Visions of Champaklal

On the Way to Hemkund

1979-07-01

We were going to Hemkund and had climbed three-fourths of the steps—steps not as in buildings, but arranged irregularly. That is why they went very well with Nature. I did not climb up to the end. But this place was also beautiful and wide-open—most of it covered with bright white snow. One did not like to move away from there. Someone from amongst us remarked, “If this is not Tapobhumi, then what place could it be?” I do not remember the exact wording. This place elevates one and draws one within. I sat there and looked around. Wherever our glance fell, the eyes were as if stuck and did not like to shift their gaze from that scene. We forgot everything and felt as if we were in another world. Everything became very quiet within us. After some time my eyes got closed. I remained there while the others went to Hemkund.