Influence

I personally have seen very few people who understand anything about Hinduism. Although since very young I have been exposed to the pioneer preachers of the religion, but one instance that I remember I will share with you. 32 Kms from Mussoorie on road to Tehri(site for the famous Dam on Ganga) is a small shrine of Goddess Durga. This shrive has deep rooted reigious significance and thousands of Devotees come to the Surkhanda Devi tempe each year to seek Mata's blessings. I visit Her often. The temple is located on a hilltop and one has to walk 4 kms of steep hillside to reach the place. On one of my visits, when I reached on top, it started raining heavily. After the regular Puja, I took refuge from the rain in the YajnaSthali where an old priest was sitting. As is observed in most Hindu temples, I was expecting the Priest to try and involve me in some more Puja to make money. The priest did initiate the talk. he asked me about what I am doing and from where I am. Then he told me one thing -"Son today you have come to the Mother's Abode. Soon you will go back to your workplace. All of yo9u are like birds who fly out of the nest one day! But all through your life, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, never forget one thing. Never forget your Mother! One mother is the mother who gave you birth, the other is the here who looks after you wherever you are and the third mother is the Bharat Mata. Whatever you do in life, do it remembering them. Never forget them. And you are sure to go the right way! ". It gave me a better understanding of how the soil of Garhwal gives birth to so many soldiers who to guard us, readily sacrifice their lives..