Darkness Visible

I saw the solar eclipse from Varanasi last month (on July 22). It was quite astounding. As I watched the eclipse this time, I was reminded of Milton's lines from Paradise Lost:

... yet from those flames
No light; but rather darkness visible (I. 62 - 63)

I had seen a total solar eclipse in 1996 but this year's event was grander.

Way more grand.



The eclipse made me realize just how long four minutes can be: that's how long the eclipse lasted. It took place early in the morning. Sometime past 6 am, if I am not mistaken. The birds woke up and before they knew it, it was dark again.

Were the birds feeling a tad jet-lagged from the experience?



There is something extremely awe-inspiring about a total solar eclipse. It is a celestial spectacle. And the sun (and the moon) did put up quite a show.

Take a look.


Images and Video: (c) Sandeep Banerjee - All Rights Reserved

Tunganath

This summer I was at Chopta, in the Garhwal Himalayas. From there, I made the short trek to Tunganath (literally: The Lord of the Lofty Heights). Tunganath, at 12,072 feet, is possibly the highest temple (as opposed to shrine) in India. And it is one of the five kedars, the most important of which is, a few valleys away, at Kedarnath.

But Tunganath is exceptional for the views of the neighboring peaks that it allows the visitor. On a good day you can see the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Trishul, Sumeru, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. And all the khambas of the Chaukhamba (lit: Four Pillars: chau: four, khamba: pillar). Thankfully, before the monsoon arrives in the mountains, good days are aplenty.

So this is what the traveler saw.



Video: (c) Sandeep Banerjee - All Rights Reserved