Transcending Tranquility and Where You Can Find It

When asked that where would one like to retire, the generic response would be either New Zealand, or Denmark, or Iceland or in the foothills of Himalayas. And this answer would be amazingly correct since these destinations fulfil the sole criterion one would have for the place he would like to spend his second innings - PEACE. Satisfaction with oneself and the world is a luxury only the sane can afford and at the stage of second childishness - senescence - tranquillity is the only wisdom man can bear.

Growing up, I used to spend my Diwali at this small religious village 'SONGADH' near Bhavnagar in Gujarat and while I used to sceptically ask my conscious on what made it so special for my parents and grandparents. And though this question has whizzed my mind for a half a dozen years, it is this new year that I realised the key to this golden bolt.

This year when I went to this village I sensed it's aurora for the every first time and realised why it was so captivating and mesmerising. Now, even though my visits were strictly focused on the amazing campus of temples that served to be a beacon for most, I can very well assure that it is not the shrine that brings the magic, it is the peace.

This is a 'village' by size and number but provides the facilities of a city, even better. There are no power outrages (*coughs*), no water shortages (*coughs even harder*) and enough space for everyone to fit in (*asthma*). This is everywhere - so what?

Okay, this village is 40 kilometres away from any industrial areas which means this area is healthy, hygienic and pollution free. There are well equipped rooms available at nominal rates which means you don't have to squander the precious earnings of your life ( This might save enough for grandparents to bring a new PS4 for grandchildren every Diwali!). There is a 'free-of-cost' eatery which provides wholesome, clean and adequately delicious food three times of the day. 'Free food' - isn't that the passcode to heaven?

These are things one might get in every other hill station, but what one might never be able to achieve is this level of peace. This peace, unlike others', is forged from the prayers and meditation of thousands that reside or visit this place. Not to endorse religion, but there is a certain kind of energy that promotes the feeling of satisfaction amongst all the dwellers. Most of the readers might have concluded that this place is good for religious monks but nope! This village is for every person that aspires to live freely, carefree and peacefully. It is for all those people who would just like to doze on the couch for the rest of the afternoon and life probably watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S or The Big Bang Theory ( Yes, they have TATASKY o'er there)

Now that I think about it, maybe these facts are the reason behind the village's name - Songadh which translates to Golden city. Cheers people! And I would not request but suggest you all to visit this place one in your life, you might just find something you always wanted.

THE LOCATION - here