Thiru vEngadam

[Guest guest]

In the recent years I have been able to hire a taxi

from Madras and back, about Rs. 1,700. You must stay

overnight to be able to participate in the saRRumuRai

sEvai. ANdavan ashramam has built a nice guest house.

Even if you don't get a private room you can sleep in the

huge hall. Do not forget to take an alarm clock. There

is no one there to give a wake up call. The manager wise

cracked, "get up and give yourself a wake up call!"

 

Be in front of the main entrance of the temple no later than

5:30. Usually a queue forms. Jeer comes to the main entrance

after 5:30, more like 6. Then we are allowed in. There is a

mad rush to get to the top of the second queue that forms

by the side of the area where the Hundi is located.

 

After another wait of about 5 minues, we are allowed into the

sanctum. Don't be surprised to see anout 10 people already

inside the sanctum. After the saaRRumuRai and vaazhi thirunaamam

we are offered theertham and sataari. Next, the group assembles

in Udayavar (Sri Ramanuaja) sannithi for a repeat performance

of the saaRRumuRai, theertham, and sataari. Then we are oferred

prasaadam, dhudhyOnam. It is an experience I will never

forget, will want to repeat as many times as I can.

 

Ah, I almost forgot, make sure you don't sport a mustache, unless

you have a beard too. Make sure you don't have even a trace of

side burns. If you do you WILL be stopped. Of course, wear your

thirumaN/sreechuvarnam. If you are married, i.e. six threads,

wear kachcham.

 

Yes, walking up the hill is much more satisfying than driving up.

It is difficult in the beginning and at the end, but over all

it is not difficult for any one in reasonable health.

 

I am told it is best avoid weekends and other holidays. Don't

even think of New Years day, yes, the English one!

 

 

-- Dileepan