Visit to Pulpally Seetha Devi Temple

 

November 5, 2023

It had been almost a year when I had undertaken a spiritual trip with Sudhesh. Last time around we had visited three Temples in Tirur, Malappuram District. Hence this time, we made it even further into Kerala and ventured into Wayanad district, Pulpally town which is near Sulthan Bathery.

We had been talking about the place for two months prior to the actual trip and it was an article online which made us think about visiting it.

So, on a Sunday early morning at 12:30 am I took a ‘Go Taxi’ to the Coimbatore Railway Station to board the Train which would take me to Kozhikode Railway Station where I would be joined by Sudhesh who was coming from Kannur on a train at 2 am. He reached before me as his journey was all but of 1 and half hour. Actually, due to the changes in Timings of few Trains, Sudhesh had to board his train a lot early than when he had booked the Tickets. In October Train Time Table changes every year.  However, in my case the timings were the same so I was a bit lucky.

The Taxi dropped me at 12:50 and I made my way to the Platform to board the Puducherry to Mangalore Train (Train number 16857) which was supposed to arrive at 1:57 am. Even at this time there was much of a crowd there so I sat on a chair and waited. The train was around 10-15 minutes late eventually and I climbed to my upper berth and after confirming the TT of my presence might have dozed off as I didn’t realize the Train reaching Palakkad Station and around 4:30 am I awoke to find the Train at Shoranur Junction. It was now late by half an hour. I had asked Sudhesh to call me by 5 am just in case I fell asleep. Train was supposed to reach by 5:37 am but it reached around 6 am.

We got outside the Railway Station and made enquiries on how to get to Pulpally. All suggested to going to Kozhikode KSRTC Bus Stand and board Bus to Sulthan Bathery and from there another bus to Pulpally.

So, we booked a prepaid Auto to KSRTC Bus Stand (Actually the Bus Stand is at a walkable distance only) and reached Bus Stand around 6:40 am. A Lottery ticket vendor suggested to board a Bus going to Mysore or Bangalore which will take us quicker to Sulthan Bathery and from there we could get Bus to Pulpally. So accordingly, we started looking for a Bus going to Bangalore and we found one to and asked the Conductor for seats (Nowadays KSRTC online booking is being used in good numbers so one can not be sure of whether we will get seats or not for long trips). Anyhow he gave us two seats till Sulthan Bathery and informed us that Bus will start at 7 am sharp. We decided to have Coffee in the meantime. I also relieved myself and then boarded the Bus again which started around 7 :10  am.

It was very chilly morning and I was totally unprepared. The Bus passed through Thamarassery, Vythiri, Kalpetta, etc before finally reaching Sulthan Bathery at around 9:45 am. From here we had to stand just outside the Bus Stand to catch the next Bus going to Pulpally. On reaching Pulpally around 10:30 am. We enquired with a person at a store selling Pooja items about the two temples. The one ‘Moolasthanam’ would close early by 11:30 am so we asked him how we could arrange to visit both. He then hailed an auto rickshaw driver and told us to go with him and he would take us to both places.

The ‘Moolasthanam’ has the spot where Seeta Devi is supposed to have gone inside the Earth and also the place where Ram did penance. The priest informed us that the Temple was almost 200 years old. The main temple was holding two marriages it seems but still I would say it wasn’t crowded. We quickly took darshan and got out.

We had good Darshan at both places and the Auto driver charged us totally Rs 50 which surprised us both. I don’t know if that person told him to do so or it was normal but we felt it was pretty less considering he waited us at one of the temples for us to have a visit and return.

After the darshan we then boarded a lone bus at the Pulpally Bus Stand for Sulthan Bathery. The Bus reached around 1 pm and we went to a hotel to have meals. It was a duplicate ‘Udupi’ Hotel but nevertheless satisfied our appetite. So, then we boarded a Bus for Kozhikode which took us to the KSRTC Bus Stand. Here we parted ways after having ‘Ghee Roast’. I decided to walk to Railway Station as I had ample time. My return train was scheduled to arrive at 7:30 pm. So, I reached the Railway Station a lot earlier and got my phone charged (Battery was almost drained off) at the Waiting Room. Around 7:40 pm my Train arrived and I reached Coimbatore around 11:40 pm. Late by almost half an hour sleep was affected but the trip had been thoroughly enjoyable.

