One fine morning when the rains took a break from its daily monsoon duty. The Sun grabbed this golden opportunity to spread its golden rays. Neither did I spoiled this golden day. And I immediately thought of a day trip in this rain free day. Where to go on such a day? A lot of suggestions and brainstorming ended up in selecting Meherabad for the day.
The road to Meherabad
Driving down the side lane from the Ahmednagar highway we reached the peaceful destination of Meherabad. Situated away from the hub of the town, this is a tranquil destination in the midst of green. This is an ideal spot for meditation.
This bright flowers created such a good contrast
Why should I say only meditation? I would rather say this is a destination where one can relax in a noise free serene surrounding. One can spend their time by themselves.
The green surrounding
The long stretches of trees spread across acres of undulating land provide a green ambience to this predominantly semi arid landscape. The rays of sun play hide and seek through the leaves. The wind blowing through the rows of trees creates a strange surreal sound.
Brahminy Sterling
Many birds and butterfly made this hamlet their peaceful paradise to stay undisturbed. I spotted a tiny bird with an orange tint on its wing. Though I could not identify it. Neither could I manage to follow it further through the thick foliage to have a better view.
The Samadhi Mandir
In the centre of this vast land lies the samadhi of Meher Baba. The samadhi is housed within a neat modest room with a domed roof. Attached to it this room is an open hall with wooden seating arrangement for the devotees.
White-Naped tit
Photography is not allowed within the premises of the Samadhi Mandir. Visitors are urged to maintain silence within the temple. Devotees are allowed to offer flowers on the samadhi. A couple of lozenges are offered as Prasad.
The Squirrel came to have his lozenge feed
Not only the devotees in the form of humans are offered this Prasad. The birds and squirrels too get blessed with this sweet meat. The jungle babbler and the squirrel roam around and come near the temple to snack on the tiny pieces of the lozenge offered to them by the temple workers.
The Jungle Babbler pecking on the lozenges
There is a museum housed in a building near the samadhi. The museum has a rare collection from Meher Baba’s life. Baba’s tiny meagre room is beside the samadhi. The other samadhis beside the temple are of Baba’s sister Mani, his disciple Mehera and other primary disciples.
I like the architectural pattern of the building
The samadhi is open for darshan from morning to evening. Every day the aarti is performed early morning and evening for 30 minutes. Bhajans are sung by devotees while visitors are allowed to stand in a queue and maintain silence in and around the temple.
The gentle temple guard breaking the pieces of the sweet meat to feed the other disciples
Flowers and garlands are allowed as an offering on Baba’s samadhi. While offering money or other items is not considered proper and is not permitted.
and now they are accepting the holy Prasad
The place is an utmost destination of solace and peace. As said on their official website – “Meher Baba’s “Samadhi” is the place where everyone has a share of the Master’s Grace, which he must come one day or other, to receive, in His divine Silence.”
I saw this bulbul like bird species
The bright yellow acacia flower seemed even brighter
The Baba’s room
That looks like a great place 🙂
Yes, absolutely 🙂