CHITRAKOOT-------A PLACE FOR SALVATION

                                        CHITRAKOOT, A PLACE FOR SALVATION



A common notion is that soon after the old age one should go to a place where one can recite the name of God for salvation. So many religious centers are there at India. But, Chitrakoot is an another important place where everyone delighted to visit there to have a look on the important points which are related to God Ram.
The river Mandakini has attached so many ghats which are popularly known as Ramghat. Since the sunrise to late night devotees are coming to have a bath at the river for sanctity. Sadhus along with all walks of society coming there for chanting of sholkas after visiting the temple adjacent to river. 

Mahaarti take place at the ghat at every evening that will be the most mesmerizing scene for each and everyone.Mostly the boat riding in a beautifully decorated boat is an interesting part for all visitors.

An important place near the Mandakini river is the Tulsi ghat where it is believed that Tulsidasji got  darshan of Lord Ram while writing of Ramayan. So, people are doing meditation there for divine love.

Its a part of life to incline for getting divine wisdom . The means to pray God and the attainment of nirvan is very different for all. Whether  by taking holy bath or chanting of mantra or meditation it all depends upon the ones own mind set. Among all a hidden matter is there in the social point of view. 
Soon after the sunset the view at Ramghat is quite different. Few old couples are coming there to spend quite time 

. However. this is a regular feature of everyday. Curiosity  raised to inquire about the truth behind all. The disclose of one old couple made to know whether this is one type of social pressure to leave their family so that there will no burden for the young generation to maintain the life at the old age.

The couple have their own family at the far way to chitrakoot but as per their view they opted to stay here for getting salvation from the life. They have been staying here in an ashram in a rented room and preparing their own vegetarian food of their own however the monetary help either in cash or kind they are getting from their family.

The way they are leading their life at chitrakoot is very peaceful for them. They feel good and leaving all desires behind the life and practicing the detachment from worldly attachment.As per them every problem is dissolved by divine wisdom. The contentment on their face  make to feel that to live life with pure divine love.Perhaps they left all their worries , sad, hope , confusion on the hand of God. 
The search for peace at this environment is definitely a most demanding factor for all. But, the way the devotees take the path for getting salvation is an amazing thing. Its very painful to follow to leave all desires but confidence on god give moral support to live life in a better way.

Though the rotation of time continuously going on . The life frame is there to take it easily in the name of various mean . The faith and devotion help to get rid of all trouble in simple way .Every shadow is erased by Gods Light thats why mostly the people at the old age come to get salvation or to get free from all troubles. Awaiting for getting last divine love from god may be the ultimate wish.
Visit to Chitrakoot as a tourist where i met this old couple at the ghat dated 9th Oct 2018.

 

 
 

                          BAGG  PRINTING--A UNIQUE ART OF HAND BLOCK PRINT

Traveling to new places give us enough scope to learn about so many hidden things.I travelled to Mandu for a passion to explore the historical site of that particular place .Within that magnetic place a different aspect attracted my attention while roaming at the market areas at the evening time.  Due to rain the ambience was little hazy and more lovable to enjoy the mist.Mostly the tourists were enjoying at center of small local market by taking hot boil corn and omelets. Steadily, i went towards the tiny shop which demarcated the hoardings on the name of BAGG PRINTS  cloth materials available here. This was what intricately motivated me to know more about it.I interacted with the shop keeper regarding the details of the bagg prints. Though customers were very scanty so i got opportunity to talked in details.This is how the story line began.

                                     Mist soon after rain at Mandu                                    

Hand printing on clothes is a tradition of our Indian culture  and civilisation. With the development of civilization the art of hand print has been spreading like a wild fire. This specific bagg print has been a traditional work of Bhora community of Madhya Pradesh . They are doing this printing by their own hand with wooden blocks.The organic colors are basically applying for the printing on the clothes.

Since so many years the Khatri  community has been doing the printing works at Bagg ,under district Dhar. Now, other community are gradually learning to spread this art and also this helps them to earn for their livelihood.

For making prints , first of all the artist design the wooden blocks at least 1300 in numbers.They usually collect natural  vegetable colors for coloring the  materials.It is believed that the water of Baghini river, which is flowing near the Bagg Village , is helping to brighten the colors of the print on the clothes.Once the artist make design through his blocks then they repeatedly washes at the water of the baghini river which is the base matter for making it so specific.

