Arunachalam-The place of great peace

Our series of tours took a beginning in Karnataka state with the very holy place-Thiruvannamalai-the name which blessed our nation with the greatest saint Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi. Its definitely a memorable occasion since we were there on the eve of our 3rd marriage anniversary. Thanks to my husband for giving me such wonderful gifts treasured for a life time.
                         We took the train Lalbaugh express from Bangalore at 7 o'clock in the morning and got down at Khatpadi Junction. From there we continued in a bus to Tiruvannamalai which took around 3 hours journey. By that afternoon we were there at the destination and had our lunch and relaxed for some time. Then we proceeded to Arunachaleshwarar (Annamalaiar) temple which was a bit crowded. But we went for a special darshan which took us to god's presence in around 45 minutes. We then had darshan of Ammavaru-Unnamalai amman(Apithakuchalamba) too and completed visiting the other temples in the premises. The gopuram of the Temple was too big to be captured in the camera lens. That was wonderful.
                            Then we headed forward for the most awaited Ramanashram-the ultimate destination for many spiritual aspirants. The samadhi of Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi, a temple of Lord Shiva, a book stall of the sansthan, some rooms allotted for the visitors, a dining hall, a meditation hall, great photos of Bhagavan- all these left me spell bound......
          We saw a woman weeping there at the room where Bhagavan attained mahanirvana- she was as if she lost one of her close family members. I felt jealous of her. As Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa says, I always remain in the list of people weeping for family, friends,and other material issues. Where is the end for our worldly craving?????God only knows.
                 The Photograph of Bhagavan-what a pose!!His face reflects His mind state, great pride that shows-I conquered over everything including death. We spent some time there visiting the surroundings. Then we went to Seshadri Swami Ashram which was very near by to Ramanashram.
                                      The next day, early in the morning at 4.30, we started the very powerful Girivalam (giripradakshina) which I feel is a great way for karma kshyam(reducing the evil karma). It was 14 KM long and the way is partly in the village and partly out, surrounding the Arunachala hill which is believed to be Lord Shiva Himself. It is advised that one must do Girivalm bear footed. One may find it a bit tough in the beginning, but I'm sure, god will drop you at the destination if you strongly determine in mind to complete that. Many people-some carrying kids, some aged ones, some small children-they set an inspiration for us to carry on the task. At the end it leaves us with perfect bliss to finish it with holy chanting, discussing gods' miraculous powers etc. That was an experience treasured for a lifetime.
                            In the afternoon we again went to Ramanashram to get some books. This time we found many foreigners who seem to be setting an example in their ways. They, despite their luxurious life styles at their native places, lead a very simple life here in search of peace and true saints. They sit for hours together in meditation who earlier didn't have the habit of sitting down at all. They sleep on mats in the ashram. They get used to eating the food served here. They never seem to care for their habits,and their sophisticated life styles-all for the sake of finding out the ultimate goal of human life. We need to learn a lot from them,since we have got the treasure of spirituality lying with us, not completely utilized in a proper way.
        We took prasadam in the Ashram and left for Bangalore in bus which took around 6 hours to drop us at home.
                                  During the Girivalam, we find boards displaying the distance covered till that time and yet to be covered. After about 6KM walk, My husband seemed suffering due to the small stones on the path. But God's grace, we reached the end successfully.

SOME TIPS TO GO ON GIRIVALAM:
    Carry a small bag with water bottle, biscuits/snacks as you hardly find any shops on the way.
    The earlier you start, the better.
    Follow the boards of the lingas carefully since some are not written in English(varuna lingam, kubera lingam..)
    No need to carry a camera since you can't catch very great view on the way and it even kills your time.
    Better to do girivalam in the morning since Eeshanya Linga temple may be missed in the evening.

                        Expecting to visit another great place on next marriage day too.