A Trip to Shivagange: An Experience of Spiritual Enlightenment

?

Shivagange is a Hindu pilgrimage center located near Dobbaspet in Bengaluru Rural district, India. Standing at 1,368 meters (4,488 ft) tall, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The shrine located at the top of the hill is considered sacred and an important site for Hindu devotees, who visit to pay their respects and participate in religious rituals.

?

On November 12th, 2022, with a group of our office colleagues and their family, we embarked on a journey to Shivagange, eager to explore this sacred haven. With most participants hailing from our office, the trip promised to be a fun and familiar experience, and indeed it was. If I may add, it was an icebreaker in many ways, fostering bonding and camaraderie among the group.

?

It was around 6:15 AM on the morning of November 12, 2022, that I was picked up by Guru and his wife, Manasa, and their very brilliant and promising son, Nigam near my place. We then made a stop to pick up our friend Palak, before embarking on our journey to Shivagange. During the journey, we reveled in the melodious tunes of legendary Bollywood singers such as Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Kumar Sanu, and Pankaj Udhas. As a passionate Bollywood music enthusiast, this infused a fun and lively atmosphere into our trip and boredom was never an option.

?

As we arrived at the base of Shivagange, we met our friends who came in different vehicles, and we took a well-deserved break to savor a cup of tea before embarking on the steep climb. The ascent was physically demanding as it required physical endurance, but the stunning vistas of the surrounding terrain that unfolded before us with each step made the effort well worth it. After what felt like hours of navigating the winding path up the mountain at a Snail’s pace, we finally reached the summit, exhausted yet exhilarated. Personally, this was my first visit to a Hindu temple located atop a mountain, and I was overjoyed to share the experience with my office colleagues.

?

Upon reaching the top, we are greeted by the magnificent Shiv Temple and statue, a place of worship for Hindus for centuries. The Temple is a testament to the incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage of India. As you enter the temple grounds, you are struck by the peaceful atmosphere that envelops you. The ringing of the bells, the chanting of prayers, and the sweet fragrance of incense can transport you to another world.

?

The pilgrimage to Shivagange is not for the faint of heart though, with a challenging terrain of 1,368 meters of steep hills to scale. However, the effort is well worth it as visitors are greeted by the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the temple. This spiritual environment, believed to foster spiritual growth and understanding, allows visitors to connect with a higher power and tap into universal wisdom through prayers, offerings, and meditations. To me, a trip to Shivagange is a transformative experience, awakening the spirit and revealing the power and beauty of spirituality. The peaceful and meditative ambiance of the temple provides a rare opportunity for quiet reflection and inner connection.

?

The Hindu shrine atop the hill serves as a preservation of Hindu tradition and culture, providing a window into the spiritual heritage of the past. Visitors leave the temple feeling rejuvenated, recharged, and inspired, with memories that can last a lifetime. A visit to Shivagange is a celebration of Hindu spirituality, a chance to immerse oneself in local culture and gain a deeper appreciation of one's own spirituality and connection to the world around them.

?

I grew up in a family where my parents taught me the importance of reading books, encouraging me to delve into a wide range of subjects, be it entertainment, religion, sports, politics, business, etc. My childhood was filled with comic books that brought the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana to life. These stories stayed with me and fueled my excitement for the Shivagange trip, as I was eager to delve deeper into the rich spiritual heritage of Hinduism. Though I had visited temples and shrines prior to this, this was my first opportunity to embark on such a profound spiritual journey. It was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on me, both intellectually and emotionally, and I am grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the richness of this religion.

?

To wrap up this article, visiting a religious place is a way to expand one's knowledge, build greater understanding and respect for different cultures and spiritual practices, and connect with something greater than oneself. I firmly believe in the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” With this approach to knowing more about the culture, religion, and traditions of the place where I am a migrant worker (I am Indian though), I immensely enjoyed the trip. I must say, visiting a site of religious importance with an open mind and a spirit of learning can be a transformative and enriching experience.

PS: LinkedIn doesn’t allow me to upload multiple photos.