Thirumalaikoil .. Quite an experience i should say...
About 15 Km from tenkasi , on the way to mekkarai, taking a 2 km detour from Panpozhi is thirumalaikoil. We (Another dimension got introduced into my life - got married recently) decided to walk from Panpozhi check post to thirumalaikoil. As it is true about these parts, we were flooded with advice on our way from tenkasi - beware of animals, it's not safe!! There were those who subscribed to our view of walking as well..As we walked our way from panpozhi, we were offerred the hospitality of a female who stayed in a hut on the way.Their trust in humanity amazed me , especially in these trying times. Climbing a few hundred steps, thirumalaikoil offers good views of the thick forest that lie beyond , and the mekkarai dam. It was mid-feb, not the best of seasons , that i was there. Yet , the climb was enchanting. Just me and my wife , the wind blowing across our face as we amble our way to the top, savouring the views that are on offer at every nook and cranny. On top of the hill, there was a shop serving tea , with the master (as we call the chef in these parts) listening blissfully to the radio.It was close to 6:30 in the evening and we were probably the last people to visit the temple. I took a nice little bath in the temple complex, the breeze providing a totally different dimension to the bath. Meanwhile, my wife had struck a conversation with the temple pujari, who on knowing our antecedents (My ancestors belong to this part of tamil nadu) offered his hospitality for a day (Humanity is sure to thrive and survive!!). I declined the offer, as i was told that the next is an auspicious day, which would mean that this place would be swarming with people...As we journeyed downhill, both of us were silent..we were savouring everything that was on offer.. thoughts about the place kept lingering .Lingering thoughts which finally found expression today...