Visiting Kollur and Udupi Self and my wife have been trying to visit these two holy places since the time our two children were very young. There has always been a set back while planning the trips to either Kollur or Udupi. The more interesting / concerning part is, that my children are now grown up, and have their own wishes and my daughter has already visited these places with her baby son. So, I decided to visit the shrines in Kollur and Udupi this year with the help of my classmate and a well versed person who has been to these places several times in the past. When I expressed my wish and narrated the past failure of planning, he –Mr.Rao assured me and my wife that we will pay a visit to the shrines and complete a holy trip which was overdue. So, we four – Mr and Mrs Rao, me and my spouse,- made necessary arrangements to start the trip from Coimbatore on the night of 13-9-12 and, return home by morning of 16-9-12. Rao’s had to come to my place from Chennai from where he has initiated the arrangements for the entire trip, and we joined after their brief stay with us. Mr.K.Venkatramana Rao is my classmate and we nearly travelled together in Chennai during my visits (as a student) to the then Madras. After retiring as a Faculty member from Indian Bank, since 2000, he has been associated with places of pilgrimage especially participating, organizing and supporting such activities. He and his wife have been to almost all holy places from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Siridi to Nepal. Rao’s arrived in my house at 15hrs on 13-9-2012. We reviewed the tour program and there was no lapse or any missing points. We wanted to visit Kollur and Udupi for sure and other places of pilgrimage depending upon our timings of darshans (worship) in these places and set a target of 600 KM to be covered. Rao advised us to keep some woolen clothing to be used at Kollur where the night temperature could be around 22 deg.C and so, we took necessary clothing though I was against it, the reason being that we always managed temperatures up to 20 deg C without additional warm clothing in all our previous tours of high altitude.(We never used the clothing as the temperature was around 27 C at Kollur) 13-9-2012 – Thursday. We left house by 18.45 hrs to board WEST COAST express to Mangalore from Coimbatore junction at 19.55 hrs. As usual the train was late (by 10 min) and arrived at 20.05 hrs. We had no difficulty in boarding our reserved coach (S-11) and were in place as the train started moving towards Mangalore. We carried Idlys for dinner and except me others had them leaving some for the morning. We did not hit the bed for sleeping but engaged in healthy conversation about the trip and arrangements from the time we reach Mangalore station at 4.30 AM next day. Rao contacted the person in Mangalore, over the mobile and confirmed our reaching the station by 4.30 AM next day. For a moment, I thought of all sorts of abusive and criminal activities for which a mobile phone is subjected and felt that no one should misuse the mobile phone. Rao’s told us of many other places around and along the route to Kollur. Though we laid ourselves in the respective berths, (We men had upper ones while spouses had the middle ones.) There were two policemen on duty in the coach frequently walking and covering the distance within the coach monitoring people’s movements for any suspected activity. At one time we saw a person with heavy bag tied with electric wire was escorted out even though he had a genuine ticket but no reservation in our compartment.

14-09-2012 - Friday I kept alarm in my mobile to wake me up at 4AM, and as always, woke up well before it struck. We reached Mangalore 20 minutes before time-at 4AM. Rao contacted the tour in-charge for sending the car as we arrived there before time. A chauffer –Mr.Chandrasekar aged 71 years young- was dispatched with TATA indica with ac facility for our tour – start to finish - and dropping us back at the Mr.Chandrasekar and Mr.Rao Mangalore Railway station on 15-9-2012, at 8PM The area in front of the Railway station was like most railway stations I had been to and less crowded for a 4AM scene. There were few bill boards around, about gold and jewelry shops, Hotels nearby etc; Our car arrived by 4.30 and we drove to a Hotel to carry out our morning routines. Being very early in the morning, we had to wake the hotel manager to provide us one room for a maximum of two hours use. The name of this outfit is Hotel Srinivas. The room was like a typical village house of olden days with a large lobby in front of the bathroom and toilets – to be used as changing room. Basic neatness was maintained and we found the place serving our need of the hour. We then went to the opposite building named Sri Krishna Bhawan for morning coffee, as breakfast was not available till 7.30 AM. We had good quality coffee in small tumblers and it served as our wake up juice for the rest of the day. Coffee in 3 inch coffee set. We then started towards, Sringeri