Bus upto Sulthan Bathery from Kozhikode : Around 131 per head for Buses going to Mysore, Bangalore. A TT Bus fare will be around 118 per head

Bus upto Pulpally from Sulthan Bathery : Rs 35 per head

For Temple Priest name and Contact Number : Sudeendaran 9446253712

Three temples in Tirur

 Date : 4th November, 2022

I have been purchasing a monthly travel magazine by the name ‘Yathra’ whenever I get to travel to Kerala since long. I also have been taunted often saying that I just buy and keep the same in the shelves without undertaking a trip to any one of the places in it. To an extent it is true also.

So this time around I had made up my mind to visit some place that found a mention the magazine. I had already applied for a one day leave two weeks before in my office. I then tried glancing through one August edition of the magazine for a place where I could travel for a day trip. Wayanad was dropped as it would need two days minimum. Then I saw an article about a temple near Tirur, which also happened to be the only temple dedicated to ‘Garuda’. When I checked the distance and time needed for travelling to Tirur it was very much possible one.

So I informed a friend staying in Kannur and he also agreed to join me from there. I made enquiries regarding the temple ( such as how to reach from Tirur station to the temple, What all offerings will be available and the timings ) from a person whose contact number was shared in the article.

My onward train was starting from Coimbatore at 6 am and it was the starting station. As it was too early for Buses to ply I booked through ‘Red Taxi’ a cab at 4:45 am. I prefer to be a bit early for any journey. So I was at the platform where my train was stationed at around 5:10 am. When I neared my coach I could see that the lights weren’t switched on. When the lights were put on I boarded the train. The train ( 22610 ) started around 6:03 am ( a delay of 3 minutes ) The compartment was mostly empty. The train passed through some lovely sceneries ( green mountains, mist, etc ) and was almost on time check till Shoranur ( the last halting station before Tirur ) and reached Tirur with a delay of 15 minutes. My friend from Kannur who was supposed to reach lot earlier hadn’t reached yet and so I decided to make enquiries as to from which side we could travel to the temple.

I asked a person manning the automatic ticket vending machine. He told me that Buses were on the other side. I wasn’t able to see foot over bridge and hence crossed the tracks to go to the next platform. After some time my friend arrived and I informed him that we need to rush a bit as the temple will be closing by 10:30 am.

We went outside and hired an auto to take us to the temple. He charged us 170 Rs. We had good darshan and enquired with the priest regarding the next temple. He told us that we could visit not only Hanuman temple but also Triprengode Siva temple as well. So we purchased the offerings ‘Manja Payasam’ and ‘Garuda Panchakshi enna’ and after finishing the rounds inside the temple started towards the second temple. After coming out we took an auto to the Hanuman temple. He charged us 40 Rs.

The temple is actually dedicated to Lord Rama but is more popular by ‘Hanuman Temple’. ‘Avil’ is the popular offering here. We hurried along to the next temple. The main sanctum is very high and the deity looks grand. The priest after enquiring about our whereabouts told us the legend of the temple. When we went outside and were leaving when a temple worker called us and gave ‘Ganapathi Homam’ prasadam.

After the visit we then asked directions for the main road and reached the bus stop. We got a bus almost immediately which took us to Tirur Railway Station.

Similar to the morning scenes I feel evening scenes were even more as the setting sun had spread some wonderful colours

It was almost 8 when I reached Coimbatore but the day was memorable.

 

Isha Adiyogi Centre

 

Isha Adiyogi Centre

The last time we visited Isha Yoga Centre it was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. My daughter was upset also because she would not have been allowed inside as she had not completed 10 years then.

So as to makeup for her dejection and my own curiosity we decided to visit again.

So around 1 pm we started by Taxi for the Centre and passing through Perur we covered the 34 kms in almost an hour by reaching around 2 pm. Parking for own vehicles cost 30 Rs.

After getting down from the Taxi we started walking towards the Shiva bust sculpture. There was a good enough crowd and we made one Pradakshina of the bust. The floor was hot and after the Pradakshina we made our way towards the place where Linga Bhairavi, Dhyanalingaa etc were situated. These can be reached by taking the path behind the bust sculpture. One needs to deposit mobiles and Valuables, Bags at the counter and proceed inside as Photography is not allowed here.

After walking along the path along areca nut plantations one reaches the Sarpa Sthal behind which is the ‘Suryakund’ where males can take a dip in the water and touch the Lingams immersed in the water. This is a man-made creation. Towels and ‘Mundu’ is provided. After that we move towards the ‘Linga Bhairavi’ temple. The temple was closed as the curtains were drawn and we could only see the place from small openings at the temple door.

From here we went to the ‘Dhyanalinga’, which is one of the best place for meditation. Inside a dome one feels immediately at eternal peace. This is followed by ‘Chandrakund’ and finally we returned back to the Adiyogi sculpture.

