𝗔 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲

Our member Ms K. Paul had a desire and a long-lasting wish to visit Lord Biswanath at Banaras, from the time she heard about the temple’s renovation. She narrates about her wish fulfilment.
I had visited the Biswanath temple in Banaras many times in my life, but those experiences had left me disheartened due to its neglected state. However, learning about its renovation some time ago ignited a longing within me to revisit it, which became a persisting wish which required fulfilment.
Despite the constraints of age and familial obligations, a meticulously planned trip unfolded. After some discussions it was agreed that we would fly to Banaras on Saturday and return on Monday. It was the month of June. Amidst the sweltering heat, we travelled but due to the airconditioned travel, we were pretty comfortable.
We reached Banaras on Saturday evening. The visits to the various ghats by boat was a serene start. But the best was the soul-stirring spectacle of the evening arati. I enjoyed it thoroughly, albeit with aid of a wheelchair.
The following day we visited the Biswanath temple. Being advised and guided by a Guruji of Ramakrishna Mission, Banaras regarding seamless access to the temple precincts, we started on our journey. We approached the police to secure swift access to the shrine. We were four people, wheelchair assisted taken straight to the shrine saving us the misery of waiting in long queues. After getting off the wheelchairs, it was hardly a few steps to the shrine. We offered our prayers, traversed the marble floored sanctuary. I marvelled at its pristine beauty- a stark contrast to its former state. Now it had an open space for all followers to sit and pray. The entire place was bright and nice with a spiritual aura. It felt as if Lord Biswanath himself expressed satisfaction at the transformation.
After our visit to the Biswanath temple, we retreated to our hotel briefly before exploring Banaras’ other renowned temples. Our itinerary encompassed revered sites such as the Shankatmochan temple, Durga temple, Annapurna temple, Kalbhairav temple, and Tilbhandeshwar. Each destination offered a unique spiritual serenity and architectural grandeur.
Being accompanied by my cherished school friend and beloved relatives, this short excursion brought even greater joy and togetherness. Evening was a time for shopping which we gleefully immersed in to buy well known sweets and other things which Banaras was famous for.
In the morning of our day of return we visited Ramkrishna Mission, reconnecting with familiar faces. Interactions there concluded the trip on a nostalgic note. I might not be able to visit Banaras again, but the experience there would always remain as a lasting expression in my mind.