Past, Present and Future

 It was a super hot and sunny day in Mumbai, a busy city in India. Ravi, a ten-year-old boy, was on his way to school with his heavy backpack. He was a really nice kid who loved learning new things and going on adventures. Today, his teacher had a surprise for the class—a trip to a nearby historical monument!

 

When they arrived, Ravi's eyes lit up with excitement. The monument was so big and beautiful, with intricate carvings and a grand structure that amazed him.

 

His teacher told them all about the monument. It was called the Kailash Temple, and it was like a magical castle carved out of a giant rock! Imagine a huge mountain, but instead of being made of dirt and grass, it's all made of stone. And guess what? People didn't build this temple by stacking stones on top of each other like Lego blocks. No, they carved it right out of the mountain, starting from the top and working their way down. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods in Hinduism. Outside, there are amazing carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythical creatures, all chiseled into the rock with incredible detail. You'll see statues of elephants, lions, and even a giant bull, which is Shiva's favorite animal.

Ravi was so fascinated by the story and the temple that he couldn't stop looking around in wonder. It was a day he would never forget!

 

But the real magic happens inside the temple. As he stepped through the doorway, he found himself in a grand hall with towering columns that reach up to the sky. Sunlight streams in through the roof, creating patterns of light and shadow on the stone walls.

In the center of the temple, there's a sacred shrine where people come to pray and make offerings to Lord Shiva. Surrounding the shrine were smaller chambers and passageways, each filled with more carvings and sculptures telling stories from ancient Hindu mythology. Visiting Kailash Temple was like stepping back in time and discovering a world of wonder carved into the heart of a mountain. It's a place where history, art, and spirituality come together in a truly awe-inspiring way.

 

Ravi was captivated by the tales of ancient wonders and brilliant engineering. His imagination soared as he eagerly anticipated exploring the temple further. Stepping through the towering gates, Ravi felt as though he'd journeyed back through time. The air was alive with the echoes of bustling markets and the melodic chants of prayers. Temple bells rang out, filling the chamber with their reverberations, while devotees gathered to offer their heartfelt prayers to Lord Shiva.

 

As Ravi wandered with the group, his eyes sparkled with curiosity. Amidst the ornate tapestries and carved stone walls, he spotted a hidden door beckoning to him. Unable to resist the allure of adventure, Ravi slipped away from the group to investigate. Beyond the door, he discovered a small room adorned with a magnificent sundial at its center. Ravi's mind raced with excitement as he recalled reading about sundials and hourglasses in his history books. These ancient timekeeping devices fascinated him.

However, something peculiar caught Ravi's eye – the sundial was glowing! Unable to contain his wonder, Ravi reached out to touch it. In an instant, he was swept away on an unexpected journey through time. Suddenly, he found himself amidst a bustling temple courtyard, alive with vibrant stalls and bustling crowds.

 

With a sense of curiosity that burned brighter than the midday sun, Ravi reached out and touched the glowing sundial. In the blink of an eye, he found himself transported back in time to the Rastrakuta era, a time long ago when mighty emperors ruled the land.

 

Ravi's heart danced with excitement as he explored this wondrous new world. He wandered through the temple, marvelling at its grandeur and speaking with the people who lived there. He learned about their customs, their traditions, and the simple joys of their everyday lives.

One of the things he learned was that the temple was not just a place for prayer; it was also a hub of learning and cultural exchange. People from different parts of the country would visit the temple to share knowledge, stories, and ideas. Ravi was amazed at how much he could learn just by talking to the people around him.

 

And, to his amazement, he even had the honor of meeting Emperor Krishna I himself! The emperor was a kind and wise ruler who loved his people dearly. He told Ravi stories about the history of the temple and how it was built as a symbol of peace and unity.

 

Ravi realized that the temple was more than just a beautiful monument; it was a place where people came together to celebrate their shared heritage and learn from one another. It was a lesson Ravi would never forget.

 

As the day wore on, Ravi discovered that life in the Rastrakuta era was very different from his own. There were no televisions or smartphones, no cars or airplanes. Instead, people relied on their own two feet to get around, and they found joy in the simple pleasures of nature and community.

 

But as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Ravi knew that his time in this magical world was drawing to a close. With a heavy heart, he made his way back to the glowing sundial and touched it once more. In an instant, he was whisked back to the present day, leaving behind the wonders of the past.

 

Though Ravi was excited to share his incredible adventure with his friends and classmates, a part of him couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. For in his brief journey through time, he had learned that the past is not just a story in a book – it's a living, breathing world filled with lessons waiting to be discovered. And though he had returned to his own time, the memories of his extraordinary adventure would stay with him forever.

 

As they were leaving the Temple, Ravi's teacher asked him what he had learned from the trip. Ravi thought for a moment and replied, "I learned that the past cannot be changed, but the future is in our power. The Rastrakuta dynasty era may be over, but we can still appreciate and learn from its rich history and culture."

 

Ravi's journey had taught him a valuable lesson. He realized that the present is a result of the past and the future is in our hands. With this newfound knowledge, he promised himself to make the most of his time and create a bright future for himself and his country.

 

From that day on, Ravi looked at the world with a new perspective. He was grateful for the experiences and lessons he had learned on his journey, and he knew that he would always cherish this adventure in the land of India.