A Journey of Faith: My First Padhayatra to Tirumala

 Close to 3 decades, I have known a remarkable person— Mr. Sampath, a man whose devotion shines brightest every year during Purattasi Brahmotsavam. His tradition has been unwavering: a Padhayatra of 120+ kilometers from Chennai to Tirumala, timed to coincide with the sacred Garuda Seva.

Back in our Ford days, Sampath was already deeply involved in this noble yatra. What struck me most was not just his personal devotion, but his commitment to others. Every year, he would collect funds and organize Annadhanam—feeding not only his own group of 400 yatris but also countless others who undertook the same path. Hundreds would walk with him, but the food he arranged nourished thousands. It wasn’t just a walk; it was a moving stream of bhakti, humanity, and community.

Over the years, Sampath would often invite me:

"Come, join us. Experience the bhakti, the energy of thousands walking together towards the Lord."

And every year, I would find some excuse. Work, family, other commitments—reasons that seemed valid, but in hindsight, perhaps just delays in destiny.

In 2022, fate left its gentle mark. Sampath visited Bangalore home for inviting for his Sastiyathapoorthi, 60th Bday, and in his characteristic persistence, he insisted once again but this time to Prathiba and Amma. He strategically tied it to something close to my heart:

"If Ananya gets admission in a Government medical college, you must walk with me to Tirumala."

By 2025, that promise came due. Day 0 joined the camp at Tiruvalluvur

Day 1 Wednesday

The journey began with enthusiasm. The rhythm of chants, the sight of families singing while walking together hit the highway—all of it filled me with energy. But as the day progressed, the tiredness of a marathon walk began to settle in. By noon, we reached Kanakamma Chatiram, passing through Tiruvalangadu near Arakkonam. By evening, we halted for the night at Kandigai, exhausted yet deeply satisfied that the journey had truly begun.

Day 2 Thursday

The start was fine, filled with energy and devotion. By noon we reached Nagari, with devotees lining the route to support the yatris. By nightfall, we halted at Puthur. Tired, but filled with purpose, I slept under the open sky.

Day 3 Friday

The chants grew louder, the steps quicker, as Tirupati neared. By evening we crossed Vadamalaipettai and finally entered Tirupati town. The air itself felt different, vibrating with devotion. Fatigue crept in, my legs grew heavy. Still, the collective spirit carried me forward. All 3 days Annadhanam ( 3 times a day) to all those proceeding towards Tirpupati was a fulfilling experience. 

Day 4 Saturday

The climb to Tirumala tested every ounce of stamina I had left. But with each step up the sacred hill, a sense of surrender grew within me. And then—the reward: the darshan of Lord Balaji. Eyes brimming with tears, heart overwhelmed, the fatigue vanished in an instant.

Day 5 Sunday

The journey reached its divine climax— Garuda Seva. Not fortunate enough to witness the Lord on Garuda Vahanam, but had a glimpse, due to non-availabilty of room to stay and huge crowd. I returned to Bangalore in the evening not just with tired legs, but with a soul and body lighter, fuller, and grateful.

This Padhayatra was not merely about walking 120 kilometers. It was about walking through faith, through discipline, through surrender. Sampath’s invitation was never just about companionship—it was about allowing me to discover something within myself.

Now, when I look back, I realize this wasn’t my journey alone. It was the journey of thousands, bound together by devotion, marching on the same path towards the same divine destination. And I know for sure — 2025 was destined for me to keep that promise.

A Call from the Banks of the Kaveri – Sri Balakrishnananda Maha Samsthanam

Talakadu is not an ordinary town. Not everyone understands it at first sight. But if you stand there quietly for a while, the silence rising from the banks of the River Kaveri seems to say,“You did not come here by accident.”

In the middle of that silence stands Sri Balakrishnananda Maha Samsthanam, on the banks of the Kaveri, near Mysore. It is a mutt that has stood for centuries. Its history runs very deep.

This lineage began nearly 2,700 years ago, started by Sri Sukacharya, the son of Sage Vyasa. Later, it was revived by Sri Padmapadar, a direct disciple of Adi Shankaracharya.This is not just a mutt. It is the home of Advaita. 

When Adi Shankaracharya came to Talakadu, it is said that he immediately sensed the power of the place. At that time, due to the fierce form of the Devi, people found it difficult to live there. To restore balance, he performed the Sri Chakra Pratishta embedded with Beejaksharas.

Adi Shankara also observed Chaturmasya here. During that period, there was no yathi to guide the mutt. Through Sri Padmapadar, a yathi was initiated, and from that day, the Shankara tradition has continued on this sacred land.

But even places of grace go through trials. Over time, support from devotees reduced. The yathis faced hunger. Some quietly gave up their bodies. 

Later came Sri Gopalananda Saraswati, well past eighty years of age. His body was weak, but his resolve was firm.“This mutt must not disappear.”

In March 2009, he initiated Sri Govindananda Saraswati into sanyasa—now known as Talakadu Periyava. From that day, the mutt slowly began to breathe again. 

The silent support of the Kanchi Mutt followed. In 2025, Talakadu Periva visited the Kanchi mutt and inputs were provided by Shri HH Balaperiva—clear signs that this sacred place had not been forgotten.

As part of that continuation, on 21 December 2025, Talakadu Periyava decided to conduct a Sahasra Suvasini Pooja— or rather, Sri Aadhya Lakshmi decided.

The morning began in a calm glow with Ganapathi, Go, Ashwa, Gaja, Vatu, Kanya, and Dampathi Poojas.

Then, in each batch, 108 Suvasinis were seated. Volunteers performed Soda Upasara Pooja, Ashtothram, and Naivedyam. This was followed by the chanting of Lalitha Sahasranamam for each batch. The spiritual event continued for six hours.

When Talakadu Periyava spoke, he said: “Service is not only about money. Physical effort is also seva.”

His statement—  “Sri Aadhya Lakshmi will fulfill your wishes”— reminded me of Yogi Ramsuratkumar’s words: “My Father will take care.”

That day, one truth became clear: Some places do not call us. They remind us.

Not of who we are—but why we came. 

Sri Balakrishnananda Maha Samsthanam still stands that way. Not to ask for grace—but to connect people through grace. And the River Kaveri flows quietly, watching it all.