New Year Wishes, Underwater Adventures, and the Secrets of The Indus Star 🌊✨
Diving into the New Year – Underwater Adventures & Ancient Mysteries
Dear Adventurers,
Happy New Year! 🎉 I hope your 2025 is off to a fantastic start and that you had a joyful holiday season. I spent mine recharging with some incredible underwater adventures off the coast of Western Australia.
Busselton Jetty, located in Western Australia, is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching an impressive 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) into the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay. Originally constructed in 1865, it served as a vital trade port for the region, facilitating the export of timber and other goods. Today, the jetty is a beloved tourist destination and marine haven, home to a kaleidoscope of marine life and stunning corals.
I also had the incredible opportunity to wrap up 2024 by swimming alongside a playful pod of dolphins! Watch the video here.
How did you celebrate the end of 2024? Let me know!
But now, let’s resurface to delve into another exciting chapter of our deep dive into The Indus Star. This month, we’re exploring the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram—a place that plays a pivotal role in the book’s climactic scenes.
🤠Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple: A Treasure Trove of History and Mystery
This very special temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a masterpiece of Dravidian and Kerala architecture and an enduring symbol of Kerala’s rich heritage. However, what truly sets it apart is its legendary status as one of the wealthiest temples in the world. Hidden within its ancient vaults are treasures estimated to be worth billions—gold coins, dazzling jewels, and artifacts amassed over centuries. If you’re interested, read more about the very scandalous discovery of its treasures here.
The temple’s story is intertwined with mystery and intrigue. Its sealed Vault B, unopened to this day, fuels countless myths. Is it protected by divine curses or ancient mechanisms? This tantalizing blend of fact and folklore became the perfect backdrop for the climax of The Indus Star.
While researching the temple, I was fascinated to discover the incredible light display that occurs during every equinox at the seven-tiered temple gate (the gopuram). Watch the mesmerizing phenomenon in the video below:
Of course, for those of you who read The Indus Star, you know how this plays a role in the story. It’s awe-inspiring to think about the advanced knowledge and craftsmanship behind such an architectural marvel, seamlessly blending spirituality, science, and art. As Georgia uncovers in The Indus Star, the gopuram isn’t just a gateway—it’s a testament to the brilliance of ancient Indian engineering.
Let me know your thoughts on this!
This Month’s Book Recommendation:
India, a deeply spiritual land and the birthplace of four major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—offers a tapestry of diverse and profound faiths. In Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India, William Dalrymple explores this sacred heritage through the stories of nine remarkable individuals, each navigating their own spiritual journey in modern India. From a Jain nun embracing asceticism to a Baul mystic seeking the divine through music, these personal narratives reveal the enduring power of belief in a rapidly changing world. With his signature vivid storytelling, Dalrymple brings to life the deeply spiritual essence of India, making this book a must-read for anyone curious about its sacred traditions.
Until next month,
A. H. Wang
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