by V. Ganesan, Student, Age 20
Home - Back to List - Story 1 - Story 2 - Story 3 - Story 4 - Story 5 - Story 6 - Story 7
Imagine stripping a boy of his memories, his lifetime experiences and his entire perspective on life. Pretending that I have never been to Barsana Dham Hindu Temple in Austin, TX would have that effect.
I’ve had a lot of change in my life. But the only thing that never changed was the temple at Barsana Dham. Barsana Dham is my constant. It is the only memory I have from my preschool years.
My mother raised me with good values, strong Indian pride and took me to the temple every week. When I finally became old enough to decide for myself about religion, I kept going to the temple because I had found a second home there.
I have traversed most of the 220 acre grounds with sheer, unadulterated bliss. I have climbed the great hill, and seen the wonder that God has brought to Austin, TX. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. But, most importantly, I have learned that my religion is truly universal in nature. Sanatan dharm transcends the physical world, and unites people on the spiritual level. I’ve seen this happen firsthand at Barsana Dham, and it’s made me the gregarious, unassuming person I am today.
To consider what my life would have been like without the grace and beauty of Barsana Dham is impossible. I know the road to the temple so well, that if I am out driving in that direction, my subconscious mind starts directing me to that holy place.
Barsana Dham has defined me, made me who I am today.
I graduated from high school last year and am attending college in Pennsylvania, hundreds of miles away. It hurts me deeply to be away from the temple. When I was considering colleges, I prayed that I would be able to stay as close to home as possible, that I wouldn’t have to ever leave this paradise. Sadly, that decision was taken out of my hands, and now, I’m faced with going to college far away from Barsana Dham.
No matter where my college years may take me, I will never leave Barsana Dham because, in God, I have found a friend. In Barsana Dham, I found myself.
Home - Back to List - Story 1 - Story 2 - Story 3 - Story 4 - Story 5 - Story 6 - Story 7
