No idea - one fine day I decided to visit Venkateshwara. I think we all go there sometimes with our self motives. I have never prayed Lord Vishnu or Venkateshwara in my life. I was visiting India last month when one of my friend’s dad booked a VIP darshana for me. I thought it was very easy to go to Tirumala hills and get darshana.
I have never been to south of India before. I missed my connecting flight to Tirupati and my VIP Darshan that night. Luckily my friend’s dad made another booking for next day. I had to check into a hotel that night. Seriously it was not easy as I was alone. I barely slept that night. I woke up early and reached airport 3 hours early. The flight never took off. We were told it is delayed. Actually the flight broke down and Air India continued to make delayed announcement to keep the passengers happy. It was already 5:30 PM and I have missed my 2nd VIP darshana booking. Some passengers decided to take the Chennai 6:30 PM Kingfisher flight. I had no idea how far Tirumala was from there. I met some good people and took a shared cab to Tirupati. I reached Tirupati at 1:40 AM. We were told that the route to temple was closed from 12:00 AM TO 3:00 AM. One of the girls I met offered me her hotel room for few hours. It was a great support at night 2:00 AM. I decided to go with her room. I took a quick shower and wore the clothes that I used the previous day. I didn't even have washed dress to wear. I went on the street at 3:00 AM to take a cab. Seriously it was risky but all I could think about it was the Lord. Finally I made it to the Tirumala Hills at 4:00 AM. I was extremely disappointed to see the queue and felt lost. I could not even find the counter for VIP darshana. I thought at least I could let them know that I missed my darshana last evening. Since I didn’t find the counter I decided to stand in the Rs. 300/- line. Someone told me you can't carry hand bag inside. I went to find the counter to check it in. When I got back the line had moved very far. I lost my spot. I stood in the queue again and someone told me it will be evening 4 or 5 PM before we get darshana. My back was killing me and I lost all hope. I had no energy to stand that long. No staff member to provide any information. The line started to move again a little and some young guys stood next to me. They told me – it should take max 4-5 hours in the line. That gave me some hope. I was 5:30 AM now. I prayed God if you let me enter your temple I will fast 7 Thursdays for you (no idea what day you pray to balaji). I guess in few minutes my back pain disappeared and I started interacting with the people of my age. Guess what – it was 9:00 AM already and the queue started moving quickly.
I think around 10:30 AM or so - I was face to face with the Venkateshwara. Seriously - I have never seen such a beautiful person (not a murthi) in my life. It looked like a real person looking back at me. I was scared to look into God’s eyes and people around me kept repeating Govinda Govinda.
While I was passing and close to the exit --some one pulled me out of the crowd and asked - Did you take the darshan. I replied back to the tall/fair man Yes I did. Then - he asked me - Do you want a close darshan of the God. I was surprised. I replied back YES. I heard him talking to a pandit - open the gate for her to let her go inside. People usually walk 5-6 feet away from the gate. I heard the pandit confirming again and the tall fair man replied yes let her inside I walked inside the gate and started to walk towards the God. I could not believe. As I started moving further. I looked down and saw bills and coins on the floor. I was walking on it. I realized for a second...how I can step on the money that going to go in hundi. I stepped back and came out. I guess I got really scared. I told my experience to some local people. They told me we have never heard of anybody walking past the gate except pandits. I have no idea about it.
Seriously I have fallen in Love with Lord Venkateshwara. I truly respect the people who climb the mountain or stand in the general queue. I think every minute about him. I can't even explain to someone who has never been there before how real and beautiful is the Lord Venkateshwara. He is very different from the internet pictures. He is real. I thank God for the special darshana and letting me come close to him. I have the most beautiful memories and can never forget my 2011 trip to India.
Few things to remember:
- I heard it from other passengers - it is very common that AIR INDIA flight is cancelled 2-3 times a week. It is better to take kingfisher flight.
- The alternative route is - from Hyderabad Evening 6:30 PM flight to Chennai. Just exit the airport - you can very easily get a cab to Tirupati.
- Remember Tirumala hill is closed between 12:00 AM - 3:00 AM.
- It is good idea to go on a weekday.
- Rs 300/- queue is great or VIP Darshana.
