Once again we opted out of the planned morning safari. I’d read about the ancient Ganesh Temple
in Ranthambore and asked if a Guide and Driver could take us there.
Sharju, our Tour Guide said he would love to take us there.
He is Hindu and the opportunity to visit this very auspicious temple was
special for him too. He said he hadn’t
had the chance to visit it for 15 years.
It was a long early morning hike (108 steps to be precise -
that all important number of course).
Through the Ranthambore fort - magnificent views as we climbed higher
and higher.
We passed ‘piles’ of stones - strategically placed along the
trail to the temple. These are lovingly
created by the pilgrims heading towards the temple and represent homes for
themselves and their families, hopefully in this or their next life. We built homes for ourselves, David, Claire
and Lily….
On we climbed, enjoying the views as we went until we came
to the temple. As so often the case, a
simple structure. We bought offerings
for Ganesh, garlands of pink roses - one each from us, David, Claire and
Lily. We took off our shoes, covered out
heads and offered our gifts to Lord Ganesh.
I cried - obviously - you know Ganesh is my favourite J
To cheer myself up I did a little shopping (what a surprise
I hear you say!) Guess what I bought -
no prizes for that!
So with my bag of Ganesh statues in my hand off we set on
the return journey. I forgot to mention
earlier that there were lots of monkeys - LOTS! One of them decided that my bag
of Ganeshes might be a tasty snack so he jumped up and snatched it out of my
hands - naughty little pick-pocket!!
Much excitement from Sharju and other gallant men, chasing away the
thief and retrieving my treasured possessions.
Not hurt at all, Ganeshes (plural?) hidden in my bag we continued down
hill, stopping briefly to hang a hair band on a tree which was heavily adorned
with scarves, bracelets and other trinkets (we didn’t have anything much to
leave) but hoping it would be enough so that Ganesh would remember us…..
And so on to Jaipur to Hotel Clarks Amer for 3 nights…..
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