Thinking out of the box is a very common slang that were used in the corporate sphere. It implies doing something different from other than routine things that would help the management to achieve the goals in a smarter way. While I achieved many success in my corporate life, I applied the same logic in my travelling plans. Doing different things than usual routine activity may expose us in adventurous mode and help us to explore certain unknown path. I did it at many occasion and it was not different during my trip to the Northern valley. While many tourist were busy in tulips shows I was more interested in walking down the meadows. Which ultimately leads me to explore Temple dedicated to snakes in the woods. And incredible find that I still cherish.
It was an adventurous trek down towards the meadows that made me to discover this beautiful temple. It was an empty without noone around. While far away at a distant there was the flower show that attracts tourist. It was an yearly show. The tulip show and garden at Sanasar attract tourists because they offer a vibrant display of hundreds of thousands of colorful flowers set against scenic meadows. My sister took me to enjoy the flower show, but I have a different test. I was fascinated by the oak tree that forms a formidable meadows up above the mountains.
I felt the lush green woods and majestic mountain backdrops were calling me. I asked my sister to wait inside the flower area, till I return from the trek. She agreed as she wanted to take pictures of the flower like most of the other people were doing. I took another path that leads me to a trail of long trees. As I move my head upwards, i found myself surrounded by long pine trees.
The overnight rainfall has made the soil quite muddy. Making it impossible to walk properly. There were dew fallen trees but I still keep moving. May be there was a force that was calling me. I saw few mule riders getting the hill and I asked about the place and they directed me towards the existence of the temple. I kept walking, going past numerous trees and trekking the uphill path.
While the trek was adventurous it was kind of scary. As i look around there were no other people following me neither there were any that I would follow. But I was enjoying the scenic set up. The nature the fresh clean air and greenery and open skies was kept me moving ahead. Soon i noticed a picturesque wooden bridge just above a flowing water. It appears to be a permanent one.
I looked back from this point to find myself away from the tulip show area. From away I can see the designated area set up for the flower show.
The thought of getting back sounds sensible but still the presence of a temple was kept me excited. I dont wanted the adventurous trek to go without finding something exciting. After crossing the bridge and walking ahead, a wooden structure in middle of big pine. Tree. It appears to be creepy place.
The stillness and silence around the place was alarming. No human presence there and neither their is any visitors. Generally in any indian temple you will find a lot of rush. But here the scene is completely different. While I learned from the mule rider that it was popular among the local, but there were no local people around. I was afraid of entering the premise. But still I wanted to know more of the place. I walked in.
Visiting the premises made me to understand that, this Nag temple itself is an ancient, small, and modest wooden or stone structure rather than a grand, high-budget pilgrimage center, attracting mostly local devotees rather than mass religious tourism. I look around and click pictures for my memory book. The temple nestled amid the tranquil, cup-shaped green meadows and coniferous forests of Jammu and Kashmir is a great place to enjoy peaceful time. Dedicated to Naag Devta (the Serpent God), locals hold deep faith that praying here removes life's hardships and fulfills sincere wishes. I am very thrilled making to the place alone.
I still see the flower show up above the mountains. Zooming in from the distance, I sensed people started leaving due to changing weather. In due time, I also got call from.my sister about leaving the place as hilly rainfalls are unpredictable. So I took my walk back to down the valley.
But inside I was happy being part of my own adventure. The temple is a small, serene, and clean traditional space where visitors can offer prayers, enjoy quiet reflection, and experience the raw natural beauty of the Sanasar valley. I was thrilled but the less popularity of this places does amazes me. The lack of infrastructure makes it less accessible but thanks to the local residents the temple still holds its purity.
In good faith - Peace!!