In the holy lap of the Lord- Kuruvapuram

             Our long awaited tour to Kuruvapura took a shape on 15th Sept ,2012 at 4.30 in the early morning.We were on the Hyderabad high way till Gooty and then it follws as Pattikonda, Adoni, Madhavaram, Raichur, Aathkur. From Aathkur, we have to take a small boat to  reach the other side of the Krishna river. We were on the boat at around 4 in the evening. Due to moderate rains oflate, there was considerable water in the river. The scenic beauty all around begs words for descripion. After leving the boat in around 20 minutes, we had to walk for almost 1.5 KM to reach the holy land of the Kuruvapura. The way goes through thick forest looking trees and green fields.

               The temple looks very simple but its a treasure of the penance power of the incarnation of Datta Sri Sripada Srivallabha and many othes saints like Sri Tembe swami, Sri Rangavadhuta etc. We were given 2 rooms by the pujari of the temple(Free of cost) and we also infomed him that we were 5 people that wish to have the prasadam of the dinner. We took darshan of the holy padukas covered with the face of Sripada Srivallabha.
           The people coming from Hyderabad reach this place from the other shore that covers Pancha deva pahad. This place is exactly opposite to the temple and we can see the flag on the Vittal baba Ashram where there are facilities for boarding. One can reach here again in a small boat. Since there were no bathrooms at all around the temple and the island, we were planning to go to the other side visible. We had the fotune of seeing the pallaki utsav and Aarati of the lord at 7.30PM and by that time there was no boat to drop us on the other shore. That way Baba's grace forced us to stay there in the holy sorroundings.
             There was no electricity there till 12 in the midnight, but the temple generator brightened the place during the aarati and pallki utsav. There were 2-3 small tube lights to just give us an idea where we were stepping. Luckily we had 2 torch lights with us (Silmilar to baba and master guiding us all through the life) to guide us all the night. We spread our blankets on the ground and were fast asleep in the cool and fragrant breeze.
          Early in the morning we were awakened by the temple bell at 4.The darkness of the nature helped us in answering her calls. Sreeram and Ravannayya had their bath at the hand pump and with the lungis bought at the small shop behind our room, were ready for the Abhisheka of the holy padukas. Doddamma, vadina and myself took a dip in the holy Krishna river to wash away our ill-karma to the possible extent. Then we were also ready in the temple to have the glance of the actual padukas of the Lord uncovered. After being blessed with that Darshan we spent some time in Pradkshina, parayana etc and again were were cruelly ready to leave such a sanctified heaven. How blessed we were that we were granted the chance to visit, sleep in the lap of the lord and in the presence of holy Audumbara, Aswattha, neem trees! I don't know why Baba is so kind towards me who, despite being blessed with all comforts in life, am unable to show enough of gratitude towards Him. How many of His teachings do i actually apply in my life is really a disappointment for Him to have a devotee like me. What i can do is just pray to Him to see to it that i'm able to keep him happy with the way i lead my life.
                    We were on the way back to Aathkur on boat. Then we were on road again to reach bangalore. At Madhavaram, Mantralayam is 8 KM diversion from our actual route. But we reached there at 1.30 PM and the temple in Mantralayam is closed from 2-4PM. Leaving the burden on baba, we headed towards Mntralayam and gods grace! we were at the lords feet at 1.50. Within 3-4 minutes after we finished our darshan, the temple was closed. Again on the road towards bangalore, we were tempted to see the temple of Yogini Lakshmamma at Adoni. That was a boon for us for being blessed with the darshan of her samadhi. With the trinity kshetras(Kuruvapuram, Mantralayam, and Adoni) filling our hearts with extreme joy, we reached home at 11 PM.Thank god for such a great time.