Guardian gods are a huge part of Hindu mythology. In most temples, you’d see two statues “guarding” the entrance that leads in to the statues of the main god or goddess. These guards are almost always in human form, but once in a while, you’d also get to see foxes and dogs.
This security dog guards the Hanuman temple in Mechi, Nepal.
Approaching the counter at the same time, both men gestured the other to go ahead. After a brief hesitance, the shorter took the offer. Middle-aged and suited, he smiled with ease—unperturbed by jet lag. His shoes glossy, walk steady, and stance authoritative, he nodded to the woman who smiled, handing him his US passport.
The taller man was suited, too—a corporate passenger attending an event. He appeared younger than the other, but with shoes as shiny and a walk just as confident. With a curt smile, “Please scan your bag.” the woman said before returning his middle eastern passport.
I had gone to Thekkady, Kerala, some months ago and among the fish and the rain, I also happened to experience a mountain so lush its named just that—the green mountain. It’s called so because the mountain retains its greenery throughout the year. The forest on the mountain houses such tall trees that encapsulate clouds, and ensure the forest gets enough rainfall even in summer. So the mountain never sees a brown day, refreshing every visitor that comes its way.
We weren’t difficult as kids, my brother and I. Perhaps that’s why I had never seen my mother praying or wishing for things were easier.
However, on a family trip to Kodaikkanal, we visited a century’s-old church, and to my surprise, my mother insisted we sit down for a while. And though we raised eyebrows, we waited while she spent a few minutes in silent rumination.
I never asked why or what she prayed for. Maybe she was tired being the tireless mom. Maybe she just wanted a moment to herself — away from all the noise and distractions of running a family.
Or maybe she wished her easy kids had grown up to be easy grown-ups too. I know we’re a pain now.
Walking in the park,
catching bird feet in a tree
misleading shadows.
I took this photo at the Vandalur nature reserve in Chennai. The timing was perfect. My friend and I were walking around for about three hours before sunset, and a tree became a shadow.