Evening at 7 pm there are some songs played out and around 7:20 we have Light show on the Sculpture.

It was a wonderful experience with scenery all around

 

 

Valparai -- Vazhachaal

A desire to undertake a journey through the Vazhachal Valparai route had developed since long in my mind. But for one reason or the other it never materialized. Although initially there was a doubt also that Two wheelers weren't being allowed to pass but Midhun, who was also going to be my companion informed me that of recent they had started allowing Two wheelers.

Thus a sudden plan to undertake the trip the next day itself came about when Midhun called me to check if I was free the next day. As he would be coming from Paliakara, Thrissur I was supposed to meet him at Nemmara at 6:00 am. I was to make a night halt at my parent's place in Thrissur as it would be pretty late when we would end the journey. Midhun advised me on dress ( Not to have to too colourful clothes, Jeans, Pants, bringing water/sunglasses etc ). What I forgot to ask was regarding footwear and regretted wearing a sandal. As I usual I got very less sleep in anticipation of the day ahead. I left the house at 5:30 am. Walked till Kaipencherri and got into a KSRTC Bus bound for Thrissur and got down at Nemmara. Midhun was to meet me here and we would pass through Kollengode and reach Pollachi to start the route.

I had tea from a mobile Tea stall. Midhun reached at around 6:40 am. We had crossed Kerala border in 45 minutes or so. During the time we crossed Kollengode to reach Anaimalai, Pollachi. I wasn't aware that Midhun also had become a vegetarian by choice. I was a little taken aback when he skipped hotels which had non vegetarian food or were near a mutton shop. I was left wondering if I was a Non-vegetarian !!!

Anyway at around 8:15 am we reached the Main Road which indicated Valparai was 44 kms. Here we had breakfast comprising of 4 idlis and an Oothapam. There was a 'Pudina' chutney along with the normal 'Coconut' chutney and Sambar. Four Ladies were managing the stall. What was more comforting that there were idols of 'Shirdi Sai Baba' and 'Ganesha' in front of the eatery. After a nice breakfast we started for the real journey. There were a total of 40 hair pin bends for reaching Valparai. Valparai has become a hub of Tea Estates. We sighted some monkeys and Midhun took out his SLR camera and took some good snaps. There was a person riding a bike with the 'Charm' symbols who almost rode along with us till the end.

Although we purchased a bottle of mineral water we didn't open it at all as we refilled the water bottle I had taken from home with the water flowing between the rocks en route. The water was cool and tasted good too. Midhun also stopped at some picturesque locations. He also told me to tell him when I wanted to stop. Though it was summer both of us didn't feel the heat at all. We must have reached Valparai at around 10:15 am. Here we had tea at a stall

While descending we saw a sign board indicating 'Karaimalai Balaji' Temple and as even Midhun hadn't seen it decided to pay it a visit. We reached the spot at around 11:30 am. As the temple was going to close by 12 pm we hurried atop the small hillock. Of the many 'Balaji' temples I had visited this was the only one which was located atop a hill amidst tea plantations.

This temple had been constructed 35 years ago by the Estate Owner. Below there is a board that indicates various other places of significance like 'Veeramalai' Tunnel, Mudis, Vella Pilayar kovil, Sholayar Dam etc. Actually these are not in the main route and one has to return back to main route from Valparai to Malakkapara. As this was a new route for Midhun also he also was enjoying the ride.
We reached Malakkapara by 2:15 pm and had lunch in solitude at a hotel that Midhun frequented. The lunch was sumptuous comprising Rice, Sambar, Pappad, Rasam, Cabbage curry and Salad. After lunch and rest we started at 3 pm. All through the route we looked for any indications of any movements indicating the one we wanted to sight the 'Elephant' but we didn't see one at all. All hopes had gone by the time we neared Vazhachal around 5 40 pm. When we saw some vehicles stationed near the edge of the road and some onlookers. We asked if there was an Elephant and yes on the opposite side near the banks of the river were a Mother and two small ones enjoying the bath !!!

We reached home by 6:40 pm and I bade Good Bye to Midhun and after dinner slept like a log 

A TRIP TO KAIWARA VILLAGE

After being dejected with the so called popular spots in and around Bengaluru I chanced upon this nice place through a casual talk with the Landlord of my friend with whom I stayed in Bengaluru. It was around 9 am that we started for Kaiwara which has many historical and mythological stories. It is said that Pandavas stayed here while in exile and the Cave where Bhima deposed the body of the Bakasura is nearby.

