Jamnagar to Bombay

Traveling in India

I am currently on a two year assignment in India. I have made a couple of trips lately where I came across many interesting people, like the gentleman above, places, foods, architectures, and religions. I am sharing this blog with my friends so that they may keep updated with where I am and what I am doing, and hopes that you all can enjoy some of these adventures with me. Enjoy!!!

Around Jamnagar

These lovely creatures are found all along the 120km (80mi) trip to Dwarka. They have great personalities (like some people I know) and can spit at world class distances. I used to think I knew what foul smelling was - now I really do. Our gentleman shown above was herding these camels to where ever it is camels go...

Of course there are those that think they are special...

Many different forms of transportation are available. These huge beasts are quite impressive to see up close. Gentle animals though. It is interesting to watch them pull the carts as their heads sway back and forth in sync.

Sheep herds can also be a driving hazard. Not too bad if you only hit one but chances are in India the goats will win

... Lucky for us we had a young goatherderess clearing away while glaring at me for taking her photo.

On the way to the Dwarka Temple we passed the Aradmana Duam (Jain) Temple and decided to stop. The entry was impressive with arch covered walkways all the way to the temple itself.

The sculpturing details on the outside of the temple was even more impressive. Fine detail can be seen everywhere. These sculptures are in abundance all around the temple grounds.

Although photographs are generally forbidden inside the temples I managed to sneak a shot while no one was around. This is similar to the main rooms in most of the temples I visited. In the other temples many people were visiting so I could not get shots but I think the general idea of the alter can be realized from this photo.

The Road to Dwarka

The Dwarka Temple is one of the 4 primary large temples in India. One in each of the compass corners. This is a huge temple. I was fortunate to come across a Brahman Priest that showed me around the temple and explained each of the exhibits. Unfortunately no photos could be taken inside of the temple.

The first photo is on the walkway just outside of the temple. On the day I visited it turns out to be the main day of a 30 day event where people travel hundreds of miles on foot to visit the temple. My driver said his mother traveled 176 miles to visit when she was 76 years old. Amazing!

The detail is eroded due to the age of the temple. Dwarka Temple grounds are 5000 years old but just recently (2500 years ago) the temple was rebuilt after the original temple was destroyed (not sure how or why). They touch up the temple to keep it in repair but the primary structure is 2500 years old.

This is the town of Dwarka right outside of the temple. It is very colorful and has a very ancient feel to it. Not many westerners there and most folk stared at me (but I am used to it because of my China trip, plus people just tend to stare at weird looking people)...

After visiting the temple it is customary to go swimming in the inlet to the Arabian Sea (notice the small head in the water). This day the waters were pretty wild and most declined the custom.

The town is small and transportation by cart is common. They really dress up the carts. This one in particular was very colorful. Notice the architecture of the building in the background.

The Road to Bombay (Mumbai)

Although Bob and Bing didn't make this trip it was still eventful with the beautiful architecture, interesting people, shops, and again religions.

This is the famous 'Gateway to India' arch. It sits right on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of a British Monarch to visit India, King George V and Queen Mary.

This is a view toward the Taj Hotel through the arch. More on the Taj later.

The detail in many of the buildings and monuments in Bombay are really well done. Unfortunately the pollution is eroding much of the fine old buildings. Efforts are being made to restore them to their original grandeur.

This is the Taj Hotel, built in 1903. I had lunch there. I thought when I booked my room I would be staying there but there are 4 Taj hotels in Mumbai. Oh well next time (although the hotel I was in was 5 star it was away from the activities.

Most of the buildings built during the British rule are very impressive.

Traveling through the city day and night there are so many examples Indo-Saracenic buildings.

Travel time across the city is 1 1/2 hours so I did not have time to stop at each place. Also I did not get the building names on many places (unfortunate).

The detail on most of these old buildings is amazing. I can't even imagine anyone doing anything like that now...

The lights shining on the buildings all over town gave a nice effect. The light really highlights the details in the architecure.

Religion in India

I was very lucky on the weekend I visited. I arrived during the week of celebration for Ganesh.Ganapati or Ganesa, also known as Vinayaka is the son of Siva with face like that of an elephant. He is the most popular of the Hindu deities worshipped by all sections of the Hindus. He is considered as the god of good beginnings and clearer of obstacles (vigneswar). Hence, before starting any undertaking he is worshipped. Everywhere I went there were parades, the city had lights similar to those in America during Christmas, people put the dots on their forehead and tagged you with one just in case you missed your chance. They also tag you with colored dust - similar to tossing a water balloon that covers you. By the end of the night you are very colorful.
Above is Ganesh in the back of a truck. We stopped for a look-see and I got tagged. The people are very enthusiastic about their god. Keep in mind that there are about 8500 gods in India - Ganesh being one of the most popular.

Here I am with my new found friends after getting tagged (no that isn't a pimple). I saw this same group on TV while in Jamnagar. This particular group is a big organization teaching the message of Ganesh.

Even the youngsters rejoiced (amazing since they didn't get Easter eggs, Presents, or anything - Hmmm what a concept).

Hinduism isn't the only religion practiced. I went through the Muslim section (with a little bit of trepidation) with the blackened windows rolled up, at night (I don't think they would have welcomed me with open arms there)... (Sorry about the blurry picture - I had the driver speed through this section of town - no sense in poking a mad dog with a stick)

The Muslim population in India is 10%, Christian 5%. There were many Christian churches, mostly Catholic, with some interesting places.

This is a monument to Mary. In front (in the middle of the street) is a tribute to Jesus. The Mary figure is impressive. You travel up the steps, put a candle in the fire (candles can be purchased in from to the shrine) and all your wishes will come true.

In India they love Jesus too! (In front of the Mary Shrine)

Shopping

I didn't do much shopping while there. I looked for coffee, a suitcase, and a camera (you are experiencing the results of my last purchase). The shops are very similar to the mom and pop shops found throughout China, and Asia as a whole. There are also large malls, and shops that you would find in any major expensive city (but what fun are those)

For The Heck Of It

I couldn't finish this blog without this picture. It is closed, except for a few workers, but this is where your laundry is done - by hand - if you stay in any of the finer hotels in Mumbai. 5000 workers show up daily to do laundry here - did I say by hand? Forget about dry cleaning or light starch (or any starch). The laundry does not always smell dryer fresh but they are clean (don't even want to think about how the laundry is done in Jamnagar - small town)

Thanks for visiting

I hope you enjoyed this tour through India with me. I will update the blog as I do more travels and let you know.

You can leave comments by clicking on the comments link at the bottom of the blog.

Also you can enlarge any picture by double clicking.

P.S. - I haven't converted to Hinduism I just got tagged during one parades...