Heaven on Earth

Heaven on earth exists and I have seen it. It is where you first take off your footwear. The elves that store them and give you a claim ticket for on your way out – they are older, wiser, and gentler.

Then you wash your hands that touched the footwear at the water fountains. For your feet that touched the footwear, you just walk barefoot through a stream created for this purpose.

And then there it is! You gasp in awe at the first glimpse, as you stand on the steps of heaven’s gate. The sun kissing the house of gold in the middle surrounded by a pristine blue water body around which is an exceptionally large quadrangle. And here hundreds of people like you are walking mostly quietly in contemplation. This quadrangle is surrounded by large living/storage quarters on all four sides, that separate you from the world outside. That moment you set foot on the cool marble floor; your feet are there – in heaven.

Younger, stronger bodied elves are doing the sacred job of keeping heaven sparkling clean. There are those that are also ensuring all men, women and children have covered their heads appropriately, because that is one way you surrender to the supreme being. Sometimes they are holding a spear but never use it.

Aah, that divine music- it is coming live from the sanctum sanctorum. The men have voices that sooth your soul and set just the right sacred tone. As you make your way to the entrance of the holy shrine, you marvel at the order, the single-minded focus on the lord that easily keeps out all other distractions. You hear nary a complaint about long lines. Even older people are happy to let others with young ones break the line repeatedly and children comply happily chanting the praise of the lord. There is nothing but peace in heaven.

As you get closer to God, you also get closer to the music makers. You get your blessings in the same orderly fashion and quickly, for there are elves here who are making sure the line is moving and everybody gets their chance.

As you exit the shrine, you follow the hundreds of others who are going where the mouthwatering aroma is wafting from – another universe within heaven.

Everything here is in large numbers, the shiny stainless-steel plates, cups, and tumblers stacked up on racks as you enter. Older elves are handing you one of each and you walk through what can qualify for a marathon prepping extravaganza. Tons of vegetables spread out on mats and hundreds of pixies are sitting around and chopping them. The garlic station alone has 100. There are others ferrying the produce to the where it needs to be. There is a certain quiet when they are conversing because it is God’s work.

As you reach the entrance to one of the massive halls, you will see the choreography works to perfection. As you follow the lines, you quickly find yourself seated cross legged on a mat on the floor next to total strangers among the 500 in attendance at any given time. The stage set, the server elves do their job with great precision and timeliness, still making you feel welcome. In less than 20 mins the meal done, cleaner fairies prepare the stage for the next round.

The magnificent kitchens adjoining the dining areas are in full view for anybody interested. Gigantic cauldrons are cooking the sumptuous lentils and vegetables; hundreds of elves/fairies are rolling out rotis for the giant-sized pans; large trucks are hauling grocery into the storage area. The scale of the operation is enormous and overwhelming.

This noise is pleasant and continuous. As you head with your plate, bowl, and tumbler to wash your hands, the clinking of stainless steel with a rhythm, the swirling sound of flowing water transports you into a whole new world. Where hundreds of washer fairies are washing the dishes and elves as young as 8 are gently taking used utensils from you. Off you go to wash your hands.

Your time in heaven on earth is soon to conclude. Now you can walk around the quadrangle feeling the marble under your feet, taking one last glance at the Golden Temple, Amritsar in India.

Open 24 hours a day, all 7 days a week, year-round, there is a constant stream of devotees, and tourists from around the world. There is no fee to enter, no donation boxes and no meal has a price. Only goodwill – from well meaning people, businesses, and organizations. A small inconspicuous office in one corner will accept any donation, if you happen to stop by. Between 100,000 and 200,000 people come here for blessings on any given day. The hungry, the devout, the curious, the regular, the passer by – everybody is fed.

The volunteers, about 5000+ of them who cover 24×7 are offering their services for one return – soulfulness. I could have been an elf for the day if time allowed. You can play fairy and so can any visitor. A few hundred employees guide the volunteers round the clock. There are no documented procedures, no guidelines, no project managers, no supervisors, and no managers. There is no requirement of prior experience, no age, or gender restrictions. All you need is selflessness, generosity, kindness, magnanimity, friendliness, helpfulness, and service with a smile. If you lack any of this, not to worry. They are all infectious here and soon you will be ready.

This majestic symphony does not have a noticeable conductor. It has seen challenging times but has regained its pristine reputation.

As I head to my car, feeling my stomach and soul satiated, I wonder why a city, state, country, or the world, must be any different. Why don’t we just expand the boundaries of heaven – poof! But alas, my driver an Amritsari, tells me this symphony ends just outside the gates of the Golden Temple.

Please click on the slide show to see images related to this post.

For more beautiful photographs, check this link https://peopleimeetandfoodtheyeat.com/2019/05/20/inside-the-worlds-largest-community-kitchen/