eventually planning to arrive at Kollur. Our first stop was for a good breakfast and managed to arrive at a hotel named Bhuvaneswari at 8 AM sharp. The breakfast served there was sumptuous and tasty covering all south Indian dishes in the menu. Here one information about our chauffer Mr.Chnadrasekar. He is a veteran who knows all the shrines in Karnataka and all the best and economical food outlets serving only vegetarian food. So, Chandrasekar took us to our visiting places and food outlets on his own in time – for necessary intake of snacks, coffee or tea etc; We drove to Annapooreswari temple in Horanadu, and reached there by 10.30 AM. We completed all formalities and had the view of the deity in full grace and were very happy for being there without any problems at all. Annapoorneswari Temple. The great deity of Adishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari's prathistapana was done by His Holiness Agasthya Maharishi several centuries back. The hereditary Dharmakartharu of our family started 400 years back. Till the 5th Dharmakartharu, the temple was having a very small structure surrounded by full of natural vegetation and forest. Even then at least one or more people used to visit the temple, have pooja and were provided with free food (annaprasadam) and shelter and it is continued till date.[1] The name Annapoorneshwari means "Feeding one and all". All who visit this temple are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner and also tea and coffee who need. And provide place to sleep on the temple premises.[2] We donated rice which went for feeding everyone who came to the temple and to those needy ones around the shrine. Our next place of visit was Sringeri and we were there by 13.30 hrs. We visited the temple of Sri Saradambal and the vicinity around the shrine. We had the privilege of having our lunch there along with devotees. We left Sringeri by 14.30 hrs and drove towards Kollur. On the way, we fed the monkeys with idlys and bananas. Soon our driver opened the window glass, one monkey nearly came in and tried to snatch the banana, but we threw the banana and the monkey also followed. The road, (Agumbe ghat) right from the start was good and the dense forests on the western ghat were beautiful and thickly placed. The scenic beauty added to the fact that nature is God and we should keep the vegetation alive. Here we passed a place named sun-set point. The altitude is maximum so is the rain fall during monsoon. Scenic beauty in Horanadu There were about 13 hairpin bends we came across before reaching Kollur. There were signs advising travelers NOT to throw plastic or any rubbish anywhere but to help in maintaining the environment clean. We had to sign an undertaking not to upset the area, entering Kudermukh forests and return the same at the exit. Kudremukh (Kannada: ಕುದುರೆಮುಖ) also spelled Kuduremukha is a mountain range in Chikkamagaluru district, in Karnataka, India. It is also the name of a small hill station town situated near the mountain, about 48 kilometers from Karkala and about 20 kilometers from Kalasa. The name Kuduremukha (as it is known by the natives) literally means 'horse-face' (in the local language Kannada) and refers to a particular picturesque view of a side of the mountain that resembles the same. It was also referred to as 'Samseparvata', historically since it was approached from Samse village. The town of Kudremukh is primarily an iron ore mining town where the government run Public Sector Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) operated till the last decade. It is noted for its scenic beauty. Owing to the dense forests, sighting wildlife can be challenging, though the area is rich in wildlife. Nonetheless the drive through the forest ranges can be enchanting and exhilarating. Three important rivers, the Tunga, the Bhadra and the Nethravathi are said to have their origin here. A shrine of goddess Bhagavathi and a Varaha image, 1.8 m within a cave are the main attractions. The Tunga river and Bhadra river flow freely through the parklands. Kadambi waterfalls area definite point of interest for anyone who travels to the spot. The animals found there include the malabar civet, wild dogs, sloth bear and spotted deer. We reached Kollur at 6PM. We experienced drizzles on the way becoming fairly heavy rain at times with fog and less visibility. It was raining at Kollur as we reached an area near the temple. We had options of three different accommodations to choose from, and we took the nearest one directly at the side of the Kollur Mookambika temple. (A brief walk of few minutes, over a foot bridge on a local canal and reaching temple entrance.) Legends According to the legends, Kola Maharshi who was doing penance here was disturbed by a demon who was also engaged in doing penance to please Lord Shiva, to get a boon from Him. To prevent the demon from fulfilling his evil desire, Adi Shakti made him dumb (mooka) and when the Lord appeared before him, he could not ask for anything. Thereupon he got enraged and soon began troubling Kola Maharshi who prayed to Adi Shakti for deliverance. Adi Shakti who vanquished demon Mookasura, was extolled by the gods as Mookambika. At Kola Maharshi's prayer, the Divine Mother accompanied by all the Gods; stayed there to be perpetually worshipped by the devotees.