Over a three-day journey, we partook in sacred baths and spiritual visits in the ancient cities of Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. The human mind is a mystery—sometimes calm like a still pond, at other times wild like a storm. Amidst my busy medical career, hospital white walls, and patients’ sighs, there lay a hidden spiritual thirst. That thirst, coupled with a brief leave, gave birth to a plan. What might seem ‘impossible’ to an ordinary tourist became a ‘celebration’ for devotees. The three-day journey from Thursday to Sunday covered three legendary cities and countless spiritual experiences. While many might call it a ‘weary trip,’ for me it was a ‘spiritual marathon.’ On Thursday morning, after finishing regular work in haste, our group departed from Biratnagar. The team included myself, my better half Somani, our son Biplak, daughter Bandana, sister-in-law Rambha, elder sister Ahilya, and our journey’s guide, Kuldeep. The vehicle bearing an Indian license plate was more than just transportation—it was a moving ‘small home’ fueled by trust and excitement.
1. Ayodhya: The Cool Touch of the Sarayu
Our long road trip from Biratnagar brought us to the sacred soil of Ayodhya by 2 a.m. on Thursday night. While the city slept, our spirits were wide awake. After a short rest of just four hours, at 6 a.m. on the auspicious day of Vaishakh Shukla Purnima, we reached the banks of the Sarayu River. We bathed at the ‘New Ghat,’ where the river is said to originate from the tears of Lord Vishnu. Immersing ourselves in the cool, pure waters of the Sarayu on the holy occasion of Buddha Jayanti and Vaishakh Purnima cleared the fatigue of the long journey. There is a unique serenity in this river’s waters that teaches one dignity. After bathing, we visited the Hanuman Garhi and the newly constructed grand Ram Temple. The divine image of Lord Ram made the first leg of this marathon a memorable success.
2. Prayagraj: Depths of the Sangam
Carrying the blessings of Ayodhya, our vehicle headed directly to Prayagraj (Allahabad), the crucial second phase of our marathon. We did not want to miss the full moon bath, so despite the afternoon heat and traffic jams, we reached the banks of the Triveni Sangam by 5 p.m. Prayagraj is known as ‘Tirtharaj,’ the king of pilgrimage sites, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers converge. We stood in the middle of the confluence, witnessing the clear border between the blue water of the Yamuna and the white water of the Ganga—an awe-inspiring sight. Bathing as a family in the waters of this confluence was not merely physical cleansing but a symbolic purification of ego and flaws. According to legend, bathing in the Sangam during Vaishakh Purnima is considered as meritorious as performing the Ashvamedha Yagna. Following the bath, we visited the famous sleeping Hanuman before turning our journey towards Varanasi.
3. Varanasi: Confluence of Devotion and Flavor
Our group arrived in Varanasi (Kashi) at midnight. As our vehicle moved through narrow streets, we witnessed a city where tradition remains deeply rooted despite modernity. This restless city embraces life and death together at the same ghats. After a brief rest, at 6 a.m. on Saturday we reached the sacred banks of the Ganges and bathed at the historic and vibrant Dashashwamedh Ghat, where Lord Brahma is said to have performed ten Ashvamedha Yagnas. Bathing in the river’s waves infused us with extraordinary energy. We then entered the grand Kashi Vishwanath Temple through the newly constructed ‘Corridor’ (Gate No. 2), ending a long wait. The fusion of modern engineering with ancient faith has transformed Kashi’s landscape. After darshan of Lord Vishwanath, we paid homage to Kotwal Kalbhairav. We wandered lost through the countless narrow lanes, finally emerging with help from Google Maps. To visit Varanasi without tasting its cuisine is like an incomplete pilgrimage. The thick, creamy lassi served in earthen pots, local sweets, and the famous flavorful Banarasi paan made this experience unforgettable. We also found the much-talked-about Varanasi ‘Litti’ shop whose litti chaat was truly exceptional. Getting lost in the narrow alleys and hearing the chant of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ was a unique delight. At 6:40 p.m. on Saturday, we returned to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti. Seven priests performed a magnificent ritual together, lifting lit diya lamps, the sound of conch shells resounding, and thousands of floating lights on the river waves evoked a palpable sense of divine power. The shimmering lights and reflections created a transcendent atmosphere—truly the most beautiful and emotional moment of this spiritual marathon.
4. Final Stretch: The Return Journey
At 9 p.m. on Saturday, we bid farewell to Varanasi, leaving for home with the intention to rest on Sunday and resume regular work on Monday. The ride continued through the night, the yellow road lights gradually fading behind us. We stopped intermittently for tea and brief rests to rejuvenate our bodies. By noon on Sunday, we arrived safely back at our home in Biratnagar, marking the successful completion of this three-day spiritual marathon. This trip was not merely a geographic tour; it was a manifestation of a doctor’s hidden faith and an inner dialogue with the soul, alongside fulfilling family responsibilities. While usual marathons are run for medals, our marathon was run in quest of spiritual peace and family togetherness. Carrying the dignity of the Sarayu, the wisdom of the Sangam, and the devotion of Kashi in our hearts, we returned home. This divine run has bestowed upon my family and me a revitalizing energy that will be a priceless treasure for a lifetime.
