Harihareshwar temple and beach.

 Harihareshwar temple and beach.

Blog by

Vijay Kant Diksit 

vkdiksit@gmail.com

All photos by Author 

Our journey to Harihareshwar was another adventure in itself. We navigated through a labyrinth of roads, crossed bridges, hopped on ferries, passed through dense forests, and encountered various creatures, both domestic and wild. Finally, we arrived at our ultimate destination, the MTDC resort of Harihareshwar. Having pre-booked two Bamboo huts, our initial apprehension was heightened when we saw a row of these huts seemingly engulfed by weeds and plants.

 The receptionist informed us that only three huts were currently habitable, and we felt fortunate to secure two of them. With a mixture of gratitude and caution, we entered our huts, half-expecting to encounter reptiles, foxes, mongoose etc.. To our surprise, the Bamboo huts were not only free from unwelcome guests but also well-furnished, complete with a veranda overlooking the lush forest, creating a truly enchanting ambiance.

As we settled in, the evening beckoned us to seek the blessings of the Harihareshwar temple. It happened to be Ganesh Chaturthi, and the entire town appeared to have taken a holiday. Every shop, including the temple's own store selling flowers, garlands, incense sticks, and prasadam, was closed. Adding to the adventure, the rain was pouring down heavily. Undeterred, we parked our car at the temple's parking lot and proceeded to the temple itself.

The Harihareshwar Temple, often referred to as the 'Kashi of the South,' is a venerable shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nestled along the northern edge of Harihareshwar, this temple combines the serenity of nature with spiritual richness. What elevates its religious significance is that the holy river Savitri, which originates at Mahableshwar, gracefully merges with the Arabian Sea at this sacred place.

Upon returning from the temple, our curiosity led us to explore the pathway leading to the beach. Although the previous evening's glimpse had piqued our interest, we decided to embark on this adventure early in the morning. With our check-out time set at 10 AM, we awoke at the crack of dawn, swiftly packed our belongings, and had a quick breakfast. Eager to discover the beach, we ventured out, following the enticing pathway that wound through the MTDC resort.

With enthusiasm in our hearts, we embarked on our journey around 7 AM. We followed the steps and the overgrown path to the beach, but to our dismay, we soon discovered that the path was obscured by plants and weeds, and the steps were in disrepair. Our hopes of visiting the beach began to wane. However, a stroke of luck came our way in the form of my sister-in-law, Richa, whose incredible memory from 18 years ago revealed an alternative route through a road that would undoubtedly lead us to Harihareshwar Beach. Richa's memory saved the day, and we loaded into our trusty Honda Civic to reach the beach.

As fate would have it, the heavens decided to test our patience further, as the sky opened up with a torrential downpour. Undeterred, we were determined to conquer Harihareshwar Beach, come rain or shine. Thankfully, the rain eventually subsided, and the sun graced us with its presence.

Now, the real fun began. The beach had transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle, its surface turned into a mirror reflecting the clouds above. I couldn't resist capturing the magical scene in photographs. 

We also strolled along the shore, leaving our footprints as proof of our conquest of Harihareshwar.

Grey matter in my neurons processed the following thoughts after seeing these footprints 

Thoghts on Foot prints

Wherever my wanderlust takes me, I inevitably leave behind a trail of footprints etched in the soft, shifting sands of time. These footprints tell the silent stories of my journeys, each step representing a moment in my adventure-filled life.

In serene coastal destinations, my footprints imprint themselves upon the pristine, sun-kissed shores, leaving behind a trace of my presence as I walk along the water's edge, absorbing the tranquil symphony of crashing waves and seagulls' calls.

In lush, verdant forests, my footprints grace the earthy paths, mingling with the imprints of countless creatures that call the wilderness their home. Together, they paint a picture of my exploration through nature's untamed beauty.

Even in bustling urban landscapes, where the ground is paved with concrete, my footprints find their place amidst the hurried steps of city dwellers. They mark the streets I've strolled, the neighborhoods I've explored, and the cultures I've encountered.

As I journey through life, my footprints serve as a tangible reminder of my existence, a testament to the places I've been and the experiences I've collected along the way. They signify my connection to the world, a silent dialogue between me and the Earth, a reminder that I've left a piece of myself wherever I've roamed.

Nature's fine art.

Nature continually crafts exquisite works of art in our surroundings. Regrettably, our fixation on our insignificant lives and petty concerns often blinds us to the masterpieces nature unveils. Recently, during a leisurely stroll along the shores of Harihareshwar Beach, I was fortunate to stumble upon a mesmerizing creation sculpted by the harmonious interplay of the ocean and the sun-kissed beach sand.

As I ambled along the coastline, my eyes were drawn to an intricate pattern etched into the golden sands. Waves had meticulously carved delicate ripples, resembling the brushstrokes of a skilled artist. These graceful lines danced in perfect harmony, their forms gracefully shifting with the ebb and flow of the tide.

