The Trek

Our nerves & muscles were starting to get ready for the real encounter. Both of our legs were enthusiastic enough to take us forward. Rucksacks on our shoulders were feeling a bit heavy as it got a bottle full of water and some snacks for the long way through. Crossing some plain areas the expectation  of real trek came into our thirsty minds. And we were awarded, heavily.

There were a few sloppy rocks(Vazhukku parai) where some steps have been carved out for easy access.

The Holy Ascent

It was 07:00 and the right time to start our holy ascent. The path was initially plain in nature for 500 mtrs. Then the hills started covering us with its thick blanket of rocks & trees and the real acclivity began. 

We started pinching ourselves to feel the pain that we were in the foothills of Saturagiri, our long dream. Yes, We were walking amidst the mountainous landscape with a swishing sound fresh air like music which was experienced long time ago during a trek to Tirupati Hills.

There were beggars in saffron blowing the traditional Sangu. People in South India generally give respect to people in Saffron assuming them to be direct devotees of Shiva and offer them alms. There are people who misuse this practice and settle their life with Saffron clothes and lead a carefree life. But such type of exploitation is there in every society which must not be confused while seeing any person in saffron is bad.

Initially there was a Vinayagar (Hindu God of Beginnings) Temple followed by Rajakali Amman, Pechi Amman and Karuppanna Swamy Temples. People were chanting 'Om Nama Shivaya' during their walk to feel the spiritual journey. Of course I used my cellphone to play 'Om Nama Shivaya' chanting in a loop which was very effective that it was hummed by my fellow devotees. In fact, the forest was reverberating the holy hymn in a dramatic manner.

The Spiritual Start

We started all our Way to Saturagiri(Chaturagiri or Sathuragiri) the Mountain of Siddhars(Holy men meditating in the Mountains) from Chennai, capital of Tamilnadu. Saturagiri is located in a mountainous landscape of Srivilliputhur District near Madurai, Tamilnadu, South India. It has been a dream for all of our group to achieve this trekking journey for a long time. Eventhough planned & executed in a very short time within 4 days, this trip is a rememberable one which has been a key to open our Inner Self.

It was a 10 hour journey from Chennai to Srivilliputhur. We landed at Srivilliputhur by 5 am, had a nice tea and waited for the direct bus to Thaaniparai via Watrap(Vaithiruppu).

Bus came by 05:30 and started in 10 mins. It was a scenic journey catching a glimpse of Sunrise through our bus windows.

The bus made a left cut from Krishnan Koil and proceeded towards Thaanipaarai, the base of our dream place Sathuragiri Hills. The journey was for 1 hour and 10 mins. Most of the passengers were local villagers and vendors who held small shops at Thaaniparai and way to Sathuragiri. We also got company from some devotees who were heading for a similar journey to Saturagiri.

After crossing Watrap, we happened to see a bunch of peacocks grazing in the fields like domestic goats. We landed at Thaaniparai successfully by 06:15. We were astonished to see lot of people in packs coming from all parts by their own car, van or bus cooking there with local firewood who were ready for the trek.

Surprise was yet to come in the form of nature's call for us. It is common to clear our stomachs in the morning and we were really shocked to see that there were absolutely no facility to make our conveniences. Little choice was left to make it in the woods without the availability of water. We decided to brave this by purchasing mineral water bottles and entering into the deep bushes and satisfy nature's call. It was a new experience since we were not used to it as we got settled in a Metropolitan city years ago. But phew, after making this out we were experiencing signs of relief and enjoyed it too in the open forest.

As light food would be better for an arduous trek, we settled with a quick breakfast of 4 idlies(Common south Indian dish).

And, We S T A R T E D our journey which according to me would be a gathering of Spirituality, Adventure & Psychological realization. We were to be accompanied by young, old and even the youngest(2 year old child) with Porters carrying from salt to sugar in amazing pace which we cannot compete.

What our Souls seldom knew at this point was it is going to be a nifty encounter with our own Inner Self.