We're back in Delhi now and have a better internet connection. I've added some additional pictures to the last blog.
From Orchha it was on to Khajuraho. In Khajuraho there was another temple complex. These temples were older than the ones in Orchha. They were built between 950 and 1050. They had been abandoned, covered with trees, brush, etc. and were discovered by the British in 1838. When they were discovered I can only imagine what those Brits must have been thinking. These temples were in a remote location so they hadn't been destroyed by Muslim invaders as the majority of temples had been. The carvings on the walls were in excellent shape. Additionally many of the carvings were very erotic! It seems as if the ruler of the day had two thoughts in mind. One, erotic carvings lead to erotic events which lead to more children to protect the kingdom. Secondly, he believed that the carvings represented what "heaven" was like. Take a look at a few of the pictures below and see for yourself. It might be a good way to increase church attendance.
Our last city to visit was Varanasi. This city is located on the Ganges River. This city and the river in particular are the holiest of sites for the Hindu's. It would be similar to Mecca for Muslims, Bethlehem or Jerusalem for Christians or the Temple Mount for Jews. Sunrise and sunset are especially interesting times to visit the river area. At sunrise many come to bath in the river as well as to pray and meditate. At sunset there is a ceremony that tells the story of the history of Varanasi and it's place of significance to the Hindu. We were able to enjoy both sunrise and sunset from small boats in the river. It was a surreal experience in and of itself but it was made even more surreal by what we witnessed in the evening.
Many Hindu's see Varanasi as such a holy site that they often move there later in life so they can die and be cremated along the banks of the river. There is a large area set aside for cremations which happen there throughout the afternoon and evening. As we approached the area by boat there were around 15-20 different fires burning. Each of the fires was a cremation taking place. Additionally there were several wrapped bodies along the riverbank that as our guide pointed out were "in the que". We actually watched as one of the wrapped bodies was taken into the river for cleansing before being placed on a wooden pyre. Additional wood is then placed on top of the body which is then lit by members of the family if they are present or by attendants if family are not there. Once the cremation is complete the ashes are usually placed in the river. It was one of the most surreal things I have ever seen. Not sad, not somber, not disgusting but a part of the culture of the Hindu's.
http://proof.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/07/the-pyres-of-varanasi-breaking-the-cycle-of-death-and-rebirth/
We're leaving this amazing country tomorrow and heading for Nepal. There have been so many interesting sites, scenes, sounds and smells all along the way. Whoever told me that India is an assault on all your senses in both good and bad ways couldn't have said it any better. It's impossible to accurately describe it. We feel very fortunate to have been able to experience a very small part of it.
From Orchha it was on to Khajuraho. In Khajuraho there was another temple complex. These temples were older than the ones in Orchha. They were built between 950 and 1050. They had been abandoned, covered with trees, brush, etc. and were discovered by the British in 1838. When they were discovered I can only imagine what those Brits must have been thinking. These temples were in a remote location so they hadn't been destroyed by Muslim invaders as the majority of temples had been. The carvings on the walls were in excellent shape. Additionally many of the carvings were very erotic! It seems as if the ruler of the day had two thoughts in mind. One, erotic carvings lead to erotic events which lead to more children to protect the kingdom. Secondly, he believed that the carvings represented what "heaven" was like. Take a look at a few of the pictures below and see for yourself. It might be a good way to increase church attendance.
Our last city to visit was Varanasi. This city is located on the Ganges River. This city and the river in particular are the holiest of sites for the Hindu's. It would be similar to Mecca for Muslims, Bethlehem or Jerusalem for Christians or the Temple Mount for Jews. Sunrise and sunset are especially interesting times to visit the river area. At sunrise many come to bath in the river as well as to pray and meditate. At sunset there is a ceremony that tells the story of the history of Varanasi and it's place of significance to the Hindu. We were able to enjoy both sunrise and sunset from small boats in the river. It was a surreal experience in and of itself but it was made even more surreal by what we witnessed in the evening.
Many Hindu's see Varanasi as such a holy site that they often move there later in life so they can die and be cremated along the banks of the river. There is a large area set aside for cremations which happen there throughout the afternoon and evening. As we approached the area by boat there were around 15-20 different fires burning. Each of the fires was a cremation taking place. Additionally there were several wrapped bodies along the riverbank that as our guide pointed out were "in the que". We actually watched as one of the wrapped bodies was taken into the river for cleansing before being placed on a wooden pyre. Additional wood is then placed on top of the body which is then lit by members of the family if they are present or by attendants if family are not there. Once the cremation is complete the ashes are usually placed in the river. It was one of the most surreal things I have ever seen. Not sad, not somber, not disgusting but a part of the culture of the Hindu's.
http://proof.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/07/the-pyres-of-varanasi-breaking-the-cycle-of-death-and-rebirth/
We're leaving this amazing country tomorrow and heading for Nepal. There have been so many interesting sites, scenes, sounds and smells all along the way. Whoever told me that India is an assault on all your senses in both good and bad ways couldn't have said it any better. It's impossible to accurately describe it. We feel very fortunate to have been able to experience a very small part of it.
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| Khajuraho Temple Complex |
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| Main Temple in the Khajuraho Complex |
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| The three domes represent the three main faiths in India, Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim. |
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| Oh my! |
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| Oh my again! |
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| Khajuraho |
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| Beth offering up a prayer candle on the Ganges River |
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| Cremation pyres at night. You are only allowed to take pictures from a distance |
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| Along the Ganges at sunrise |
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| Our group heading out at sunrise. The two young men in front rowed the boat. |
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| Morning bathing in the Ganges |
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| Cremation site in the morning. Notice the large piles of wood. |
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| Sunrise on the river |
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| You're always sharing the road! |
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| Fruit and vegetable markets are everywhere |
