I saw this documentary on a cathedral in Chartres that has the robe of the Virgin Mary. It was built in the late 12 century and is a testimony to the artisan and craftsmanship of that period. Even I cannot fathom how in those days they managed to put together such an impressive cathedral.
At the cathedral they say that you should sit and contemplate the 800 years of prayer that encompasses this structure. All around you are surrounded by these beautifully made glass stained panels depicting various scenes. There was a lovely one of the Virgin Mary in blue - one of the most azure blues I've seen.
At the entrance is a labyrinth - very interesting though covered with chairs when I saw it. It is a unique design and was put there for pilgrims as a test of faith.
I took the train from Gare Montparnasse - return tickets. If you are planning to go, do remember that you have to stamp the ticket. I did realise that only a bit later. Thankfully by then I'd reached Chartres!!
On the way back, I had read that a short trip to the Montparnasse cemetary would be a contemplative retreat. So after having seen the faith of life, I witnessed the faith of death. Reaching this place was not easy though.
We don't have the burial system among the Hindus - our rites consist of cremation and subversion of the same in the Ganges. It was interesting to see the tombs of so many people ensconsed in such a small area.
Among them were Jean Paul Sartre and Simone De Beauvoir.
I did not know that they were buried together, let alone that they had a history together. In a way it's like kindred souls being together after death.
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