[2]. Shri Adi Shankara and Shri Mookambika Devi It is believed that Sri Adi Shankaracharya had a vision of Sri Mookambika Devi and he installed the deity here. The story goes like this - Adi Shankara meditated at Kudajaadri hills and Devi incarnated before him asking for his wish. He revealed his wish to incorporate Devi to a place in Kerala to worship when he and the people of his homeland wanted. Devi agreed and put forward a challenge that she will follow Shankara and he should not look back until he reaches his destination. But to test Shankara, Devi deliberately paused and when he couldn't hear Devi's anklets, Shankara suddenly turned around. Devi then stopped following him and asked Shankara to install her vigraha where she stopped. Shri Kollur Mookambika Devi The people of Kerala are still the largest group of pilgrims arriving at Mookambika Temple. They come here and pray to the Goddess, and also paying homage to Shree Shankara, who had installed the vigraha there. The Vidyaarambha (Starting of education) custom is the much opted for by the arriving devotees, as Devi is thought to exist mainly in the form of a Goddess, delivering Jnyaana (Knowledge). Swayambhu Lingam The Swayambhulingam at Sri Mookambika temple is said to have come into existence when Parameshwara drew the chakra with his toe. This chakra is believed to be the Udhbava linga which has drawn its strength due its proximity to all divine beings. It is also very sacred since Kollur Devi is supposed to be merged with this Suyambulinga and that has made her acquire great power. Here she is said to have formed part of Lingam along with Lakshmi and Saraswathi on one side and Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Parameshwara on the other side. Apart from this there is also an carved image of Shiva said to be injured by during the clash with Arjuna known as Kiratharjuna and this is on the right side of this Suyambulinga.[3] The Sanctum The deity is in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi. The Panchaloha image (five element mixed metal) of the Goddess on Shree Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. It is believed that the original place of the goddess is on top of Kodachadri Peak (3880') and as it was very difficult for ordinary people to trek all the way to Kodachadri, Shankaracharya reestablished the temple at Kollur. The history of idol installation at Kollur Mookambika temple is nearly 1200 years old. King Halugallu Veera Sangayya is said to have laid the valuable stone to cover the inside premises and this was done by him under the instructions of Rani Chennamaji. The temple comprises of the sanctorum, a hall and the Lakshmi Mantapa at the rear. This Lakshmi Mandapam has four pillars and it is about 135 feet long. These four pillars are adorned with splendidly carved images of Indian deities. There is an exquisite sculpture of Panchamukha Ganesha here. The beautiful sculptures are figurines of various Gods and Goddesses such as Subrahmanya, Naga, Mahishasura Mardini and the mother goddess or Devi in various forms. The Garbagriha at this Kollur temple is contemporary and artistic in value. A huge deepasthambam stands tall with its base like a tortoise’s head. This Deepasthambam has 21 beautiful concentric circles which appear very divine and similar to that of Makara jothi when all the lamps are lit and viewed from distance. The Navrathri festival begins with an invocation to Lord Ganesha who is on this pillar. As we move inside the corridor beyond the Garbhagriha there are four types of idols of Ganapathi. Among them are Dasa bhuja Ganapathi and Balamuri Ganapathi which is beautifully sculpted using white marble. Kollur Temple Entrance Gopura Then there is an image of a serpent that is worshipped by all Devi’s devotees in order to wade off the evil effects of Sarpodosha and other doshas. And it is believed that when touched while offering prayers, the devotees are said to be blessed with good fortune. The outer side of the pradikshana we see the idol of Lord Muruga followed by the idol of Saraswathi, Pranalingeswara, Prartheshwar and Mukya Prana. This Mukya Prana is placed just opposite to Veerabadrasamy shrine to strike a balance for its dangerous appearance. This Veerabadrasamy is said to be the presiding deity here.