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Lepakshi’s Hanging Pillar and the Art of Listening to Silence | by Latha | CheQin.ai | May, 2025

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My Time in Lepakshi’s Living Storybook

A quiet escape into mythology with a serene cheQin.ai-stay near the temple’s timeless corridors

There is something strange about Lepakshi.

It’s not the big one. It’s not the tourists — there aren’t any. It’s not even the temple sculptures that reach skyward like sculpted waves of ice.

It’s the quiet.
A silence that isn’t lacking. It’s rather full. Like the air itself is clutching tales.

First Impressions of Lepakshi

I’d been planning to explore places rich in mythology, away from the usual travel noise. A friend once mentioned Lepakshi, and the name stuck with me. It’s not very far from Bengaluru just a 2–3 hour drive — yet it felt like stepping into another century.

The roads became less crowded as I approached the town. No giant signs, no tourist traps, no hurrying. Just a simple welcome to a place which has seen centuries of devotion, legend, and art.

My stay, booked through cheQin.ai, became more than just a place to sleep. It was a base for myth-chasing. A quiet companion to everything the town had to say.

The Hanging Pillar — A Real Mystery

Hanging Pillar

Now let’s come to what most people discuss first — the legendary hanging pillar at the Veerabhadra Temple.

Yes, it literally doesn’t touch the ground. I slipped a cloth under it just to see for myself. You may hear various tales about how or why it doesn’t sit fully on the floor. Some claim it’s an architectural wonder; others think it’s a sign of divine presence.

To me, it was like being beside a puzzle that does not want to be solved. The more science or reason you apply, the more there is that whiff of wonder that cannot be explained.

Sita’s Footprint — A Quiet Surprise

Hidden away in a temple courtyard corner is something even more lyrical — a giant footprint etched into the wall. Locals claim it’s Sita’s footprint, the place where she stood while recounting the Ramayana.

I stood beside it for awhile. Not because I was waiting for something to happen, but because it just felt so intimate. No fanfare, no fencing, no placards. Just a plain sign, surrounded by quiet and the noise of your own breathing.

The Paintings That Refuse to Fade

The temple ceilings have ancient paintings. Most of them are still in their original form, depicting gods and goddesses, wars and boons.

What blew me away was how vivid and vivid they remained. The colors may have faded, but the feelings have not. You can still make out expressions, eyes that seem to follow you around, and stances that speak volumes.

I didn’t hurry through the temple. I lingered, walking bare feet on the warm stone floors of the afternoon. There were times when I just sat beneath the stone corridors and did nothing. Just listened.

And sometimes, if you listen long enough, even stone talks.

Discovering a Place to Rest That Told the Mood

This is the thing: Lepakshi isn’t full of garish hotels or raucous resorts. And I’m thankful.

I discovered a stone courtyard-type traditional accommodation through cheQin.ai, and it seemed like an extension of the venue itself. I wasn’t going to book a fancy thing, but a closeby peaceful place near the temple.

Honestly, I didn’t expect much. But the one I ended up at was surprisingly cheap and filled with quiet. That’s the best way to put it. No horns outside, no blasting TVs inside. Just a old building with open skies, plain food, and kind hosts.

It didn’t feel like a hotel so much as it felt like a peaceful niche in somebody’s ancestral home. The sort of place where even your thinking slows down.

Morning Walks, Local Tales and Temple Echoes

The following morning, I took a stroll through adjacent alleys before the town properly awakened. I encountered an old man who told me tales not in any guidebook. He referenced the Nagalinga statue, the incomplete Kalyana Mandapa and the way myths persist because individuals opt to remember them.

There’s also a feeling that time works differently here. Things are not in haste. And neither was I.

Every step I took appeared to have layers of memory upon it. Even stray canines appeared to move with intention — almost as if they, also, had parts to play in this never-ending saga.

A Base for Myth-Chasing

Lepakshi, in large part, isn’t somewhere you go. It’s somewhere you stop.

It’s not about clicking off places or taking selfies. It’s about standing still beside a hanging pillar or touching the warm stone where Sita may have stood before or seeing shadows fall across old courtyard floors as the day slowly slips away.

And in a world of fast travel and faster checkouts, that kind of slow, story-filled journey is rare.



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CheQin.ai Redefines Hotel Booking with Zero-Commission Model

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CheQin.ai, an AI-powered hotel booking platform backed by EaseMyTrip, is redefining the hospitality industry with its groundbreaking zero-commission model. This innovative platform allows hotels to retain their revenue and reinvest in guest experiences, offering up to 25% savings on commissions.

