Day 8: Journey of Devotion

Written by: Hasita Pola

Today was much like any other day, we went to the temple in the morning, drank tea, learned the Arati, and painted in the bakery. However, in addition to our daily routine, we also experienced Giripradakshina. Last year, we participated in the Giripradakshina, but this time, we truly understood the significance of doing a pradakshina around Arunachala.

Morning Yoga & Tea

We started our day by enjoying some delicious Rosella tea, which quickly became one of my favorites from the camp. It had a fragrant aroma, and according to Keertana, it even tasted like dates. After finishing our tea, we headed to the old Satsang area for a yoga session. Today, we learned pranayama from Sudheer Uncle. Did you know that Sudheer Uncle has been practicing pranayama every day for the past 15 years without missing a single day? It's absolutely amazing how dedicated he is. It takes more than just dedication to maintain a routine for that long - I know I probably wouldn't be able to stick to something for that many years.

Bakery Painting

In the afternoon, we headed to the bakery to continue painting. I’m so grateful for the geckos; their dedication and enthusiasm were key to completing the painting. They tirelessly worked in the blazing heat, high up on ladders where there was barely any air circulation. I’m also thankful for the uncles who oversaw us while we painted. They brought air coolers, installed a fan, and provided us with coconuts to help cool off in the heat. I’m incredibly thankful to Baba and Guruji thatha for providing me with such an amazing support system!

Giripradakshina

As evening approached, the Geckos prepared themselves for Giripradakshina. Last year, we participated in Giripradakshina during Purnima, when the streets are free of cars and instead filled with thousands of people walking in devotion. Although we didn't do it during Purnima this year, the experience felt just as magical. Before we set out, Ammama and Sruti akka sat us down to explain the significance of Giripradakshina. Every day, thousands of people come to Tiruvannamalai to perform this ritual, especially during the full moon. Many of these devotees cannot afford to stay in a hotel or remain in the town for more than a day, but it still holds deep meaning for them. They save all their money to buy a bus ticket, arriving in Tiru in the morning and leaving at night.

In between, they perform the pradakshina, sometimes twice, mostly without shoes. With this in mind, we made sure to focus on Baba, Guruji thatha, and Arunachala during our journey. From start to finish we were chanting Baba’s name, feeling the love and devotion that was pouring out from the namam. The moment was surreal and beautiful. Some of the girls who had been shy to sing finally sang for the first time, including little Sphuruna. I’m so proud of everyone for breaking free and singing from the heart. It was truly a phenomenal experience. Towards the end of the pradakshina we were starting to get weary but with the strength of Baba and Guruji thatha we made it through. Once we saw the familiar Tea Time shop we knew that we had made it back home.

Also, this time we finished the Giripradakshina in a record breaking 3 hours and 17 minutes! That’s a whole hour less from last year! This year's Giripradakshina is something that none of us will ever forget. The whole experience was just so magical and filled with a sense of peace and unity that touched everyone deeply. This year’s Giripradakshina wasn’t just a walk around Arunachala, it was a journey of devotion, gratitude and inner strength. It’s not everyday where we get to experience something so transformative, and for that, I am incredibly grateful to Baba, Guruji Thatha, and everyone else who made this experience possible!