Sarnath is a very sacred site for Buddhist’s as it is the site where the first five followers began the religion. The ficus tree evolved from that time and people were picking up the fallen leaves to take home for their private shrines. I found the place serene and clean amongst the frenzy of India. As I walked clockwise around the ficus tree and spun the prayer wheels I found a calmness and serenity from the site oozing into my soul.
Varnassi is the most sacred site for Hindus in the world. It is the place all Hindus want to bathe in the river, and the ultimate is to die and be cremated on the shore. I was on a boat as we approached a cremation site where 5 bodies were being cremated simultaneously and many more were waiting. It felt a bit voyeuristic as we watched the families rituals of dipping the bodies in the river before moving to the funeral pyre. A more personal experience was placing candles and a flower offering to remember my departed love ones. The tears started flowing as I went through the people and DOGs most meaningful in my life.
So that’s a wrap on India, full of surprises and culture and color and sound. Next blog post from Nepal.
WanderlustandWhimSea 