Most of the basic  designs are taken from  the Buddhist art and style . The name of Bagg has came after the  Bagg Cave which is situated very close to the village.One can visit there from Ujjain that is 150km distance from there and 120 km distance from Mandu. 

To popularize this hand print block design among mass , government has organized so many associations and printing association club at Dhar.Rupayan is also established for the marketing of the  genuine bag print. 

After getting so much information from the shopkeeper and locals i choosed from the available stuffs.. No doubt all designs were very extraordinary, soft and unique. Due to limited stock i returned after taking few . Next visit was towards Rupayan on next day morning but availability of dress materials were very less as no season was there for tourist . Perhaps , at the time of winter one can get more choice due to the arrival of more tourist.But, one can contact with this no to get bag prints directly from Mandu,9098563120. I collected book from the shopkeeper to know more about the bag hand print but initially he hesitated to handover me that book to me completely because that was the only source through which he explained to the foreign tourist. I promised him to return his book within very shortly once i completed my blog .Again i choice a set of dress material which were very dear to me. 

What made me more close to Bag hand print is that its design and uniqueness of color combination. Very light weight to wear. Artist are so expert to do designs on their hand. Mr. Yusuf Khatri from Bagg received National Prize from Honorable Ex president Dr . A.P.J Kalam on 2003 for his Alzerin print of hand print.

Art and artist are the backbone of our Indian Culture.So, felt satisfied after getting so many information about Bagg .If possible i will able to give them scope to visit Delhi at any exhibition so that the local artisans can get platform to sale their product so also popularize this among new young generation.

25-7-2019-----Visit to Mandu as a tourist 

Sapna Acharya

Travel Writer

 

DISTINCT BATIK PRINT OF BHAIRAVGARH, UJJAIN

                             


Once time was there to wait for reading a story of King Vikramditya and vampire spirit Betaal from the monthly magazine Chandamama. The famous story revolved around many social issues of Ujjain. Time lapsed.That anxiousness is not there now.But, memory has still imprinted in the mind.Ujjain has blended with so many religious matter but behind the social issues one hidden fact is still there since 400 years. Yes ,The Batik Print of Bhairavgarh is a distinct part in the art work of India.
Mostly the tourist make focus on the different temples for which Ujjain is famous. Surprisingly, more inclination for the Bhiravgarh village raised due to the interest to know more about it. As per the guidance of driver we reached there to see the printing work of artisans. 
Village is very close to Bhairav Temple of Ujjain. While interacting with the locals it came out the story behind the settlement of artisans in that location since long. Mostly the Bhora Community invited from Gujrat and Rajsthan to work on the hand printing at the time of Mughals . Gradually , Bhiravgarh became the hub for Batik printing.Now, almost 8oo families are there to do the batik print.We went inside a house where the work was going on .At the month of July, all workers sincerely followed their work without hesitation even at the humidity climate.

The artisans did their designs of their own with the help of stylus, which was made by tying coconut husk on a metal rod.Very smoothly in a disciplinary way all artisans designed the graphs like creepers , motifs of flowers, leaves in a systematic twisting  in perfect  symmetry.

I saw them to the use of hot wax applying through their brush.Too difficult to manage it all.I asked to explain in details regarding the processing method. The vats of hot wax slowly steaming on gas burners stand along side large sand covered tables on which the animation of wax lines would take place. Sand avoids melted wax from touching the table and sticking the fabric along with it. 

 The artisans drew perfect wax pattern on fabrics with no guidelines and no rough sketches. As if the automatic machine is doing work of their own . 

On the other corner of the hall few workers busy for coloring the fabrics. Once the wax dries , the fabric is dipped in dye. Color cover the exposed areas and when the wax is melted in hot water, white motifs can be seen on a colored field.The whole work require body stamina and patience. The well built physique of artisans looks as if they are born only for it.To protect from the effect of coloring's and hot wax they are wearing full length well protective dress that help them to save themselves.

The use of vibrant yellow , red, orange for the fabric matched perfectly with the designs.

