Divine Trip To Puri – 3 Days

There is nothing more joyful than being a part of the Lord’s Entourage. And the icing on the cake is when the Divine Master leads the Entourage to a Divine Pilgrimage.

The excitement from over a week peaked today morning as the Entourage in various vehicles started from Visakhapatnam on a Divine Trip to Puri to spend the weekend in the Presence of their Lord at the holy land. When one is in deep Bliss, one tends to go in silence and enjoy the proceedings with a beautiful smile. The various devotees were in supreme happinesss to see the fruits of their pining for years and years, perhaps many lives!

The Lord decided to have a stop on the way at Arasavalli temple dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana (Sun God). This 7th Century temple, in Srikakulam district, is said to have been built by the Ganga dynasty of Kalinga region. The early morning sun rays fall on the feet of the Temple Deity twice a year (in March and October) even when the 5 entrance gates are closed.

Swami was welcomed with the traditional Vedic Aaseervachanam by the head priests and the temple authorities. The devotees were all given temple Prasadam. After this, Swami and His Entourage further sped on towards Puri. With a brief stop for dinner, the team reached Puri by night.

The blissful travel with the Lord was made more beautiful as the route to Puri saw many cows on the roads all through – a beautiful reminder that the land of Puri is of Lord Gopala Himself! They seemed to convey the entourage that they must always stick around with the Lord wherever He is! The devotees enjoyed singing Krishna’s Name all the way to Puri, thanks to the gomathas reminding them!

As the team settled for the night at Puri in a palatial residence, they expressed their gratitude to Swami for choosing them to give the divine experience that they were excitedly looking forward to!

Day 2: 22nd July 2023

The trip moved on to the second day, the day that would have a lot of tales for generations to recall! The morning started with Aumkaram and suprabhatam at 5AM followed by Darshan that Swami lovingly gave to all. Swami along with the team went to take a samudra snanam (holy river bath). It was beautiful to see the rising sun’s rays glistening on Swami’s Face. The devotees ensured to chant Rudram all through during the divine snanam. After a while, Swami’s child-like innocence came to the forefront when He was having fun with His devotees around by sprinkling water on them and later clicking memorables photos. These are moments that would have taken a few seconds but these memories will last for lifetimes!

At about 10AM, the entourage after their breakfast at the Residence were singing bhajans and waiting for Swami to give Darshan at the main hall. As the mellifluous ‘Sai Jagannatha’ bhajan was being sung, Swami entered the hall giving joy to all. The team along with Swami quickly started to go to the Puri Temple for the Darshan of Lord Jagannath. The loving Mother Swami made it clear to the devotees that they must walk swiftly like deer along with Him and avoid any distractions on the way so that they all can together have a beautiful Darshan together. “Follow Me” has been His divine mantra always! He reminded the entourage of their fortune that this was Purushottama maasam as per the local calendar and thus it was very auspicious to be with Lord Krishna in this auspicious time.

Swami and His team enjoyed taking the Darshan of various shrines like the Main Shrine having the 3 Deities – Lord Jagannatha, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, the merciful Patitapabana Jagannatha Who gives Darshan through a window for those who are not provided entry to temple (foreigners etc.), the Madhana Mohan shrine (the representative Deity used for Oonjal or Swing darshan) amongst other places in the temple area.

Swami lovingly explained about the significance of the place as to how this place was open to all without any distinction, and how this place manifests everyone’s desires to their heart’s content. The team next visited the Kanchi Ganapathi temple and other shrines like Vaikunta Pradesha (Koili Vaikunta) where old images of the temple that are replaced by new ones are buried every few years.

A pleasant Satsang started to take place in a nearby spot that the entourage enjoyed. Swami talked in length about Lord Jagannath, His divine Leelas, and about Indrayumna maharaj, best known for the legend of his installation of the idols of the Jagannath temple. Swami loving provided an account of the greatness of Raja Indrayumna who asked the Lord for selfless boons that included having no further heir, and that He forever give Darshan without a break which is why the Lord is said to have no eyelids to ensure there is uninterrupted Darshan. Swami also told how this holy land gives one divine ecstasy thus leaving one large eyed unable to contain the flowing ecstasy! He reminded us that the place is filled with divinity and love where people get all desires fulfilled and are fully protected. He gave the example of how even a flag tying person, who was about to slip and fall from the pole, was caught by a monkey and provided support so that he could claw back to the pole. There are no rules for Lord Jagannath in terms of process etc. for He would even take khichdi made by a tribal lady who had the least of cleanliness in her cooking. In fact, Swami also went on to emphasize the importance and rules of the divine Prasadam here including the rules that one has to ensure to eat to the last grain and raise and hold the Prasadam at a height. Thus, the entourage was treated to great stories from the Lord Himself about this beautiful place of Nilachala i.e. Puri. As the hearts were filled to the brim with Love and Bliss,The team headed back to the residence for lunch.

The evening session started with a visit to Sakshi Gopala temple. As the name has it, this temple is believed to be a witness, or in modern day’s terms a logbook. Lord Krishna appeared here to testify one youth’s claim when he was asked to produce a witness for his truthful claim that no one else was aware of. it was time for the team get back to their lodgings for dinner.

They day’s proceedings didn’t end yet! What transpired next was a gift to many devotees as they were called by Swami to accompany Him on a night Darshan or a hike to the temple to enjoy its serenity at night when there is external silence. Swami explained about the Kanchi Ganpathi temple as to how a battle was fought between the Rajas of Puri and Kanchi. Jagannath ensured that the Raja of Puri, who seemed to be losing in between, won the battle and thereby Lord Jagannath remained the main Deity of the temple. Swami also elucidated about the Dayanaka Vriskham amongst other stories. Thus the day ended with a rare but beautiful bed-time satsang! The chosen ones in this Divine Tour went back to their dwellings with immense Bliss expressing their gratitude for one of the most memorable days of their lives!

Day 3: 23rd July 2023

It was the third and final day of the trip to Puri in the Divine Presence. Swami had earlier informed the entourage of the day’s itinerary. The plan was to visit a couple of more divine spots before heading back to Visakhpatnam. At about 630AM Swami and His devotees started off to Konark to visit the world-famous Sun temple there. Swami, during the trip, emphasized all to contemplate and enjoy the nature. Swami took a few more pictures with the divine entourage. Further the team traveled on to visit the ancient Lingaraj temple famous for its architectural marvel and Swami lead us all for the Sri Rudram Chanting.

It was time for lunch. A beautiful spot by the river on their way after the Lingaraj temple caught the team’s eyes. The team enjoyed their lunch session with their Lord. Post the lunch, the entourage with their Lord sped towards their destination, praying to Lord to invite to yet another divine trip in His Presence!

#pilgrimage