[4] Thus, the other deities in the Kollur Mookambika temple include Shri Subramanya, Shri Partheeshwara, Shri Panchamukha Ganapathi, Shri Chandramouleeshwara, Shri Pranalingeshwara, Shri Nanjundeshwara, Shri Anjaneya, Shri Venkataramana, Shri Thulasi Gopalakrishna. Accommodation-Nagashree Lodge- at the side of Mookambika temple. Though the trip was tiring and sweating, we decided to complete the evening routines and go to the temple to worship Mookambikai. There were not too many devotees around due to raining and the area was wet all over the premises. We managed to offer our prayers and performed few required rituals as per our vows made earlier. Then we were directed to the temple hall where meals were arranged at 20.00 hrs. We had our simple food and returned to our rooms by 9.00PM Our plan was to leave Kollur by 6AM and cover the rest of the places before finally returning to the railway station. Mookambika gave us a different schedule as follows: 15-09-2012 - Saturday I got up by 4 AM and stayed awake to get some hot water in the tap for taking bath. I normally took cold water for bathing if it was running water or stored and fresh. On all other times, I opted for warm water to prevent catching cold, cough or fever. My friend Rao was also up and was waiting for hot water from the tap at 5 AM as per the system in the lodge. There was a rude shock waiting for us. Our chauffer- Chandrasekar, came quietly and informed Rao that he has locked the car keys inside the car dickey by mistake and worried if we would go as per schedule. In any case he has to wait till automobile shops to open by 9 AM latest or try some tricks to force open the dickey. This gave us enough time to worship Mookambika one more time before leaving Kollur, besides, wanted to offer a pleading prayer for resolving the car key problem for a solution. We returned from the temple and to our surprise the car dickey was found opened. A thin rod was used by the driver to push the locked lever which pushed the door edge so that a hand can move in and unlock the latch. There was no damage to the door either. We left Kollur by 7 AM, had light refreshments from a nearby restaurant and reached Murdeshwar by 9 AM. Etymology and legend The origin of the name "Murudeshwara" dates to the time of Ramayana. The Hindu gods attained immortality and invincibility by worshipping a divine Lingam called the Atma-Linga. The Lanka King Ravana wanted to attain immortality by obtaining the Atma-Linga (Soul of Shiva). Since the Atma-Linga belonged to Lord Shiva, Ravana worshipped Shiva with devotion. Pleased by his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. By this time Narada had asked Lord Vishnu to change Ravana's mind. As a result of this plot, Ravana asks for Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shiva offers her to him. On his way back to Lanka Narada tells Ravana that Lord had not given him the real Parvathi and that the real Parvathi was in Pathala. So Ravana frees his companion,goes to Pathala and marries a king's daughter, assuming her to be the real Parvathi. He then returns to Lanka, where his mother asks him for the Linga. Ravana then comes to know of the tricks played on him by Lord Vishnu. He therefore prays to Lord Shiva again, begging for his forgiveness. Lord Shiva appears and this time, Ravana requests the AtmaLinga as his boon. Lord Shiva agrees to give him the boon with the condition that it should never be placed on the ground. If the AtmaLinga was ever placed on the ground, all the powers would return to Lord Shiva again. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka. Sage Narada, who came to know of this incident, realised that with the AtmaLinga, Ravana may obtain immortality and create havoc on earth. He approached the Lord Ganesh and requested him to prevent the AtmaLinga from reaching Lanka. Lord Ganesh knew that Ravana was a very devoted person who used to perform prayer ritual in the evening every day without fail. He decided to make use of this fact and came up with a plan to confiscate the AtmaLinga from Ravana. As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blotted out the sun to give the appearance of dusk. Ravana now had to perform his evening rituals but was worried because with the AtmaLinga in his hands, he would not be able to do his rituals. At this time, Lord Ganesh in the disguise of a Brahmin boy accosted him. Ravana requested him to hold the AtmaLinga until he performed his rituals, and asked him not to place it on the ground. Ganesh struck a deal with him saying that he would call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana did not return within that time, he would place the AtmaLinga on the ground. As predicted, before Ravana could return after completing his rituals, Ganesh had already placed the AtmaLinga on the ground. Vishnu then removed his illusion and it was daylight again. Ravana, realising that he had been tricked, tried to uproot and destroy it. Due to the force exerted by Ravana, some pieces were scattered. One such piece from the head of the linga is said to have fallen in present day Surathkal. The famous Sadashiva temple is said to be built around that piece of linga. Then he decided to destroy the covering of the AtmaLinga, and threw the case covering it to a place called Sajjeshwara, 23 miles away. Then he threw the lid of the case to a placed called Guneshwara (now Gunavanthe) and Dhareshwara, 10–12 miles away. Finally, he threw the cloth covering the AtmaLinga to a placed called Mrideshwara in Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill). Mrideshwara has been renamed to Murudeshwara. Geethopathesam Scene- near Murudeshwar Temple. The climate was very good, and we moved around the premises and had glimpses of the surrounding areas with great ease. Then we started again towards, Aneguddi temple en-route to Udupi and had breakfast in another hotel on the way. Then we reached Anneguddi temple by 12.20 hrs. Here too, we had the privilege of praying Lord Ganapathi and prayed for the health and wealth for all friends, relatives and others. Aneguddi Temple Etymology While the name Kumbhasi is said to be derived from Kumbhasura, who was slain here. The story behind the name goes like this…. Long ago when this area was hit by drought, sage Agasthya came here to perform yagna to please the rain god. During that time the demon Kumbhasura tried to disrupt the yagna by troubling sages performing the yagna. To rescue the sages Lord Ganesha blessed Bheema, the strongest among the Pandavas (In their exile period) with a sword, using which Bheema killed the demon and facilitated the completion of the yagna. Hence the name Kumbashi! The name Anegudde comes from Aane (elephant) and Gudde (hillock), as it is the abode of the elephant-headed god, Sri Vinayaka. One of the best known Ganesha temples in Udupi District is that of Shri Maha Ganapathi at Anegudde. Anegudde is one of the seven ‘Mukti Sthalas’ (Parashurama Kshetra) in coastal Karnataka. Here, Lord Ganapathi is also called, ‘Siddhi Vinakaya’ and ‘Sarva Siddhi Pradaayaka’, the provider of all boons. People come here with all kinds of wishes. The Lord Vinayaka here is said to fulfill all the wishes of his devotees. We reached Uduppi by 13.30 hrs, and were guided by Rao’s friend –Mr.Sridhar Upadhyaya in accessing the temple area and to worship Lord Krishna. Here the Lord can be worshipped from the rear side peep hole only. We had Darshan of Chandramouleeswara, Anantheshwara before actually worshipping Lord Krishna through the peep hole, and had Prasad in Sri Krishna Temple dining Hall. After darshan, we had our lunch in the temple hall and had guided tour of the important areas of the vast premises. In-front of Shri Udupi Krishna Temple In the main hall 700 verses of Srimad Bhavadgita was engraved on black marble slabs. Each description and inscription conveyed a definite meaning about the Vedic principles and guide for a devotional life. We visited temple of Durgaparameswari in Kateel, on the way. Kateel Durga Temple Kateel is a sacred place for Hindus in Dakshina Kannada. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari. The holy temple is situated in the middle of the sacred river. The temple surrounded by panoramic scenes and fascinating greeneries. The devotees overwhelmed with pious emotions when they glance at the flowing water in the river, which embraces all around the lower layer of the temple. Kateel is 29 K.M. distances from Mangalore city. Mythology (story from Purana): When Goddess slew Shumbha & Nishumbha, Arunasura, one of the ministers, had fled from the battlefield and saved his life. Later he became the leader of the Rakshasas (demons). He began to disturb the sages and destruct their Yajnas. As a result, the Devas stopped raining, which resulted in total draught and scarcity of water and food grains on the earth. Moved by the pathetic conditions of the people Maharshi Jabali, the great sage decided to perform a Yajna to appease the Devas. He approached Devendra and requested him to send Kamadhenu (a sacred cow) with him for the ritual. Since Kamadhenu had been to Varuna Loka, Devendra permitted the sage to take Nandini, the daughter of Kamadhenu in order to assist him as Homadhenu (symbolic cow for ritual) in his proposed Yajna. Jabali went to Nandini and put forth his request. In reply Nandini abused the earth and the people there and refused to accompany him. When the sage found that Nandini was firm in her refusal, he cursed her to flow as a river on the earth. As Nandini prayed Jabali for mercy, kindhearted sage advised her to pray Adhishakti to get freed from the curse. Accordingly she prayed Adhishakti. Pleased by her deep meditation Goddess appeared before Nandini and told her that she has to flow as a river as a result of the curse, because nobody can trespass the sentences (Rishi Vakya) of a holy sage. But she added "I shall take birth as your daughter in due course and purify you from this curse". Satisfied by this assurance Nandini emerged as a river from Kanakagiri on the day of Magha Shuddha Poornima and made the earth green once again. Meanwhile Arunasura acquired a boon from Brahma, which made him free from fear of death by Trinity, Devas, men or women or by any two legged or four legged animals & creatures. Goddess Saraswathi also blessed him with Gayathri Mantra (Holy chants). All these made him the most powerful. He defeated the Devatas and conquered Heaven. Disheartened by disastrous defeat, the Devatas, along