Thursday, June 18, 2009

Suryakshetra 96 - Narayanavanam


SURYAKSHETRA –96
Dr P V Sesha Sai
E-Mails:
shodasisai@rediffmail.com, shodasisai@yahoo.com, shodasisai@hotmail.com,
Phones: 91-40- 27661613, 55581368 Cell: 94404 22613
2nd May 2005

What this little man speaks…

Quote: A habit is a shirt made of iron.

Before taking you to the Narayanavanam in Chittoor District, I desire to take you to the footsteps to the Lord of seven hills. Most of us know that the steps at Alipiri are the main steps and safe steps to Tirumala. Factually these steps are taken care by the TTD more cautiously than the steps at the other side of the hill from Sreenivasa Mangapuram. It is not known why TTD did not pay attention to this aspect so far, however it appears that they have identified the need to renovate the footpath from Sreenivasa Mangapuram side too.

It was very good drizzle on 27th of April when we decided to climb the hill from Sreenivasa Mangapuram side. It was our practice to start climbing the hill during nighttime in the calm and cool atmosphere. We did not dare so far to climb up the hills in the midst of a hot summer day. But then fortunately the good drizzle cooled down the atmosphere and we really enjoyed each step when the rain/mud associated new fragrance started touching our nose and refreshing us every moment. The thick forest atmosphere and the sounds of the birds thrilled us and quite amused us. IT IS JUST A THREE KILOMETERS WAY when compared to the 8 kilometer way from Alipiri. The steps are just 6 kilometers road distance from Sreenivas Managapuram temple and one may have to take an auto due to improper frequency of the road transportation buses.

The TTD started renovating the steps and constructed the new steps in a most scientific manner where one has to climb up two or three steps and walk a yard or so before climbing up again. But at one point of time the steps are steep up and it is surely not a strenuous job.

There are two ancient structure constructed by the Kings of Chandragiri Fort in between. I have noticed stone-carved Lord Ganesh at different parts on these structures, which speaks of the intention of the rulers of those days to avoid difference between HARI AND HARA. In other words there is no difference between Saiva and Vaishnava Siddhanta. This is much more wanted these days in HINDU RELIGION.

One can also enjoy touching the lotus feet of SRIVARU – Lord Venkateswara WHILE climbing up this side. Perhaps on account of this, this particular route is called as SRIVARI METTU.

A nature lover must climb up this side so that different colors of the trees, their leaves, flowers besides the melodious tones of birds together with the forest beauty – makes the visit most memorable in life. But at present it is not advised to take this path during night times though sufficient lighting arrangements are made by the TTD. Ultimately the steps will reach the top of the hill behind Woodlands hotel. One can also see how difficult it is to pump water from Kalyani dam sources to meet the need of the pilgrims at Tirumala. Normally water flows down to the low level, where as water is pumped up all the way through very big pipes to keep the pilgrims comfortable at the top of the hill.

Everything is possible at the footsteps of Lord.

Quote: A danger foreseen is half avoided.

I shall be back again soon…

HARA HARA MAHADEVA DR P V SESHA SAI

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