Ooty and Kodai

From Calicut, we have gone to Ooty when Swami was there. Darsan was in the Bhajan hall. He would make us wait outside in the open air, and the crowd was not much. Then all would be admitted into the bhajan hall for bhajans. We had the good fortune to go inside when Bhagawan was there.

Similarly, we have gone to Kodai also. Hari got this lovely chance to be with His group of students, specially selected by Him (in 2006). They then went by plane to Madurai and from there by bus. Swami really pampers his boys with superlative tasty food and cosy sleeping arrangements. But His strict regulations have to be seriously followed by all. Once He showed Seethamatha's wedding ring - was as big as a bangle it seems. 

We had a Maruti Omni when we went to Kodai once, and were making a slow detour around the lake, when Swami's car was coming up behind us. I slowed down for His car to overtake us. Some devotee kept a ripe mango on top of His car, which moved and fell off on the road in front of our car. I stopped the car and went and collected it as a big bonanza. We took the Prasadam to the hotel and ate it with relish.

Just before reaching Kodai, we had a miracle. From Pazhani, I read the odometer and found we have 60 kms to reach Kodai. We had 10 liters petrol left. I thought it would be sufficient. But there were many hairpins and the road was continuously uphill. The fuel gauge was almost touching zero as we reached the first petrol pump. As soon as we reached the pump, the car stopped. We somehow filled petrol and moved. Just imagine - if the car had stopped on the way, we would have been stranded with no one to help. Even if you don't think about Him or call or pray to Him, He will take your hand and help you.

In those days, at Kodai, the Nagarasangeertan was by the side of the lake. One bad thing in Kodai was that most hotels collect the lake water for their cooking and washing - it is absolutely unsafe.

There are beautiful scenic spots all around Kodai - that is why the British were so fond of Kodai. One place is Suicide point and another is Coaker's Walk for a quiet, peaceful walk. There are many more, but I have forgotten the names.

It was in 1968-69 that we made a trip to Kodai from Madurai, where Rema was doing her DO - by bus - a tiresome ride. After reaching there, we searched for a good cheap hotel to stay, but got a rotten smelly place because we didn't have much to spend from our small salary. I was financing her DO course and also maintaining my household in Calicut - tough for one man's salary. My salary then was Rs 250. But expenses were also relatively low - eg. Autorikshaw 50 paise to go anywhere in Calicut, Rent per month was Rs 16.20. 

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