Temple Hopping

Age appropriate things for me now include ''Temple Hopping'' and getting immense joy from that experience! Who would have thought?

Early part of this year, my sister and I set off on a beautiful Friday to explore some wonderful places of worship in aamchi Mumbai! Bright and early, we rendezvoused at 6:30 am at Mumbadevi Temple at Kalbadevi. A seamless darshan at Mumbai's patron Temple, we then drove to Babulnath Temple. Climbing the gentle steps, we reached Shivji's abode right in front of Chowpatty seaface. Going to both these Temples was a first for my Sister. The energy was divine, welcoming and powerful all at once. Just being in the environment was enough to make us appreciate the higher powers that are there and which take care of us continuously.

We then drove to Banganga and walked around the mini temples that line the Tank. It was the golden hour of dawn and the shimmering rays of the sun glimmered across the tank drenching the entire place in a bright golden hue. Almost ethereal.

Next was Mahalaxmi Temple. There was a sense of familiarity going there given our many childhood sojourns. We stopped at one of the stalls to pick up offerings including a green saree. Another divine darshan and we then reached Siddhi Vinayak. ''Gannu Baba'' as a friend of mine calls him is someone who welcomes and blesses everyone. I could feel all my worldly troubles melting away in his presence.

A quick breakfast at Otters Club and we reached the Gurudwara at Santacruz. Again, a big part of our childhood, listening to the Path at the Gurudwara was the ultimate blessing for both of us.

We offered our prayers with gratitude and returned home with our hearts overflowing with blessings and love.

A day well spent indeed.