In My Hands Today…

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Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder – Salman Rushdie

From internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, a searing, deeply personal account of enduring—and surviving—an attempt on his life thirty years after the fatwa that was ordered against him

On the morning of August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie was standing onstage at the Chautauqua Institution, preparing to give a lecture on the importance of keeping writers safe from harm, when a man in black—black clothes, black mask—rushed down the aisle toward him, wielding a knife. His first thought: So it’s you. Here you are.

What followed was a horrific act of violence that shook the literary world and beyond. Now, for the first time, and in unforgettable detail, Rushdie relives the traumatic events of that day and its aftermath, as well as his journey toward physical recovery and the healing that was made possible by the love and support of his wife, Eliza, his family, his army of doctors and physical therapists, and his community of readers worldwide.

Knife is Rushdie at the peak of his powers, writing with urgency, with gravity, with unflinching honesty. It is also a deeply moving reminder of literature’s capacity to make sense of the unthinkable, an intimate and life-affirming meditation on life, loss, love, art—and finding the strength to stand up again.

Family Footprints: An Unforgettable Italian Adventure – Part 1

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It’s been a couple of months since I came back from my epic spring trip. So, it’s high time I wrote a trip report, and that’s what this, along with a few more posts, will be all about.

To recap, six of us cousins and sisters planned on a trip together this spring. We’d been planning this trip for a long time, and it finally came together in May. How are we related? We’re all first cousins, our mums are sisters, and we’ve been quite close all our lives. When we were younger, because of the age gap, maybe we could not be as close as we wanted to, but as adults, we have maintained a closeness and know all the highs and lows of each other’s lives.

My home for the 13 odd hours to London

The Planning
After going back and forth on locations, we finally zeroed in on Italy. Mainly because it checked all boxes, including being vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Our base would be London, where two of my cousins lived, and the others would travel to Europe. We flew in from North America and Asia. Once the location was decided, I decided to spend some days before the trip in London. I decided to travel about five days before we were supposed to fly out to continental Europe, and I was the first to arrive.

I flew Singapore’s flagship airline, Singapore Airlines. My options were nonstop flights to London or transiting in the Middle East. I decided to go the nonstop route since it was a 13-hour flight, and this would be my first long-haul flight, and I don’t do very well during flights. Even on flights to India, after about two hours, I start getting impatient and just want to land. So I rationalised that a nonstop flight would be faster, hence, it would be easier on me. Next came the choice of the airline. My choices were Singapore Airlines, which, at the time I booked my tickets, had four daily flights to Singapore, British Airways, which had two daily flights and Qantas Airlines, which had one daily flight, all flying into London Heathrow. I think Singapore Airlines also had one flight to London Gatwick, but since Heathrow was closer to my sister’s house, I didn’t look at this option. I next looked at ticket prices and all three airlines had similar prices, within $100-150 of each other. Since I have been a KrisFlyer member, and this trip would give me miles, it was a no-brainer for me to choose SIA. I booked a day flight out to London, which meant I took the flight that left Singapore around 9 am and landed in London around 3:45 pm, local time. My return flight was a late evening flight which left London at 8:30 pm, landing in Singapore the next day around 5 pm. This meant I reached London late enough that I don’t crash with jetlag and can sleep after an early dinner to be able to sightsee the next day, and the return flight meant I had almost the entire day after landing from Italy to spend more time with my sisters.

I also offered to plan the itinerary of the trip. The cousin I was staying with is an intrepid traveller, and between her practical know-how and my planning skills, we were able to plan the trip. We decided to go to three cities, Rome, Florence and Venice. We stayed in Rome for three nights, spent two nights in Florence and stayed overnight in Venice. All travel between Italian cities was conducted using their high-speed trains. We flew out of London Gatwick to Rome and from Venice into London Heathrow.

My almost 14-hour flight from Singapore to London Heathrow was uneventful. The aircraft was an A380, which meant about 500 people across multiple classes were flying together on two levels. I had booked the cheapest ticket, which came with 25 kg of checked-in baggage and 7 kg of carry-on luggage. While booking the ticket, I wanted to book the exit row seat, which came in at SGD 150 per seat per leg, but was dissuaded by my sister, who said this would open up during check-in. She was wrong. A month or so after I booked my ticket, those seats were snapped up, and I regretted not purchasing them when I could. Since I was a solo passenger and maybe because of my frequent flyer membership, I got an aisle seat (thank god) next to a lovely couple who were travelling from New Zealand to London. So at least I was able to move around during the flight. Since my flight was a day flight and we were flying west, chasing the sun, I felt the flight was boring!

