So some see Rubble ,
some see a thousand wishes
On the gruelling hike to catch a glimpse of the imposing snow peaks of the Gangotri Range in Uttarakhand—where massive, ice-age glaciers stretch for miles—we had to survive a a brutal relentless scramble across rugged, rock-strewn terrain, making it a severe test of stamina."
We reached the base
of a minor mountain peak. Before us lay a sprawling, breathtaking wilderness of
Moraine slopes formed by the accumulation of rock fragments, gravel, sand, and
clay deposited by receding glaciers. Further ahead were acres upon acres of
sparkling white and deep blue, sculpted into
towering, imposing peaks ,the stunning triple peaked Bhagirathi Massif
, mount Shivling & Mount Meru
These peaks create a dramatic
landscape around Gaumukh, the source of river Bhagirathi (Ganga) .
Mount Meru peeping from behind the Rocks
It was a humbling sight, realizing this vast reservoir of
solid ice has endured, layer upon layer, since the Ice Age, holding the quiet
secrets of an ancient, spiritual world.
On the hike back, exhausted yet exhilarated, we paused beside a small, fast-flowing melt water stream rushing to join the main Bhagirathi River.flowing out of Gaumukh We filled our bottles with water that was crystal clear & cold enough to freeze our breath —pure, primal water straight from the holy mountain peaks.
A dream attained, guided by grace a quiet resonance with the Divine.
As we took a drink, feeling its icy, refreshing sting, a co-trekker exclaimed, “Aren’t we blessed ? This is truly ancient water we’re drinking! ” Another, staring at the distant peaks, quietly whispered , “ Yes, but All water is ancient. & all of it merely waiting to break free isn’t it” ?
A thought which compels us to
recognize our own
insignificance.considering the fact that
the water we drink is simply a carefree wanderer , continuously moving through
the atmosphere and the earth: From being ice, destined to become a stream, then
a river, and finally part of the ocean, before evaporating,to fall again
somewhere as rain. Surely, something to think about. a fascinating topic for introspection
View from trek route
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We arrived at
the forest office at Gangotri brimming with anticipation, permit in hand, ready to trek to Gaumukh—the
sacred snout where the Bhagirathi descends from the Gangotri glacier,
traditionally believed to flow from the locks of Lord Shiva near Mount Meru.
However, fate had other plans. The route was closed for two days to facilitate
a scientific survey by a large team of researchers
.
With our
return tickets already booked, the dream of Gaumukh evaporated. Yet, the
mountains rarely leave you disappointed. On the advice of a kind forest
official, we pivoted to a less-travelled, alternate path. Which promised
breathtaking views of the sacred mountains of Gangotri Glacier .That detour
turned out to be a blessing—a deeply rewarding journey that reminded us that
sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you never planned for.
Ambition fulfilled: The heart's highest expression, anchored in the Holy.
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पवनः पवतामस्मि रामः शस्त्रभृतामहम् |
झषाणां मकरश्चास्मि स्रोतसामस्मि जाह्नवी ||
pavanaḥ
pavatām asmi rāmaḥ śastra-bhṛtām aham
jhaṣāṇāṁ
makaraś cāsmi srotasām asmi jāhnavī
Translation:
"Of purifiers I am the wind, of the wielders of weapons I am Rama, of fishes I am the shark, and of flowing rivers I am the Jahnavi.( Gange ) "
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