Timeless at Kashi
I had a short stay in Varanasi near the Ganga at an ashram
Not far from sound of bells, chants and drums for M.A exam
AT the dawn a dip in the holy river,what ever be the test;
At the dusk,a visit to the Temple of Viswanath was a must.
The two daily events gave me a calm mind that helped prep’n
I had no guru or guide,I relied on me to win goal of aspiration
At home I had safe job, a fine family of four kids ,precious
Love for literature and change in life brought me to Banaras
As I stepped into Ganga I was like a child in my mother’s arms
The water was so pure and clear that I could see in it my toe nails
The water tasted like nectar;”Ganga teri pani Amrit hai.”Yes it is:
In the river,I prayed to Shiva who bears Ganga in His matted hair.
That was half a century ago, my first obeisance to Ganga and Shiva
In some recent visits, I did not taste its raw water or step into the river
I came back with awe and sadness, awe for the timeless faith ‘n devotion
Sadness for river for growth in industry, population & sewage pouring in
The Ganges makes parched & overpopulated plain fertile & productive
Growth and Decay are the two sides of the same coin_ a vicious circle
She has been lifeline for countless millions for material & spiritual lives
O! Gangadhara! Restore the purity of the Ganga! Save our land & people.
