Om Nama Shiva

Each morning I would have a milk coffee at my hotel, the Hotel Krishna, sitting in a wicker chair watching the sun come through the Persian arches of the compund. The streets would still be waking, the saddhus on their curbs, the cows chewing rubbish, shopkeepers slowly raising their metal doors for another day of work. I would stop by the gate that I remember distinictively from 17 years past and buy flowers for my morning ritual at the lakes edge. Removing my shoes (no foot wear allowed 40 steps from the ghats), I would catch myself smiling at the early morning pilgrims gathered for prayer.

Each day I would sit on the crusty shelf above the lake and send each of you blessings. So grateful that I have you in my life. The pigeons would coo, the cows bellow, monkeys galloping past. Giant carp or catfish gulping the freshly released flowers that I had just sent of in blessing. And as the sun began to peak above the spire of the temple that had sheltered me from the blaze, I would gather myself up, shake the pepples from my feet and begin the delightful practice of watching the ghats fill with the colors of Indian people. Brahmins offereing pujas to many, water being carried fromthe lake to a temple for further worhsip. The town beat to the constant hum of gongs and drums that never cease. Om Nama Shiva, Om Nama Shiva whispered fromthe lips of

meditative priests sitting with ease in lotus position for hours.

I learned from a Brahmin while watching the sunset a little about the Hindu religion. Ganesha is always given a prayer first ,no mater what other God you may be seeking help from. Shiva, the destroyer and apparently the creator seems to

be the most widely worshipped God. The linga sitting on corners of the ghats, and in many temples. It was Shiva's birthday a few days ago arousing more saddhus and pilgrims than pervious days. His temples covered with marigolds, rose petals and the special leaf he so enjoys. Om Nama Shiva Om Nama Shiva.......and the chanting continues into the night.