Way back from my native,
To catch 19:55 VB to Chennai.
As I put my fist step into the Shrine, in a big campus, it was 5.15 in the evening. My memories took me back to early and mid 80s. Just then this Temple was established.
It's now the Temple is celebrating its 40th year in June 2025.
It's not just Temple. A treasure trove - ஞானச் சுரங்கம். Although, I had gone number of times to this Shrine, every other time when you walk into this Shrine, I'm sure you get new energy, a fresh dimension.
The sanctum sanctorum is deep inside with separate sannithis for all Deities. As you walk in, your ஞான வேள்வி starts. The gardens either side welcome you. A dedicated herbal garden is also there as a tribute to People's President Dr APJ Kalam.
On the side walls, you will see plenty of nice inspirational quotes, real life stories told in briefs, etc., . This you will keep reading as you slowly proceed to the Lord Iyyappa's sanctum. Truely not just a short rush would do to get the vibe.
A few take aways from these pearls:
The Management also put up alert every few yards, alerting devotees not to use mobile, take pictures and videos. But thankfully, as we proceed to exit way, you could see a message so encouraging you to visit their website
trichyayyappa.com and view all these pearls of wisdom under the prompt, 'e book'.
Well here are a few takeaways in words so appealing to my humble self and not verbatim.
The very first striking one:
One gentle man in a winter time saw on the street a little girl shivering in utter cold. The man felt deeply pained and got wild with the Almighty, he asked God, " Don't you have any mercy? Don't you see this girl shivering? Why didn't you do anything?".
God: "Gentleman, who said I didn't do anything. I made you."
Moral: " Manava Seva, Madhava Seva".
Story 2:
One devotee prayed before Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi.
Devotee: " Bhagavan, I was so long indulging in all bad deeds. Now I realize all my wrong doings, would like to turn good. What shankalp should I take Bhagavan, please tell me."
Bhavan: "Take a vow that you won't tell lie any longer."
Story 3, story of vairagya, determination:
Power of Mom's words pushed and empowered Wilma Rudolf to overcome her pneumonia and win gold medals in Olympics. Every time she struggled, her mother motivated every inch to glorious victory.
Many more inspiring tales, quotes. You may visit the site
Before I wrap,
I wold like to end with a prayer, also a take away from the Temple, prayer to Tulsi.:
ஓம் துளசீதேவ்யை ச வித்மஹே, விஷ்ணுப்ரியாயை ச தீமஹி, தன்னோ விருந்தா பிரச்சோதயாத்॥