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Journalism of Courage
Girnar, the 3,100 ft hill, situated in Junagadh, Gujarat, is part of the folklore of Saurashtra. Since time immemorial Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monks have found sanctuary there. A stone edict of Asoka can be seen at the foot of the hill.
Steps have been cut into the rock. It takes 8,000 of them to reach the summit. Looking at the photographs my husband had taken when he climbed it in 2004, I was seized by the desire to see the beautiful 12th-century Jain temples located half way up that hill for myself. But having undergone a knee surgery in 2002, and with a recently healed third-degree ankle sprain to boot, I could not do so.
It was still dark in the early morning when we started. Lights lining the steps rising up to the hill glittered like a diamond necklace on the vast chest of the majestic rock. Enthralled by the atmosphere, I climbed the first 500 steps easily. The breaking dawn had filled the valley with verdant colours, as if with the deft touch of an artist8217;s brush. It whetted my appetite for an even more spectacular view and I kept going.
From the 1000th step, I got the desired view. But, after a short break, I felt I could climb some more. The fact that many enthusiastic schoolchildren and old people 8212; propelled by faith obviously 8212; had overtaken us, encouraged me even more.
We thus reached the 2000th step. I thought I should stop at that stage, but my husband encouraged me onwards. The last stretch was the toughest but now the ancient domes beckoned me.
When we finally reached I felt triumphant. But very soon came a humbling experience: the sight of dozens of magnificent stone temples, all intricately carved out of stone. The unparalleled serenity of the place left me speechless. We spent hours soaking in the rare ambience.
I had taken a great risk but the reward was greater. When I see the photograph of me on the 3800th step, I hear Paulo Coelho8217;s words: 8220;When you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true.8221;
