A visit to Govindapuram
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
After spending some time with my relatives, we thought of visiting Govindapuram{Tamil Nadu] where the Sri Vittalar Rukmani temple is located . My aunt, uncle, mom, cousin including my sister and me got ready for a go . We started packing our bags , gave our family- car a good wash and cleaned our home . And finally the day arrived .Our grandmother made chapattis ,tomato rice ,lemon rice for our exciting journey . After some time, our uncle headed towards the car , and checked whether everything was perfect . We bumped our luggage’s into the dickey and sat inside the car, cooled ourselves into the ice-cold AC , waved a goodbye to our grandparents and then our uncle started our holy pilgrim trip .
At first from Madras we reached Kumbakonam, were we met our Maternal grandparents and took some rest over there . After refreshing ourselves we stared our journey . At first we went to Thirubuvanam from there to Thiruvidaimarudur . { this place is famous for the Mahalingeshwarar temple . People who are affected by the brahmahati dosham get revealed from this sin when they visit this temple .] and then the very next stop was Govindapuram . We were totally upside –down .
We rushed towards the temple and took some photos .
We had to wait in an long queue since the priests were performing the holy bath [ abishekam] to the Sri Vittalar and Sri Rukmani. As soon as we entered threshold there were big and huge dooms . They were painted with the incarnations of Lord Vishnu . there were several pillars . The temple was of North –Indian style . I heard from one of the sages that Lord Pandurangan[ Krishna] came down to the earth and presented himself in front of his devotee Kundalar . This incident took place in North –India. After some time the people over there built the Sri Pandurangan temple near Kundalar ‘s hut . One of the great sages IN THIS MODERN ERA Sri Vital Das wanted to build the same temple in south too . He sought for a huge place and at last he found one ,called Govindapuram [ Tamil Nadu ]. This place is basically a village .
After having a fine look at the Lords over there we came down through the stairs. My aunt wanted to touch Sri Vitalar’s feet but unfortunately the ghee bath [ venai abishekam] was going on . It was pleasant to hear everyone say the Lord’s name "Vittala Vitala Vittala Panduranga! Vittala Vitalla Vittala Panduranga!"
We to joined them . And then we moved on . We went to get blessings from the holy elephant . My sister was quite scared at first , but when she saw me fearlessly moving towards the elephant she copped up with me .
After sometime we went to get some prasadam . we all stood in an queue and when it was our turn we received Kesari [ sweet],tomato rice and curd rice .It was tastyand I had some more. we washed our hands and then moved towards the Gosala . Over there , at the entrance we saw a statue of Lord Krishna playing a flute , and surrounded by cows . It was quite delightful to see . As we entered we saw 3 to 4 rows with cows . we saw a calf with it’s mother drinking milk . It was beautiful. Pregnant cows were kept in a row separately . It was a pity to see an old cow which was terribly sick . That was quite sad . And then we came out .And then we all bowed our heads towards the Lord , and moved towards our car. Coming to an end I should tell that it was quite an enjoyable experience.
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