I had pre-loaded my phone and tablet with entertainment and books, and also used the in-flight entertainment system, but as I mentioned earlier, I get bored easily onboard. So the walking around really helped. I could not sleep because I was well-rested and also excited, though I think I did take a couple of small naps during the flight.

Buckingham Palace

London
We landed in London on time, and immigration was a breeze. Singapore citizens need an ETA or Electronic Travel Authorisation instead of a visa, which I had gotten a week before my trip. I needed to download the UK ETA app on my phone and apply for the ETA by scanning my passport’s biometrics into it. It cost about GBP 16 or SGD 30, and approval came in less than five minutes after the application. The ETA is valid for two years, and I can stay in the UK for tourism purposes for six months at a time. So, because I had the ETA, all I needed to do was scan my passport at border control, and I was officially in the UK!

My sister picked me up from the airport, and after meeting her family, we went for a walk around 8 pm, and the sun was still shining! I laboured on till dinner and bedtime because I wanted to be fresh for the next day, my first day in London. I had about 2.5 days to explore London, after which the others would land and our trip would officially begin.

On my first full day in London, we left the house early and headed to Hyde Park. My sister lives on the outer edge of zone 1, walking distance from a tube station, so that was our mode of transport. After walking across Hyde Park, I checked out the Serpentine lake and saw Kensington Palace from outside, and then sat for a while in Kensington Gardens before walking out of the park.

Serpentine Lake at Hyde Park

Our next stop was the Victoria & Albert Museum. This museum has been on my visit list for years. When I was in my late teens or early twenties, the V&A Museum had a travelling show they took to many cities around the world, including Mumbai. I think this was to celebrate a milestone year in the museum’s history. I went to the museum twice, once alone and once with my sister, and this cousin and her sister. I was entranced and knew whenever I go to London, I had to visit the museum. And to my good fortune, my sister also enjoys museums and just the week before she had gotten membership to the V&A. This meant, in addition to the free exhibits, we could also check out their special exhibit, which was an exhibit showcasing Cartier’s jewellery over the years, which was out of the world.

After spending a few delightful hours at the museum, we went back to Hyde Park because my sister had to run some errands. We then walked to Buckingham Palace and saw it from the outside. Then walked across St James’ Park, where we spent some time admiring the views and then home. I had walked more than 23,000 steps and was feeling jet lagged at this point.

Tower of London

On the next day, we left home bright and early to go and visit the Tower of London. I had prebooked a slot for us for 9:30 am. The Tower of London is phenomenal. If there is only one attraction you want to pay for in London, it should be this. Rising on the north bank of the Thames, the Tower of London began in 1078 when William the Conqueror ordered the White Tower, a stark stone keep meant to cow newly conquered Londoners and guard the capital. Over nine tumultuous centuries, it expanded into a concentric fortress, royal palace, menagerie, mint, and, most famously, a high-security prison. Its walls echo with tales of intrigue and tragedy: Anne Boleyn’s final walk, Guy Fawkes’s interrogation, and the mysterious disappearance of the “Princes in the Tower.” The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today and one of Britain’s most popular museums and tourist attractions.

I wanted to see the crown jewels and especially the Koh-i-Noor diamond, but to be honest, the diamond felt a bit underwhelming to me. Maybe because of the diamond’s history, I expected it to be much more, but it didn’t speak to me like I thought it would. We also joined a Yeoman Warder’s tour, but because of the crowd, we couldn’t hear much, so left the tour less than 10 minutes after joining it.

Tower Bridge

After the Tower of London, we walked to the Tower Bridge and took some photos before our next destination, a quaint church close to the Tower Bridge called St Dubstan of the East. Set within the ruins of a Wren church, St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a green oasis with benches and a fountain with greenery draping the historic walls. The church was originally built around 1100, a new south aisle was added in 1391 and it was repaired in 1631. It was severely damaged in 1666 by the Great Fire of London. The Church was again severely damaged in the Blitz of 1941. Wren’s tower and steeple survived the bombing. During the reorganisation of the Anglican Church after World War II, it was decided not to rebuild St Dunstan’s. In 1967, the City of London decided to turn the remains into a public garden, which opened in 1970. When we were there, it was lunchtime and we found many office workers having lunch there. I wish there were someplace like this when I worked full-time, so I could also have a breather during lunch in cool and sylvan surroundings.

