डिसेंबर २०२४ आणि जानेवारी २०२५ !

डिसेंबर व जानेवारी, एकमेकांना खेटून उभे,

गुंतलेले, गुरफटलेले परंतु आनंद आणि दुःखांचे समान दुवे!

एकात ११ महिन्यांच्या आठवणींचे सुरेख गुंफण,

दुसऱ्यात, येणाऱ्या ११ महिन्यांचे आशादायी चित्रण!

दोघंही गूढ, दोघंही नाजूक, मध्ये घेतात थोडासा विश्राम,

दोघंही समय अवकाशाचे प्रवासी, नशिबातल्या सटवाईचे गुलाम!

दोघांचे चेहरे सारखे, ऋतू सारखे, सारखे असतात रंग,

भिंतीवरच्या दिनदर्शिकेची पानं, शिशिराच्या चाहुलीनं कुडकुडते अंग!

मात्र दोघांची निरनिराळी शैली, वेगवेगळे अस्तित्व, वेगवेगळे दृष्टीकोण,

अनुभवलेले आंबट, तिखट, कडू आणि गोड, अनुभूतीतले दिव्य क्षण!

एकाचा शेवट आनंदात आणि उत्सवात करावा साजरा,

दुसऱ्याला आनंदानं आणि विश्वासानं मिठी मारावी, असा साजिरा - गोजिरा!

एक आठवणी जपतांना हसवतो आणि रडवतो,

दुसरा गोड, गुलाबी, कंच हिरवी स्वप्नं दाखवून रंजवतो!

एकाला तळमळीनं, प्राणपणानं, मनापासून अनुभवलेलं,

तर दुसऱ्याचं सकारात्मक वचनांनी भरलेलं आभाळ जपलेलं!

एकाच माळेची ही दोन टोकं, एकमेकांशी जोडलेली,

वेगवेगळी, निरनिराळी, परंतु दोन डोळ्यांसारखी जवळीक साधलेली!

ज्यानं आनंदानं एकाला निरोप देऊन, दुसऱ्याला मिठी मारली,

त्याला डिसेंबरनं दिला आनंदानं निरोप, जानेवारीनं नवीन संकल्पांची जोड दिली!

जानेवारी ते डिसेंबर केवळ १२ महिन्यांचा ताळमेळ,

पण ३१ डिसेंबर ते १ जानेवारी, मात्र काही सेकंदांचाच खेळ!

सामान्य अशा वर्षाचे, अगदी सामान्य वाटणारे असे हे दोन मास,

परंतु उलथापालथ करणारे आणि घडलेल्या घटनांच्या स्मृतींच्या ऋणात खास!

दोघं मिळून, अनेक महिने ओवून ठेवतात एकाच साखळीत अखंड,

आपापल्या वाटेनं जातांना मात्र जगण्याचं प्रयोजन देतात उदंड!

Green Blogger

Prof. Dr. Jaya Kurhekar

  KEYWORDS : FASCINATING ENVIRONMENT, FASCNATING LIFE, CHANGING YEAR, CHANGING TIMES.  

Enchanting Architecture on Hilltops - Buddhist Monasteries in Leh!

 

Many sculptures come to mind, when one thinks of the architecture on hilltops in our country; ranging from Karla Caves, Shivaji Maharaja's Forts, Ajanta, Ellora, to many more! However, there are a few that have been imbibed in my mind for many years; the sculptures of the very peaceful, beautiful Buddhist monasteries on the hilltops in Leh!

The atmosphere there is so serene and tranquil ant that the mind starts resonating with these mesmerizing lines unconsciously;

 Ye vadiyan, ye fizayen bula rahi hain tumhe,

Khamoshionki sadayen bula rahi hain tumhe!

 These monasteries are high up on hilltops, with only high mountains all around, and the nature is so silent and still, as if a painter has painted a picture with his magic brush! On reaching there, one cannot help but wonder how the sculptures could have been constructed in a place where it’s so difficult to reach by any modern vehicles; more so because science and technology were not so developed at the time when they were created.

Leh is the capital and largest city of Ladakh; Ladakh is a union territory in the northern part of India, whose culture is Tibetan. Very beautiful landscapes, pure environment, surrounding hilltops, mountain ranges, divine peace, spiritual culture are the main features of this region! The main dialect here is Ladakhi! Tourism is the primary occupation.

Geographically, this region extends to Baltistan Valley, Indus Valley, Zanskar, Lahaul and Spiti in the south, Rudok, Guge, Nagari in the east, Kun Lun Mountains in the northeast and 'Khardong La' in the Ladakh Hills while Nubra Valley lies in the north.

Ladakh in regional language means high land – a very apt name!

Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh are holy places, surrounded by majestic Himalayan mountain ranges. These monasteries embody the spiritual psyche of Ladakh. It is difficult to find such a serene and secluded place for self - reflection, meditation, remembrance and observation! It offers a peaceful haven to many devout locals and devotees from all over the world. The profound beauty of the Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh should be experienced only by staying there! Moments filled with spiritual peace, bringing your mind at peace, can be experienced here!

Leh Ladakh has many monasteries where Buddha and his various incarnations known as Bodhisattvas are worshipped. These principles are studied for the purpose of Moksha or Nirvana i.e. freedom from the cycle of life and death. In addition, they are designed to be free wild life sanctuaries.

Among all the monasteries we saw and experienced on our journey to Ladakh, Spituk is a beautiful monastery on the banks of the Indus River; established in the 11th century. Today, approximately a hundred Buddhist monks live there, performing daily rituals, worshipping and monastery activities.

There is a huge idol of Sri Kalidevi, which is open to public only during the annual festival. The monastery houses a wonderful collection of unique Buddhist symbols, including five thangkas, sculptures, chortens, and ancient weapons.

Entering the monastery there, we were welcomed in their traditional manner of offering white sashes. With great affection, we were asked about where we  came from, what were we doing for living, how we travelled and we were shown around the entire monastery.

The whitewashed stupas, brightly colored prayer flags, the constant smell of juniper in the air, monks of all ages draped in red robes, elders circling the monasteries and stupas offers a very spiritual sight. A monastery is also called a gompa, meaning "secluded places"! These sculptures, symbolizing the glory of Buddhism, are the centres of worship. Built on the hillside, the monastery looks like a fortress due to its long walls with prayers carved on the stones, multi-coloured prayer flags flying above the buildings.

Another beautiful monastery we visited was the Thiksey Monastery! This monastery was established in the 15th century. It is 19 km east of Leh, one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, with very tall buildings that complement the village. Different shapes and grandeur are its features! The monastery houses a 15 meter tall idol of Chamba or Maitreya Buddha, housed in a two-storied temple complex. The statue was dedicated by Dalai Lama in 1980. The rooftop offers a panoramic view of Leh; Shey Palace, Stukna, Stok Kangri Peak, Matho Gompa, green fields spread all around. Prayers, Pooja archa starts early morning and anyone can attend.

A particular stringed instrument called dramyin or dranyen is played here, its sound reverberating in the sky and giving a distinct mental sublimity and divine feeling. The melodious sound is said to attract demons; the instrument being associated with a deity, guarding the citizens.

This is the largest and oldest monastery, which has the honour of being a place of pilgrimage. It boasts of a valuable collection of many Buddhist idols, scientific journals, journals, books, valuable ancient codes, swords, stupas and thangka paintings.  

A most picturesque and handsome monastery we next visited was the Lamayuru Monastery, believed to be the oldest monastery situated in the hills above the valley, off the main road from Fotu La Pass to Khalsa. It is located on the Leh - Srinagar National Highway and hence has a convenient access. The eleventh century Indian Buddhist scholar Naropa Lamayuru is said to vsit this place and meditated in a small meditation cave in the wall. Legend has it that the monastery was at the bottom of a deep lake and the lake later became a landscape. During Shakyamuni's time, where Lamayuru is located, there was a valley and a clear lake inhabited by sacred snakes and serpents. After some time the lake evaporated and a monastery was established there. This prediction was made many more years ago. After the lake was gone, Naropa found a dead lion submerged in the water of the lake, which he named Simhe Ghang, meaning Lion's Mound.

In the 10th century, the King of Ladakh built a new monastery building. Many ancient, valuable books and pictures can be seen here. It accommodates 150 lamas but at present approximately 50 lamas live here and initiate Dharma Diksha or Religion Education to disciples. Twice a year, in March and July, a large festival is organized, which lasts for three days. Prayers are held at this place for all and traditional dances are performed, wearing different masks. The area around the monastery has been declared a free wild life sanctuary, where all life resides with security and freedom.

A visit to these three monasteries is a pleasant experience for all visitors to Leh. There are many more monasteries in Leh, Ladakh; each with different specific features and characteristics! Surely these mountain architectures are enchantingly attractive and offer a great peace of mind!

Prof. Dr. Jaya Kurhekar

Green Blogger

 VIBRANT VIETNAM !!!

In Da Nang, a 67 meters tall statue of Lady Buddha of Compassion is situated on a hill over the East Vietnam Sea.  It is the tallest Buddhist statue in SE Asia, symbolizing feminine qualities like love, compassion, peace; she is a messenger of beauty, hope, freedom and inspiration for women.  

Green Blogger

Prof. Dr. Jaya Kurhekar