Time: Nov 21, 2021
Place: Devarayana Durga, Magadi
Company: Family (Brother, Sister-in-law, Parents, Wife and Daughter)
Highlights: Brother visited from US for a short time and after much deliberation we decided on a day journey somewhere near BLR. Initially we planned Hampi or Mysore for 2-3 days but due to floods in every other town, finally decided on one-day-trip to Devarayana Durga & Magadi - kind of a pilgrimage. Booked a 7-seater for 9 am, left at about the same time. Had breakfast nearby, took NICE road and reach Devarayana Durga at about noon.
Although I had come here about two decades ago, had very vague memories. Also a lot seems to have changed. There was a number of steps to go high up on the hill, so dad couldn't make it. He stayed put at the base of the stairs. Once we reached atop, we were greeted by nice views along with the main deity Yoganarasimha. The temple atop is also very soothing and divine in nature. The priests also seemed very nice and peaceful allowing pilgrims to make the most of the visit.
We then descended the hill via stairs and also by car to the Bhoganarasimha temple. Not much queue, but once again, very soothing and peaceful atmosphere. Post temple visit, there was annadanam at a nearby hall and it was very fulfilling & hearty. It was about 3 pm when we departed. Apparently there is another place called
Namada Chilume which is very historic dating back to Rama's era but the road was blocked perhaps due to the recent floods and landslides. So we missed it.
We then started off towards Magadi. After a pit stop for some nice juice and snacks, we reached Magadi by sunset. On the way, we saw Shivagange. It was mammoth and we decided to hike it up some other day. Anyway, the temple at Magadi was very old (about 1200+ years ago) and very divine. While the family went from main entrance (with steps), I entered from back entrance (without steps). There are lots of deities, the one at the front and one at the back are both equally divine. Within few minutes, Naivedyam started and hence they closed all the doors of the sanctum sanctorum. We had to wait for a long time (almost 30 minutes) and then had the darshan of the main deity. It was very much akin to the Tirumala deity. Had prasadam and then left to home. Journey back home was uneventful. Had dinner on the way and by the time we reached, it was almost 10 pm.
So, what was planned days in advance for a 2- or 3- day ended up with a short 1-day outing. Yet it was soulful. Glad that we visited these nearby places which we otherwise will not.
