Your Friendly Philosopher & Guide

I went alone, so that I can think only about God while completing my prayer or else it could become a family picnic – which I wasn’t interested in. The 4 hours walk up hill was interesting and sweating too. There were many who were walking and the most common prayers by people were applying sandal paste and kum kum to each and every step - I think there were some 3000 and odd steps totally - quite a difficult task. And another married couple – walked the hill on their knees!!! I don’t think prayers can get tougher than this.

My teacher (Ayyappa Guruswamy) always used to say when you climb religious mountains, never climb them in a hurry. It is not about proving your stamina it is about how comfortably you make it to the top, and also the air in mountains are pure and are full of medicinal values. Inhaling them will improve your health, and cure some diseases too - hence take as much rest as possible while climbing.

I reached the top in about 4 hours, and with my menial Telugu speaking skills I managed to find the token counter. You either can go in for free darshan, which might take at least 12 hours, or go in for Rs 50 darsha, where in they will give you a token about when exactly you need to come for the darshan. The difference between free and paid are – in free you are entitled to get only one laddu and in Rs 50 token – you are entitled to get 2 laddus. Also in free, you will never know when you will get the darshan, while in the paid – you know exactly when you are supposed to reach the shrine.

I was panicky about the free darshan, hence thought will go in for Rs 50 wala darshan. On 9th, the notice board said – darshan on 11th, 2 pm. I thought they have done some kind of error in putting up the dates. I confirmed with two others, and they said yes, this token would entitle you to take darshan on 11th (day after tomorrow) at 2 pm. I asked him, what am I supposed to do till then? He said – your wish. You can book a room, or go to Chennai and come back on 11th! I abandoned the queue.

I got damn pissed off. I found it crazy. I lost my temper too. I had a verbal fight with my favourite deity – Lord Narayana - ‘THE’ God for good astrological skills. I told him, I have come to see you, and I am not taking this shit of waiting for 2 days. I have done my duty of climbing the mountain to see you, now you decide when you want to have the meeting. I said, anyways I am going back after the marriage – that is tomorrow morning (10th) after 10 am, even if we don’t meet.

To be continued……