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.