Some examples in life does leave an indelible mark etched in
our minds that it becomes difficult to make distinction between the real and
the imaginary. Some things are never explained or can be explained with minimal
evidence in place.
I was in Class X and we had planned a trip to Sabarimala,
the abode of Lord Ayyappa. I had heard a lot about the temple since it happens
to be one of the most visited pilgrimage center in Kerala. And many of our
relatives would go every now and then.
Actually, in order to go to Sabarimala, everyone has to take
a vratam of 41 days of piousness and sanctity in out body and mind. We have to
take bath twice a day and ensure that we have everything taken afresh. There is
a custom of putting a Mala, which when put, we are ought to be called
"Swami", which means that we are equal to Lord Ayyappa.
Swamis are supposed to wear black dress and while venturing
into Sabarimala, have to keep Erumudeketta (a mixture of coconuts - filled with
Ghee and rice) on their heads. Logistics would bring us to the foot of Pamba
river, where the devotees have to take bath and then start the 5 km journey
uphill to Sabarimala.
The serenity and the naturedness around makes you come out
of the hues and cries of the commercial plastic world. We had the glimpse of Lord
Ayyappa after a long hiatus of 4 hours in queue. After resting a while, we were coming down slowly.
But just at that time I felt that I am about to miss something.
My mind and my heart was experiencing something that I am
coming out of something very divine and complete. I said to myself that if at
all I will get a chance in my life, I would definitely come back and visit the
place.
Years passed and it was almost 6 years after this silent
promise which I made to myself, which was forgotten in the times memory. Once
when we were visiting Kerela, my parents went to an astrologer to enquire about
their children's future.
After coming home, my mom asked me something which brought
goose pimples on me. I was shaken from top to bottom. She asked, "Did you
ever promise to yourself that you would go to Sabarimala any time in your
life".
I was taken aback. The promise which I had taken to myself was known to the outside world. It seems the astrologer had told that I had done a promise that I would come back to Sabarimala. The promise which I had done came back to
me along with the serenity and the feelings which I had longed to be cherished,
came back to me.
I humbly said "Yes, you are right Ma" to my mom. That was my first
instance of experiencing something which was to be called, a divine explanation
of the Supreme. I am not sure whether people would believe me or not. But this
was something which I experienced and did not had any logical reason to suffice
that there is no God.
Since then, I had visited Sabarimala 3 times and believe in
God being omnipresent, the nearest being We, within Us.
