The Holy Trek

The river Azhutta is not a big one, but deep with steep banks, on the other side rises the steep mountain Azhutta. is a wonderful sight, to see so many pilgrims of varied castes, rich and poor, young and old, busying themselves, arranging their own camps, helping each other, cooking their own food, singing all the while in praise of the Lord. All the time the name of the Lord rends the air.

The time of sunset is an unforgettable scene: incandescent lamps arrayed in rows on both banks, right from the level of water to about 100 or 200 yards up, and the reverberating sound of the continuous shouting of the name of the Lord, songs in His praise and the melodious sound of musical instruments. Could such a wild place turn into a human habitation of absolute fearlessness but for His Mercy and Love?

After a day’s rest, the pilgrims rise early next morning, say the usual prayers and set out. Their task now is to climb Azhutta mountain, on a track encumbered with boulders and creepers and the big roots of the giant trees. Few there are who do not shed tears before reaching the top of this mountain. Climbing up, one behind another, reciting the name of the Lord, praising Him always, the pilgrims slowly and steadily march on, arduous though it is, until they finally reach the top of the mountain. Here we can see those who have made the ascent taking their well-earned rest, after which they start their downward journey. The desent is even more difficult. Slowly, one by one, with careful steps, they climb down.

Here the forest is so dense that even at noon the sun’s rays do not penetrate. The whole area is damp and slippery and full of the cries of wild animals and birds. Elephants move about here in herds, and the pilgrim course crosses their trails from time to time.

It is no doubt a pleasure to watch a big tame tusker performing tricks to the command of an impudent a man in stand face to face with a wild lone full-grown tusker, cocking up his ears and trumpeting for a charge. Here perfect faith in God’s guidance is necessary. Only faith in Him and His Mercy saves the pilgrim from such a catastrophe.

The track now lies between two tall mountains, Azhutta behind the Karimala in front, and terminates in a canal called Karimal Thodu. Between Azhutta and Karimal there is no other watercourse but this canal, and naturally therefore this place is very dangerous. Now-a-days many pilgrims camp here for night, but their experiences are too many narrate.