Since arriving in India, as I've already mentioned, I've become quite the early riser, not because of the continuous honking that has become an expected background noise, but because it's simply nice to enjoy the day before the temperature rises. On Sunday, I woke up pretty early to accompany Nita ma'am, my internship advisor, and her mother to the most famous temple in Varanasi -- Vishwanath Temple. It's a temple to Lord Shiva, the creator. We stood in semi-single-file line without shoes and proceeded through small walkways until we reached the main altar. Hundreds of people came, some from villages and abroad as well, to give their offerings of milk, flowers, and even money. You wouldn't expect patience considering the importance of the temple, but until reaching the center of worship, people were fairly calm. The amount of police stationed there probably helps though, as it was destroyed during the Muslim rule.
This visit, which Hindus try to make at least once in their lifetimes, went pretty fast for me and after a quick breakfast at home, I headed to Sarnath with a family whose kids attend and work at the school. I wish whoever takes the time to read this could really see what Sarnath is like. Although small, it is home to one of the Stupas, many Buddhist temples, and is also the place where the Buddha gave his frist sermon. It's only 10 K away from my current 'home', so it was quite easy to visit but I want to go back. Some of the artifacts there date back to 5 BC.!
After visiting Sarnath, I went to the movies with my Nita ma'am, her daughter, and mother. My first Hindi film and first mall experience. I guess malls here are a big hangout place for kids and families. It was a pretty eventful Sunday and it left me incredibly exhausted, so it wasn't long before I fell asleep at home.
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