|
Guruvayur Kerala |
 |
 |
|
Written by Kartik
|
Guruvayur, in the South Indian state of Kerala, is one of the most enchanting and glorious temples in all of India.There are no movie theaters in the town of Guruvayur. No liquor stores. No night clubs. And no meat is eaten there. Guruvayur is a holy city where people come to make spiritual advancement. In fact, the atmosphere of devotion which pervades Guruvayur is so sublime and charming that one easily experiences transcendence when visiting this holy place. Appropriately so, Guruvayur is known as Bhuloka Vaikuntha: "where heaven meets Earth." How to get there: Rail : Guruvayur has got a railway station towards the east of the temple which is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur. Tourists coming from the Madras/Trivendram area can get down at Thrissur, just 29 km away, around one to one and a half hour drive from Guruvayur, and tourists from Mangalore side can get down at the Kuttippram station. Regular bus services are available from these places to Guruvayur.
Road : Guruvayur is well connected with the other parts of the country by road. KSRTC bus stand is 500metres to the west of the temple and the private bus stand towards the east. Bus connections are also available with all important towns of Kerala as well as neighbouring Karnataka and Tamilnadu via Trichur (29 Km from Trichur).
Places to Stay:
The Guruvayur Devaswom board provides accommodation for pilgrims, both AC or non AC rooms and dorms close to the temple. You can book in advance and the full room rent and reservation charges should be sent to The Administrator, Guruvayur Devaswom, Guruvayur - 68010, Kerala by Demand Draft or Money Order.
Our Experience / Observation there:
We travelled to Guruvayur in KSRTC bus from Trichur ( 29 Km, 1 hour journey). Because of the time constraint we missed the Deep lighting shown in adjucent picture (starts only after 6.30 PM), however visiting temple and wearing lungi ( For males entry is possible only in lungi) was great fun.  For Detials of Guruvayur read this wonderful Blog
|
|
|
Puttaparthi |
|
|
|
Written by Kartik
|
Shri Satya Sai baba devotees called Puttaparthi "heaven on earth". Well
I didn't felt the same, may be because I didn't go there, with that
much devotion and faith as others. But I was really impressed with the
majestic autonomous empire he has created @Puttaparthy. I also liked
the kind of medical services they provide there free of cost.
I
would recommend to visit this place only if you want to see majestic
buildings, hospitals, Ashram, and off course if you have faith in Satya
Sai. However, I really didn't like the way Shree Satya Sai gave Darshan
to Devotees. Thousands of people including me along with my parents
were seating in hall for 3 hours and then Shree Satya Sai arrived in
imported car for a minute and disappeared. One can argue that nobody is
forcing to any devotee to seat in cramp condition for three hours for a
minute look at Sai, but what about small children from the Ashram
school who were made to seat in hall for almost an hour. I really
wonder if its their daily schedule.
I am aware that while writing I
may be making assumption and may not be knowing the truth. I invite the
comments from the reader if that's the case. My only intention is to
save, visitors like me, from painful process of Sai Darshan. One can
surely visit Puttaparthy to see and appreciate the infrastructure, and
the good work done.
How to go :
Take a cab OR KSRTC bus from Bangalore. Its around 160 km. You need to
travel for around 110 Km on HYD road and then take diversion (Before
Penukonda) on right side for Puttaparthi.
Precautions: That region is really hot during summer. Keep enough water and wear appropriate cloths.
Info on Web: Click me |
|
|
|
|
|
|
