Vashishtha Gufa (Cave): Walking into a Pit of Darkness (Part 1)

Here within the darkness of the cave, once lived one of the most illuminated of all sages, Rishi Vashishtha. 

He was a man initiated by the very flame of embellishment, Shiva himself.

Whilst I walked up a few steps towards this wonder, I noticed beautiful Gular trees and the incessant chirping of birds as if it was a place meant to be. 

I asked a sickly old man walking beside me about the Vashishtha Gufa entrance fee, to which he replied that there was no fee, only a devotion to the truth.

“Many have left their bodies to this structure made of stone. I wonder why?” I asked.

With each step, he exhaled with an undying passion. I wondered, ‘Here is a man, fighting his physicality, only to experience the truth of this Rishi, if he even existed.’

“Do you know why this entire cave is only lit by one Diya (light)?” he asked while wheezing and collecting his breath.

“It is said that once, the revered Lord Rama, in his teenage years, stood in front of this being and had the audacity to wonder, ‘Why am I here?’ ‘Who am I ?’

In anger or, rather, compassion, the illustrious Rishi announced, ‘There exists only Consciousness which is free from the pursuit of objects to be known; which is alone and mere Light entirely equal and undivided.’

“So what does that imply?” I asked while scratching my head.

“My dear friend”, the man smiled, “Those who see the diya are yet thriving unto this delusion that without it, nothing can be seen. Open your eyes; you see no light, for there is no darkness.”

As he reached the threshold of the Vashishtha Gufa, he mutters, “If only the tranquillity of this space can be produced within me, Rama, Rama, Rama.”

In the presence of darkness lies a Shiv Ling, initiated by the supreme Yogi of decades, Vashishta.

Moving through this cave is a challenging experience, requiring one to use all their senses to navigate effortlessly. A faint voice beside you of the old man travels through the walls of the Gufa, asking, 

Him: Do you know why the Ling is of this shape?

Me: I wondered if it was a representation of the main reproductive organ.

The old man responds, "Not at all; such theories have come up by intellectuals who failed to perceive subtle energies beyond your 5 senses.”

Me: What do you mean?

"Have you heard of Agastya Muni?" the old man continues.

Me: ”Yes, what of him?”

"Several temples were established by him in the Southern lands of India. If you notice, most of the temples are just empty spaces.

 No idol, No Pooja, No nothing. Agastya Muni was one of the Saptarishi’s (7 direct disciples of Shiva). He used a complex process transmitted by Shiva himself called “Prana Pratishta.” 

According to this process, life energy can be directed and placed in a place, a Human being, and even an object with a particular intention.

 When the energy reaches its peak with regard to the object, it forms an elliptical shape or form. This is regarded as the highest form of energy that an object can emit, and if one is in its presence, they have no choice but to be drawn towards the divine.”

Continued on the Vashishta Gufa Rishikesh journey in Part 2. 

P.S. The Vashishtha Gufa in Rishikesh, India is a renowned spiritual destination that offers a unique experience to those looking to deepen their meditation, yoga, and trekking practices. With its rich history and beautiful surroundings, the Vashishtha Gufa tours are a must-visit for anyone looking for a transformative experience.

As you embark on a Vashishtha Gufa trek, you'll be walking in the footsteps of this revered sage and his teachings.