For 36-year-old Joshil Kumar, hailing from the village of Waibuka in Ba, Fiji, life has unfolded into a remarkable journey woven with faith, resilience, and a thirst for spiritual exploration. Now residing in Cranbourne, Melbourne, Kumar reflects on his passion for travel, stating, “I love travelling, trekking, exploring new places and meeting people.”
His early life, however, was marked by challenges. Kumar lost his father at the tender age of 13, propelling his mother to work tirelessly to support him and his siblings, with the help of their grandparents. “I completed my primary and secondary education in Ba and pursued higher education in Australia. My entire family is now based in Australia and New Zealand,” he shared.
In 2023, Kumar embarked on his first journey to India—a significant milestone as he proudly declared himself “the first one out of my four generations” to visit. This trip led him to Kedarnath, where he completed the “chota char dham,” sparking a spiritual awakening he hadn’t anticipated.
His travels took an unplanned turn this year when he felt compelled to visit the Maha Kumbh, an experience he cherished alongside his mother. “It was a great and a lifetime experience,” he expressed. The pinnacle of Kumar’s spiritual adventures came with his spontaneous decision to undertake the Kailash Yatra, which he perceived as a divine call from Lord Mahadev. The journey unfolded seamlessly, as he described, “It was like a call from Lord Mahadev as my plan and ways got set up by itself without any obstacles.”
Completing the parikrama (circumambulation) of Kailash was a profound accomplishment for him. He described his trek around the sacred Mount Kailash—juxtaposed against the serene waters of Mansarovar and Gauri Kund, where he felt every step was guided by a higher power. Kumar noted the historical significance of his journey, stating, “Being the first Fijian entering Lhasa, Tibet, was a big achievement. They told me this was the first Fiji passport entering Lhasa.”
Despite facing challenges related to altitude, he found strength in his faith. “The biggest challenge I faced was oxygen… but with Lord Shiva’s call and blessings, it was successful,” he recounted. Looking ahead, Kumar’s aspirations are grand; he dreams of completing the major Char Dhaam pilgrimage in India, as well as visiting the twelve Jyotirlingas and other significant sites mentioned in the Ramayana, Gita, and holy scriptures.
Kumar’s message resonates with simplicity yet profound wisdom: “What I’ve seen and experienced on all my journeys to Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and Tibet… all are mentioned in our holy books. So, believe in your religion and follow the values of life.” His story serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the deep connections that can be found through travel and spirituality.
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