Bangalore's Ostara … for body, mind and soul

Alternative healing is the new lifestyle mantra for the jet set city slickers. Words like yin and yang, Reiki and Pranic healing now feature in everyday conversations and stoking this new-found karmic passion are hordes of alternative healers in the city and various outlets that sell all kinds of fetish trinkets under the sun—from the ubiquitous laughing Buddha and ornate wind chimes to dazzling crystals and aromatic oils.

But where do you go to if you need to have a dekko at all the accessories under one roof? Welcome to Ostara, a haven for the practitioner of alternative healing and an epiphany crystallised for the uninitiated. Step into it and you immediately know why. The entire place exudes positive energy with gently jingling wind chimes, soft music and the soothing aroma of herbal incense.

Started by Ajay Panjwani, Ostara has two branches, one in Cambridge Layout and the other at Garuda Mall. You can either walk around and soak in the ambience or make your visit more purposive by letting yourself be enlightened by the helpful shop girl.

Start off with shelves neatly lined with gleaming semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, jasper, carnelians, jade and rose quartz. Each stone is invested with healing properties—agate for relaxation, aventurine for creativity and prosperity and blood stone to give you courage. Then there are the healing quartz crystals, sparkling crystal spheres for good family ties, rudraksha beads to induce meditation and serpentine ganeshas for success.

Aromatherapy enthusiasts too can take their pick from a whole fragrant bouquet of oils—bergamot, lavender, cedar wood, cetronella, chamomile, lemon grass, myrrh, thyme, tea tree—you name it and they have it all.

And just when you thought you had gleaned enough information, you are surprised by more interesting nuggets, such as, stroking the belly of the laughing Buddha is supposed to bring good luck or keeping pagoda towers in the study room enhances the chances of achieving success. Placing an idol of the ferocious Chinese war god Kuan Kon at home wards off negative energies and helps keep thieves at bay.

A non-believer? No qualms. You can make use of the visit to pick up gorgeous Chinese wall hangings, Tibetan Mandala paintings, Buddha masks or lucky bamboos to add that exotic touch to your living room. Also notching up your wellness quotient are organic foods, herbal beauty products and a range of soothing music and chants.

Reclaim your well being … visit Ostara.