The platform’s AI-driven real-time bargaining system simplifies the search for the best deal, negotiating on behalf of travelers to offer the five best live rates from hotels. With zero hidden fees, users can book with confidence, knowing they’ve secured the best value for their money. CheQin.ai’s curated approach ensures that travelers have access to the best accommodations while hoteliers benefit from increased visibility and direct bookings.

“Our goal is to make travel seamless, affordable, and transparent,” says Venu G, Founder & CEO, CheQin.ai.” By combining cutting-edge AI with a zero-commission model, we’re putting control back in the hands of both travelers and hoteliers.”

CheQin.ai has already made waves in India and is now expanding to international markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Europe. With over 100,000 premium hotels and handpicked private properties onboarded across several countries, the platform is quickly building a global footprint.



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Exploring Rajasthan’s Summer 2025: A Savvy Traveler’s Guide with cheQin.ai | by harley | CheQin.ai | May, 2025

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Sun-Kissed Splendor: Your Rajasthan Summer Beckons

Discover Jaipur’s pink palaces, Udaipur’s lakefront serenity, Jaisalmer’s desert safaris.

Beating the Rajasthan Heat: A Summer 2025 Expedition with cheQin.ai
From dawn walks in Jaipur’s pink alleys to camel safaris in the Thar — my insider tips and savvy hotel bargains
I stepped off the train at Jaipur Junction on a sweltering June morning, the Pink City already shimmering under a relentless sun. Despite the soaring temperatures, my Rajasthan summer trip 2025 turned into one of my most memorable adventures — thanks in large part to cheQin.ai. Here’s how I navigated palace tours in Jaipur, lakefront evenings in Udaipur and Thar Desert safaris, all while scoring unbeatable hotel deals with transparent pricing and real-time bargaining.

Dawn at the Pink City

There’s something magical about Jaipur before the crowds arrive. I slipped into a local chai stall near Hawa Mahal just as the first rays warmed the pink sandstone facades. Exploring the City Palace’s hidden courtyards felt like stepping back in time and my phone buzzed with reminders of morning palace tours and elephant rides. Visiting Amber Fort at sunrise kept me one step ahead of the heat wave and wandering the Jantar Mantar grounds, I savored the thrill of discovery without the midday crowds.

Cool Comfort with cheQin.ai

By midday, the mercury topped 42 °C — time to check into my hotel. I opened cheQin.ai and posted my requirements (“air-conditioned room, rooftop pool, mid-range budget”). Within seconds, five hoteliers in Jaipur sent me their best offers. I compared special offers side by side — no hidden fees, just transparent pricing. With one tap, I confirmed my stay at a boutique haveli with a heritage-style courtyard for a bargain price. Booking hotels in Rajasthan has never been easier: no endless scrolling, just the top 5 lowest offers delivered to me in real time.

Lake Pichola Serenity

Leaving Jaipur’s bustling streets behind, I boarded a morning bus to Udaipur. The “Lake City” welcomed me with a gentle breeze as I drifted past the City Palace on a traditional boat. Sunset here is legendary — peach-hued skies reflecting off Lake Pichola and the City Palace walls glowing like molten gold. When it came time to find a lakeside hotel, I once again turned to cheQin.ai. A quick request landed me five offers from waterfront properties; I chose a heritage inn with balconies overlooking Jag Mandir. There’s nothing like sipping chilled lassi on a terrace as twilight descends.

Thar Desert Thrills

Next stop: the vast Thar Desert near Jaisalmer. I joined a small group for a camel safari, riding past ochre dunes undulating into the horizon. As the sun dipped below the sand sea, I watched a troupe of folk dancers perform around a crackling campfire. For accommodation, I posted a desert-camp request via cheQin.ai — options ranged from basic tents to luxury glamping domes. I opted for a canvas tent equipped with comfy beds and solar-lit pathways, all at a price that felt lighter than the desert breeze.

Rooftop Views in Jodhpur

By the time I reached Jodhpur, the “Blue City” was buzzing. Walking through narrow lanes painted in shades of indigo, I snapped photos of Uchchita Ni Haveli’s grand archways. As evening fell, I headed upstairs to a rooftop cafe overlooking Mehrangarh Fort — its imposing silhouette framed by fiery skies. When it was time to rest, I let cheQin.ai handle my hotel search: this time, I requested a room with a fort view and complimentary breakfast. In moments, I locked in a modern boutique hotel that offered both cityscape vistas and personalized service.

