HYDERABAD, INDIA, November 6, 2006: Imagine walking over seven hundred miles in thirty-eight days on a journey where at the end one is able to receive special blessings from one’s beloved Lord. Ninety-seven Ayyappa pilgrims recently commenced such a journey from Hyderabad to Sabarimala. “Such is their faith that nearly 40 debutants have joined the trip this year under the guidance of D.Venu Gopal, a retired Public Health Executive, who is on his 29th pilgrimage and 16th marathon walk to Sabarimala. Comprising of employees, businessmen and lecturers, the devotees will reach Sabarimala on December 11 walking over 18 miles a day crossing Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Walking in two shifts per day from 4 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and 4 p.m.to 8 p.m., these devotees have trained themselves to face the hardships of the journey and rely on each other and donations from other people,” the news release explains. Venu Gopal adds, “Prior to the journey, we visited Bonthapalli, Keesaragutta and even Yadagirigutta on foot to equip ourselves physically and mentally for the journey.” At Sabarimala the pilgrims will be blessed by Lord Ayyappa in the sanctum sanctorum.
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