Tirupati
I opened a goti soda bottle! Goti soda is a bottle that is pressurized using a marble, and the trick to pop the bottle open is to hold the marble down without letting the soda out. The entire trip to Tirupati was one full of such unique experiences!
Statues and temples adorned the streets of the city. Tiny shops of flowers, favors, materials for holy rites and rituals, incense and many pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses were everywhere. My family was headed to Tirumala Balaji Devasthan. This particular spot is situated atop a hill, and in order to reach the peak, one has to traverse seven hillocks by car or by foot. Some of us went by car of course, but five of us decided to undertake the journey on foot.
It is considered an offering to Lord Balaji to walk up the 3550 steps barefoot. And so we did. On the way, we came up on a deer park and saw about fifty odd deer. I even saw a wild boar. Part of the way ran next to the highway, and cars zoomed by into the night while we continued our climb. My feet had started to ache. The last 600 steps were the hardest. But finally, we reached!
My feet were blackened and sore. But the vibe of Tirumala is peaceful and put me off to sweet slumber. The Balaji temple is crafted from pure gold, and is very crowded on most days with followers and believers. I was neither; just an observer.
It is a truly rewarding experience to visit such places with your family. It has great meaning for them, and it leaves you feeling good that you could share an experience with them. This is true of the other followers as well. I love spending time in crowds that have gathered to worship some god or the other. The faith in the air is palpable, and though I am not a believer myself, the feeling of joy and accomplishment of those around me always leaves me grateful to be a part of it all.