The Beauty of Vashishtha

A Vedic-era Shiva temple
was built by Sage Vashishtha,
who embraced the land of Guwahati
as a place of meditation and penance.

Built upon Sandhyachal Mountain
stands the temple and his sacred retreat.
Streams and waterfalls flow there,
carrying crystal-clear water.

Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta—three
are the names of these streams;
as they move ahead, they become a river,
known as the Vashishtha River.

Many medicinal plants grow here,
along with sal, teak and orchids;
they are found here in abundance,
adding to the beauty of the place.

Monkeys, elephants and butterflies
of many different kinds and species
find abundant food here
and enjoy the pleasures of life.

Small and large forest birds reside here—
nightingales, cuckoos and kingfishers;
they create sweet waves of melody,
blending with the gentle gurgling sound.

The water of the stream is sweet,
cool and filled with purity;
the essence of medicinal herbs
brings immense satisfaction too.

On both banks of the stream
lie broad, level rocks.
People come here every day
and enjoy picnics, knowingly or unknowingly.

Sitting here in peace,
one can also meditate;
divine and magnificent emotions
can be deeply experienced.

Dense forests and lofty mountains
create a picturesque scene;
villages lie on both sides,
making the landscape truly beautiful.

Lying upon the rocks,
one can gaze at the hills all around,
and above the green mountain peaks,
watch the endless blue sky.

Flowing continuously with a roaring sound,
laughing aloud—“ha-ha”—
this enchanting scenery
takes away the worries of the human mind.

It seems that the grandeur of the sage
is still present there even today;
the sacred radiance of his penance
still lingers in that holy place.

Vidya