Kal Bhairav:: Where the Mundane meets the mystical

"Vijay, you always have the most interesting stories," I'd say to my friend, eager to hear about his latest adventures. 

"Bhopal," he'd reply, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Met a fascinating man there, Atmabholanand. A true mystic. He spoke of the soul, of liberation, of finding peace within." 

"Wow, that sounds intriguing," I replied. "Do tell me more about him." 

By the way this conversation was taking place in my chamber during my Bhopal stint when I had just joined in 2000 and he is so much Bhopali that Bhopal remains his most loved place where he is settled permanently.

Vijay Joshi, ever the storyteller, proceeded to share his experiences with Atmabholanand, describing his insightful teachings and the profound impact they had on him. 

"You should meet him," Vijay suggested, his eyes twinkling. "I think you'd find his words deeply resonant."

Intrigued by Vijay's enthusiasm, I decided to explore the spiritual realm further. It was during one of our conversations that Vijay mentioned Rajeshwaranand, another renowned spiritual leader in Bhopal. 

"You absolutely must attend his discourses," Vijay insisted. "His wisdom is profound, and his words will touch your soul."

And touch our souls they did. My wife and I were captivated by Rajeshwaranand's insightful teachings on life, love, and the human condition. We attended his discourses regularly, finding solace and inspiration in his words. 

Sadly, Rajeshwaranandji left us a few years ago, leaving behind a void in our spiritual journey. Yet, the seeds he planted within us continue to blossom, guiding us on our path towards inner peace and enlightenment. 

Vijay continued and narrated his recent experience of his visit to Varanasi.

The humid air of Varanasi hung heavy as I navigated the maze of alleyways, the scent of incense and spices swirling around me. The description of Varanasi in scriptures echoed in my mind, painting vivid pictures of this ancient city, its history steeped in mythology and spirituality.

I stumbled upon a bustling tea stall in Bangalitola, where a Bengali gentleman offered me a cup of steaming chai. As we sipped, he inquired about my itinerary, suggesting I visit Kal Bhairav. "A powerful place," he said, his eyes twinkling. "It will stir something within you." Intrigued, I hailed a rickshaw and plunged into the labyrinthine streets.

The journey was a sensory overload – the cacophony of sounds, the vibrant colors, the overwhelming energy of the city. Finally, I reached the shrine, where a palpable energy crackled in the air. As I stepped closer, the air seemed to shimmer, the world around me blurring at the edges.

Suddenly, I felt a jolt, a surge of energy that seemed to course through my veins. The world dissolved into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, then solidified again, but somehow… different. The air felt lighter, the sounds sharper, the colors more vibrant.

I noticed a group of sadhus, their eyes twinkling with a mischievous light. Drawn to their aura, I decided to join them.

"Namaste," I greeted, offering a respectful bow.

"Namaste," they replied in unison, their voices a low hum. "You seem lost in thought, young one. What troubles your mind?"

I hesitated, unsure how to articulate the profound shift I was experiencing. "It's... I feel different," I finally admitted. "The world seems... sharper, more alive."

A wise-looking sadhu with a long, flowing beard chuckled. "Ah, the veil lifts for some, doesn't it? The city itself is a mystic, revealing its secrets to those who seek."

"But why now?" I questioned. "Why this moment?"

Another sadhu, younger and more animated, interjected, "Perhaps it's the confluence of time and place. Or maybe," he added with a playful glint in his eye, "it's the chai." He gestured towards a steaming cup offered by a nearby vendor. "The best in Varanasi, they say."

We shared a round of chai, the conversation flowing easily. The sadhus, with their blend of wisdom and wit, offered insights into the nature of reality, the illusion of separation, and the interconnectedness of all things. They spoke of the dance of Shiva, the creator and destroyer, and how every moment is a new beginning.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the temple grounds, I felt a sense of peace I had never known before. The world, with its chaos and beauty, seemed to make perfect sense. I thanked the sadhus for their wisdom and took my leave, the echoes of their words lingering in my mind.

Leaving Kal Bhairav, I felt changed, forever marked by the experience. The world seemed brighter, more alive, and I carried with me a newfound sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the spiritual dimension of existence.