If you want an easy wait-free darshan at Arunachaleswarar Temple best to avoid visiting Arunachala during Poornima as the number of pilgrims visiting Tiruvannamalai is noticeably increasing in size month after month. The line, in the photographs, extends out of the Sannidhi to crowd barriers in the outlying courtyard.
 |
| Waiting in line for darshan of Lord Annamalaiyar, Big Temple |
Pilgrims performing girivalam around the 14 km perimeter of Arunachala arrive during the 24 hour poornima period. In this photograph taken near the Sri Seshadri Ashram and the opposite Kali Temple, the crowds are only just beginning to build up.
 |
| Pilgrims taking darshan at Lord Dakshinamurti Shrine on Chengham Road |
Hooray! The big drain we could jump into to avoid a fast moving bus, lorry or bull is gone. It is a miracle!
ReplyDeleteActually, the crazy hustle and bustle of those midnight full moon walks can be quite enjoyable. But yes, the rush in the temple can be exhausting and just too much on those days, esp when its hot. Better to go when its quiet so you can have some real quality time in that place.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the hustle bustle can be invigorating, uplifting and LOTS of fun. I generally avoid the big crowds but once did walk around the Hill on Mahadeepam and then on the second busiest night of the year i.e. chitrapoornima.
ReplyDeleteBut Temples are no fun when there is a crush. I was offered a Temple darshan ticket last year for Mahadeepam, but turned it down and instead watched live streaming on my computer and took darshan from my roof. The modern way is sometimes very convenient.