As I made my way to Thiruthani, I knew this would be the final temple of my Arupadai Veedu pilgrimage.
It felt surreal.
For three years, this pilgrimage was something I kept thinking about. There were times when I wondered if it would ever happen. There were delays, obstacles, and moments when I felt it just wasn’t my time.
Now, I was standing at the final abode of Lord Murugan.
I arrived early in the morning for the 7 a.m. darshan.
The weather was sunny, and unlike some of the other temples I had visited, it wasn’t very crowded as it was a working day.
The peaceful atmosphere made the experience even more special.
Thiruthani, also known as Thanigai Malai, is associated with the 365 steps leading up to the temple, representing the 365 days of the year.
As I walked towards the temple, I found myself reflecting on the entire journey.
Swamimalai.Palani.Pazhamudircholai.
Tirupparankunram.Tiruchendur.
Every temple had given me a different experience.
Every temple had taught me something different.
And now I was here, about to complete a dream that had lived in my heart for three years.
When I entered the temple for darshan, I felt a mixture of happiness and gratitude.
I was blessed with a close view of Lord Murugan.
As the morning aarthi began, I stood there quietly and watched.
The sound of the prayers.
The lamps.
The energy inside the temple.
Everything felt different.
I still remember the goosebumps.
And then the tears came.
Not because I was sad.
But because I was grateful.
For three years, I had hoped for this moment.
Now it was happening right in front of me.
I stood there looking at Murugan and simply thanked him.
I thanked him for the journey. I thanked him for the lessons.
I thanked him for the people who helped me along the way.
And I thanked him for allowing me to complete this pilgrimage.
As I stood there praying, I also prayed for someone close to me.
It was a sincere prayer that came from my heart.
During that visit, I was blessed to receive a Murugan Vel.
To some, it may have seemed like a simple blessing, but for me, it felt deeply meaningful.
At that moment, I saw it as a reminder from Murugan to never lose faith, no matter what challenges life may bring.
More than that, it felt like a message of reassurance.
A reminder that Murugan is always with his devotees, guiding, protecting, and watching over them.
The Vel became more than a sacred symbol.
It became a memory of that prayer and a reminder to continue trusting the journey.
To many people, it may seem like a simple thing.
But for me, it felt like a blessing and a beautiful reminder of this journey.
As I sat quietly after darshan, I reflected on everything this pilgrimage had taught me.
One lesson stood out more than anything else.
Everything happens for a reason.
The delays happened for a reason.
The obstacles happened for a reason.
The waiting happened for a reason.
Looking back now, I realise I wasn’t being stopped from the journey.
I was simply waiting for the right time.
This pilgrimage also reminded me of something important.
Never intentionally hurt someone.
Always be kind whenever possible.
And if life has blessed us with enough, share what you can.
Sometimes it’s money. Sometimes it’s knowledge.
Sometimes it’s your time. Sometimes it’s simply helping someone who needs it.
Those lessons are just as important as the pilgrimage itself.
As I left Thiruthani, I felt happy.
I felt relieved.
I felt grateful.
Most importantly, I felt complete.
Three years ago, this journey was only a dream.
Today, it was a memory I would carry with me forever.
The pilgrimage may have ended at Thiruthani, but the lessons, gratitude, and blessings of the journey will stay with me forever.
Muruga 🙏
Beyond The Horizon 