Revisits do always stir up the emotions. The poets are the greatest human being when it comes to returning to the spot after an intervening period. Then it’s down the memory lane albeit tinged with the latest observation. As we know they are apt to get some of the harshest criticisms out in their compact rendering. Can’t do anything even at the basic level yet the inspiration tends to drop in on the gray cells to get them activated.

It’s often by chance that one get to revisit a place that carries with it a lot of memories tied up. Even the milestones as you pass along the highway become food for thought. Your mind starts wandering on that long time trip and the number of such miles counted along the way. It was tough on a recent trip to one of the most famous sites that makes your uphill trip to the all generous and loving Goddess Manakamana’s shrine atop the hill. Well, it’s quite an experience being literally lifted in the gondola.

Before all that dizzying experience to be suspending by the cable, the journey from Kathmandu is quite exhilarating with some hitches en route. To be out of the Kathmandu valley just makes the head swirl at what is in store along the highway. If there is one thing that gets on your nerves, in the real sense, it’s the sheer number of vehicles that seem to make not much ado about the excessive amount of exhaust fumes that can dampen the mood of any fresh air lover. This was enough to turn upside down the idea of the out-of-valley experience to be one of breathing the invigorating mountain air that could be the panacea for the Kathmandu troubled lungs and thereby the brain itself. But, lo! There was dust and the undigested diesel fumes that made matters worse. The only difference was that there was a greater volume of the fresh dusty air to compensate. It was a pilgrimage, after all. So the irritants which are denounced harshly in the urban setting is taken as some sort of blessing.

It’s troubles and sufferings that are considered as stepping stones to receive the blessings of Manakamana.

The cable car ride done, it was a majestic sight at the top. The biggest achievement was, of course, as a devout worshipper, the grand wish granted to be able to touch the sacred feet of the all revered Goddess Manakamana. That was the moment of bliss. Jai Hos!