< Day 4 >
Going on a pilgrimage, just because everyone else does, can be an empty exercise. What good is it, if without a purpose. My purpose is to delve deeper into my own personal challenges. And although It's true that I find it difficult to put my anxiety into words~ I cannot help but think about it often...
TABLE OF CONTENT
After 3 days of exploring KANCHIPURAM's ancient temples and silk weaving units, we now planned on visiting TIRUTTANI, then Sri Balaji darshan at TIRUPATI and finally end our day at SRIKALAHASTI. The total distance is 150km/ 4 hr and may take the whole day. But I didn't wish to tire dad, so in an effort to improvise, we booked a tour with few other people.
KANCHI->TIRUTANNI
The nearest train station is Arakonnam. There are many trains from Chennai to Arakonnam. But If you are following my itinerary and plan on using public transport~ there are 2 trains on the Kanchipuram-Tirutanni route. Kindly check the IRCTC site, however these are at odd hours.
On the other hand, there are many buses that ply on the 1hr/ 45km Kanchipuram- Tiruttani route, but I find the Kanchipuram bus stand a bit disorganised and the buses crowded.
If traveling with elderly people, a private car hire/ tour, although a bit expensive, is the most comfortable way to get around for the complete tour.
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| South India pilgrimage tour (blog) |
TIRUTANNI: the abode of Lord Murugan
Tiruttani is one amongst the Arupadaiveedu~ which is the 6 abodes of Lord Murugan, and thus an important temple in Tamilnadu. The other 5 are~ Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, PALANI, Swamimalai and Pazhamudircholai. The devotion to Lord Murugan or Kartikeya among the people of TamilNadu is unsurpassed, for this reason alone he is called as Tamil kadavul 'God of Tamil', and he is Theyvam 'divine manifestation'.
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Lord Murugan or Kartikeya is the son of Shiva-Parvati
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We had started early in the morning, and amidst intermittent drizzles we reached the quiet town of TIRUTTANI by 9am. The Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple with its red and white painted border walls was in sight as we began approaching the entrance gate. There was a moderate sprinkling of devotees. so after depositing our camera and footwear we joined the queue of visitors.
As it is with Murugan temples, this one too is located on a hillock. Watching the fervor of devotees as they run up these 365 steps fills one's heart with joy. Lord Murugan at TIRUTTANI is the bestower of peace ☮️ and good health, and a darshan is indeed satisfying.
TIRUTANNI --> TIRUPATI
The nearest train station is Renigunta. There are many trains from Chennai to Renigunta. But If you are following my itinerary continue driving for another 66km/ 1.30hr to Tirupati.
The best part about long drives are the dhaba stopovers for a meal or a cup of hot tea to make one feel refreshed.
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dhaba stops and long drives~ A simple but delicious meal of vegetable gravy and phulkas
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Tip~ Tour operators usually take care of the seva tickets etc.
Tip~ This temple is crowded throughout the year. There is some respite however during the exam season of April-May.
Tip~ The temple is very strict and doesn't allow any form of electronics. Mobile phones, cameras etc need to be deposited at the counter.
TIRUPATI: the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth
The Tirumala Sri Venkateswara temple, where Sri Venkateswara is none other than Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi is his consort. The most common legend about this temple is that~ Lord Balaji (Sri Venkateswara) had taken a large loan from Kubera (the god of wealth) for his marriage to Padmavati, but he was unable to repay Kubera. This is why devotees who visit this temple donate money on behalf of Lord Balaji.
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| Tirupati Sri Balaji |
Walking along the inner courtyard, one can glimpse temple staff busy counting huge piles of currency from all parts of the world. Besides, there are huge donations in the form of gold and jewels too. The Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateswara temple is the second richest temple after Sri Padmanabhaswamy in Trivandrum, Kerala.
But let's not dwell on material things. We poor simple folk are here on a spiritual quest.
The temple has an old history~ the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas and Vijaynagaras were ardent devotees and contributed in making the temple what it is today. One can't help but note the remarkably carved pillars as we move with the surging crowd. The nostalgia is unbearable as devotees chant 'Govinda, Govinda' bringing a lump to my throat and making my eyes damp... Until finally it is my turn. And then, everything else stops still when for a few moments between me and Prabhu seems like eternity.
TIRUPATI --> SRIKALAHASTI
Let's make another stop along the 37km/ 1 hr drive from Tirupati to SRIKALAHASTI for some hot adrak chai (ginger tea) and pick up some snacks too.
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| Dhaba stopovers and long drives~ hot chai |
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| dhaba stopovers and long drives~ picking up snacks along the way |
SRIKALAHASTI: Pancha bhoota sthala
It was evening when we reached the haphazard little town of SRIKALAHASTI, our final destination for the day. The tour bus was scheduled to return to Kanchipuram. We however preferred to take up lodgings here than do a hurried darshan and later a tiring return journey. So we bid farewell to our travel companions for the day.
Where to stay at SRIKALAHASTI
Much to our surprise, it seemed this quick stopover place had far better lodges than the more frequented TIRUPATI. Many of these are not listed and reasonably priced. We were indeed lucky to find a clean and comfortable little place well- equipped with a flat screen TV, geyser and comfortable bed.
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| A hotel stay |
SRIKALAHASTI evening darshan
Like KANCHIPURAM's EKAMBRANATHAR, the temple of SRI KALAHASTEESWARA is also a Pancha bhoota sthala, and represents the element 'VAYU' (Air).
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| Sri KALAHASTEESWARA lingam |
This is temple for seekers~ peace, good health, success in marriage/ business/ education etc. The walls and pillars are abundantly smeared with vibhuti (holy ash) and there is a high level of energy as devotees head to the main shrine for darshan. We were in no hurry as the experience is what matters.
The temple is especially popular for Rahu Ketu pujas and people can be seen performing pujas here.
:: 🕉️ Shanti :: this is the end of our Route 1 pilgrimage.
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