Get, Set, Goa, Gone! - Part IV

Goa is one of India’s best kept natural secrets. Wondering how? I am sure just like me, you too think the beaches are overrun by tourists and you're not wrong – but beyond the tourist trail are waterfalls and forests, wildlife and birds that are overlooked by many tourists.On my yoga retreat I had my mind set on discovering and sharing such places with my students. One such open secret is the Bamanbudo Waterfall, located near Gordongram, Canacona. This waterfall is pristine and easily accessible because it is located on the Canacona-Naturlim Road inside the Bhatpal forest gate.Most people who visit this waterfall see the sight from the road. But if you are ready to walk about 250 mt, there is another side of this waterfall that very few people know about.A short walk from the road, down a little forest trail will take you to the most picture-perfect spot, with water falling down through the lush green hillock. The sound of the water, freshness in the air and everything beautiful contributes to the aura of the place. And that’s not all, if you are interested in a pedicure then put your legs in the water and it won’t be long before the many fish come nibbling..My students and I quickly changed and jumped into the crystal clear cool water, splashing, laughing and having the most incredible time. The waterfall is not as huge as one may expect it to be but still, it’s worth visiting. The water is shallow but at points it gets quite deep, and it’s important you know how to swim. If you are the adventurous kind, there are plenty of tree roots hanging from above that you can swing from to feel like Mowgli and jump into the water. There are also small cliffs that you can climb up on and jump from.As we were swimming in the water, I turned to our guide and asked what the word ‘Bamanbudo' meant. Whether there was a story connected with the place. My guide turned to me and said, ‘Are you sure you want to hear the story?’ I nodded, now filled with curiosity.He turned to me and said, ‘According to a popularly recounted legend in Goa, once there lived a rich man by the name of Mahadar. Mahadar was known for being very kind and always gave to anyone who asked. Often people took advantage of his kindness and took money from him. Puram, a man from the same village was one such person, who kept asking for more and more money, till Mahadar had nothing left to give him. Mahadar sold off his house to make sure he could help all who asked for money including Puram..Soon Mahadar and his wife were on the streets. When Mahadar’s wife fell sick, none who had availed of his help were willing to help him. Mahadar’s wife died on the streets. However, Mahadar did not lose faith and even in his dire situation, he would try to help in whatever way he could.God appeared in Mahadar’s dream and asked him if he wanted all his wealth back, but Mahadar refused the help and instead asked God to bless all who had hurt him. Pleased with Mahadar’s reply, God asked Mahadar to ask for a boon. Mahadar asked for a small place to stand from where he could pray for mankind in general. God was so pleased with Mahadar that he blessed him with enlightenment.It is said the Bamanbudo Waterfall is where God appeared, and even today all the locals offer a piece of anything they eat or drink first to the river and only then consume it’..We stood still for a while and then he added, ‘It is said if you don’t offer something, the spirit might hurt you too’. For a second the waterfall felt eerie. Then I laughed it off and asked him to get the group some snacks.There are no food shops near Bamanbudo, you have to pack your own picnic. So we walked around and luckily found an old lady making samosas for her family in her tiny village home. We agreed to pay her and got some piping hot fresh samosas for the group.I offered it to all my students and my guide diligently offered one to the fishes and the river of Bamanbudo. I laughed at my own superstition but then thought, maybe this is how in the olden days people made sure man and nature were one—through stories that forced them to take care of the river and all its fishes..Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of natureAlbert Einstein