Besides the folk lore in the 18^th Century a legendary saint Narayanappa called popularly as ‘Kaiwara Narayan Thata’ lived here and attained Samadhi near Kaiwara. There is a Mutt here. The ‘Jeeva Samadhi’  of the saint who lived for 110 years is just behind the main deity. We reached around 11 am after having a healthy breakfast at Hosakote. ( Hosakote was supposed to be our earlier destination but we extended it to Kaiwara and didn’t regret it a bit !! ). We passed through little and huge farms with Mango trees, Snake Gourds, and many other Fruits and Vegetables cultivated. It was a typical village setting which I had  longed for. We first visited the Mutt and were fortunate enough to bear the ‘Palkhi’ carrying the Saint’s Statue. Although I felt the ‘Palkhi’ a little heavy (This was the first time I had lifted one!!) I soon thought maybe by bearing it at least some of my sins will be lessened. There was one pradakshina done and we sat at the Mutt for some time.

It is a nice place and has a wonderful atmosphere. There was ‘Annadhanam’ and we ate the tasty food. After the food we went to Kailasagiri where there are ‘Vinayaka’, ‘Shiva’ and ‘Ambaji Durga’ deities. On top of the hill there is a good view of the surroundings and a water reservoir can be seen. From there we went to Vaikuntam or ‘Taathaiyya Gavi’ which is the cave where he meditated. It is also on a hill top. Next we went to Bhima lingeshwara temple and lastly Swami Narayana Temple. The Temple was closed and would only open at 5 or so. However as we had to cover a huge distance to get back, we returned back before the temple opened.

Roughly 80 Kms from Bengaluru.

Carry sun glasses, Cap or any other protection as the heat is too much. Take drinking water also.

FAILAKA ISLAND

Failaka Islands - Deserted Island Trip

One Day Trip

After nearly six years since the thought came to visit this place after coming to Kuwait from home this was made reality on 3rd November 2017( Exactly six years and one day !!!). We booked tickets beforehand from Ikarus counter, located just behind Marina Crescent and it costs kwd 15 per person for the return journey as of 1st November. They had changed the rates starting November 1st. This one is return trip without food and sightseeing by the Bus from Failaka Heritage Village.

Me and my roommate, Adarsh started at 8:45 am by Taxi to reach Marina Crescent from where the boat starts. We reached there at 9:30 am for a departure at 10:30 am. The Boat name was BINT AL KHAIR and had started services from January 2001. It weighed 59 Tons as per the same being mentioned on the top deck reserved for VIP travellers. It departed at correct time and soon we were riding the high waves. The seats are quite comfortable and so was the ride. The bluish colour turns somewhat like brown as we move ahead. It takes nearly 40 minutes for the trip and at 11:10 we sighted Failaka Islands.

We decided to walk around the places and so skipped the coaster that takes us to Heritage Village. Although there are some people still staying here most of the houses were deserted. We decided to head where the beach was and started walking in that direction.We saw a sign of Beach Entrance and found it closed.

We then walked ahead and came near Failaka Lake entrance and the small zoo. Here we rested for a while and took photos of each other. When we enquired about the Beach a Egyptian caretaker took both of us to the Beach Entrance. The Beach is very well maintained and is clean and we were the only souls there.

Tea and coffee is more costlier here and can be had at the Oasis Cafe near Ikarus Hotel.

Most of our time was spent there. Return also the boat took off at correct time. They are very much punctual.

The ruins of Greek civilization cannot be seen unless you have a letter from the Kuwait Museum it seems as mentioned in many a reviews on this Island. If you prefer solitude and don't mind just roaming around this is a good place else there isn't anything here.

Ikarus can be contacted on these numbers : 22244767/60066444

A VISIT TO MESSILA BEACH

I started out rather late in the evening, 5 p.m. to be precise.As I was not aware if there was a direct bus from Abbasiya to Messila I went to Farwaniya and from there took another bus to Messila. This bus bound for Fahaheel took me to Messila in roughly half an hour's time. Altogether I was there in an hour. I came across the entrance to this beach located near Burger King and paid the Entrance fee.

The beach pathway looked deserted possibly due to the cold weather and I found only a family consisting of a Mother, Father and a child out there. I walked along a little closer to the shore and snapped few photos before deciding to return without disturbing the family's privacy.

There is a water park close by but it was closed till April. While returning back I came to know that a direct bus ran between Fahaheel and Abbasiya passing through Messila.

Entrance Fee: 500 Fils

Bus No. 106 from Jleeb to Fahaheel