Visit to Thiruvannamalai Temple:

Recent times have been so hectic on work and I was thinking of relaxing a bit on New Year’s day. But to my surprise my ex-colleagues called up on 31st Dec and checked whether we could visit Thiruvannamalai temple on 1st January, as the day being auspicious.

As ever, last-minute plan always works. We immediately planned the trip. ‘We’ includes myself, Shukdev Lahiri (who works for ICICI Bank), Hari (entrepreneur), Deena (works for cricinfo.com) and Deva (an architect).

Shukdev picked me up from my home in T.Nagar at 5.30 in the morning, then proceeded to pick up Deena and Deva. And, Hari joined us in Tambaram.

Hari has been the best-planner in our team. As per his plan, we first proceeded to Kubera Lakshmi temple (off Vandalur-Kelambakkam Main road). Also visited couple of adjoining temples.

Then, stopped at Hotel Highway in Maduranthagam for break-fast. Those who pass by that road, pls don’t miss this hotel, they provide sumptuous unlimited break-fast buffet for Rs. 60 per head.

Thereafter, continued driving to Thiruvannamalai. The temple was flooded with people for many reasons like – new year day, Arudra Dharshan day, Girivalam etc. We were able to join the special-ticket counter.

There were thousands of people waiting, but the queuing system was not proper. The temple assistants open up a ‘special’ gate in the mid-way through, for those who pay them money. Even that was not done properly and it led to stampede. Women, children and aged people were hurt. Surprised to see that people, who look decent and educated, were the major reason for this mess-up.

That’s when I think of the systems being followed in Shirdi and Puttabarti temples. Our people also visit those temples, but follow a strict disciplinary system over there. So, it means that the problem is not with the people, but with the system. Hence, the management trustees of the temples should ensure that proper queuing system is implemented.

Also, the roads in and around the temple are not cleanly maintained. The roads are scattered with lots of stones and garbage, which disturb the people who walk barefooted. Even we walked barefooted as were able to park the car in a quite remote road (as the entire area near the temple was jammed already).

After the Dharshan, we visited Ramanasramam (which is just about 15 minutes drive from the temple) and then started driving back to Chennai. Had our late-lunch at the same hotel at about 4.30.

Reached home at 7.00 p.m. Thought of taking a nap as I felt sleepy (since I slept for just an hour during the new year’s night). Went to bed, but was able to get up only the next day. Slept for about 15 hours , non-stop.

In all, spent a good day with my friends, after a long period of time. It was suddenly planned, and good that all were able to make up on short-notice.

Happy New Year to all of you !!