What we saw left us in a state of trance. We were in awe!

What was it, for the love of God? An Oasis in a desert? Or a Prelude to Wisdom?

It was the Holy Month of Ramadan in 2025. The charm of Spring, coupled with a free weekend, prompted us to plan a short trip to the capital.

I had been to Abu Dhabi, an organized and leisurely city. Each time I visit this place, I feel a certain mutual connection, something like a déjà vu. Being a cultural enthusiast and an abstract art lover, back then, I had planned a visit to the Grand Mosque and the Louvre Museum. It had left me with memories.

This time though, we decided to visit the much talked about BAPS Mandir.

A day prior to the journey, we registered for a 11 a.m darshan. We arrived early. I could see the Shikhara of the temple form a distance, enough to redeem the much-needed bliss before any such interaction.

I’am usually drawn to mysticism. I trust my devotion to the God, who draws a sense of introspection of my own self, and the affirmative faith with the almighty.

There, at the main sanctum, was a meditation place. A man with a signboard titled ‘SILENCE PLEASE’ stood there, ably and silently, guiding the worshippers. But, what grabbed my attention was the meditation place underneath the dome, where an architectural marvel of Gods seemed showering their blessings on those who sat beneath it.

The place defined a fine connection between the human-self and the much wider aspect called the Divine. In a perfection that fostered tranquility and transcendence, meditation flows naturally.

What matched this divinity was remembered by the grace of Ganga Aarti, an amalgamation of the soul and the elements of nature.

Yet again, we are reminded that our existence is a reality guided by the wisdom of what governs us. Perhaps it is the Divine for some, or, perhaps it’s just a prelude to Wisdom for others. Yet, it remains deeply rooted in us that brings us together to this source from time to time.