Pattar Baba ki Kahani- Pattar Dil ki Zubaani

One of my most memmorable visits outside Karnataka. It wsa my first actual visit to a place outside Karnataka and which was not supposed to be a 'holy visit' . It was thewinter of 1198 and the place was Barmer in Rajasthan. The deserts provided Desserts to my soul. The visit marked my first look into the world of people who live in North India. And was I excited at the oppportunity?

Let me narrate some incidents which I will never forget in my life.

First and the Best: Pattar Baba.

Its actually the place where a drunkard has been cremated. I dont know whether I can call it a memmorial. The story goes like this. There was this person who used to drink very much that he was fit to be called a habitual Drunkard. And its also believed that whatever he predicted would become true. So people were very much wary of him. Now comes the actual fun part.
When the drunkard died a memmorial like thing has been made where he is cremated and it is known as Pattar Baba. Any vehicle crossing this has to break for a while before moving forward, else, its believed that the vehicle will meet with an accident. And coincidently some time it has happened so the belief has become stronger. The stranger things are yet to come. If you think that a temple for Khusboo is too much then what can you of this. A pooja is done everyday for the Pattar Baba. The incense sticks are replaced by ciggerates and the holy water we call 'Theertha' is replaced by alchohol. I wonder what will be the hymns sung in his praise!!!!! One of the most weird things I have ever seen in life. If this is not blind belief then please define the term for me????

Next comes the rainy night. It was a cold evening with the clouds hovering around threatening to pour down anytime. And pour down it did and how? Hailstones thundered on us. I was trying to collect but the force with which they hit me amazed me. I never thought I would ever see such rain in Rajasthan, a desert. It was amazing to say the least.

Rest will follow. For now let me rest.