Mid April, soon after Vishu sadhya after seeing Kani, visiting Thrikakara temple and clicking pics around lotus, had the second innings to Madurai Meenakshi, Rameshwaram and Dhanuskodi; with Geeta and Amma. Geeta had reached the previous night. Sky was beautiful as we drove towards Madurai
If last time it was the temple festival at Rameshwaram this time it was at Madurai - Chithirai festival. For the unity and amity of Saiva- Vishanava. Temple was crowded, and there were restrictions. We reached Madurai around 5 pm, and was at the temple by 6.
There are four big Rajagopuram like this, as the North, East, South and West end, because of the crowd, vehicle had to parked at some distance and we got in from the south entrance. The Minakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple has a spectacular architecture with spellbinding murals all around. Amma was running ahead in a hurry to get darshan, but it was the exit. Geeta got into the entry queue. We were in different lane. So she went ahead. When we reached the checking counter, I had to surrender my mobile. Amma was smart enough not to carry anything. I had my bag with me. At the entrace, the bag bipped. They checked, it was the umbrela. They asked me to get out and keep it at the deposit counter, and Amma had to move forward. By the time I kept and reached the entrace, there was a chaos there, an old lady was unwilling to deposit her mobile in the counter outside, and was adamant that she would want to enter the temple. With the huge crowd, the lady police checking were dead tired. Realising that it was useless fighting with the elderly lady, she said, go to hell and do whatever you want, let her in. Finally I got in. At the entrace, could not see either Amma or Geetha. The queue was very long - and there were different ones - free, Rs. 50 and Rs. 100. I took tickets for all for Rs. 100, and started looking for amma, in all the queues. Not finding her in any of the three queues and having walked outside and inside I was worried, and informed the police. Did meet Geeta in between the search. Felt sorry for the lady police. It was an uphill task for them to manage the crowd. After three round, wondering where she would be, if she had money - finally heard her calling - Meera. Ah! what relief it was, but then it was the beginning of a long wait in the queue. Even inside there was a zig-zag of queue, and we had to almost take a 'U' turn - did see her enter into the Meenakshi temple when we were at this end of the 'U' - but was not aware then, that there was another queue inside. After being in queue for almost an hour, got Meenakshi Dharshan, went to Shiva Dharshan - which was amazing - with Deeparadana, and we were right in the front. We could see the hall that has a thousand pillars. We kept going around to find the South gate. I collected the umbrella and mobile - Geeta and the driver was waiting out. The moon was shining beautiful next to the Gopuram, but could not click a pic of it.
Chithirai Thiruvizha or Thirukalyanam Festival is the best time to visit the temple. Located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai, this Hindu temple is an epitome of classic architecture with murals so gorgeous that it will take your breath away. Thankfully the walk in the queue was not so tiring, as we were Thankful that we were not lost and also were admiring the beauty of the sacred pool with a golden lotus .
Then had a beautiful drive to Rameshwaram. Reached there by 12 pm, passing through the famous Pampan bridge of Chennai Express fame.
Beautiful view, but as we were running out of time, thought of clicking pictures when returning, just had a view. Amma wanted to get down, in front of the temple, before reaching the hotel. I had a skip of my heartbeat, reminded of the previous day run around. But somehow she agreed to sit. Me and Geeta went to the room - the view from there was breath-taking.
We had a dip in the Bay of Bengal, and reached the temple with an intention to take bath from the water of 22 wells. This temple too was very crowded even during the afternoon, and we were at the wrong gate. We were told that we need to be at the north gate to have the well water bath. On reaching there - Union people were behind us, saying they would help, though earlier reluctant, it was a blessing, as we could complete the process soon. Three of us, kept handing over the bag's to one another like passing the parcel, as we were blessed with the water of the river.
Normally Siva temples remain closed in the afternoon, and they had to close it - but the union member - took us through the temple, with special and closed doors, unfortunately - we had literally bribed him, and he had taken it. Else we would not have been able to finish it on time. The architecture of this temple too was amazing, but even here camera's were not allowed, and we did not carry it too, as we had to take dip in the water.
Evening went to the Panchamuki (5 faced) Hanuman temple, where we saw the floating stones - which would float only under certain circumstances. There is also a 20 feet tall Hanuman statue. From there we went to Dhanuskodi, after a halt at the temple were Vibishan's patabishagam was conducted. It was a beautiful view.
Where are we heading....???😱
To the last land of the incredible India💪A road where we can see both the Bay of Bengal and the Indian ocean 🌊 on both the sides...🌊
Dhanuskodi 👻- the Ghost Town - the whole town was abandoned after the massive hit of tsunami in the year 1964. It is open to the public only from 6am to 5pm. The tourists can't stay at this place as there is no electricity and only the locals stay here.The government has banned any type of construction here & at night you really see the lights✨ of Srilanka🇱🇰...So you can imagine how wild is this place🎃but it's a must visit destination 😎 with ruines from Tsunami, and some people not ready to leave the land.
The drive to Dhanuskodi was amazing, with the Bay of Bengal on the one side, and the Indian Ocean on the other, with the light house.
One could see the difference in water, and view both sun set and moon rise. It was so crystal clear - and the full moon night. There was a new Ashoka Stamp at the tip - but we could not enter there as it was almost 5.30 when we reached, and it was closing, though we could see from a couple of feet away. Inspite of warning from police, Amma kept on with her dare task of getting into the water on one side which was sloppy and dangerous. Then we spend sometime on the West side, viewing the sun set - as it was over, there was the moon rise in the east. Police were behind us again, and the place was almost empty - we did not spend much time in the ghost land. The drive back was amazing. Back at Rameshwaram, we did few purchasing, and then went to the room, kept gazing at the moon, clicking pics and videos.
Went out for morning walk at 4 am. It was cloudy, so though could see full moon setting, and the first ray of sun - the rise was delayed, though we could see. By the time we left the hotel, it was raining very heavily. We could not stop at the Pampan bridge, but it made the drive soothing. Return trip was through Munnar - with clouds around - it was beautiful and memorable. Amma too enjoyed.
The drive via Munnar with drizzling rain in the background, as we returned brought a soothing end to that trip which was a bonus unexpected.
We were to have dinner with Mili as it was her birthday - but reached late. By the time, we all reached The Bridge it was past 9 pm. Nevertheless, all is well that ends well.
Next day went to Mili's home, and walked across the new beautiful pathway. While returning from Potta dropping Amma - also met Ramya. Next day went to Ernakulam market, courtesy Madhuman, Marine drive and Fort Kochi; and then it was time for Geeta to return and for us to get back into routine.
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