We couldn’t drive up to Pazhamudircholai. The traffic near Kallalagar Temple and 18 Padi Karuppanaswamy Temple had come to a standstill.
So, I made a decision. I would walk. Barefoot.
The journey that followed tested me both physically and mentally.
Around 8 kilometres in total. Part of it through the forest. Part of it along the road.
The sun was blazing above, and there were moments when I questioned whether I should continue.
But something inside me kept moving forward.
Step by step. Prayer by prayer.
Eventually, I reached Pazhamudircholai.
Despite the crowds outside, there was something peaceful about being there.
Nature surrounded the temple.
Monkeys moved freely through the area, and I even spent some time feeding them.
There was a beautiful connection between faith and nature that made the place feel special.
I also visited Noopura Gangai.
There were so many devotees waiting to collect the sacred water that I couldn’t spend much time there, but it was still a blessing to visit.
As the day continued, I made my way for darshan.
By then, it was nearing closing time.
And perhaps that was part of Murugan’s plan.
The crowds inside had reduced significantly.
For the first time that day, everything felt calm.
What happened next became one of the most memorable moments of my entire pilgrimage.
I was able to sit directly in front of Lord Murugan.
Not for a few seconds. Not for a quick glimpse.
But for almost five minutes.
Five minutes may not sound like much.
But those five minutes felt timeless.
I sat quietly. I prayed. I looked at him.
And for those few moments, nothing else mattered.
The long walk, The traffic, The heat, The challenges of the day.
Everything disappeared, I felt connected, I felt his presence.
I felt an energy that is difficult to put into words.
Even now, when I think about Pazhamudircholai, I don’t first remember the forest, the crowd, or the walk.
I remember those five minutes.
The best five minutes of my pilgrimage.
As I made my way back down, a gentle drizzle began to fall.
After the heat and effort of the day, it felt like a blessing.
Eight kilometres barefoot, and almost five minutes sitting in front of Murugan. That is how I remember this day.
Muruga 🙏
🔜 Part 5: Tirupparankunram – A Sacred Pause on My Pilgrimage
