Needle Point Adventures: pain to passion temple of tattoos
Some people choose to write biographies, books, or make movies, but these artists have etched my life journey onto my skin in the form of tattoos.
Beyond words and frames, my life's tale into inked artistry.
I had the pleasure of visiting Vadodara, a city rich in culture and art, where I stumbled upon a hidden gem for tattoo aficionados like myself – the Temple of Tattoos. Being a bit of a travel freak, tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they're symbols of my journeys and personal stories. My quest began with a Google search, as many adventures do nowadays. I was on the lookout for a studio that could capture the intricate details of a portrait tattoo I had in mind. That's when I discovered Temple of Tattoos and decided to reach out to them via Instagram. I sent over my design, and they promptly responded, offering to customize it. This was my fourth tattoo, and I must admit, I was a tad nervous about whether they could handle the complexity I envisioned.
My First Tattoo: Inked Wings
My very first tattoo is a majestic eagle flying freely on my neck. I'm often called the "free flying eagle," inspired by the eagle's unique ability to soar alone and high even when it rains. While other birds seek shelter, the eagle remains resilient in the stormy skies. Eagles are known for their sharp vision and remarkable ability to turn challenges into opportunities. This tattoo symbolizes my journey of courage and resilience, always looking forward and finding strength in adversity.
My Second Tattoo: Embracing Life's Summits
Soaring like an Eagle through Mountains and Challenges
My second tattoo depicts a soaring eagle against mountain peaks, reflecting my passion for trekking and love for the mountains. I see myself as the eagle, navigating life's challenges like towering mountains. Just as the eagle rises above obstacles with its wings, I strive to face difficulties head-on, embracing them as opportunities to grow and conquer. This tattoo symbolizes my resilience and the freedom I find in overcoming life's highs and lows.
My third Tattoo
Capturing the Spiritual Essence of Nepal
I visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and at Be Shall Studio, I got a tattoo of the Tibetan flag as a lifelong memory. The tattoo is vibrant with colors like red, green, blue, yellow, and white, symbolizing the five elements: water, fire, air, earth, and sky. It also features the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' Om Mani Padme Hum" is a sacred mantra in Tibetan Buddhism associated with Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is often translated as "The Jewel in the Lotus" and carries profound symbolism: Om: Represents the sound and vibration of the universe, generally associated with the beginning of creation. Mani: Means "jewel" and symbolizes altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassion, and love. Padme: Means "lotus flower," symbolizing wisdom. Hum: Represents indivisibility or the union of wisdom and compassion.
Honoring Netaji Bose with a Lifelike Portrait Tattoo "Embracing History:
The life journey of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose has always been profoundly inspiring to me. I see him as an ideal due to his wit, foresight, and fearless nature. He is the man who truly taught us the meaning of "Azadi". I am a die-hard follower of his philosophy and I want to get a tattoo of him, just like people get tattoos of those they love the most, whether with a name, a photo, or like people get tattoos of gods like Shiva, etc.
"Beyond the Needle: A Journey of Artistry and Vision"
Tattoo Studio
Upon visiting the studio for a consultation, I was greeted with a pleasant surprise. Kanchan, one of the talented artists, had crafted a breathtaking design that incorporated everything I had requested – from the five elements to planets, mountains, beaches, and even a depiction of a trekker. Although Kanchan wasn't available that day, I had the pleasure of meeting Dharmesh, who shared their philosophy with me. He explained that for them, tattooing was not just a business; it was about creating something meaningful and enduring. He emphasized that each tattoo they create carries a piece of their passion and artistry. Impressed by their dedication, I returned the next day to proceed with the tattooing process. I shared some additional ideas with Kanchan, hoping to turn my tattoo into a narrative that told my travel adventures. To my delight, she not only understood my vision but also added elements like an activa, bike, truck, and scenes of paragliding – truly transforming my tattoo into a visual storytelling masterpiece. As we embarked on the tattooing journey together, I was amazed to see my envisioned design come to life, stroke by stroke. It was a collaborative effort where Kanchan's skill and creativity exceeded my expectations.