The sun played a crucial role in this natural masterpiece, casting its warm, golden hues upon the beach, illuminating the sand like a canvas waiting to be painted. It painted the sand with shades of orange and pink, creating a stunning backdrop for the artwork carved by the waves.

 
Richa and Poornima were like excited children, jumping and hugging each other as they explored the small lagoon and island formed on the beach. 

Mangroves

During our visit to Harihareshwar, I was truly amazed by the vibrant and healthy growth of mangrove forests. Witnessing such an extensive and flourishing mangrove ecosystem was indeed a delightful experience. However, my excitement was soon overshadowed by a disheartening sight – the entire mangrove area was marred by the presence of discarded polythene bags. It was distressing to see such a callous disregard for the environment.

The wanton disposal of polythene bags poses a grave threat to these precious mangrove forests. Not only do they disrupt the natural balance of this ecosystem, but they also tarnish the tranquil beauty of the beach. It's disheartening to note that many of these polythene bags are carelessly left behind by visitors to the beach or discarded in the garbage in the town which ultimately lands in the sea.

Upon returning from this eye-opening trip, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of guilt every time I used a polythene bag. Understanding the detrimental impact they have on our environment and recognizing where they ultimately end up weighed heavily on my conscience.

It's imperative that both the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) address this pressing issue with utmost urgency. Initiatives should be undertaken on a war footing to combat the menace of polythene pollution, not only in Harihareshwar but across the nation. It's high time we collectively take responsibility and make conscientious choices to protect our environment and preserve the natural wonders like the mangrove forests for future generations to cherish.

Golden surprise

On our way to Harihareshwar Beach one early morning, we were greeted by an unexpected heavy downpour. Initially, disappointment washed over me, as it seemed like the perfect photo opportunity had been lost to the rain. Nevertheless, undeterred, we decided to continue our journey, hopeful for a change in the weather.

After a little while, our patience was rewarded as the rain gradually ceased. Although the beach had become quite slushy, it held a beautiful surprise in store for us. The entire shoreline had transformed into a mesmerizing mirror, reflecting the sky above and giving us a breathtaking view of the sunrise. It was a moment of pure magic, and I realized that this unique shot wouldn't have been possible without the rain.

This experience reminded me that it's not always accurate to label a situation as purely good or bad. Sometimes, what initially appears as a small difficulty can turn into a massive blessing, revealing unexpected beauty and wonder. It's a valuable lesson in embracing the unpredictability of life and finding the silver lining in every situation.

Reflections 

Reflections and shadows are intriguing phenomena that manifest in various situations, often coexisting to add depth and complexity to our perception of the world. These phenomena are not confined to a single dimension of existence; instead, they permeate multiple facets of our surroundings, creating captivating interplays of light and matter.

Consider a serene pond on a sunny day. As the sunlight bathes the water's surface, it gives rise to a mesmerizing reflection of the surrounding trees and sky. Simultaneously, the foliage on the pond's banks may cast intricate shadows upon the water's edge. In this tranquil scene, reflections and shadows harmoniously coexist, transforming the pond into a canvas of visual poetry.

In the realm of human emotions, a similar duality can be observed. Just as a mirror reflects our outer appearance, our inner thoughts and feelings cast shadows on our psyche. The reflection may reveal our happiness, while the shadow hints at moments of doubt or introspection. These emotional reflections and shadows shape our self-awareness, guiding us through the labyrinth of our inner worlds.

Moreover, the concept of reflection and shadow extends beyond the physical and emotional realms. In the pursuit of knowledge, our thoughts often mirror the wisdom of those who came before us—a reflection of the collective intellect of humanity. Yet, the shadows of ignorance persist, casting doubt and uncertainty on our understanding. It is in the interplay between these reflections of knowledge and shadows of uncertainty that the flame of curiosity is kindled, driving us to seek enlightenment.

In essence, reflections and shadows are not mere optical phenomena; they are metaphors for the intricate interplay of light and darkness, knowledge and ignorance, and clarity and ambiguity in our lives. They remind us that every situation, every moment, offers the opportunity for introspection and discovery, inviting us to explore the multidimensional tapestry of existence.

The sand bore intricate patterns sculpted by the relentless waves and tides. We were treated to a glorious sunrise, but alas, we had to bid farewell. Staying longer would have meant paying for an extra day, and we didn't want to lighten our wallets. So, we headed straight to the restaurant, where we cleaned our feet, much like utensils being washed.

With our bellies filled with poha and masala tea, we prepared for our journey back to Thane, our hearts full of memories of our unforgettable adventure at Harihareshwar Beach.

And finally the whole team who contributed to this blog me, my wife Poornima, Abhishek and Richa.