There are journeys we plan, and then there are those that summon us – not dictated by calendars or convenience, but by a deeper force that calls when the time is right. My recent spiritual journey to Tirumala and Kanchipuram was one such calling – one that awaited me for over a decade.
Tirupathi’s Sacred Circuit
Our journey started in Tirupathi, where we visited a couple of the many revered temples before ascending the holy seven hills.
Our first stop was Alivelu Mangapuram, the temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The morning air, filled with a unique energy, wrapped us in devotion through the chants and temple bells. Next, we explored Govindarajulu Swamy Temple, regarded as the “elder brother” of Lord Venkateswara. The temple is known for its reclining deity and Dravidian architecture.
We drove up to Tirumala, tracing the serpentine ghat road and concluded our day at the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple by the Swarnamukhi River. Legend has it that Lord Venkateswara instructed devotees to visit Bhu Varaha Swamy first, as a mark of gratitude to the Lord who gifted him the land of Tirumala.
The Divine Darshan at Tirumala
Waking up the next morning at the crack of dawn felt truly invigorating, with the chants of “Om Namo Venkatesaya” echoing throughout Tirumala. When I finally stood before Lord Balaji, tears welled up – not from emotion alone, but from a profound sense of homecoming. Tirumala isn’t about seeking proof of divinity; it’s about remembering it.
A decade of waiting melted away in that stillness.
On our descent, we stopped by two lesser-known shrines – the Tirumala Grama Devata and Balaji Akkalu. Their divine feminine energy was grounding, subtle reminder that sanctity resides everywhere in Tirumala.
For those seeking to know more about the temple’s history, rituals, and ongoing sevas, the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam official website offers a treasure trove of information.
Kanipakam, Ardhagiri & The Golden Hues of Vellore
From Tirumala, we drove to Kanipakam, home to the self-manifested Vinayaka – an ever-growing idol believed to emerge from water. A slight detour led us to Ardhagiri, a serene hill believed to be a fragment of the Sanjeevani mountain carried by Lord Hanuman.
Our next stop was Vellore’s Mahalakshmi Temple, adorned with a gleaming golden statue and vibrant hues. The temple represents not only material abundance but also spiritual richness. However, it was the ancient Parvathi Amman temple nearby that truly touched my heart. We experienced 21 evening aartis as various lamps danced in harmony with the uplifting chants.
Through the Storm — The Road to Kanchipuram
As we drove toward Kanchipuram, heavy rain blurred the roads into shimmering silver trails. The downpour felt like a prelude to Cyclone Montha, challenging our determination. Despite the storm and near-zero visibility, the pull toward Kamakshi Amman Temple only grew stronger.
By the time we arrived, the rain softened into a drizzle. The next morning, the skies cleared for a divine darshan — one I had manifested for over a decade. They say you don’t plan Kanchi; the Goddess summons you. Standing before Kamakshi Amman, radiant and fierce, I felt that truth echo within.
The Twin Kanchis, Weaving Faith & Memory
Kanchipuram is more than a temple town; it’s a vibrant tapestry of time, architecture, and spirit. Between Vishnu Kanchi and Shiva Kanchi, devotion takes many forms. Furthermore, the ritual of touching the gold and silver lizards engraved on the ceiling is believed to wash away sins and bestow blessings. This serves as a symbolic bridge between faith, tradition, and human frailty.
Among the temple streets, I stumbled upon a weaver’s shop where an old grinding stone stood in the center – a quiet metaphor for continuity amidst change.
That day, draped in a Kanchi weave – one of the conscious choices I made during this trip – it reminded me how adorning oneself can be an act of reverence and reclamation (Read more in my post on Why Women Need to Reclaim Their Feminine Energy)
The Divine Calling
Unlike my past visits, this trip wasn’t about ticking off temples or chasing auspicious days. Visiting during off-season was a blessing – fewer crowds, no long queues, just sacred stillness and space to breathe. These are not trips you plan; they unfold when you’re meant to go.
Because when the Divine calls, you simply answer – without hesitation, without reason.
Loved this line. Enjoyed Reading!
“Because when the Divine calls, you simply answer – without hesitation, without reason.”
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