Tirupati Visit on 12th August .
( Pls avoid any mistakes in word or sentence - I will Correct it later ; )
The Tirupathi - Tirumala visit was a enchanting Experience. This was my first visit to Balaji Temple. There was no much information about Tirupathi temple till i came to Bangalore but have heard it new papers and TV. Being from malabar we were more attached to Guruvayoor (Lord Vishnu) Temple and Mookambika temple near Mangalore. Heard a lot from my TelugU and Kannada friends about few miracles in their Life. I used to make a regular visit to a balaji temple in madivala and i remember a photo of balaji in my grandma home which always attracted me of its shape .so i always prayed for a chance to visit the temple . First few plans failed as my friends pulled back the last minute.
..August 15th being on Monday. My office friends and me planned for a trekking in Koorg and if possible to Kodachadri hills . One of my friend arranged a Cab at coorg and we decided to board a 11.30 train to that side on 12th Night and return back by 14th evening . The planning was done on 11th and few guys even packed their bags. I too managed to arrange a Comfortable bag from a friend. Our Plan went for a toss as one of my Manager's dads was admitted to Hospital for a Heart Surgery. Since he have informed us regarding the operation on 13th and Requirement 0f the 0 +ve Blood we cancelled our plans. Majority of the team including me having 0 +ve decided to be prepared.
It was 11th Evening the News came that the operation has been changed for a different date. I have decided not to go home and Coorg trip wont work.. In the office Looking at the PC the tirupathi visit ran into my mind as one of my friend distributed few laddus he bought from Tirupati . I asked my friend and informed me about the KSTDC packages. I was not sure of getting tickets. Invited one of friend But he could not .I rushed to the Badami house as per the instruction from friends
But ended in vain as the authority’s told all the seats have been booked for 12th. I was just planning to return to office he went for a second check. I was surprised to find that a postponement has been happened from a different office and seat 22 was pending. Without a second thought i paid the money . I was surprised to see that the seat number was 22 which is my lucky number . (I remember i managed to get a ticket to Mangalore for Pooja celebrations from a guy who came for cancellation at the last minute . I was surprised to see that the Seat number was 22 and the age of the guy was printed 22 and the bus was at 22.00 hours from majestic platform).
The next day on 12th I rushed to Badami house leaving all my worries at Office . Managed to get into the bus and the seat number 22 smiling at me. Just sat in Bus and thought of the Luck i received to visit tirupati else would have been in Coorg or sitting bored in Kormangala. Till now nothing was planned and things happened as it was preplanned by God and i was heading towards Tirupathi
I have informed my parents and they were much worried as i was alone. But i always preferred to go alone to temples as it takes us more close to Lord . Could not get proper sleep and faces in buses were new and Stranger to me. So there was nothing much to do about . Early morning we manged to get the tickets from a counter . I was confused with the guide asking me for Darshan charges even after paying for the package . But i done the same as the rest of them do and we received Darshana on the nest day. It was a wonderful and memorable atmosphere at the place and i was happy that the long waiting is going to come True. Most of them seemed satisfied and Carried a smile on their face after receiving the Token.
After that the buses headed for the guest house were I shared room with one of the Devotee in bus ( Room number 141 ) ( I have found Many numbers in bus ticket and Hotel ticket close to my Lucky NUM 22 ).
After a Bath we were forced to rush to the Bus again with out a sleep. It was wonderful feeling to see the geography around as it was very much different from my Malabar or Bangalore. I was attracted by the Balaji idol in the guest house which looked excellent) and sat in bus unaware of its destination . I was gifted with a chance to visit Kalahastha , Sri padmavathi Temple . Too had a mount on a hill at kalahastha and ended up finding nothing on top and a man taking 10 rupees from my pocket chanting some fake mantras and i was astonished to see the actual Priest coming out shortly .
The temple and the works on wall were exceptional. After that bus returned to guest house after taking us to a Andhra hotel and i enjoyed the Andhra feast After that had a sound sleep till evening. I enjoyed the sleep very much as i often do :)
Evening i intended to go out the town but it was too late and being alien canceled the procedure. Had a Dinner at the gust house. It took 30 minutes to deliver the Food and later walked up to the supervisor for paying the bill after waiting around 40 minutes. This is first hotel i have seen were they were not at all worried about giving bills to the customer and asking for a glass of water ended up in a wild goose chase . But these things made trip interseting /unforgettable
The next Day We visit few Temples down the hill and by afternoon we reached on top of tirupathi temple after going through a risky turns on the edge of the Hill .The top of the hill was crowded with People finding their way to various entry point . (There was a long Q and my friends in bus were running as if Lord himself was Providing Laddus :) ) at the End .
After a Hour in Q we reached near the Sanctum Sanctorum were i was literary pushed and finaly had the bow before the Great God. With folded hands Prayed at Lord Venketeshwara and chanted Govida and thanked him for his Blessings .After that it was time to get the much awaited Laddus . Managed to get two laddus for my friends. After that i bought a Photo of Lord with Frame for my room.
The pilgrimage was over and it was time to head back to Bangalore. Didnt find much time to hang around with friends on top .There was peace in Mind waiting for the Bus to take us back down the hill for the return Journey .
Since Tonsuring of hair was done by most of the pilgrims i could not make out few familiar faces including my room mate .
Was back to Bangalore by 12 at Night and rushed to Kormagala as soon as possible in first available auto to escape from the stray dogs near Madivala check post which would have spoiled the whole trip .
It was sweet Memorable Trip . A pilgrimage cum Holiday and weekend break with few unforgettable faces , Incidents and New friends . A trip which will be cherished for ever !!!!
This is Not the End.
Miracles do happen :)
Waiting for my next chance to be there ................... something I will never be able to get out my mind During Happy days or When I feel the entire world was never meant for me
