my JOURNEY CHRONICLES

VISITING SHRI. TATHATA

                                          A MIND BLOGGING TRIP TO PALAKKAD [Part-2]

 .......................The ashram was not at all a big set up. It was actually did not look like an ashram. The only permanent building in the compound was a hall which is used for Yagas, Special prayers etc. The rest of the buildings were just temporary with coconut leaves as roofs.The work of a building was progressing, which may give it an Ashram look. A lady at the reception headed us to the hall were slokas of " Devimahatmyam" were read. We sat there on a mat provided to us till the prayers came to an end. Many of them who were reading the slokas were acquainted  by us, but Swamy were  to be seen nowhere! When we enquired about him, the reply was that, he was in his prayers and we will be able to see him only after 02:40pm (but they were mistaken. read on).

                      So, we thought of roaming around the ashram. First dad took me to a small hall where swamy usually meets people or disciples. For our real surprise, he was there sitting simply. As he saw dad, he recognised him(dad rarely visits the ashram). As dad and I greeted him he asked us to sit on the chairs placed near him, which we politely denied and sat on a green mat on the floor. He asked me about my studies and after having a short talk, he urged us to ask even any minor doubts, if any. Even though I had some, I kept quiet, but dad did the opposite. Swamy spoke to us in typical 'Palakkadan malayalam'. He asked me to be present during children's workshops mostly next year. After the short talk, he went to the hall, whereas we walked to the office. On reaching the office 3 bells were heard indicating 12 noon. During this time everyone is to sit in silence closing their eyes for 2-3 minutes and so was everyone except me and a white cat, because I came to know about this a bit later! After completing the process at the office, we headed to the place where Tathata first sat for meditation. We sat there for some time relaxing. By 12:40pm, we went to the canteen at the ashram and when asked for food, they told us to wait. Within a short time, swamiji arrived. I thought that he will be the one eating first. But, as the second surprise of the day, swamy was there to serve food to everyone (and not to eat first)! I somehow managed to finish the food given to me. I “somehow managed” because a huge amount of rice and curries were provided. When he ensured that majority have finished their lunch, he placed himself on a chair and ate.

                          By now the hot rays of sun gave way to raining clouds. It was raining heavily. Here swamy met us again and asked me to perform the best in the exams (even I wish the same) and he went away. Now it was our time to bid a temporary goodbye to the ashram. We waited there until the rain stopped and then went to inform swamy about our departure. After saying a formal bye to swamy, we proceeded to the nearest bus stop to catch the bus at 02:40pm. Even when the hands of my watch showed 03:00pm, there was no sign of the bus. Therefore, thought of sharing an auto with 2 more people to reach Kollengodu. On reaching Kollengodu bus stand, we spotted a bus to Thrissur and in a shot while, we found ourselves on board the bus heading to Thrissur. From Thrissur, it was the chance of the Guruvayoor Ernakulam passenger train to carry us till Aluva and from there a KSRTC bus dropped us at Edappally putting a full stop for the long eventful day.