The storage of logs of wood at one corner gave the hint of using for
boiling the water for coloring

 The interaction session still continued further to know about the rest of the matter.The fabric they brought from Tamilnadu and Rajsthan. After questioning more in details they did not agree regarding the use of natural dyes now. Due to the effect of so many reasons the Industrial candle wax has replaced natural wax .The use of vivid chemical dyes is prevalent somewhere at the same village. But, Most of the artisans try to follow in the traditional way.
After completion of so many process the final product come at their store . Ramesh and Jitendra , two workers from the batik print factory , shared their opinion what i asked them . Though they are getting daily wages for their work still they love to do this to save the tradition of handicrafts work of India. 
Back to the store room where the final product set for supplying to different places as per the order of the clients. 

 Impressed with the designs and the quality of the materials i stood there for long . Felt good to see the working process by the artisans at the remote areas of Madhya Pradesh . Then , I realised the importance of Batik printing, the ancient technique of wax resist dying process. Which is believed to have been practiced in Africa , China,Japan and India for more than 2000 years.So proud to be an Indians whose culture and Arts are so integral part of each and everyone of our society.
Sources-- Traveling there as a tourist
Date         -23.7.2019 

                                       Nabha  House

Visit to holy place is always inspired to know more about the history of that particular location. Kuruskhetra, near to Delhi, is situated at the state of Haryana. Though famous for religious point ., so many pilgrims visited through out the year to take holy dip at Brahmosarovar. The known fact about that place is  famous for the Mahabharata War between Kauravs and Pandavs, Kuruskhetra is attracted tourists for so many other monuments which are situated within the very short premises .

 

At the time of every festival, crowd gathered for so many reasons. The purpose may be different but the existence of numerous temples and ponds creates a question inside mind to know in details about all.My attention fell on one of the protected Monument which is situated opposite of Sannihit Sarover of Kuruskhetra that Monument named as NABHA HOUSE.

 

I entered  for taking few snaps of that Monument and the interest increased soon after reaching within the Hall . Only the presence of  two guards at the entrance gate did not give much chance to know in details but the architectural beauty  is quite different. Open halls are there along with arches and aesthetically curved windows shows the influence of Mughal Art . The Three stories structure building was built by red stand stone, woods glasses etc. But, Overall the structure has influenced by the Rajputana  style of architecture also. I moved from one corridor to another to see the splendid beauty of the structure. Open windows are there at the outer line but the arches at the hall are looking very attractive. Too much open rooms creates a different style for the exceptional  structure of the monument.

 

I searched a lot to know more about it. Hira Singh was built this House for the purpose of resting place for pilgrims who were coming at the time of festival. He was considered as the eminent ruler of Nabha.They were the decedents of Bhattis of Rajasthan later they settled at Punjab.During Mughal Rules they prominently ruled their areas under great achievement.Thats why Hira Singh gave more grandness to art and culture. The Rajasthani art was influenced a lot on the work whatever he built under his rule.

 

Initially, Nabha House was used by the proletariat class later it was gradually used by the common people who came to Kuruskhetra  for pilgrimage point of view.On the eve of Eclipse days many Hindus gather to take a dip or bath at this Sannihit Sarovar.One specific feature of this House is that it does have a Brahma Temple on its top. Because, the architecture of the building is a Rajput architect, who gave few finishing touches in the Rajputana style which is similar to the Hindu model.

 

I roamed within the complex and spelled bound  for such a structure even at the land of Mahabharat. One must not missed this extraordinary monument which is the pride of India ,stand at the heart of Kuruskhetra.

                     RIVER--------- A LIFE LINE FOR HUMAN CIVILIZATION


The existence of life mostly depends on the natural resources like water , air and food. If one out of these  diminishes then it becomes a threatening object for the survival of human existence. Though this is very known fact that all ancient civilization grew faster at the bank of river .But the life pattern changes according to the situation of the environment. The growth of human civilization in all spheres occurs due to the inquisitive necessity for human society.  The trial to fulfill the necessity compel to discover so many modern method to easy the life style. unknowingly it effects our environment so badly now that its difficult to live life normally. In this way , we experience how global warming gradually effect our environment and it directly put pressure on the untimely climate change . But , the main subject for concerning is to think about the condition of river.
The flow of water at the river bed is gradually receding due to climate change . I personally have experience about the condition of river Ganga . One of my personal tour to Haridwar had seen the speed flow of water  and its deepness at the year 1995. Never think one day river Ganga will became face the scarcity of water. The environmentalist are warning so many times in different awareness programme and in many conferences that the life saver river Ganga will one day a fatal for the people of India . My recent visit again on 2018 to Haridwar and different tourist locations near River Ganga gave me enough chance to realize the threatening matter for the river.

