Badrinath Uttarakhand, a life time experience (solo trip)

Have you ever confronted any such experiences on your first solo trip? Would be really interested in your first experiences…

It was my first solo trip, a lifetime experience. Never witnessed such cold weather. I went to the wedding of my close friend in Dehradun. I was very excited and enjoying the rituals of their tradition. Since I had five more days in my hand so I thought to explore the nearby areas. Few freinds suggested me about Badrinath temple which was approximately 12 to 15 hrs. away from Dehradun and I got to know that temple is going to close in coming 2 days.

Since I am a big disciple of Lord Shiva/Vishnu and wanted to take blessings by going there personally. Without wasting  time, I decided to leave for the Badrinath temple. I took a Govt bus and left for the temple early morning. I was there in the Badrinath temple at 10pm and the entire journey was mesmerizing. I had no idea what would have the weather condition over there at Badrinath. Since I came from Kolkata so I had no winter clothes as the weather in East/south India is not that much cold as compared to North India during Oct.

Firstly I took the Darshan after reaching Badrinath. It was around 11 pm at Badrinath, Uttarkhand, looking for a night stay at (-1°) temperature. Very less crowded. I felt a bit secluded. Nearby Guesthouses, Hotels are almost closed. My body was started oscillating since I had no winter cloth as per the condition. I was roaming in nearby areas in searching for a night stay. Suddenly clap eyes on an “Ashram” which is 1/2 km up to the holy temple. I went there and slowly opened the gate what I saw in the Ashram surprised me; six to seven monks were there with fewer clothes I asked myself how they do survive in such lagging weather.

After a long discussion with one of the monks, finally, the Maharaaj came. I went to him and touched his feet for blessing.

He politely asked, “Where are you coming from” with a very low voice
I said, "From Dehradun".
Have you had anything?
I said “no”.
Okay, take Prasad and stay here tonight (he replied).

I had good fortune to meet a monk named Maharaaj. The prodigious monk with long hair with such a beautiful voice. We took the Prasad and stayed tonight there. They helped us as God. Prasad for food and blankets to protect yourself from this fierce cold. What else do I need on that night? Thank God.
I needed 5 blankets to protect myself from the severe cold that night. Early morning after taking the Darshan of Badrinath again we moved towards Delhi.

Lifetime cherished. A solo trip is awesome. The next episode can be started with a renewed mind as it helps improve your confidence so much.

Badrinath, Uttarkhand
Oct 20