Reasoned Rebellion

Driving up through the mountains of Kasauli was a true adventure. Monkeys at every curve of the dangerously narrow road almost seem to be mocking us in hopes our car would tip over. The ordeal was worth it. The views from this hill station were unlike any that I have ever seen!



We were warned about those monkeys. Don't feed them, don't make eye contact, just ignore them. They were known throughout India not to be the friendliest of creatures attacking without warning. We had a rude awakening after settling in and enjoying tea service out on the resort's patio. All of a sudden, an ape from a nearby tree pounces onto our table. Terrified, we jumped back and took cover in the room. We could do nothing but watch the creature stuff a few sugar cubes into his mouth and make a quick getaway with our buttered toast.

Unlike the weather we just came from, there was a slight chill which was exhilarating each time I took in a gulp of the crisp hill air. I was eager to get to the top -- Monkey Point -- a place, according to on-line sources, was the peak of Kasauli where all the monkeys congregated. Surely, it was a sight to see. It was even protected by an Indian Air Force base where we had to be searched before entering. The challenge of climbing to the top was a daunting one, but that would not dissuade me from seeing those adorable yet vicious little monkeys.

Once at the top, I realized that my trusted Internet was sorely wrong. This was not really Monkey Point. It was Manki Point -- a religious reference to Hanuman. Not a monkey in sight. Just a tiny Hanuman Temple. The few people who were there were buying rice puffs as prasad from the temple's "holy man" (or vendor) and offering the bag to the hanuman statue. The statue's attendant was placing the bag of puffs on the deity's mouth and emptying the contents into a bowl as an offering to the Lord.

I wondered where all the puffs were eventually going. My guess was right back into bags and resold to another sucker.

As I was about to begin my descent to the ground, I noticed an emaciated dog resting at the steps of the temple. Every bone in her body was visible. My heart went out to the pup. I couldn't do much to help, but then realized that there was indeed one food vendor atop Monkey Point. I quickly bought a bag of rice puffs, but instead of feeding it to the statue, I thought it more worthwhile to give the poor animal some hunger relief. I learned that day that a bag of rice puffs doesn't become prasad just by putting it near a piece of porcelain. It becomes prasad when you do something noble with it.

Labels: special events