Sairam friends,
On Saturday morning, I was in hurry to start early and so much tensed as parents kept telling me start now…start now or you will miss train and I was listening to Kanagadhara Stotram and writing in StarSai. I forgot that am going on a pilgrimage and took my office tag also. While in Bus, I noticed what’s this and realized how stupid I am when am in hurry …he he…
Once I reached Trichy Railway station, I took a Bus to Sri Rangam. I was really confused where to stay as I have to visit many temples.
In Bus a old man sat near me and fortunately he’s Sai devotee. I gave him StarSai card and he asked me to stay in Sri Rangam itself and guided me. I was worried where I will stay peacefully and this was Sai’s guidance to me. The old man himself said, see how baba connects his devotees. I had good darshan in Sri Rangam, Brahmapureeswarar temple, Samayapuram and Thirupanjali about which I shall write later.
I came back from pilgrimage last night. Every time, I go on a Pilgrimage, I try to write about any Temple or God that fills my heart with devotion. I went to all the temples I wrote about in previous article by Sai grace. It was really hectic as I traveled by Bus. ( Go Green, Go public) I never hire taxi when I go alone to temples. I take bus, walk a lot and try to learn from ordinary people. During this pilgrimage I learnt a lot about people, life and also the power of Gods.
The famous temples are crowded with devotee in Que to have darshan of Gods and Goddess. For people who are in hurry or not well or who can’t stand in line, there’s 250 Rs entrance Fee. ( In Sri Rangam, Samayapuram). Go and have darshan of God right now because this is a “I want it Now” world and honestly i agree we created this because its useful for devotees who can’t wait long or who are sick etc.
I liked Thiruvanaikaval especially because the Goddess Akilandeshwari had come in my dream a year back. This time, I woke up early from Sri Rangam, had coffee looking at the big Gopuram and then started to Thiruvanaikaval temple. I liked Thiruvanaikaval especially because fortunately, the temple had no crowd and I felt peaceful. I had darshan of Jambukeswarar, lit lamps and then walked to Akilandeshwari’s shrine.
I lit lamps and waited for the Door to open. She’s truly Goddess of Mercy and loved the sacred Kumkum of the Goddess. The Sindoor here is thick Maroon and Reddish and has sacred fragrance in it. A group of devotees came and sung holy mantra of Shiva and Parvathi. I loved the paintings in this temple. Then I moved behind the temple as I saw the board ” Gubera Lingam”
I saw a very old lady carrying some thing and walking. When she saw me, I felt she wants me to offer something to her. So I gave some money and walked ahead. I saw the temple of Sangareshwarar and Sangareshwari. I loved to be here as no body was there.
Then I walked ahead to a Shiva Ligam.
Gubera Lingam
I loved this Gubera Lingam especially because the Priest was so kind and devoted. These days I see only very few priests doing seva to Gods with devotion. Some are very mechanical and they don’t even bother devotees.
There was a very cute small Akilandeshwari and Jambukeswarar for which the priest did very beautiful Alankaram – A silk dress for Goddess and she was truly graceful.
Then I did pooja to the Gubera Lingam. He told me that its called Gubera Lingam because the peedam – The base of the Lingam is like Lotus. There’s a Eka Rudraksha – it has 21 faces which some one bought all the way from Nepal before 15 years. He told me, this Gubera Lingam is so auspicious and like worshiping Mahalakshmi.
Sangareshwarar and Sangareshwari
I told you that I liked this Shrine in the temple. The priest told me, this is the Shiva Lingam which was made by saint Agasthiar with the mud of cavery River. When Shiva and Parvathi got married in Kailas, All the people, devars and Gods were in Himalayas. So the Earth in the north was going down due to the weight. Shiva asked Agasthiar to go to south, so that his weight will equal others. Agasthiar wanted to see Shiva getting married with Parvathi. Shiva assured him that he will give darshan there itself.
In this Shrine, we can see Shiva and Parvathi’s small statue together above the Shiva lingam. Priest told me, Only in this Sangareshwarar sannidhi, you can see Shiva and Parvathi statue above Ligam itself.
I gave him little picture of StarSai and he was happy that am going to write about Gubera Lingam. He told me his son in working in a IT concern in Mysore and when he finds time, shall mail me pictures.
I understood something in this pilgrimage friends about which I shall write another article.
I just feel Temples are beautiful. Imagine how hard it is to build such ancient temples. We must appreciate the people who left this treasure for us and take care of it. We must talk only about Gods and Goddess in temple.
I was hurt when I saw a guy playing games with mobile inside the Sri Rangam temple. Mobiles are important in such crowded temples for emergency but why play Games. I was sitting and meditating while waiting in que and at times chanting Sai Sri Ranga.
When I was in Thiruvanaikaval, I kept remembering graceful Akilandeswari.
Some devotees do understand the importance of remembering Gods and Goddess in temple but at times due to crowd etc their mind gets diverted. I myself had such a feeling.
When I was coming back in train I kept looking at Baba’s book. There was a pregnant lady near my seat and she was looking at Baba’s book. I prayed for her in mind. I looked into Sai’s eyes and asked him “Oru Cute kuttikaaga ivlo prayers sa saibaba? ” I came back directly to Nagasai mandhir at 10.20 at night though it was closed because where ever I go, my soul is in Nagasai mandhir of coimbatore. I fell on the floor infront of Gate ( No one saw me as it was dark). I love you sai
I am too tired today and Amma also is not well. I want to take off but am going.
Sairam
Venkat
