Day 5: Feb 3
Our last morning in Varanasi was so very special. The group engaged in a vigorous yoga asana practice in the morning with Robin and then I led everyone through a meditation continuing to focus on the intent that each person brought with them on the trip and on manifesting their purpose. We then spent time chanting mantras together. Mid-morning we said goodbye to our beautiful hotel and the friendly staff we met during our stay… and sailed away along the Ganges.
We then flew southwest to our next stop- Khajuraho, the ancient spiritual home of the Chandela dynasty. Khajuraho is known for its superb Indo-Aryan architecture. The temples here are breathtakingly beautiful.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these temples were built about a 1,000 years ago by the Chandela dynasty, only about 25 remain from the original 85 that were constructed. Commonly known more for a few of its sensual carvings, the temples here voice a deeper message for the masses. The magnificent carvings are said to represent the purusharthas, the four goals of a house-holders life as described in the Vedas, namely kama (love), artha (wealth), dharma (right action) and moksha (liberation from rebirth).
We spent the afternoon exploring these ancient sites and the unbelievably beautiful and intricate carvings.
The sun rises over the Ganges.
Everyone loved their morning yoga asana practice along the banks of the Gange
We are sad to leave our beautiful hotel but are looking forward too being in Khajuraho.
We pose for a group photo in front of our gorgeous hotel.
The best way to leave Varanasi is by boat…how fun. We sail down river to where our bus is parked then head to the airport.
A few hours later we are in the presence of these majestic temples.
Arun, Becky, and Heriberto pose in front of these spectacularly beautiful carvings.
Robin, Reena, Becky, Laura and Sonya. Our group is from around the world yet here for one purpose - self-transformation.
The sun sets over one of the temple towers.
