In the post-apocalyptic world of the movie Waterworld "dirt"
is a rare commodity and used for trading. The soil of one's country is of
paramount importance and some expats have gone through a lot of efforts to
import soil from their home country to ensure their mortal coils can be buried
in a familiar soil. In fact a whole industry has sprung to fulfil this human
need. If that wasn't enough space burial seems to be catching on. Patriotism
springs from the idea that one should be devoted to homeland like a patriarch
or a matriarch. The soil of homeland is the key attribute that springs the
feelings of devotion. Not surprisingly because who can deny the prosperity of
nation that can boast lush green fields and blue rivers that can only be made
possible from a fertile soil. The prosperity of Egyptian civilization was
reliant on the fertility of the soil around the Nile Valley. The importance of
soil traverses from the physical to the metaphysical realm. "Dust thou
art, and unto dust thou shall return". This is a phrase from Anglican
burial service that resonates with a similar idea in Hindu Spiritual philosophy
of the body returning to its humble origins from the pancha tattva.
The metaphysical significance of soil ranges from aforementioned desired to be
buried in homeland soil to the spiritual importance of holy soil that has been
traversed by God and God's team (saints).
On a busy intersection in the holy city of Vrindavan lies a temple
that's known to the locals as Shahji Temple. It is one of the thousands of
temple in the city. However it is known for its marble structure and curved
pillars that give the temple its beauty and architectural value. The visitors
are amazed by the large compound that surrounds the temple. A set of steps
takes you inside the temple premises, inside of which is dimly lit by yellow
natural light reflected from the marble. The roof has huge chandeliers that
were covered when the author visited. The covers were barely able to hide the
enormous size of those chandeliers. One cannot but imagine aura inside the
temple when the chandeliers would have lit the large room that holds the
deities. Yes, how can I forget the deities! The deities of Radha-Raman are
beautifully adorned and look cute (a word I rarely like to use) in their
clothes. They are known as the chhote Radha-Raman due to the small (chhote =
small) size of the deities. However the founders of the temple have left a
message in an obscure corner on the floor of the temple premises. In the right
verandah the portraits of the founders (Kundan Lal Shah and Phundan Lal Shah
their family included) are carved on the floor symbolizing the importance of
the soil of Braj. A lot of devotees visit temple to catch the glimpse of their
God and a few of those would remember to walk over these carvings. The Shah's
have left a legacy that would continue to provide a sanctuary for the
enlightened to-be as well as provide a home for their beloved master. Also the
carvings would continue to remind us that with spiritual knowledge comes humility. So do remember to walk over them when you visit as that what the Shah's wanted.
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