St Dunstan of the East

Our next destination was a place that was GG’s wish, Leadenhall Market. A huge Harry Potter fan, Leadenhall Market is where the first film of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was partly filmed. Leadenhall Market was used to represent the area of London leading to the popular wizarding pub The Leaky Cauldron and was the inspiration for the magical shopping street Diagon Alley. It’s a charming, airy market in the heart of the city with shops, boutiques and restaurants with stunning architecture dating back to the 14th century.

City of London from Sky Garden

We were hungry at this point, and our next stop was perfect for lunch. We went to London’s highest public garden, the Sky Garden, to take in 360-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline as well as have lunch at one of the restaurants in the space. Access to the Sky Garden is free of charge, but spaces are limited and visits must be booked in advance. Here we were joined by others in the family, and it was lovely to see all the sights in the city centre with the Thames flowing past, and then have a yummy lunch.

Post lunch, we wandered across the London Bridge and walked to Borough Market. This is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the site dating back to at least the 12th century. The present buildings were built in the 1850s, and today the market mainly sells speciality foods to the general public. After having some dessert here, we hopped into the tube to Greenwich to take an uber for an exciting trip.

The financial district from the Uber Boat

At Greenwich, we walked down to the pier to take an Uber boat down the Thames. The only option available at that point was a boat to the Westminster Pier, so we hopped into that. It was a nice way to see London by the river, and I enjoyed the trip, soaking in the sights that I would otherwise not see. The trip took about 30-40 minutes, and we were able to pay using the same cards that we used on the tube and bus. After disembarking from the boat, we wandered around Westminster and then took the tube home.

St Paul’s Cathedral

On my third day in London, the first thing we did was to return to the airport to pick up my sister. After she came home and freshened up, we went out. Our destination was the St Paul’s Cathedral. Dominating the skyline with its gleaming dome, St Paul’s Cathedral is the masterpiece Sir Christopher Wren raised after the Great Fire of 1666, and was completed in 1710. Outside, its soaring 365-ft silhouette draws the eye, while inside, a serene Baroque nave draws the eye up to a coffered dome inspired by St Peter’s in Rome. Whisper along the interior of the Whispering Gallery to test the acoustics, then climb to the Golden Gallery for panoramic views of the Thames, the Shard and Tower Bridge. In the crypt, Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill lie. The cathedral hosted the funerals of Diana’s maternal grandmother, state services after the Blitz, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981. The stairs going up are a killer to the knees, but the views from the top are spectacular.

After lunch at a Greek restaurant, my first time, we took the tube to Covent Garden, walked around the theatre district a bit, and then went to Europe’s largest shopping centre, Westfield, for some retail therapy and dinner. And that was pretty much the end of my London sojourn.

The Theatre District, somewhere near Covent Garden

The next day was spent travelling to both London Heathrow and Gatwick to pick up the last two who landed almost at the same time. So we had a mini road trip before our big trip. In the evening, we all trooped to the last sister’s place, who lived a bit further away, but closer to Gatwick which was from where we were supposed to board our flight to Rome. After a scrumptious dinner, we woke up early on flight day. The taxi to drop us at the airport was supposed to pick us up at 5:30 am, so we had an early start.

The next three parts will be all about our Italian adventure, so keep watching this space!

2025 Week 30 Update

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Today’s famous quote, often attributed to German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, highlights the irrationality of repeating ineffective actions while hoping for change. It suggests that if we continue to use the same methods or patterns in life, work, or relationships, yet expect new or improved outcomes, we are acting in an illogical or “insane” manner. The quote encourages self-reflection and adaptation. If something isn’t working, whether it’s a habit, mindset, or strategy, then it’s time to try something different. Progress, innovation, and growth require flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to adapt and change course. Otherwise, we remain stuck in cycles that lead nowhere. At its core, the quote is a reminder that real change begins with new choices.

This week was very chill. BB has been away for his outfield exercise, hopefully the last one before he ends his national service, and for GG, the coming week is her last week of internship before school starts next month. As for me, I have been on a productivity streak, trying to do as much as I can from my to-do list. So I am happy with this week. Here’s hoping the coming week is equally productive.

That’s all I have for you this week. Stay positive, keep smiling, and think happy thoughts!

In My Hands Today…

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Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want – Courtney Carver

Written by minimalism expert and celebrated author Courtney Carver, Gentle is the “don’t do it all” self-help book you need to live with less stress and more ease, less overwhelm and more joy by uncovering the Gentle You.

