The river in between

 

‘Somewhere, on the other side of the river

Lies the Temple,’

At Belur Math, you were looking

Afar – towards Dakshineshwar

‘Teacher and student,

Epaar Opaar’

 

‘What a barrier,’ I mused

‘The holy Ganges – a separation,’

But you chuckle,

‘It’s the only flow that connects –

The Guru’s blessing floats

Downstream to the Math.’

 

‘And there is no need for pilgrimage;

The temples are for those who seek

For those who find,

The river is enough,’

The sun was setting that day –

The monks’ chanting had just begun

 

Today, when I look back

I often wonder,

Did we find our answers?

The river no longer matters -

Nor do the canoes,

The temples or an evening aarti

 

Yet, sometimes, I go back to Belur’s sunset

To watch the river flow

But I also look for two pilgrims

Discovering their gods

Even when

There is no more need for a pilgrimage…

 

18^th June, 2026

 

The Dakshinehswar temple is one of Kolkata’s holiest shrines (Along with Kalighat) – Sri Ramakrishna was a priest here where he culminated his intense devotion towards Kali, gradually turning to be one of the most devout ascetics of modern times.

Opposite Dakshineshwar, further downstream stands Belur Math – established by the most notable of Ramakrishna’s disciples – Swami Vivekananda.