A VISIT THAT WAS NOT IN THE SCHEDULED LIST OF PLACES OF VISIT

I am talking about my tour to Sabarimala and the unscheduled visit to a temple which happened to consider myself very lucky and which no one had had in spite of their several visits.

It was during on Dec 21, 2010, we planned a trip to Sabarimala and could catch the Sabari Train from Hyderabad which left Nampally station on time. I was with my group of friends in my civil dress as most of the group was having devotees in a black dress meant for Sami Ayyappa. We enjoyed the tour as most of our friends one or other were waiting at each and every station (till we entered the Kerala border) with loads of foodstuff, sweets, fruits etc., as it was a big contingent of 53 members. But, still, it was not sufficient.

When the train reached Nellore we had many boxes of ONGOLE MYSOREPOK which will be very soft and melts down in the mouth itself without any chance for biting. There in the station, I suddenly felt eating of DOSA and PALLI CHUTNEY and reached the place. They were very soft and nice. I tasted two and could not resist my wish to have them more. Immediately called my friends also and we had another two plates each. We were all stomachful. They were very tasty. This activity was full throughout the tour. Geeting food of our choice is very lucky and everybody will not have this opportunity.

Advice:  Do not miss this dish in the Railway platform of Nellore. They will be hot and will be served with Palli which will be rich in taste.

We reached Tiruvananthapuram at 3.P.M the next day. We searched for good accommodation and finally fixed to stay near Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple paying some reasonable amount. There were no cell phones and though they were only the basic model of Nokia 3010 and transport facility like VOLVO.

When we entered inside it was really a great rest house meant especially for Tourists like us. The tap for taking bath was at the center and the rooms were around it. There were about 7 rooms all covered with a single roof of Mangalore Tiles. They were quite comfortable and we felt very lucky to have that. The evening was spent with small shopping and visiting some good places. The period meant for our stay was only 1 day. We got a time and decided to extend our stay for one more day.

The next day we planned to visit the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple as it was a few feet away. It was a casual decision. I woke up early in the morning at 5 A.M and searched for a tea which I could get very easily. My friend also followed me. Again came back to the Rest House. Everybody was getting ready.

DARSAN OF LORD PADMANABHA SWAMY

By the time we reached the temple, it was 8 A.M. We had a very pleasant and peaceful Darshan of the God Padmanabha Swamy. I got surprised to see the entire Idol in three doors. Through one, the Head, through the second the body, and through the third the feet. It was really fabulous Idol. We enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere of the premises. There was no rush at all.

DRESS CODE

image credit to:thetimes.co.uk.   Dress code 

The interesting thing is that one is not allowed inside wearing trousers and shirts. They have to follow the dress code for getting an entry into the Temple. He should necessarily wear White Lungi and cover his chest with a white Towel. The visitors and the tourists will be supplied with the dress on payment of a small amount of Rs.5/- (it may be more now).

SEARCH FOR PRASADAM

While enjoying the beauty of Art and Architecture inside the temple I suddenly realized that we did not have any PRASADAM inside. I kept in mind after searching for it and started searching for it. I found some people cutting vegetable somewhere in the room. My colleagues stopped me going inside as it may lead to serious objection. I have not listened to them and approached them inquiring about the availability of Prasadam and if so can we have it. They surprising reply came was ‘you will get it at 12 noon and so be here by 11.10 sir”. I again asked if we can come for PRASADAM  at 11.30 positively. ‘YES’ was the reply. We finished our Darshan activity and returned to Rest House. We had some roaming here and there and could reach for Prasadam at 11.30 A,  as informed.