By Kalyanasundaram Ramachandaran on 13 January 20O6 at 18:30 The all prevailing, the merciful Lord Ayyappa, has all along been bestowing his Grace on His devotees, who seeks His Blessings for years and years now. Surrender unto Him with Humility and He is there to protect-forgiving our shortcomings. The importance of Dharshan of the Lord of Sabari Mala, (with 41 days Viratham) during the pilgrimage or later many thrilling experiences of the devotees vouchsafing His Grace , are widely Known. Nevertheless, a brief narration of an instance of his Mercy, the miraculous story about Sri. Kesavan Pillai of Manjapara Village (When Travancore reign was there) in ALWAYE district. He was clerk in the revenue department. Sri Kesavan Pillai was Ayyappa devotee and was a regular visitor of Sabari mala during Magaravillakku days. That year also Kesavan Pillai had Malai on Viruchigam1 (Karthigai 1 in Tamil) /Nov 16th.Suddenly on Jan first week Kesavan pillai have to go to Trivandrum on official work to complete certain official duties. In those days, the road journey from Kottayam to Erumeli used to be difficult and the pilgrims used go by walking only and trek the Hills was not at all easy with any proper transport arrangements. People used to start from their homes as early as middle of the month of Dhanus (Margazhi in Tamil) 3rd week of December, walking all the way from homes to Erumeli and Sannidhanam, crossing way-side Rivers, Mountains, streams, and trekking the Hilly areas. The Guides were elders (and afcourse Lord).The entire pilgrimage used to take a month or so and they normally come back via Pulmedu. Being Government employee, our devotee Kesavan pillai sought leave for the pilgrimage, and it was denied, but granted from 13th Jan. His mother was worried and prayed to Lord.Kesavan Pillai Reached home around midnight of 13th Jan Home and had bath finished his Kattunira (ERUMUDI) and left home. The villagers looked on sympathy, some laughed at his action for, it was impossible to reach Sabarimala by foot in 24 hours which is 250 miles away. Walking briskly with erumudi on his head, Kesavan pillai came across a Brahmin OLD MAN also walking along. The old man started enquiring with Kesavan pillai. Kesavan pillai told that he got delayed due to his official work. He also enquired how you know me and all. The old man replied I saw you in Sabarimala. While walking with old man Kesavan pillai has mentioned that he is unfortunate to Miss magara village at Sabari Mala and he said I will have dharshan of bhakthas returning from Sabarimala, if I am not in a position to reach sannidhanam before last devotee leaves Sannidhanam. Around noon they came near to a Temple. The old man Gave Vibbothi bag and a stick to Kesavan pillai and told him to keep it, since he is going to do his nithya karma. (Sandhyavandanam). Kesavan Pillai was tired and brooding over his fate and being completely exhausted and fell into sleep. Suddenly someone waking him saying the magara sangramam day you were sleeping in the vicinity of temple. When he opened his eyes Kesavan pillai was in front of Holy 18 steps. The LORD has answered Bhakthan Prayers. Kesavan pillai Climbed Holy 18 steps and had good Dharshan of Lord Aiyappan. He bowed to Lord and crying out to the Lord of his mercy. Then there was a voice heard that the Vibbothi bag and stick is Gift to you. The descendants of Kesavan pillai’s family still have the bag and stick through, the original cloth of the viboothi bag and stick in shambles. The family stitched the bag with silk and all. The stick decayed and the parts were now in stainless tube. The family of Kesavan pillai still visits Sabari mala regularly. One of their family members was with me in Karivalam thodu and briefed me around 39 years back. Swami saranam Kalyan
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 15:45:48 +0000
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