My Top Tips for a Rajasthan Summer Adventure

  1. Beat the heat by planning outdoor excursions early and saving indoor attractions or poolside relaxation for midday.
  2. Pack light breathable cotton clothing, sturdy walking shoes and a wide-brimmed hat.
  3. Stay connected with cheQin.ai for on-the-go hotel bargains — post your requirements and compare the top 5 lowest offers in seconds.
  4. Embrace local flavors: don’t miss kair sangri sabzi, pyaaz kachori and the sweetest ghewar in Pushkar.
  5. Book smart: leverage transparent pricing on cheQin.ai to avoid overpaying and focus on experiences, not endless deal-hunting.

Reflecting on My Rajasthan Journey

Traveling through Rajasthan’s sun-baked cities and dunes was an exercise in balancing adventure with comfort. cheQin.ai transformed how I booked hotels — real-time bargaining gave me confidence and control, while instant notifications kept my itinerary seamless. From pink palaces to starry desert nights, this summer trip exceeded every expectation. If you’re planning a Rajasthan adventure in 2025, let cheQin.ai handle your stay so you can focus on creating memories that last a lifetime.



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Steps of Devotion: My Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi | by Latha | CheQin.ai | May, 2025

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Walking in the Night with Belief and a Heart Full of “Jai Mata Di”

My Personal Encounter of the Vaishno Devi Yatra, Base Camp Stay and the Invisible Strength Within

Where Faith Begins to Walk

Some pilgrimages aren’t so much about where you’re going — they’re about what happens to you on the way there. And that’s exactly what I felt about Vaishno Devi. I’d heard tales, seen photographs, and even blogs, but nothing could have prepared me for what awaited me when I finally embarked on this journey nestled in the mountains of Jammu.

The Road to Katra

Katra, the town base, is where pilgrims from all over the nation arrive. The moment I got down from the train and onto its land, the very air seemed different. Lighter, perhaps. Or maybe it was just me, getting myself so worked up.

I had decided to remain close to the base camp, in a simple yet peaceful room that I discovered using cheQin.ai. It wasn’t extravagant, but it provided me with just what I required .The window view presented to me the hills in the distance, and I realized that I was about to be a part of something divine.

Starting the Climb

The trek to Vaishno Devi begins from Banganga and takes about 12 kilometers to cover. Some trek on foot, some on horseback, and others take helicopter rides or battery cars. I trekked.

It was dusk when I started. The sun had only just begun to set, and the mountain trail gradually brightened with fairy lights and the warm glow of fellow pilgrims. Chants of “Jai Mata Di” rang from each nook and corner — sometimes yelled with passion, sometimes spoken softly like a prayer.

Moments Along the Trail

The ascent itself was a rhythm — walk, rest, take a sip of water, and walk once more. It is not determination that keeps you going; it is the collective devotion. Everyone greeted one another at each tea stall with “Jai Mata Di.” Strangers shared biscuits, pain balm, or merely words of encouragement.

As darkness fell, I arrived at Ardhkuwari — the halfway station. It is said that Mata Vaishno Devi had spent nine months meditating in a cave here. The queue was long, but I didn’t complain. It allowed me time to stop, think, and be a part of the greater narrative that each pilgrim is a part of.

The Night Glow of Bhakti

Climbing during the night was something I’ll never forget. The cool breeze, the soft humming of devotional songs playing from speakers along the way, and the stars overhead — it all added up to something surreal.

Even with the physical exhaustion, something within me continued to drive me on. A woman next to me, a lot older and obviously in pain, continued to walk slowly, smiling with each step. “Mata ka bulawa aaya hai,” she said — meaning, “The Goddess has called.” That gave us all the motivation we needed.

Arrival at the Bhawan

When I finally arrived at the Bhawan (the central shrine), the world came to a standstill. All the pains in my legs, the perspiration on my back, the fatigue — they just vanished. The air was sharp and cold and the moment was all that I had envisioned.

After freshening up, I joined the line for darshan. The anticipation built slowly. When my turn came and I bowed before the sacred pindis, I didn’t say anything. I just closed my eyes, folded my hands and let the silence of the moment wash over me.

Coming Back Down

After darshan, I rested in a guesthouse for a couple of hours. The second walk back the next morning was easier. My mind was clearer and the blessings still fresh, so I walked slowly. The path seemed different in the light of day. I saw flowers pushing through railings, children laughing and monkeys sitting in trees watching us.

What I Carried Home

I didn’t arrive at Vaishno Devi with a bucket list of wishes. I arrived to see what faith in action felt like. And I left with something unexpected — a feeling of belonging to something greater than myself.

Vaishno Devi is not merely ascending a mountain. It’s about bearing the power of a thousand steps, the tales of strangers and the heat of a chant that binds millions.

If your journey one day brings you to Katra, take the ascent — not to witness a shrine, but to behold what surrender, strength and mutual devotion appear like in all their unadulterated beauty.



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