In the wake of Transdanubian temples, shrines and energy parks
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Would you like to combine wellness with spirituality? Would you like to become a hermit for a few days? Or meditate in a Buddhist or Krishna-conscious spirit? Maybe recharge at the favourite “energy spots” of the pagans and Celtics? If yes, travelo.hu believes that Transdanubia is the place for you to go.
Winter is the time when we’re compelled to spend more time at home, and, especially after the holiday frenzy, you might feel the need for something recharging. Why wouldn’t we leave the house in this case? As a saying in Oslo goes “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothes”. So, layer up, and visit the sacral places of Transdanubia, like the magical hermitage of Majk, the Krishna Valley, and the energy spots of Márokföld and Zamárdi. Winter is perfect for spending some time alone and refill our energy stocks.
Zamárdi, Donkey Rock
Temples and churches have always been built in energetically special places. Our ancestors lived in harmony with nature and they looked for places where they could fill up with sacred powers. Fertility sacrifices were already made thousands of years ago at Szamárkő (Donkey Rock), near Zamárdi, which was later used by the Celtics.
Several legends are connected to the place. According to one, the rock came from the volcano of Tihany, while others believe that baby Jesus crossed the region with Mary and Joseph on a donkey back, and the prints on the smaller rock are that of Jesus and the donkey. However, it is much more probable that they are fossilised snails.
The Donkey Rock can be found in the eastern corner of Zamárdi. You should be walking there alone, on a sunny day in January. Also, you should keep going for a few more metres to see a beautiful panorama of Tihany from behind the trees.
Krishna Valley, Somogyvámos
If you really want to escape from the everyday hustle, plan a trip to the Krishna Valley in Somogyvámos. The 23-year-old Indian Cultural Centre and Biofarm-ecovillage has longer and shorter staycation-offers for a spiritual journey.
You’re welcomed by an imposing gate with elephants, after which you have to walk a bit to reach the central building complex, but it’s worth it, because you get surrounded by a beautiful landscape and shrines, pavilions, suited for meditation. All shrines were consecrated by saints from the Krishna culture. The region, which is the home of the Hungarian Krishna Valley, was dreamed about by spiritual father Srila Sivarama Swami Maharaja, which was a sign that the valley had to be built there.
There are much more tourists in the summertime, so don’t expect group tours in winter, however, people will kindly guide you through the temples while telling interesting stories about the life of the valley.
When it comes to spiritual practice, it’s worth letting them know of your intentions in advance, because they have different meditation programmes. You can sleep in guest houses, pilgrim houses, or in the neighbouring Rádhé Resort, if you happen to desire wellness services as well. They also organise seasonal programmes that guests can join.
Catholic Church of Velemér
You don’t really have to hunt for Catholic churches in Hungary, but if you decide to visit one, maybe you should look for a church in a special location full of curiosities. Velemér, found in the Őrség, close to the Slovenian border, used to be called Saint Trinity after its church. It is believed that the church was built at the end of the 1200s, its frescos are amazing (even in their poor condition). Those were painted by János Aquila, who studied in Italy, in 1378. Its only, naved church is very small, because it only had to serve 60-80 people when it was built, which equals the current population of Velemér.
Why it is so special? The detailed lay-out of the windows and the murals result in spectacular play of lights that depicts the important events of Christianity on the days connected to them. For instance, on the 24th of March, Gábor day, the fresco of Archangel Gabriel becomes illuminated by light. Unfortunately it’s a bit hard to catch these moments, because the church is surrounded by a quite bushy forest, so the sensation is not like it used to be once, but visiting the church is still worth it, because one can feel the good vibes and the pure faith of the old times.
Try to visit the place on a sunny day and buy the small guide book which tells you all about the play of light, or just talk with the lady here, who herself is a walking story book. Also, if you’re sensitive to force fields, make sure to stop at the lime-tree across the cemetery (on your way to the church), because even miscreants believe in its good vibes.