To those lights, sweets and incense sticks…

Each one of us has been raised with faith walking behind us and a certain belief matching our footsteps. Since childhood all of us have seen our mothers and grandmothers, sitting serenely in front of the abode of GOD (traditionally called “Mandir”) in our houses.

 We have seen them sitting there for long periods of time, igniting those beautiful “diyas” that emanate such strong beautiful light, that it changes the definition of fire when seen from a different perspective.

During festivals, we have seen them putting the whole pack of those yummy “laddoos” in front of our dear God, while we watched with our eyes wide open and mouth full of water.

 

We have seen them give water to the dear God in such a tranquilizing manner as if he is actually thirsty. The small pots and pans that dear God has and had then in his abode can be an envy of any child who wants to play with them but can’t have them.

Those innumerable incense sticks that burnt directly in proportion with our problems/issues. As and when a hurdle came by, the mere instruction by them, to light two “agarbattis” in front of the dear God would make everything alright instantly. May it be an exam, or their results it always worked.  

Those “Padukas”, which seemed to be the outdoor décor of every house during Diwali, so as to welcome “God Laxmi” in our houses, in order to evoke the mere luck of bring in money that day and for all days to come. Those beautiful feet of God Laxmi has always been my favorite in God’s abode.

That small treasure trove called “Dibiya” which would carry Sindoor/kumkum for dear God, or rice for that matter, always brightened one’s mood as you sat for the rituals.

That virtuous sound of “Mandir ki Ghanti”, which worked as a call bell for everyone in the house, to leave whatever they were doing and be present at the Mandir instantly, for Puja.

And finally those innumerable wishes and prayers that our mothers have put forth for us in front of the dear God, do not match with anything in the world. Since years and now as well, and through all these times my mom has prayed for me and my well being, as do I for Vrinda today. It will take time, to match upto my mother’s level of devotion, but I am on my way…

 

This post contains pictures from my small yet beautiful “Mandir” !