My friends Ramesh, Amar and I very capably escorted by our chauffeur Arun went to Sangameshwar and Alandi this morning and this is a post on that.
This is the junction of three rivers which is called the Sangam and is considered to be very holy. You can see a cremation ground on the bank where believers still cremate and immrese the ashes in the confluence of the three rivers.
Chatrapathi Sambhaji Maharaj built a temple around a Swaymbu Lingam on the request of a Sadhu who had cured him of an incurable disease at this location. You can see the entrance to the temple below.
Ramesh and Amar went inside the temple for darshan while I waited and watched the rivers flow! It was all new for Amar but Ramesh and I had gone there primarily for an absolutely out of the world experience of a mid morning snack of Kanda bhajji and chai.
Yes, that is a fly that you see on the rim. Part of the scene here!
After that very satisfying mid morning repast we moved on to Alandi. Ramesh and Amar went inside the temple here too while I waited outside as I did not fancy getting crushed in the crowds waiting in a serpentine queue. After that bit of formality was done with, we moved on to the next point of interest another out of the world experience of Maharashtrian rural cuisine served by a team of enthusiastic waitresses who kept replenishing our plates with refills, and particularly generous with jalebis for dessert!
A real Pet (pronounced pate meaning stomach) Pilgrimage.
We were back in Pune in time for a well earned siesta.
As we were driving down the freeway today we saw a Buddheist monk making a pilgrimage. He would walk a few steps, then kneel. Then walk a few steps and kneel. I had to wonder how long it would take him to finish his journey.
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Similar sites and some more gruesome can be found in India too. I shall send you by email a photograph and explanation for a particularly arduous ritual some Hindus follow.
Hmmmm…delicious food!
Hi Rummy,
You had a marvellous day, I can tell: I wish I had been there with you.
Instead of talking much I will return to the pictures above and relax (I had an exhausting week).
Have a great week ahead.
Cheers
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I intend having a great week ahead Max. At least two films are on the cards.
Rummy,
About the last photo (with jalebi): in Mozambique they call it Jaleebu – the Indian community (and descendants, including my family) cook and eat it a lot. It is delicious!
Max Coutinho recently posted..Israeli Elections: Who Would’ve Thought?
And when it is unlimited and the hostess insists on feeding you more than you can consume – it is bliss!
I love the idea of a food pilgrimage. It warms my heart and tickles my funny bone. 🙂
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CM go on some!
sounds like a very nice way to have an enjoyable day out…
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Oh yes, it was indeed, and the weather was wonderful.
I can bet Ramana’s visit for food and jalebis alone. Pilmigrage just happened.
How about another trip, Ramana ? I will be there shortly
Anil
You have got it right friend, and we shall indeed go for another pilgrimage when you are here,
There is so much history and wonderful cuisine in your part of the world, Rummy. It would be a delight to visit.
Blessings ~ Maxi
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I hope that you do visit and it will give me great pleasure to escort you around.
Looks interesting apart from the fly, that would put paid to my appetite.
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GM, you cannot run away from the ubiquitous flies in India. Read any book on India and you will come across this lament.
I loved following through the narrative while salivating at those tasty morsels, Ramana. What a pleasant read.
You guys have such wonderful history over there. These places are definitely on my Bucket List.
I suspect you were only on the holy pilgrimage simply for the food though. Those pics really had my mouth watering.
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Keep moving them to the top when you add other things.