[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I am Lila Weaver and this is my story of my pilgrimage to India. In the previous blog we took refuge at the TakhatSachkhand Sri HazurAbchal Nagar Sahib, Nanded, and as the days flow on, one dissolving into another my heart grows fonder and fonder of Hazur Sahib and the presence of Guru Ji, becomes more prominent.
On the evening before Karman returned to Punjab we joined the evening rituals. We decided to stroll around the Gurudwara and enjoy the visuals of this glorious building. We took some photos and later back in my room I cropped and enlarged the photos. To my amazement I noticed a Falcon sitting to my left on the marble. I do not have the words to explain, I looked at the photo again and again, is this even possible? Blessed and humbled I felt at that moment to be shown the presence of the Falcon, in a complete unexpected appearance not the normal way which I’ve become accustomed to. This is a clear visible sign. Guru Ji is making his presence shown. This was proof that the Falcon is by my side day and night. Not only did the falcon fly above me during day time but amazingly the Falcon made himself visible in a light body at night now as well. Waheguru ![/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”549,550,551″ img_size=”650×650″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have completed the pilgrimage, we have taken refuge at all the Takhats. Now I am here alone and Karman has returned to Patiala. I am excited that the channel to Guru Ji has opened and the time has arrived for me to feel and experience the true essence of TakhatSachkhand Sri Abchal Nagar Sahib. I was ready for the messages and guidance Guru Ji would send me over the next few days.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”552,553,555″ img_size=”650×650″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The morning after Karman left I woke up to an outstanding sunrise. I make my way to the Takhat Sahib for morning prayers and decide to climb to the first level of the Takhat. There I sit opposite a group of Granthi’s busy reciting their parts. Over the next days I took refuge either on the first floor or under the painting of Guru Ji.
One morning I went upstairs and was sitting peacefully on the soft carpet next to the row of Granthi’s when an older gentleman came in. He had an arm full of Rumala’s (cloth for the Holi Granth Sahib‘s). As he was slowly removing the cloths from its wrapping and systematically placing one by one Rumala Sahib in front of every Granthi, he placed the Rumala’s down onto the golden railing bending down to every Sri Granth Sahib, I felt the waves of blessings rippling through the room. I now understand the value of this donation to the Guru Granth Sahib directly. By providing the clothes for the Guru Granth Sahib, in which the living guru will be dressed in, you are blessed. I sat quietly watching him and absorbing the pure blessings as it filtrated to this older gentleman and transmuted to every devotee and Granthi sitting in this room. This experience cannot be explained in words, the power of the Sri Granth Sahib, overwhelms you with ardor and gratitude.
At that moment the Takhat Sri Kesgarth Sahib, in Anandpur Sahib, flashed in my mind’s eye as a vision and the message came to me: “Return to Anandpur Sahib”. I did not question it, as I knew I loved that city. I was waiting for a confirmation to either visit the Akal Takhat at the Sri Harmandir Sahib, or to return to Cape Town, South Africa. But now I will head back to Punjab and stopover in Sri Anandpur Sahib. Ideally the pilgrimage has been completed successfully. But it seems that I am not done yet in India and I have two more stops to make before heading back to South Africa. I’m excited to share the divine intervention of Guru Ji with Karman.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”556,557,558″ img_size=”650×650″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On the second last morning I decided to do individual donations on behalf of some close friends, in return for which you receive an orange cloth, or a scarf and some dry Parshaad. The cloth is then taken into the Gurudwara, where the priests then pray over it and hand it back to you by draping it over your head. The beautifully vacuum packed dry Parshaad will travel easily. Cooking it is easy, literally place the Parshaad in a small pan with butter and the same amount of sugar water as the dry Parshaad, stir over mild heat and as soon as it has set, remove it from heat, let it cool a bit and enjoy the holy blessings it brings. Recite Waheguru, Satnam over the pan as you stir.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”559,560,561″ img_size=”650×650″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I also explored the area surrounding the Takhat and I discover Patiala, right here in Nander. Not quite but on one of the street corners there isa little shop that drew my attention. The shop is called PatiallaTouch! I venture inside as I’ve wanted to tie a Dumala, or lady Turban. Anyhow I look around and decide to rather do it in the presence of Karman.
Many mornings after Karman left I continue to have my breakfast of Paranthas and Kurd (home-made yoghurt) at the Maharajah Hotel, the staff gets to know me and my daily visits, and they really go out of their way to make me feel comfortable and spoil me with decorated salad bowls and chilled pani(water). I feel more and more settled here, and with my few words of Punjabi and their broken English we fire up quiet a conversation.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”562,563,564″ img_size=”650×650″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I made arrangements for my return flight to Delhi and my further travels up north; I had half a day before I departed so I visited this powerhouse of Guru Gobind Singh Ji for the last time. I sat on the marble floor, touching the golden step of the inner room. Here I feel Guru Ji’s presence as it is more evident than ever, I accept his blessings as they pour down on me. I sense his brave heart and I know it lives on in me. Now with a deep knowing, his vision for my life is taking shape. An unshackle trust has grown inside me, accompanied by a strong need, stronger than ever before to follow the falcon wherever it takes me.
I return to my room, pack up my last few things and head off to the registration office. Here I was charged an extra INR 600, as I didn’t take note that I had to check out by ten. I’m totally okay with it, but need to remember this for the next trip. I boarded the bus which took us all to the airport and as we drove out of the parking lot, I took a last glance at the beautiful white walls that surround this holy shrine.
I am blessed, and I am thankful, my life has been transformed!
I once read that the only way to transform your life is to be amongst holy men.
At the exit gate of the small airport there was a last message from Guru Ji
“Recognize the whole human race as one.”
I board the plane with a deep sense of awareness and further respect for humbleness of the Sikh nation.
This is the 10th episode of our Sikh pilgrimage, which will continue for the next few months. Please like and subscribe to our youtube channel and follow us on Social media @ Lila Weaver, to join us on our latest adventure of spiritual enlightenment.
Waheguru jikaKhalsa
Waheguru jikiFateh
Sat Sri Akaal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]