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya

Kanak Bhavan, Ayodhya

Left Ayodhya for Varanasi in the morning.  Rain God greeted with showers on the way and in Varanasi.  Tried to have darshan of Kashi Vishwanath, but due to Holi celebrations, the crowd was too much and hence decided to have darshan in the early morning next day.  We had darshan of Visalakhsi Maa.

Ganga Arti at Dashashvamedha Ghat

The Ganga Arti at Dashashvamedha Ghat viewed from boat is a different experience altogether. Aarti starts at around 7.00 pm and goes on for around 45 minutes. There are no entry charges for the aarti. Depending on the space availability and the time one has reached the ghat one can witness the aarti. Boats are available from nearby ghats, in fact the moment you enter the area (i.e. road going towards the ghat), one would find many boatmen selling the boat ride both on seat basis or lumpsum hire basis in case of small boats. Haggling works here and one has many options in boat ride i.e. witnessing the aarti and then cruising the river Ganga, mostly just a glimpse of various ghats -Manikarnika ghat onwards to Assi ghat.

 

Ganga Arti, Dashashvamedh Ghat, Varanasi

The Arti started probably in 1991 and it has been continuing since then with the exception during COVID period when the Arti continued but without gatherings. The Ganga Arti is broadcast in loudspeakers and displayed in the LED screen and performed by 7 young priests denoting sapta rishis all facing the River Ganga. The priests start to move the many layered huge brass lamp in a clockwise direction in a rhythmic manner. The whole atmosphere is magical and an unique experience.

Next day morning we had darshan of Kashi Vishwanath and Annapurani inside the temple complex. After performing ritual at a place of convenience near our stay started for our next halt Gaya

Ma Visalakshi Mandir, Varanasi 

Gaya

Historically, Gaya was the part of the ancient Magadh Empire. The city is located on the bank of Falgu River and is considered among one of the most sacred cities for Hindus. But the river has no flowing water. Hence, the Pinda is not dissolved in the river but given to cows.  The Pinddanam is done at three places here. First on the banks of Falgu River, Vishnupad Temple and at AkshayVat, A peepal tree standing on the bank of Falgu River worshiped for its divinity.

Shri Vishnupad Temple, Gaya

The most attractive destination in Gaya is Vishnupad Temple. The temple is located on the bank of Falgu River and has footprint of Vishnu incised into a block of basalt. People believe that Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur by placing his foot on Gayasur’s chest. The old temple of Vishnupad was later renovated by the queen of Indore, Devi Ahilyabai in eighteenth century.

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One. Born in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu (now in Nepal), most of the major events of his life, like enlightenment and last sermon, happened in Bihar.

Mahobodhi Temple, BodhGaya

There is a magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the Tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and heritages. While its architecture has a distinct stamp of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieuen Tsang visited in 7th century.  The temple stands in the east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the temple is 170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion. Four towers on its corners rise gracefully giving the holy structure a poise balance. This sacred edifice is like a grand banner unfurled by time to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of the Buddha to solve the knots of human miseries, to ascend above worldly problems and to attain transcendental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life. Inside the temple, in the main sanctum, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his right hand. In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black stone but it has been guilted by the devotees. The entire courtyard of the temple is studded with large number of votive stupas. These stupas are of all sizes built during the past 2500 years ago.

After the visit to Bodhgaya, started our journey back to Varanasi and reached past midnight.

Varanasi
Started our rituals in boat at five ghats, (Panch Ghat), and performed Dampati Puja.  After a break, had darshan at Sankat Mochan Hanumanji, Kal Bhairav, Sozhiamman and other temples in Varanasi.

Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

Started our journey back next day morning from Banaras.

Ayodhya Temples Photos courtesy: respective official website