Grounded in self-compassion and a fierce commitment to less, becoming the Gentle You isn’t about taking the easy road. It’s a practice of real self-care that, over time, will soothe your nervous system and strengthen your relationships.

Organized into three parts—Rest, Less, and Rise—30 challenges and simple practices will help readers radically and (yes) gently shift their pace, headspace, and heart.
It’s time to find strength in your softness, fierceness in your flexibility, and to finally rise—not by pushing through but by connecting with the Gentle You, standing in your light and honoring the person you are.

Sacred Stones, Spaces and Stories: Shakthipeeta Part 12

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Biraja Temple, Jajpur, Odisha
Located about 125 km north of Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneshwar, in the town of Jajpur, the Biraja Temple is dedicated to Goddess Biraja. While the exact date of the temple’s establishment remains uncertain, the present temple structure was built during the 13th century. However, the site’s sanctity and importance long predate this construction.

The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of Odisha’s past with its mention in various Puranas and other ancient Hindu texts. The Skanda Purana, in particular, describes the site as having the power to cleanse pilgrims of their sins. During the 10th century, under the rule of the Somvanshi dynasty, the temple saw a significant transformation. As Vaishnavism flourished in the region, the Biraja temple was incorporated into the Vaishnavite tradition. This led to the popularisation of Jajpur as Nabhigaya, believed to be the place where the navel of the demon Gayasura fell.

The temple faced a dark period in 1568 when it was ravaged by General Kalapahad and his Bengal Sultanate army. The sacred Biraja idol was shattered and discarded into a nearby well. For centuries, the temple lay in ruins. However, around 1750-51, with the end of Mughal reign in Odisha, a Vedic pandit named Tryamvaka Agnihotri retrieved the damaged idol, restored it, and reinstated it within the temple. The remaining structure was further restored during the Maratha era between 1751 and 1803.

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According to tradition, it is believed that the navel of Goddess Sati fell here. At the Biraja Temple, the goddess is worshipped as Viraja or Girija, a form of Devi Durga. The principal idol is a striking representation of the goddess. She is depicted with two hands or dwibhuja, spearing the chest of Mahishasura with one hand and pulling his tail with the other. One of her feet rests on a lion, while the other is placed on Mahishasura’s chest. Interestingly, Mahishasura is depicted as a water buffalo, rather than in human form. The idol’s crown features intricate details, including representations of Ganesha, a crescent moon, and a lingam. The corresponding bairava is known as Varaheshwar or Baraha.

The temple covers a large area and houses several shrines dedicated to Shiva and other deities. The temple is also known as Nabhi Gaya, one of the Tri Gaya Kshetras, along with Gaya in Bihar and Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located near the banks of the holy Vaitarani river, which finds mention in various Puranas. The Biraja Temple hosts the only Rath Yatra or chariot festival for a Devi in Odisha. The temple complex includes a separate shrine for Sree Bagalamukhi Devi, a rare feature as temples dedicated to this form of the Dasamahavidya are uncommon. The temple premises include an ancient well believed to be connected to its Shakti Peetha status.

The primary ritual in the temple is the Sharadiya Durga Puja, which begins on the night of Krishna Paksha Ashtami and ends on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami. This puja, known as Shodasha Dinatatmika Puja, lasts for 16 days. Known as Simhadhwaja, the ratha yatra or chariot festival is a unique feature of the Biraja Temple. The chariot’s flag bears a lion, symbolising the goddess’s power. During the lunar transition from Shukla Ashtami to Shukla Navami, an animal sacrifice ritual is performed. Celebrated as Aparajita Puja, Navratri is observed with a lot of gaiety and enthusiasm. Triveni Amavasya is celebrated in the month of Magha, in January-February, and marks the birthday of Goddess Biraja. On this day, she is decorated as Goddess Savitri, the consort of Brahma, adorned with golden ornaments and attired exclusively in yellow. Dola Purnima is another significant festival celebrated at the temple. The temple also celebrates Nakshatra, Shravana, Prathamastami, Pana Sankranti, Raja Parva, and Navanna.

