This was on a March afternoon some years ago. We considered a short drive.
“No temples, no relatives. Only a long drive,” insisted the Gen Next of the family, wary of our spiritual preferences.
“All right,” we agreed—but read on what happened.
Not sure where to head, we hit the Warangal highway. We were about to turn back on reaching Ghatkesar when a signboard— ‘Bhongir 10 km’—beckoned us. We knew nothing of the place except its imposing hill fort. We reached the fort just 30 minutes before it closed. From the top, we enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the bustling town and the huge orange ball dipping into the horizon.
As we merged back onto the highway, we were informed that Yadagirigutta—the abode of Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy—was hardly a 30-minute drive away.
The plan was merely to offer salutations to the Lord and His Consort from the highway itself. We were doubtful about darshan due to the heavy rush. Besides, the temple might well be closed in view of an eclipse later that night.
Yet, we found ourselves right in front of the temple—as if pulled by an unseen hand—despite ourselves. Vendors surrounded us, thrusting coconuts and flowers, urging, “Go, go sir. You still have 20 minutes.”
We had an excellent darshan, positioned right in front of the Lord.
“Uncle, why don’t we do this puja?” my daughter-in-law asked, pointing to a small group engaged in Swarna Pushpalankarana Seva. The very same one who had insisted, “No temples!”
“How can we? They’re closing in a few minutes,” we protested.
She ran to the counter, got it open, and raced back with the ticket.
The Swarna Pushpalankarana Seva filled our hearts with bliss beyond words. Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy granted exclusive darshan to just the five of us. Can one ask for more? Such is His grace.
“No God. No temple,” we had thought before planning the drive. When He has other plans, who are we—mere mortals—to differ? The ever-kind Yadadri Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy beckoned us to receive His blessings.
A moment to treasure for a lifetime.
Om Namo Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy.
