After an overnight journey in the 'Sunlight Express', we reached India. We landed near Konark Sun Temple, which was obvious for it was one of the most famous sun temples in India. We thanked Apollo who had to flash quickly because of the 'Influence of the Hindu Pantheon'.
"Man! How do you live here? It is like living inside a baking oven. I am sweating like hell now.", Percy whined. I chuckled.
"Man, you are whining about the temperature in March?? The summer has only started. Two more months and you would bear the brunt of the Indian summers.", I said and chuckled again.
"And how many people are there in India again?", Percy asked.
"About 1.3 billion. That is four times the population of the USA at an area one third the size of it, to put things into perspective.", I said and lost it. I laughed hard at seeing Percy's face. It was priceless.
"It is so crowded.", Percy said.
"Okay. We can tour India afterward. Next stop, Badrinath Dham.", I said, before adding an afterthought, "On second thoughts, let us visit Puri Jagannath Temple. I always wanted to visit that place."
"Any specialty?", Percy asked.
"So, you would see someplace only if it is special?", I raised my eyebrow.
"Maybe.", He smiled sheepishly.
"Not that I know about. But I have heard about a few things. But..", I trailed off remembering something.
"But what?", Percy asked.
"You're not of Dharmic religions. You're not a Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, or Sikh. So, I don't know if they would allow you in.", I said slowly.
"Why? Don't they allow foreign tourists inside?", Percy asked incredulously and I shook my head.
"Long story short, due to gross misrepresentation of our culture in the west by the colonialists, the tourists have been attacking the temples verbally for things that we never did or do. Islamic Invasions and Christian Missionaries. That's it. Not only here, but in many important large temples as well.", I explained.
"Well. That sucks.", Percy said.
"That pretty much sums it up.", I relented.
We went to the temple. I spotted an acquaintance of my father and managed to convince him that Percy was not a Christian and he wanted to visit the temple for understanding our religion. We went inside the temple to get 'Darshan' Lord Jagannath with his brother and Sister. The temple was crowded. I could sense Percy flinching. ADHD and claustrophobia really were taking a toll on him. By the time we came out of the temple, it was mid-afternoon. We were grumbling in hunger. So, I bought some Prasad using the money and devoured them. Percy looked skeptical at first but ate the Prasad with relish.
"Dude!! How the heck did you remain calm. And how many people visit this temple? I haven't seen this much crowd since the finals of the NBA league!!", Percy gasped for air. I lost it and laughed heartily.
"Did I say anything remotely funny?", he asked sassily.
"Yes. Remotely funny. I was just thinking about your reaction when you visit Tirumala or Kumbh Mela. Oh! That would be priceless." I chuckled.
"Why?", was all he could muster.
"Afterwards. Come. We'll go to the railway station and take a train to Haridwar. It is a day and a half journey. Then we have to take a bus to reach Badrinath Dham. So, we have a lot of time to discuss things.", I said and he nodded. I really needed to thank mom. She gave me enough dollars. When converted to Indian Rupees, it was more than just a handful.
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Percy Jackson and the Incarnate- 1: The beginning
FanficPercy and Annabeth finally get their much deserved break from anything mythological. They finally settle in New Rome to attend college. But their lives change when Percy's dorm mate arrive; injured by the beef-head minotaur. But there was more to t...
