A Rendezvous with the Divine

At the lotus feet of revered Lord Venkateswara, at Tirumala. 

At 3 am, the energising morning chants of Suprabhatam resonate inside the temple. It is the first and foremost pre-dawn seva, a daily ritual. I am basking in glow of the divine, and gleefully amused at imagining myself saying a humble ‘good morning’ to the One, who controls all time and space!  The Lord is now being woken up from his celestial sleep. He is the Protector, Lord Vishnu. The seva, amidst the rhythmic chanting of vedic hymns continues for about thirty minutes. 

Even though a closed space , dimly lit with traditional lamps, there is something very powerful about the sanctum sanctorum, the garbha griha. It emanates wonderful vibrations. Inside, the deity in his astounding form, brilliant grandeur and resplendent decoration , fascinates me every single time I have had the chance, and good fortune of getting a darshan. The regalia of the Lord’s demeanour is truly befitting of an Emperor.  I get goosebumps feeling the strong, positive energy of his aura. I am rendered spellbound with a glued vision on the deity, until I have filled my heart to the brim. It is a moment of total surrender. 

As Purusha (human) and Prakriti (nature) we bow down to Ishwara (the divine) - the supreme & boundless energy. Standing in the temple, in front of Ishwara , I am reminded of my small and finite existence in the human garb, and yet the infinite that You & I are a part of, and truly belong to. 

Vedanta tells us that as pure consciousness - the Atman, we are all One and the same. Tat Tvam Asi, translated as ‘That thou art’ with the Upaadhis or filters of mind body & intellect , stripped away. And right now , I can feel that connect with the larger consciousness. 

So in this gifted lifetime, I want to be compassionate and do good. 

Humbled, happy and fulfilled with this soul- kindling experience, once more.

Lord, bless us all.

Govinda! Govinda!