In 2009, I found myself atop Matar Dev Hill, amidst the serenity of the Satpura Hills, marked a profound chapter in my journey of peace and spiritual discovery. Nestled in the heart of this tranquil wilderness, the Temple of Matar Dev Baba stood as a timeless symbol of solace, offering a place to reconnect with something deeper. Much like every peak in India, this hill was crowned by a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva—a place where the spiritual meets the natural world in perfect harmony.

Ascending the rugged trail to the peak, I left behind the hustle and chaos of my life in the capital, seeking a refuge far removed from the frenetic pace of urban living. As I reached the summit, I was greeted by an overwhelming sense of calm, a contrast so stark to the constant buzz of city life. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Satpura range and the soothing whispers of the wind, I felt a sense of belonging to this untouched corner of the world.

The clouds above, shrouding the hills in a soft mist, added to the magic of the moment. Gentle rain showers caressed the earth, bringing an added layer of serenity to the scene. Each drop seemed to wash away the noise of my everyday life, leaving behind a deep sense of peace. I marveled at the beauty of life unfolding around me—nature’s grace on full display. It was a moment of spiritual fulfillment, the kind that words can barely capture but that the heart can feel deeply.

As I filmed this experience for the Life In A Day contest on YouTube (Got selected among the top 100 hours of video and received appreciation from Kevin MacDonald and Ridley Scott), I realized that what I was capturing wasn’t just a place, but a feeling—a moment of true connection to the earth, the divine, and to myself. That cloudy, rain-kissed day became an unforgettable memory, not just for its beauty, but for the peace it brought me in a world that often feels too loud.

#SatpuraSerenity #TempleRetreat