Sleeping Beauty: The Art of Nature

Dr Rakesh Bharti
“Nature can reveal its beauty in all places and at all times to the eye that knows how to look for it.”
~ Michael Popejoy
Nature and its beauty are infinite. The beauty of nature leaves profound effect upon our senses and perception. When we think of beauty in nature, we think of things that amaze the senses – the eminence of a mountain, the expanse of the sea, the vibrant rainbow in the cloud, the golden light of the setting sun, the misty breeze of a waterfall or the unfolding of the life of a flower. In fact, this experience of beauty is one of the bases for valuing nature – nature is valuable because it is beautiful. It is splendid, beginning from the tiny butterflies and flowers to mountains and beaches. The beauty of nature keeps us alive and happy.
When we talk about the nature and its beauty on earth, Jammu-Kashmir is hailed all over the world for its incredible natural beauty. Alluring mountain peaks, lush green valleys, glistening lakes, rejuvenating climate, holiest shrines, grand temples and spectacular gardens mesmerize the tourists across the globe.
Although, whole Jammu-Kashmir is an exceptional gift of nature to the mankind, but the temptation to be in close contact with nature attracts the nature lovers towards the District Reasi. Reasi is a town situated at the bank of River Chenab and 24 Kms (appx.) from the most venerated Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi situated in the Trikuta Hills. It is most sought after place on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir. The mountainous views and the Chenab River flowing through it add extra charm to the flamboyant beauty. The climate, the wind, the trees provide the sense that one has reached another world. It is a home to amazing mountain ranges and is known for its magnificent beauty of Mid Himalayan Mountains. There is something humbling about these mountains. May be it is their tall and grandiose appearance or the initial intimidation when one casts one’s eyes on them.
The enigma and aura of these mountain ranges capture your heart and inspire you to discover something new about them. Few natural wonders are more majestic than a sprawling mountain range. One of such wonders deserves a special mention here that projects a wonderful view of human figure. The range is popularly known as The Sleeping Beauty Mountain and is a special attraction for the nature lovers visiting at Reasi. It is a mountain ridge located west of the town Reasi. Stare at the ridge from afar and with a little imagination you can make out what looks like a lady sleeping with open hairs and lying straight at the top of the peak. It does indeed look like one. She is a range of hills which form parts of her: her head, her face, her mouth, her neck and her bosom. She is stunning and her whole being so seemingly alive as it feels as though at any moment she could wake, rise up and walk. In fact, it is a unique expression of beauty, peace, austerity and creativity of nature.
The view of the lady sleeping straight with all the majesty is clearly visible from different points of the town Reasi. The lady has a wonderful and clear view at a place near Jyotipuram popularly known as View Point. The panoramic view of the sleeping lady from this point will remain in your eyes forever. The beauty of the lady lying straight at the top of the peak rises with the dawn from the east. It is a pleasure beyond imagination to behold this innocence of nature in the golden shade of the setting sun. The setting sun appears as if a golden pearl is worn around the sleeping lady’s neck. Heart swells with joy and feelings of love and grace start flooding in the mind towards the nature at this gorgeous sight. The enchanting scene can make anyone swoon and has worth enough to ignite a romantic song in the deepest imaginations of the poetic mind. The wonder of the nature offers solace and rejuvenation for travellers of all kinds. It is worth seeing in a lifetime for sure!
(The author is Assistant Professor at GDC Jourian)