Swami Saranam Ayyappa

From Thekkady, we went to Sabarimala. We were lucky since that was the last day of Vishu Darisanam and the temple will remain closed for the next few weeks. Myself and Amma trekked up the Holy Hill after taking a dip in the Holy River Pamba at 2AM. It is a 7KM uphill trek (of course on bare foot). Amma wasn't able to climb all the way. After 1.5KMs, we arranged for the doli to carry Amma. I followed the doli. It helped we trekked before sunrise. We must have reached around 4.30 AM. We had a good Darisanam. The return was challenging in its own way. I got sprained and legs got giddy climbing down the slope, probably 30 degrees. Walking backwards, holding on to the rail helped. But by Lord Ayyappa's grace we made it safely before 8AM. Srinidhi, Veena and Karthi were waiting in the car. It would not have happened for Amma unless for this time. Amma wasn't planning any pilgrimage to Sabarimala, since it requires one mandalam (41 days) viratham. Swami Saranam Ayyappa.