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According to local lore, the demon Gayasura was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. After years of penance, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon that anyone who saw him would achieve Moksha. Gayasura used his spiritual powers to enlarge his body so that everyone on Earth could be saved. This concerned the gods, who approached Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva for help. The three deities, disguised as Brahmins, approached Gayasura in search of space for a Yajna. This legend is closely tied to the Nabhi Gaya status of the temple. The Brahmayamala Tantra contains a hymn called Aadya Stotra dedicated to Shakti. In this hymn, Viraja or Girija is mentioned as the goddess worshipped in the Utkala Kingdom, which later became Odisha. In Tantric literature, the Oddiyana Peetha is described as being located in eastern India near the Vaitarani River. The term Oddiyana refers to an ornament worn by a woman around her navel, further connecting the site to its Shakti Peetha status.

The Biraja Temple, with its echoes of ancient rituals and its unique blend of Shakta and Vaishnava traditions, coupled with its rich historical background, makes it a fascinating destination for both devotees and those interested in India’s spiritual heritage.

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Devi Talab Mandir, Punjab
Nestled in the heart of Jalandhar, the Devi Talab Mandir dedicated to Goddess Durga, is not just a place of worship but a powerful symbol of divine feminine energy that has drawn pilgrims for over two centuries. The origins of the Devi Talab Mandir stretch back approximately 200 years, with the exact date of its establishment uncertain. The present structure of the temple has undergone several renovations and changes over the years. In place of the old Devi Talab, a new temple has been built in the centre, preserving the sanctity of the original site while accommodating the growing number of devotees.

According to tradition, it is believed that the right breast of Goddess Sati fell at this sacred spot. At the temple, the goddess is worshipped as Tripurmalini, a form of Goddess Kali. This name, meaning the one who destroys the three cities, alludes to her power and fierce aspect. The Bhairava, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva who accompanies the goddess at each Shakti Peetha, is known here as Bhishan Bhairav.

The temple complex houses a 200-year-old large masonry tank, considered sacred by Hindus. This ancient water body is a central feature of the temple, giving it its name Talab or pond and adding to its spiritual significance. Besides the main goddess, the temple complex houses shrines dedicated to various deities. Notably, there is an old temple of Goddess Kali near the Devi Talab. Recently, a model of the Amarnath Yatra has been built within the premises. The temple showcases intricate gold work both inside and on its top and the complex includes a hall dedicated to Lord Ram.

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The temple is open from 7 am to 8 pm. Daily rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga are performed, maintaining a constant flow of spiritual energy. Navratri is celebrated twice a year, during which devotees participate in the Kanya Puja or the worship of young girls representing the goddess and large fairs are held. The Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, an annual classical music festival, held in December, is a unique feature of the temple. It attracts music enthusiasts from across the globe, blending spiritual devotion with artistic expression. Dussehra and Diwali are celebrated with special prayers and rituals, drawing large crowds of devotees. The deity is bathed with water, milk, honey, or other liquids as a form of purification and devotion daily.

The sacred tank within the temple complex is believed to possess healing properties. Devotees often take a dip in its waters, considering it an act of purification and a means to seek the goddess’s blessings for physical and spiritual well-being. During times of invasion by foreign rulers, it is said that the goddess protected her devotees and the sanctity of the temple. This belief in divine protection has strengthened the faith of devotees over centuries. The association of the temple with the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan is believed to be a divine blessing. Legend has it that the goddess, pleased with the devotion expressed through music, bestowed her grace on the festival, making it an integral part of the temple’s tradition.

Devi Talab Mandir, with its blend of myth, history, and living faith invites all who visit to partake in its timeless spiritual journey. The presence of a charitable hospital within the temple complex reflects the ethos of service associated with the goddess.

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Ambika Shaktipeeth, Viratpur, Rajasthan
The Ambika Shaktipeeth in Viratpur is dedicated to Goddess Ambika with the temple’s history intertwined with Hindu mythology. According to legend, the temple was founded by the sage Markandeya, a devoted follower of Goddess Durga. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone various reconstructions and restorations, yet its inherent charm and spiritual essence have persisted. The present structure, located in Virat village about 90 km from Jaipur, continues to be a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

According to tradition, it is believed that the fingers of the left foot of Goddess Sati fell here, making it a powerful centre of Shakti worship. At the Ambika Shaktipeeth, the goddess is worshipped as Ambika, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. The name Ambika signifies the motherly aspect of the divine feminine. Lord Shiva, in his complementary role, is worshipped here as Amriteshwar, meaning the lord of nectar or the nectar of immortality.

