Sunday, June 21, 2015

Mangala Arati

It is 4 a.m and -7C outside. "Should I wear a jacket? Welllllll its muci, I have to go on the altar, it is just a short distance..... I can brave the cold". Knock on Madhavi's door, make sure she is awake and run out the back door all the way to the temple. Barely entering, I hear the conchshell blow. I run inside....out of breath offer obeisances and ......Swish! The curtains open......

With the darkness outside, the only source of light being Krishna's effulgence from the altar I stand before them mesmerized....the slow karatals start.....
And slowly "samsara dava....nalalidha loka......" Radharani with her simple veil..her simple nosering...simply divine.....
Jagannath ever smiling.....nothing alters his smile.......you are so merciful, you let me hug you everyday on the altar when I dressed you! Where are you?
And oh my nitaicandra and gauracandra.....so merciful your gaze......

Will I ever experience this mangala arati again? When will I get to hug you Jagannath?