If it has to happen it will happen; if it is destined it will transpire; if it has to occur it will unfold; if it should emerge it will rise tremendously. Not even in the wildest of my dreams did I cover the Navagraha temples by legs. For an amateur like me, running a full marathon calls for celebration; running 175+ kms in 3 and ½ days back to back covering around 45 kms every day was inconceivable. The bright belief in me, the longing for Adi Guru and his grace are those that went hand in hand to make me accomplish this run successfully. This journey has been an incredible experience and has made mystical impressions in my heart and mind. SHIVA
Blisters became bliss, pain became pleasure, and the scorching sun was like a soothing drizzle –the unique feeling I had developed for the Adi Guru was quite palpable. I could feel the hovering Omnipresence of the Adi Guru – He was in the birds flying above me; He was flowing in the river alongside me; He was present in every living creature and every kind hearted man I met. They were all manifestations of Him. SHIVA
Kaveri and the Running Trails:
Majority of the running trails were alongside river Kaveri connecting various villages and the Navagraha temples. The picturesque farmlands, the sky-piercing coconut trees, tamarind vegetation providing shelter on the roads, the mind boggling sight of dawn and dusk – They were all a delight to my eyes and mind. I would need more than a life time to admire them. A very different experience I should say because Kaveri was my run mate. I was completely lost in Her remarkable beauty. Whenever I felt it was too hot I dived into Her not only to cool down my body but to also appease my soul which was craving for grace. Like Kaveri my soul was also bursting out of happiness and unbound joy for the Lord. SHIVA
Bliss with Blisters and Pleasure in Pain:
My novice and untrained legs had to encounter numerous challenges although nothing could stop them from moving it physically. The Physio declared that my ITB muscle was over stressed and it started aching every time I continuously ran 5 + kms. Additionally, I was also blessed with big blisters on both my legs; pain in both my knees started swallowing me; every night I used to crash like a log motionless – but my longing for grace and my love for Shiva was growing every time pain engulfed me and every time my body was put to challenge. At times I walked, at times I limped, at times I wanted to even crawl but my heart was content with happiness and the mere sight of the Adi Guru helped me write off all my difficulties. SHIVA
Compassionate Village People and Innocent Questions:
We ran across hundreds of villages and bumped into thousands of villagers – they were all so eager to know why we were running? Disappointed were the kids who raced with us and the villagers who rode their bikes at a canter because I was not in a position give them an appropriate answer. I assume I had convinced the onlookers telling them that we were running to visit all the Navagraha temples – but to be honest with myself there was a little Jyothi burning brightly within me to express which words were too insufficient. I ran past most of them with a grin and waved good bye. SHIVA
I could not ignore the presence of the Adi Guru in each of them who quenched my thirst, walked with me to direct me, gave me space on their verandas. His radiant spirit was glowing in each one of their eyes. SHIVA
Running by the Drums of the Heart:
We were welcomed in each village by stray canines which let us enter after a lot of persuasion. On a lighter note, they chased us till we exited the village! So, every time we crossed a village my GPS watch would show increase in pace and my heart beat would also increase tremendously. No yelp bet my yearning for the Adi Guru. SHIVA
12 Elite Souls with one mission:
It was my highest honour and privilege to run with 12 great souls who have made their presence felt in the running arena. If not for their camaraderie, matured advice, motivation, infinite love, care and affection, I could not have completed this course. Miles appeared like meters and Kilometres were traversed with ease; heat could not hinder my progress and pain disappeared; lonely roads were not even close to intimidation – the credit should undoubtedly go to the wonderful companionship of these twelve dedicated souls. The little Jyothi within glowed with greater strength because of the company of these elite men – I felt the presence of the Adi Guru with these men around. SHIVA
My heart craves to wind up this post with the verse from Nirvana Shatakam composed by Adi Shankara which goes as follows:
“No virtue or vice, no pleasure or pain,
I need no mantras, no pilgrimage, no scriptures or rituals,
I am not the experienced, nor the experience itself,
I am the form of consciousness and bliss,
I am the eternal Shiva”
http://blog.ishafoundation.org/lifestyle/music/mystic-chants-nirvana-shatakam/
Happy Running,
Durai Murugan