The temple is situated in Virat village, which is considered to be of great spiritual significance. The temple showcases the rich architectural traditions of Rajasthan. According to legend, the demon wreaked havoc on Earth, and the gods begged Goddess Durga to defend them. She then emerged as Maa Ambika and slew the monster, bringing peace back to the planet. It is believed that worshipping at this temple can help devotees attain peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.

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The temple remains open from 5:30 am to 8 pm daily. The festival of Navratri is celebrated twice a year. The first occurs in the month of Chaitra in March-April, while the second takes place in Ashwin in September-October. During these nine days, devotees worship Navadurga, the nine forms of Durga. Celebrated during the winter Navratri, Durga Puja sees elaborate rituals and large gatherings of devotees. The festival of lights, Diwali, is one of the most admired and auspicious occasions celebrated at the temple while during Mahashivratri, a grand fair is organised, honouring Lord Shiva in his form as Amriteshwar. Other festivals celebrated include Makara Sankranti, Ram Navami, Sharad Poornima, Teej in July-August, and Gangaur in March-April.

According to local lore, when the demon was wreaking havoc on Earth, the gods sought the help of Goddess Durga. She manifested as Maa Ambika and vanquished the demon, restoring peace to the world. This legend emphasises the protective and nurturing aspects of the goddess. It is believed that the goddess has the divine power to grant the boon of offspring to those who passionately seek her favour. This has made the temple particularly popular among women seeking blessings for their families and well-being. The temple is known as where devotees can seek help in overcoming obstacles in their lives. This belief has drawn many pilgrims facing various challenges, hoping for the goddess’s intervention.

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The Ambika Shaktipeeth, with its blend of myth, history, and living faith, showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan. The temple stands not just as a place of worship, but as a living link to India’s rich spiritual traditions, inviting all who visit to experience the divine presence of the Mother Goddess in her manifestation as Ambika.

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Manibandh Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan
Located in the sacred land of Pushkar, the Manibandh Shaktipeeth, dedicated to Goddess Gayatri, is also known as the Chamunda Mata Temple or Shri Raj Rajeshwari Puruhuta Manivedic Shaktipeeth. The temple is believed to be around 6000 years old and is located in the Gayatri hills near Pushkar, approximately 11 km northwest of Ajmer. The temple’s present structure, while ancient, has likely undergone renovations and expansions over the centuries.

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the wrists or manibandh of Goddess Sati fell here. The name Manibandh is significant, meaning wrist in Sanskrit. At the Manibandh Shaktipeeth, the goddess is worshipped as Gayatri, a manifestation of Goddess Sati. The temple houses two idols – one of Devi Sati, known as Gayatri, and another of Lord Shiva, known as Sarvananda, meaning the one who makes everyone happy who is the Bhairava at the temple.

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The temple uniquely houses idols of both Goddess Gayatri and Lord Shiva, representing the divine couple. The temple is constructed on a hill and made of stones with etched figurines of various deities, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Indian architecture. The statue of the goddess is believed to be extremely old, dating back to the Treta Yug, and is said to possess special energy. This temple is considered the ideal place for Gayatri Mantra sadhana, connecting it deeply with the practice of this powerful Sanskrit verse. The temple complex includes idols of Kali on the extreme left and Gauri Ganesh on the extreme right, adding to its spiritual diversity.

The Annakoot festival is arranged approximately once a year on the foundation day of the temple. The world-famous Pushkar Fair is celebrated with great pomp and pageant. The festival of Navratri dedicated to the goddess is observed with special rituals and devotion. Shivaratri also holds special significance in the temple. Gayatri Jayanti is another festival that is observed with great devotion and splendour, honouring the presiding deity of the temple.

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According to local lore, this is the place where the wrists of Goddess Sati fell. The wrists hold significance as they represent the source of all actions performed by hand. The temple is deeply associated with the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred verses in Hinduism. It is believed that practising this mantra at this location can bring profound spiritual benefits. Despite being near the major pilgrimage centre of Pushkar, this Shaktipeeth remains relatively unknown, hidden among the Pushkar hills. This seclusion is said to add to its spiritual potency. The statue of the goddess is believed to possess special energy dating back to the Treta Yug, one of the four yugas or ages in Hindu cosmology. This ancient energy is said to permeate the entire temple complex.

The Manibandh Shaktipeeth, with its blend of myth, history, and living faith, continues to be a powerful force in the religious landscape. The combination of its Shakti Peetha status, its connection to the Gayatri Mantra, and its unique representation of both Goddess Gayatri and Lord Shiva makes it a fascinating destination for both devotees and those interested in India’s spiritual heritage.