I did not see the same flow of speed of water in Ganga river.At  some point i realized that there must be so many reasons that is effecting the river which are the life line for the people of India.While moving towards the upper most northern part of India land sliding at the hilly areas are the regular norms for everyday. It is not only effecting to the ecology  system but also it disturb the regular life of normal human society.Each and every tourist locations at Uttarakhanda, WORK AT PROGRESS ,DRIVE SLOW...these banner we crossed in every check post. Lobourers were through out day were busy to blast the hills for widening the roads. Numbers of tress at the hill areas are falling down due to this work.

The recent reviews from scientists has come out regarding the climate change hits the glaciers at Himalaya. 76% glaciers of Himalayas have shown loss in area of ice cover.The retreat will impact the water level in the Ganga.

The recent reviews from scientists has come out about the status of glaciers and how in future effect to the Himalayan river.Chaturanga glacier , a tributary of the gangotri glacier is retreating at a considerable rate and may vanish in future.the retreating glacier is another example of the impact of climate change and it will effects water flow in the Ganga , fed by the Gangotri.

Numerous efforts from government policies for saving the river may not help us to protect the condition of river.Its the responsibility of each and every individual to take steps in various method to protect our environment . The greediness of  accumulating so many materials in one time compels us to destroy the natural resources from our earth. So, be aware . At least as a civilized human being we should make effort for saving this Earth by planting numerous samplings at open and hill areas. At least it can save our climate and the life saving glaciers may not recede in future. Try not to throw any waste materials at the rivers . Create awareness among the community who are living near the river bank not to pour any industrial wastage at the river. Its not the duty of the government to look after the healthy condition of river but each one of us should take pledge to save the river. so that our so called modern civilization will exist beautifully for longer.

                                          NEELAKANTHA  -------A VICTORY OVER KAL

Time is very strange matter  to realize its importance. Every action as if revolves around it. The answer always hide in mystery . If we try to get its result then its not possible. Because, incidents happen repeatedly as per its own way. Yes, no body has any power to control over time.  An unknown force compelled me to visit Kalinjer Fort just 105 km from Khajuraho. A fort of mesmerizing beauty and keep a history of many dynasties within the wall of the fort. The famous 7 entrance gate  towards the fort creates a sensation to know more about the history.Though  Kalinjer Fort is  situated at Vindhyanchal Mountain but the heritage monuments and a list of temples gives a glimpses of our rich cultural value and architectural importance.

Neelkanth Temple which is situated in the premises of Kalinjer Fort, is a must visit place for those who are ardent lover of epic and to know more about the history of existing sculpture.once reached at the destination the crippling silence of the area imposed to think more about the time. After crossing too many stairs one would reach at the entrance of the temple.

 Not too many devotees were there at the moment of any general day. The numbers of crowd increased only at Amabasya and Shivratri festival.Once the prominent temple of Kalinjer fort is now  in a devastating stage.  As if the whole surrounding is trying to portray the debacle of time. But, Neelkanth stood as a miracle for all human being .It is believed that The Supreme Lord SHIVA took the poison and hold it at His throat to save all creatures. Soon after that His Throat changed into blue colour and named as NEELKANTH. He meditated here at this place to get rid of that pain. Water spring has been falling spontaneously on the Shiva linga since the time memorial  till now. The victory of controlling of time came to His authority.Kal Bhirav is also there on the wall of outer side of temple. Different Statues of God and the presence of beautiful architecture style of temple shows the intensity of Shaiva culture at the period of ancient time.

The present one story of temple gave a clear pictures of its beauty . Once the 7 storied temple attracted the attention of foreign invaders to grab its wealth and it was too difficult to won at the battle field.The foundation stone of Fort had laid by the famous ruler of Chandels Raja Chandra Verma but so many ancient epics and puranas mentioned the importance of Neelkanth Temple in their sciptures.

It was a great experience to visit such a wonderful place of India and got chance to interact with the loacal priests of that temple who gave us interesting tales regarding the temple . Though not ready to leave that place immediately but Time of sunset gave us indication to leave carefully as the monkey menace was also there .