Kapitel 13: A Pilgrimage Begins
The sun had just begun its descent over the ancient city of Somnath, casting long shadows across the winding streets. Rudra, having stepped off the train only hours before, found himself at a modest inn not far from the sacred temple grounds. The innkeeper had greeted him with the respectful indifference that comes from years of serving pilgrims, unaware of the true nature of the guest now settling in.
Rudra placed his few belongings down on the wooden table, the simplicity of his surroundings a stark contrast to the grandeur and opulence he had once known. The walls of the room were bare, save for a single painting of Lord Shiva, watching over the space with quiet serenity. As Rudra glanced at it, a small smile tugged at his lips.
He headed toward the wash basin, the cold water splashing against his face, refreshing him in ways that were more than physical. The world outside was new, but certain things remained timeless. The scent of fresh earth, the crisp air of twilight—it grounded him, reminding him of why he was here.
After freshening up, Rudra dressed in simple clothes, much like any other pilgrim. His form, though ordinary, radiated an inner strength and presence that made those who saw him pause. But to them, he was just another traveler, seeking solace in the presence of the divine.
Stepping out of the inn, he made his way toward the temple. The streets were bustling with the energy of the town, vendors calling out their wares, families chatting and laughing as they prepared for evening prayers. But for Rudra, everything else seemed distant. His mind was fixed on one thing: Lord Shiva, the Jyotirlinga.
The grand temple loomed in the distance, the structure standing tall as a beacon of devotion. As Rudra approached the steps, he felt an overwhelming surge of energy. The closer he got, the more powerful the pull became, like an invisible hand guiding him toward the divine.
He stepped through the temple's gate, and as soon as his feet touched the sacred grounds, Rudra felt the familiar presence he had longed for. His heart swelled with emotion, and for the first time in eons, he felt truly at peace.
"This place," he thought, "this is where I rebuilt the temple of my Lord."
Memories from Treta Yuga flooded his mind. He had once reconstructed this very temple, adorning it with silver. The gleaming structure had stood as a testament to his devotion to Lord Shiva. In that time, the temple had been a symbol of power, devotion, and unity. But as with all things in this world, greed and destruction had followed.
He recalled the time when Lord Krishna himself had rebuilt it again, this time in sandalwood. Each time it was destroyed, it rose again, stronger and more beautiful than before. But no matter how many times it was rebuilt, human greed and the ravages of time always found a way to tear it down.
Despite that, the temple endured, and so did the hope it gave to countless devotees. It was not just the physical structure, but the unwavering faith of those who came to this place that gave it its true power.
As Rudra entered the inner sanctum, the air grew heavier with sacred energy. The sound of bells echoed throughout the temple, mingling with the murmur of prayers offered by other pilgrims. But to Rudra, it was as if the entire world had gone silent, leaving only him and the presence of his Lord.
With each step toward the Jyotirlinga, his heart raced. The power here was undeniable, the connection to Lord Shiva tangible. He felt the warmth of his Lord's gaze, as if Shiva himself was welcoming him home after millennia.
Rudra's steps slowed as he approached the shrine. The Jyotirlinga stood before him, bathed in a soft glow of oil lamps and surrounded by offerings of flowers, milk, and sandalwood paste. The aura of the lingam pulsed with divine energy, as though it were a living entity.
As Rudra stood before the sacred symbol, his emotions finally overwhelmed him. He had been through so much—exile, death, rebirth, and now this new world. Yet here, in the presence of Shiva, everything seemed to fall away. All the battles, all the suffering, all the ambitions—they were nothing compared to the eternal presence of his Lord.
He knelt before the Jyotirlinga, his eyes closed as he whispered a prayer.
"Mahadeva," he murmured, "I have returned to your feet, seeking your guidance once more. This world has changed, but my devotion remains unchanged. Show me the path, as you always have."
A deep sense of calm washed over him, and in that moment, Rudra knew that Shiva had heard him. The connection he felt to his Lord was undeniable, and though the future remained uncertain, Rudra felt a renewed sense of purpose.
As he knelt there, he also remembered the weight of his past actions. The world had changed, yes, but so had he. He was no longer the ruler of Lanka, no longer the same Ravana who had waged wars against gods and men. Now, he was Rudra, a wanderer in this new age. Yet, his connection to the divine was as strong as ever, and that gave him strength.
Rudra remained there for what seemed like hours, simply basking in the presence of the Jyotirlinga. The energy of the temple was both soothing and invigorating, as if Lord Shiva himself were breathing life into his tired soul.
He rose slowly, his eyes lingering on the lingam one last time before he turned to leave. As he walked out of the sanctum and back into the open air, the temple bells rang once more, their sound carrying over the winds.
Standing at the edge of the temple grounds, Rudra looked out over the horizon, the vast ocean stretching out before him. His journey had only just begun, but he felt ready. He had come to Somnath not only to pray but to reconnect with his roots. And now, with Lord Shiva's blessings, he could begin his new journey.
With renewed determination, Rudra stepped away from the temple. Somnath was just the beginning. He still had many Jyotirlingas to visit, each one a crucial part of his pilgrimage before he could embark on the path the world had laid before him.
The world had forgotten Ravana, but Rudra would soon remind them of his presence. Not through conquest or war, but by walking a new path, one that blended the wisdom of the past with the realities of the present.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its final golden light over the temple, Rudra knew one thing for certain: Lord Shiva was watching over him, as he always had.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein