The left-middle is a cosy seat…

be it in politics or in a trendy Innova .

We were on our way to the Sabarimala.

Ammu is in a happy daze on my lap thanks to the Avomine tab she was forced to gulp before breaking the smallest possible coconut that early morn. She was cross checking the contours of the thrown coconut when the Guruswamy vetoed: “Its no matter for kids”

I am on my second trip to the Holy shrine of Ayyappa after a gap of 22 years. (A sacrifice@ Ammu’s repeated requests. She shouldn’t be denied her right to visit a temple on account of my lack of faith.)

Things have changed a lot since. Quite a lot!

Sajiv, our team leader was very particular about having breakfast at Elite, Guruvayur. I couldn’t object for two reasons. I too am a fan of tasty food. More over, he was kind enough to accommodate me though he knew well that I had my Chicken roll and JDF even the other day. I am among the pilgrims not as a swami but ‘to take the holy dip and pray’.

Getting into the back seat of the Innova was a bit tough. Once the seat bolts got jammed and there was no way out. The words came from Sunil, who was in the rear seat then. Yes, the first ever reference to lord Srinivasa. “ithippol Srinivasante Sabarimala vandi poleyaanallo”.

‘If we stop before the Lord of Vaikkom, we will miss the mosque at Erumeli.’ Driver Rajan had no illusion. Spare Shiva for Vavar…Wise indeed. (Shiva is kind: Vavar need not be always)

Erumeli: Ammu has one coconut held in hand now. It’s her share for Vavar. Ever since stepping down from the cab, she was spotting stones encircled with post ASEAN pieces of coconut. Each time she asked: “Is it here that I should throw this?” When Sunil said a third “No” she had a counter question. “Then why they are throwing coconuts there?” Pointing at the Annachi swamis, Sunil shot back: “They are crazy; just as those pray before Srinivasan in Syamala”

The trekking path from Pampa seemed breezy and energising. The Police began to block the devotees from Marakkuuttam itself that night. (it was three holidays on a row. Three Holy Days too) Its past 10 at night and woods around…lovely dark and deep. By all chances, we have to spend hours in the queue. “It would be good if we stay here No?” Innocent was my query. But Anil wanted to celebrate it. “You wanna stay here? Shall we call you Vijayan Master?”

On our way back, I rang up home quite early to ensure a good supper. 10.30 is not a bad time to take a full meal….that too after a long trip. But the dining table had just one upperi and an aviyal. I felt sad and dared to grill her. “Why? Only veggies even today?” She took no time to snap. “What else you had in mind? Chicken stew?” The pot full of chicken curry that Srinivasan chucked into his backyard was enough to satiate my hunger.

Who is this Srinivasan?

Sreekandheswaram Padmanabha Pillai says he is none other than Lord Vishnu.

Srinivasa suthanae…Saranam Ponnayyappa!