Holy Trip to Neimisaranyam, Ayodhya, Kashi, and Gaya

HiHoly Trip to Neimisaranyam, Ayodhya, Kashi, and Gaya

For many devout Hindus, visiting Kashi and Gaya at least once in a lifetime is a cherished aspiration. Radha and I were no exception, as this sacred journey remained close to our hearts. Though the right opportunity eluded us for many years, our desire never waned. So, when Mantra Yatra announced a pilgrimage to Neimisaranyam, Ayodhya, Kashi, and Gaya, we immediately seized the chance.

The trip was scheduled from October 14th to 21st, and we eagerly registered ourselves.

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14th October 2024:

Our flight was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. After a hearty breakfast at home, we reached the airport by 9:00 a.m., where Mr. Balaji from Mantra Yatra greeted us with lunch packets. Soon, the other group members joined us. The flight departed on time, and by 2:00 p.m., we landed at Lucknow airport.

This was my second time landing in Lucknow, my first being in 1980 when I flew from New Delhi. It was surreal returning to the city after 44 years.

A luxury bus awaited our group at the airport, and we were swiftly transported to Hotel Revanta. Along the way, we stopped at Hazratganj and visited a Chikan saree showroom. I picked up a Chikan kurta for myself and a kurti for Priya, while Radha decided to purchase a Banaras saree later in Kashi.

The evening was spent relaxing at the hotel.

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15th October 2024:

After breakfast, we embarked on our journey to Neimisaranyam. Along the way, we visited several temples, including Hanuman Garhi, Vyas Gaddi, Sri Lalitha Devi Temple, and Chakra Teerth. The darshan at Neimisaranyam Perumal Temple was truly fulfilling.

We returned to Hotel Revanta by evening, content with the day's spiritual experiences.

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16th October 2024:

We started early for Ayodhya, reaching by 11:30 a.m. We initially attempted to visit the Sri Ram Temple before lunch but were deterred by the large crowds and the sweltering weather. After checking into our hotel and having lunch, we resumed our pilgrimage at 3:00 p.m.

We visited Hanuman Garhi first, followed by Kanak Bhavan, the Ayodhya Ram Temple, and finally, the Kaleram Temple. It was a spiritually enriching day, and we returned to the hotel to rest.

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17th October 2024:

After an early breakfast, we set off for Prayagraj (Allahabad) to visit the revered Triveni Sangam and other sacred sites. We arrived by noon, had lunch, and proceeded to Triveni Sangam, Bade Hanuman Temple, Sankara Matham Vimana Mandap, and a Shakti Temple.

In the evening, we continued our journey to Varanasi, reaching by nightfall.

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18th October 2024:

The day began early, with a visit to the holy Ganges for a ritual dip. Our religious rites commenced at 8:00 a.m. and concluded by noon. Afterward, we returned to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, we visited several temples, including Birla Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Temple, and Tulsi Manas Mandir. In the evening, we witnessed the captivating Ganga Aarti on the banks of the river, a moment of profound spiritual connection.

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19th October 2024:

Our day started at 5:15 a.m. with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, followed by darshan at Visalakshi, Annapoorneshwari, and Kala Bhairav temples. The experience was deeply moving, and we returned to the hotel by 9:00 a.m.

By 11:00 a.m., we left for Gaya, pausing for lunch along the way. We reached Gaya by 8:00 p.m., checked into our hotel, and retired for the night after dinner.

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20th October 2024:

Rising early at 4:15 a.m., we had coffee and ganji before heading to Karnataka Bhavan near Vishnu Padh Temple to perform the required rituals. The ceremonies began at 8:00 a.m. and concluded by noon. We then visited the Vishnu Padh Temple, Phalgun River, and Akshaya Vatam Temple.

After returning to the hotel for lunch, we began our journey back to Varanasi, reaching by 9:00 p.m. The day ended with dinner and much-needed rest.

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21st October 2024:

Our final day began with a serene boat ride along the ghats of the Ganges, followed by a visit to kashi viswanath and Annapoorneshwari Temple.after the visit to thec temple ,we went to blue Lassi shop and enjoyed the taste of banaras Lassi. After lunch we did shopping . Purchased sarees for Priya and Amma and a kurta for self.Then we visited Sarnath museum and the Buddha statue park.

By 6.30 p.m., we arrived at the airport to catch our flight back to Chennai. We touched down at 12.00 midnight. and reached home by 1.30am a.m., filled with gratitude for yet another incredible journey arranged by Mantra Yatra.

This holy pilgrimage to Kashi, Gaya, Ayodhya, and Neimisaranyam will forever be etched in our memories.

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