A temple visit

I planned to go to the Ranganathar temple at Karamadai today. I decided two days ago. It is  about an hour’s journey by bus. I confirmed with my friend Santhi at the Tiffin Center across from the bus stop about the timing for the direct bus. I asked some of the fellow residents whether they would like to come. There was no taker. I dressed for the occasion in a kanchipuram silk saree.  I was really ready a relaxed outing. I had my breakfast early to be at the bus stop by 10 minutes to 8 in order not to miss the 8 a.m. bus. I told everybody whom I met on the way about going to the temple. I thought I was just like Little Red Riding hood going to her grandma’s house.

While waiting at the bus stop, two young men in a motorbike asked me for direction for Mangarai and to a church. I told them this is Mangarai and pointed to the church across the road. They thanked me. I felt as if I have done a service for the day.

Just then I remembered that yesterday one of the residents asked me to help to hang the flower garland on to her God’s picture hanging on the wall at a height she couldn’t reach. I also helped her by removing old dried up garland and mango leaf bunch hanging at her front door that she has put up when she did her house-warming a month ago. She thanked me for it. I told her I have done my service for the day.

I decided I have to be aware to see what service I do everyday.  

Some children going to School joined me at the bus stop. They too asked me where I was going and I told them. A boy told me about various bus route options I could take on my return journey. I said 'hello' to a girl appreciating her dress sense. Their bus came and they left. But not mine. I waited. 

More people came to the bus stop, some waiting for the same bus as I am. By 8.25 Santhi told us that the bus may not come. She suggested alternate routes changing buses at two places. I was not sure I could do that and still come back to my place for lunch. Yet I waited with the hope that the direct bus might come. I gave up at 8.45 and decided to cancel my plan and walked back home.

I was in no way disappointed. I felt, if God didn’t want me to come today, he must have a good reason. Some of the residents noticed that I am back and came to enquire why, worried that may be I was unwell and had to drop my plan. I was touched by their concern. We had a good chat for over an hour sitting in my front porch. I also said next week I will engage a taxi and organise a trip to the temple taking few of the other residents along, who will not otherwise be able to go by themselves.

After that I did my usual activities – reading the newspaper, browsing the net and having a nap before lunch.

At the dining hall I noticed a whole lot of visitors having lunch. One of the residents – a retired NCC Officer - was having surprise visit from his family. They were very friendly. After lunch we gathered outside the NCC master’s house and had a good interaction as if with old friends. They commented how well dressed I was in my silk saree. I felt so proud.

After all, my planning to go the temple was not in vain.