Entrepreneur Gauravv Saxena reflects on spiritual transformation after Somnath, Nageshwar and Dwarka pilgrimage

Mumbai: Entrepreneur and travel creator Gauravv Saxena has opened up about how his recent pilgrimage to the sacred Somnath Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka became much more than a religious journey, describing it as a deeply transformative experience that helped him reconnect with himself amid the demands of entrepreneurship.Having spent years building businesses and adapting to major life transitions, including relocating from Uganda back to Mumbai, Gauravv said the spiritual retreat came at a time when he was searching for a deeper sense of clarity.
“Visiting the Somnath Temple, followed by the profound experience at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and the divine presence of Dwarkadhish in Dwarka, was a journey that resonated deeply with my current chapter of life. After years of building businesses and navigating the fast-paced transitions of relocating from Uganda back to Mumbai, I found myself yearning for a different kind of clarity—one that isn’t found in a boardroom or behind a camera lens, but in the stillness of ancient spaces,” he shared.
Speaking about his spiritual connection with Lord Shiva, Gauravv said the deity represents the perfect balance between creation and destruction, a philosophy that closely mirrors the realities of entrepreneurship.
“To me, Lord Shiva is the ultimate embodiment of balance. He represents the paradox of being both the silent, meditative yogi and the vibrant creator of the universe. In my life, he is a reminder that destruction and creation are two sides of the same coin, much like the cyclical nature of entrepreneurship, where you must often shed old processes to innovate and build something new. He represents the calm at the center of the storm, reminding me to remain grounded regardless of the external chaos of business,” he said. The entrepreneur believes spirituality has become an essential foundation for sustaining professional success without losing personal balance.
“Spirituality is the anchor that prevents me from drifting away in the pursuit of professional growth. Being an entrepreneur often means operating in a state of high alert and constant decision-making. Spirituality allows me to ‘power down.’ It isn’t about escaping reality but about gaining the perspective to see the bigger picture. When I am grounded, my professional decisions become more intuitive, focused and purposeful. It keeps me tethered to my values, ensuring that my drive for success is balanced with humility and gratitude,” he explained. Despite maintaining a demanding schedule, Gauravv follows simple daily practices that help him stay centred.

“My approach to spirituality is as practical as it is profound. I begin my mornings with mindful reflection, using those quiet moments to clear my thoughts and set intentions for the day. During hectic travel schedules or long meetings, conscious breathing becomes my reset button. Gratitude journaling has also remained a constant practice throughout my journey, reminding me to appreciate every blessing along the way,” he revealed.
The pilgrimage has also inspired him to undertake an even greater spiritual journey in the future.
“Visiting Somnath and Nageshwar was deeply moving, and it has certainly planted a seed. While I don’t have a rigid timeline, the experience of connecting with these powerful energy centres has inspired me to eventually visit all twelve Jyotirlingas. There is a unique, transformative quality to these sacred sites that feels like a vital counterpart to the adventurous travel I usually document for ‘Beyond 9to5,'” he said.
Drawing a distinction between leisure and spiritual tourism, Gauravv said each serves a different purpose.
“Leisure travel is about exploration, discovery and external experiences—tasting new food, seeing new landmarks or capturing the perfect shot. It feeds the curiosity of the mind. Spiritual travel, however, is an inward exploration. It isn’t about what you take from a place, but what you leave behind—your anxieties, your ego and your attachments. While leisure travel leaves me refreshed, spiritual journeys leave me transformed. They provide a sense of continuity and peace that lasts long after the trip is over, reminding me that amidst all the travel, business and creation, the most important journey is the one that leads back to oneself,” he concluded.