For years, I struggled to take a solo trip without being affected by bipolar mood swings, lows, or panic attacks. Until three years ago, I either cancelled last minute or travelled in a delirium. Some trips were partially enjoyable, but I couldn’t fully experience them as I had hoped.
I knew I had to master solo travel since I decided not to marry and couldn’t rely on others for outings, as they are often busy or have different plans. I finally gained confidence after successfully visiting Grishneshwar and Bhimashankar Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra while also meeting my cousins. Still, I found psychological reassurance in knowing I could return to my cousin’s place in Mumbai if anything went wrong during the journey.
I achieved true victory on my trip to Dwarka and Somnath Jyotirlinga from February 10-15, 2025. As always, I planned everything—distance, budget, flights, hotels, and cabs. But the real challenge was stepping out, having Darshan, and ticking off two more Jyotirlingas, reaching seven total, without letting minor glitches trigger the major panic attacks my bipolar anxiety disorder usually amplifies.
Since there were no direct flights from Patna to Dwarka, I had to fly to Ahmedabad, landing at 9:50 pm on February 10. Everyone was concerned about my safety, so I shared my driver’s name, mobile number, cab details, and live location with two of my brothers. In fact, my live location was always on whenever I travelled long distances. I also felt reassured knowing that a driver booked through a reputable website would be reliable, as any misconduct could cost him his job, reputation, and legal consequences.
The next morning, I embarked on my longest road trip so far—Ahmedabad to Dwarka in nine hours, including a lunch break. I either dozed off or listened to podcasts, enjoying the cab’s excellent music system. Along the way, I saw windmills for the first time! Though they turned slowly, my driver assured me their speed was sufficient to generate electricity. It was heartening to see Gujarat’s green energy initiatives in action.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
80 feet (25 metres) tall statue of Mahadev
Whispering my wish in Nandi’s ear so that he would convey it to his master, Lord Shiva and He may grant a boon
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga’s legends tell of Mahadev appearing in Daaruka Van to rescue his devotee Supriya from the demon Daaruka, who had imprisoned her and others. Pleased by their devotion, Shiva vanquished Daaruka and established himself as Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, symbolizing protection from evil and unwavering faith.
The silver Jyotirlinga and Garbha Griha
The Dwarkadhish Temple was overcrowded due to Magha Purnima, with two queues merging at the entrance, making it difficult to enter. Instead of struggling through the crowd, I paid my obeisance from outside. This could have triggered a panic attack or low, as I briefly worried if skipping Darshan was a sin. However, I reassured myself that simply being in Sri Krishna’s holy city meant being immersed in His blessings, finding peace in that realization.
Dwarkadhish Temple which was tightly packed with devotees due to Magh Purnima
I had booked tickets for parasailing and scuba diving that day in the hope of having a glimpse of the submerged city of Dwarka, believed to have been constructed by Lord Krishna in Dwapar Yuga. However, in the last minute I got jittery or may be just lazy and didn’t step out of the hotel room for the rest of the day. I preferred staycation to vacation! It turned out to be better for me since I got a call from Mind Peace Clinic that I could have my online counselling session with my psychiatrist that afternoon.
At 6 am the next day, we started for Somnath, around three hours from Dwarka. According to mythology, Somnath Jyotirlinga was built by Chandra (the Moon God) to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and cure a curse of waning brightness given by his father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva freed him, allowing his phases to wax and wane. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, mainly for its gold reserves. The resurrection symbolizes resilience and divine power. The golden Garbha Griha still stands witness to the temple’s former glory and grandeur.
The decorated Somnath Jyotirlinga in all its splendour
The Somnath Temple is larger than the Nageshwar one and better maintained. There is strict protocol to be followed at the temple which has full security in place. We cannot carry bags or mobiles and of course shoes inside the complex. There are railings and properly organized queues. The devotees do not have access to the main Shivling. However, those who want to perform any special pooja are provided with replicas of Shivling along with seating arrangements made around them.
As I climbed the stairs to the Garbha Griha, the sound of mantra uchcharan on the mike reverberated through the complex which gave a very soothing divine aura to the entire ambience. I felt that I had been transported to Shivlok itself, which is one of my deepest desire – to get vileen in Lord Shiva after death. To add to the heavenly atmosphere was the sound of the waves of the Arabian Sea breaking on the shore adjacent to the boundary of the temple. It was a sublime experience for sure! I sat there for some time in order to soak in the pious and surreal surroundings.
Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
The rest of the day was spent resting and mentally preparing myself for the long drive from Somnath to Ahmedabad the next day – again for 9 hours. However, the drive back passed by in a jiffy. Having stayed at a hotel in Ahmedabad, I boarded the flight to Patna at 10:50 am on 15th February.
It was a solo trip better than my wildest imagination. I am now confident that I can travel alone anywhere in India and even venture to international destinations in the years to come as my budget permits! This is a significant accomplishment under my belt which is going to be useful for my entire lifetime. After all, I finally conquered the bipolar mood swings and this is certainly a cause for celebration and a life skill for a divorcee and with mental issues like me.
By RICHA VERMA
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