Day 10 Field Trip

The past few days have been great, if uneventful. There have been few interruptions to the routine. Which partly is what made last night's field trip so much fun.

Col Babu asked us in the afternoon if we would be interested in visiting a local Hindu temple, one to Lord Shiva, known as the creator. We were excited about the opportunity, both to visit the religious site as well as get more of a view outside of our walking radius from Zamorins.

We drove for approximately 30 minutes in Col Babu's car. We passed through Thissur, which had a small market selling local wares, clothing, etc.

We arrived at the temple shortly before sunset. It's always interesting visiting another religion's holy site because you're never sure what customs to follow, etc. Col Babu assured us that this temple permitted most activities and dress. The only requirement was that we remove our shoes before entering.

Col Babu took us inside the temple, which was perhaps an acre in total size and open-aired. The temple to Shiva was quite beautiful, with flowers and candles surrounding it. Col Babu took us around the perimeter of the temple, which also had shrines to other gods such as Ganesh (I believe he is the god that blocks or clears paths for people). As we went around, Col Babu also pointed out that there was a single link fence on one side of the shrine to Shiva. This was to indicate that we were to go no further. The symbolism to this is that Shiva, as creator, is associated with the Ganges River, which gives life to India. The link fence was to indicate the River, and also to remind people not to try to interfere with nature as it was intended. You could see how this has some bearing on people today as well as 5,000 years ago. After participating in the evening prayer, we departed for home and dinner.

Backing up a little bit, before we left for the temple, Col Babu showed us how our medicines utilized in our treatments were made. Two of the technicians were taking various plants and herbs, mixed with a couple of different oils, and heating them to condense them down. They were then tied into the sacks that have been utilized to apply the medicine to us in the mornings. He detailed a few of the different ingredients, which are grown locally. The fact that they are fresh is an additional benefit from being in Kerala versus a dried herb utilized in other parts of the world.

On a final note, my mother has decided she is going to stay an additional couple weeks on site. I'm very excited for her, as she has taken to both the treatments and to India with an excitement and eagerness than is very enjoyable to witness. It has been a great trip for both of us.