with Trinity pleaded Adhishakti for the rescue. Goddess said that unless and until Arunasura is prevented from reciting Gayathri Mantra she too would not be able to destroy him. She suggested them to send Brihaspathi (Guru of Devatas) to distract Arunasura from his meditation of Gayathri, and make him get rid of Gayathri recitation so that she would be able to kill him. Brihaspathi approached Arunasura, flattered him, poisoned his ears and succeeded in diverting him from his meditation. Kateel Durga Temple: Rathotsava Now Arunasura vainly felt that he was more than God himself. He not only ordered his subjects to worship him but also troubled the sages and spoiled their Yajnas. As promised to the Devas, Goddess took the shape of Mohini, a charming woman and began to wander in the garden of Arunasura. Chanda & Prachanda, ministers of Arunasura saw her and informed the master about her beauty. Arunasura decided to marry her and approached her. When she turned deaf ears to his request & teased him for fleeing from the war field, in afraid of the lady who killed his masters Shumbha & Nishumbha, he became furious. When he tried to take her by storm, she disappeared inside rock. Arunasura broke the rock with his sword. Suddenly, a vast swarm of bees emerged from the rock and stung him. Devi had taken the form of a big, furious bee that is 'Bhramara' and stung him repeatedly till his last breath. Now the Devas and the sages led by Jabali performed "Abhishekham" (holy bath) to Devi with tender coconut brought from the Kalpavriksha of Devaloka, and prayed her to bless the world with 'Soumya Roopa' (tender posture). According to this request Devi emerged in the form of 'Linga' (symbolic holy rock) in the middle of the river Nandini and is known as Shree Durga Parameshwari. KATI means waist and ILA means earth. So Kateel stands for that area of the earth, which is the Kati, or the center of the river Nandini. The Nandini is purified by the birth of Adhishakti in her "Kati" and Durga Parameshwari is here for the good of the universe and blesses those who come to her. Durgaparameswari temple in Kateel. We then decided to see one more temple before saying goodbye to Mangalore. There was a temple on the Highway - at SriGnanaSakhthiSubramanyaswami Devasthanam, Paavanjenear Haleangadi(Hale=Old angadi means Shop).Seen their Goshala – meaning place where cows are maintained. Then, we could reach there by 17.45 hrs and performed abhishegam / pooja to Lord Subramania and continued our journey towards a hotel for snacks before reaching Mangalore railway station. Our chauffer took us to one restaurant – Janatha Deluxe Hotel near T.M.Pai convention centre, and then we reached Mangalore railway station, as the meter just crossed 599.99 KM and the clock at 19.55 hours. We bade farewell to Mr.Chandrasekar and proceeded to the platform 1, where our train is destined to arrive by 21.30 hrs. We were still in our attire changed over in the morning and wanted to switch to travelling dress. So we were looking for a place to do it. There was waiting room on the platform 1 and we had to pay Rs.15 per person per hour and paid Rs.60.00 for four of us for an hour. The room was fair, but the bathrooms (Male and Female) were the dirtiest for a rented and air-conditioned facility. The cash receipt for Rs.60 was not official, but was a plain dirty piece of paper with no seal of issuing authority – the railways. There were no hangers, bars or any facility to keep the dresses. I managed to hang them on the hand lever after closing the lever in the latch, but had to frequently push it back from falling on the floor which was wet and flooded with water falling from the ac drain which was not directed to any disposal line. Somehow, we managed to change over to travelling attire. The train came to the platform were we were waiting for its arrival and we boarded in our coach S-4 without much difficulty. The train left on time and we fell asleep around 10.30 PM. So, our trip came to a concluding end, and we were in the waiting hall awaiting arrival of West Coast express which came to the platform by 21.55 hrs. We boarded the train and the journey was comfortable and we were at Coimbatore station by 6.30 AM on 16-9-2012. As pre-arranged, our regular call taxi was waiting to take us to our house in Vadavalli and were home as of 7AM sharp. The total amount spent for this trip came to Rs.9000 besides personal expenses which are excluded. From the cost of living / loving we found this was far economical for four persons – i.e. Rs.2250 per person. NOTE: In this writing, some words are from the Sanskrit language and some are traditional / local phrases that came into adaptation over a period of time and continued to be referred in these concepts of religious narrations and expressions. Above narrated summary of the tour was completed as of 22-09-2012. The purpose of the content is to serve the reader and the posterity who may take up a trip as above and be guided to certain extent if not 100%. V.Sivasubramaniam