varanasi – GOPS Creativ

Sep 28

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India, travel, Varanasi 4 comments tags: baba, baba shiv das, benaras, das, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, india, italy, kashi, sadhu, shiv, shiva, varanasi

A HINDU MONK FROM ITALY

In the winter of 2014, I found myself wandering the ghats of Kashi in Varanasi, searching for captivating photo-stories. It was during one of these strolls that I encountered Baba Shiv Das, basking in the warmth of the rising sun with a cup of tea in one hand and a cigarette in the other. The photographer in me couldn’t resist capturing a few candid shots, though I felt a twinge of guilt about invading his privacy. To my surprise, Baba Shiv Das turned his head, fixed me with an intense gaze, and beckoned with his index finger, saying, “Hey! Come here.” Despite my initial apprehension due to past encounters with arrogant sadhus, I decided to approach him. To my delight, Baba Shiv Das was kind, peaceful, and soft-spoken. He gently advised me that photographing people without their knowledge was inappropriate. When I apologized, he graciously granted me permission to take some close-up shots. Captivated by his charming blue eyes, which glittered like pearls through my viewfinder, I mentioned that the river Ganga seemed to flow through his eyes. He burst into laughter, and I quickly captured that moment on film as well. After the photo shoot and a brief conversation, […]

Jul 29

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India, travel, Varanasi 11 comments tags: aarti, Assi Ghat, benaras, benares, Dashashwamedh Ghat, gali, ganga, ganges, ghat, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, Harishchandra Ghat, hindu, holy, kashi, Manikarnika, Manikarnika Ghat, photo, photography, river, sadhu, spiritual, spirituality, street, Tulsi Ghat, varanasi, Vishwanath Temple, worship

VARANASI, A CITY BEYOND LIFE & DEATH

VARANASI, also recognized as BENARAS or KASHI, holds the prestigious title of being the oldest living city globally, with a well-documented history of over 3000 years. Mark Twain’s words resonate as he stated, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and appears twice as old as all of them combined.” This ancient city has withstood the test of time, existing even during the childhood years of Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become known as Buddha. Varanasi is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the western bank of the sacred Ganga River. This ancient city, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs, serves as a religious hub. Despite facing destruction by Mughals and other invaders over the centuries, Varanasi continues to stand as a place where the past and present, eternity and continuity, philosophy and wisdom harmoniously coexist. For Hindus, Kashi holds the same level of sanctity as Mecca does for Muslims and Jerusalem does for Christians. It is widely believed that one must receive an invitation from a higher power in order to visit Varanasi. I believe this holds true in everyday life as well. Despite my tendency to procrastinate, the trip […]

Mar 31

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel, Varanasi 4 comments tags: benaras, boat, boatman, folk, ganga, ganges, ghat, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, hidden, india, indian, kashi, photography, ride, river, sing, singer, song, talent, varanasi

VARANASI :: SONG OF THE BOAT MAN

Bhumi Nishad, the skilled boatman, was delighting his passengers as they cruised along the Ganga river in Varanasi. The morning boat ride in Varanasi (Kashi), India, is a truly memorable experience for all who visit. I was captivated by his singing, reminiscent of a seasoned Indian classical vocalist. India is home to many undiscovered talents waiting to be unearthed. A boat ride across Ganga River in the night rejuvenates the body and soul. Experience it yourself :

Feb 05

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel 2 comments tags: ashok, ashoka, benaras, bodhi, buddha, buddhist, chakra, Dhamek, Dhamekh, Dhamekha, Dharm Chakra, emperor, gaya, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, holy, Isipatana, maurya, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple, peepal, photography, pilgrimage, pillar, Rishipattana, sarnath, site, stambha, stupa, tree, varanasi

SARNATH, THE BIRTH PLACE OF BUDDHISM

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” :-Gautam Buddha The emblem of India was derived from an Ashoka Pillar discovered in Sarnath. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a statue featuring four lions seated back to back, as well as the ‘Dharm Chakra’ (Wheel of Dharma/ Ashoka Chakra, with 24 spokes) positioned on top and mounted on a pillar (Stupa, Stambh). Emperor Ashoka erected the renowned Ashoka Pillar at this site, which was destroyed by Turk and Islamic invaders. The remnants of the pillar can still be seen at its original location, bearing inscriptions in Brahmi script. The Lion Capital and Ashoka Chakra are preserved in the adjacent Archaeology museum. The four lions symbolize power, courage, confidence, and pride, as well as Ashoka’s rule extending in all four directions. In addition to the lions, the pillar also features a horse, a bull, an elephant, and a lion, representing the various stages of Buddha’s life. The monolithic polished Chunar sandstone pillar stands at a height of 15.25 meters, with a diameter of 0.71 meters at the base and 0.56 meters at the top. Sarnath, situated 10 kilometers away from Varanasi […]

Jan 17

by GOPAN NAIR in Varanasi 0 comments tags: boat, ganga, ganges, ghats, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, india, kashi, night, photography, ride, row, spiritual, varanasi, video

A HINDU MONK FROM ITALY

VARANASI, A CITY BEYOND LIFE & DEATH

VARANASI :: SONG OF THE BOAT MAN

SARNATH, THE BIRTH PLACE OF BUDDHISM

FEEL THE PEACE, ENJOY A BOAT RIDE AT VARANASI…

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