A Journey of Emotion and Expression
"LOVE, ART AND INK
After my design was approved, I visited the studio the next day to get my tattoo. The artists had prepared everything meticulously: setting up tables, arranging lighting, and gathering needles and ink. Surprisingly, the process was not as painful as I expected. Throughout, I enjoyed conversing with Kanchan, during which I learned about their ambitious plans for the future. They envisioned opening a tattoo school to train passionate artists, aiming to elevate the tattoo industry akin to how dancing and software fields have evolved. I was struck by their vision beyond the studio's walls. Kanchan completed the entire tattoo in approximately 4-5 hours. Afterward, Dharmesh took over to add his expertise. Known for his portrait tattoos, I had requested a depiction of Subhash Chandra Bose, which sparked the initial idea. Dharmesh employed a magnum needle, equipped with 52 different needles for intricate shading and detailing. His skill brought the portrait to life, capturing the essence of my design with precision and artistry. "And the perception of 'mard ko dard nahi hota' is shattered here. One can truly understand this pain from the needle's description. While the pain during workouts is bearable and sustainable, this pain was entirely worth it. They have a team of professionals for video-making and photography, capturing moments throughout. This is one of the most amazing aspects because everyone wants to preserve memories of getting a tattoo, and for this purpose, they have appointed a creative team. Finally, the tattoo was completed.
This tattoo reflects my life's journey in intricate detail
This isn't just a tattoo; it's a showcase of my life's journey etched in ink. Each design tells a story, capturing moments of courage, love, and growth. From milestones celebrated to challenges overcome, my skin is a canvas where memories and aspirations intertwine. Every line, every shade, a testament to the chapters that shape who I am today.
Artistry Beyond Ink Piercing, temporary tattoos & Tatoo removal
I witnessed another procedure there: piercing. The way Kanchan calmly handled the client and performed the nose piercing was so impressive. For a moment, I thought this job is tougher than that of a doctor!" They also provide temporary tattoos, which is a great option considering that getting a large, permanent tattoo can be quite an investment. This concept of temporary tattoos is a blessing in the tattoo world. These can even be portraits that last for 7-10 days, allowing you to decide if you want to commit to a permanent tattoo later on. It was my first time encountering this idea, and overall, meeting Kanchan and Dharmesh was an incredibly memorable experience for me. It wasn't just about getting a tattoo; it was about understanding the tattoo industry and the minds of the artists firsthand. Additionally, I found their love story—from sharing hearts to sharing needles—very unique. Thank you to the tattoo studio for giving me memories that I will cherish forever. It was more than just a moment; it was an emotion. Whenever I look at my tattoo, it will bring back happy memories and conversations. If you are a tattoo lover, I highly recommend trying this tattoo studio. I'm sure you will be impressed by their work.
Revisiting Their Studio
A Return to Vadodara's Tattoo Realm
I got my tattoo on December 26th and didn't see them again until four months later, when they had just opened their second branch. Besides tattoos, they'd also launched a tattoo school to expand Vadodara's tattoo industry. They wasted no time in making their vision a reality. I felt guilty and nervous for not making the video I'd promised them, especially since they sponsored a 16k tattoo for me. Despite this, I couldn't resist visiting their studio again in Vadodara, where Dharmesh and Kanchan warmly welcomed me with their sweet smiles. I'll always remember the rainy day when I met Dharmesh at their first branch.
Time has passed, but our bond has only grown stronger. This is the story of strangers turned family.
While this chapter may pause here, I look forward to continuing this journey with them.
Stay tuned until my next visit... to be continued.
While this chapter may pause here, I look forward to continuing this journey with them.
Stay tuned until my next visit... to be continued.
Free Flying Eagle
Traveller