Night of Devotion: A Kashmiri Pandit's Vigil at Gosain Teng Shrine

Night of Devotion: A Kashmiri Pandit's Vigil at Gosain Teng Shrine

August 8th, 1992, Saturday (Shravana Shukla Paksha Ekadashi): During my tenure in Baramulla, I was granted a rare privilege of spending a night within the sacred confines of the shrine of Gosain Teng. This remarkable opportunity was extended to me after obtaining the necessary permission from the relevant authorities, a testament to the reverence and respect accorded to the sanctity of the shrine.

The decision to stay overnight at the shrine was not taken lightly, particularly given the delicate security situation prevailing in Kashmir at that time. For a Kashmiri Pandit like myself, venturing outside and staying alone in such a remote and solitary location during the night posed inherent risks and challenges. However, the significance of the occasion and the spiritual pull of the shrine compelled me to embark on this unique journey, guided by a sense of duty and devotion.

As night descended upon the landscape, enveloping the surroundings in an ethereal cloak of darkness, I found myself immersed in a profound sense of solitude and introspection. The quietude of the shrine echoed with the whispers of centuries old prayers, mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the night breeze. Despite the inherent solitude, there was a palpable presence...a sacred energy that permeated the air, drawing me closer to the divine and filling my heart with a profound sense of peace.

Throughout the night, I remained vigilant yet entranced, my senses attuned to the subtle rhythms of the nocturnal world. Amidst the stillness, I felt a deep connection to the spiritual essence of the shrine, finding solace in the timeless rituals and traditions that have echoed through its sacred halls for generations.

As the first light of dawn illuminated the horizon, heralding the arrival of a new day, I emerged from the shrine with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. My night long vigil had been a testament to the enduring power of faith and devotion, reaffirming my bond with the spiritual heritage of Kashmir and the sacred shrine that had sheltered me through the night.

In retrospect, my overnight stay at the shrine stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience and fortitude of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity. It was a testament to the enduring power of faith and the trans-formative potential of spiritual communion...a journey that left an indelible mark on my soul and deepened my connection to the divine.

Photograph clicked in 2017, during my second tenure in Baramulla.