South India - Mysuru & Coimbatore Vibes

Our journey of at least four hours from Bengaluru (BENGALURU SERENDIPITY & SPIRITUALITY)  landed us in Mysuru, where we ventured up the narrow, winding road to Chamundi Hill for a religious homage at Chamundeshwari Temple (New Kantharaj Urs Rd). This ancient temple, situated on Chamundi Hill, is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga, and dates back to the 12th century. It stands as a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture, featuring a towering gopuram adorned with intricate carvings. Besides being a significant religious site, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mysuru city from its hilltop perch.

However, as we disembarked from the van, heavy rain began to pour, creating a chaotic situation. Rain or shine, finding suitable restroom facilities proved challenging. I was taken aback witnessing some local men relieving themselves in public, seemingly unfazed by the presence of passing ladies. It was quite unexpected and a bit startling, given the number of them.

Hundreds of people streamed towards the temple, just like us, lining up in a queue that seemed endless. Inside Chamundeshwari Temple, there were no lengthy prayers- just a quick moment to pray and move on. The atmosphere was bustling, with policemen and policewomen directing the crowd firmly, batons in hand - an eye-opening experience for me.

Even amidst the spiritual setting, the sight of such authoritative figures was unexpected and a bit intimidating. It was shocking to feel the impact of a baton for reasons I couldn't comprehend. The crowd, predominantly South Indian, was lively and energetic, navigating through the temple with a determined urgency that was almost overwhelming.

Exiting the temple, we each received a large laddu - a sweet treat to savor after our visit. The drive back down the hill was nothing short of breathtaking, offering views of nature at its finest. After a satisfying lunch, the next four hours were spent at Forum Shopping Mall. Unsure of what to do, I wandered around and found myself outside, where I impulsively decided to try Hatti Kappi Clay Cup Coffee. It was my first time experiencing such a coffee culture, and I was truly excited. The meaningful and fulfilling hot beverage, sipped from the clay pot, added to the experience.

Later, I contemplated trying some street food like Pani Puri. Despite hygiene concerns, I decided to give it a try. Was it worth it? Nothing extraordinary, but having grown up with Malaysian street food, I've developed a resilience to enjoying it wherever I go.

The visit to Mysore Palace didn't happen due to traffic congestion, and no one else was interested besides myself. Therefore, I had to forgo it before arriving at Regenta Central Herald Mysore Hotel. Contrary to warnings about 3-star hotels in South India, my room turned out to be a pleasant surprise -clean, comfortable, including the bathroom.

The next morning began with a hearty South Indian buffet breakfast at the hotel. It was truly impressive, and I admired the effort put into presenting the food beautifully. There were numerous choices available. As a small eater, it felt like a bit of a waste for someone like me, though I could see everyone else thoroughly enjoying their meals.

After breakfast, we resumed our journey for a roughly five-hour drive to Coimbatore, with breaks for comfort and lunch along the way. Our first stop in Coimbatore was the Maruthamalai Murugan Temple, situated atop a scenic hillock. This revered Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is known for its tranquil surroundings and sweeping views. It attracts devotees seeking spiritual solace and visitors drawn to its historical significance and reputed healing powers of the deity.

From the foothill, we caught a bus, paying the fare before disembarking in front of Maruthamalai Temple for Murugan's blessings. The business of shoe keeping here seems like a big business, as you definitely need to pay or risk your shoes and slippers disappearing into thin air at the temple. Hahaha! Thankfully, it wasn't crowded. We ascended the steps to the main altar, offered our prayers, and then descended the same steps to join the long queue waiting to board the bus back downhill.

Next was the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, a renowned spiritual retreat founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. Nestled at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, the center provides a tranquil environment for yoga, meditation, and spiritual programs. At the center is the Dhyanalinga, a unique meditative space that attracts visitors globally. Upon entering, I hesitated. I didn't feel comfortable leaving my all my belongings, including my phone in the locker, so while some of our group proceeded inside, the rest of us waited outside. 

After their return, having kept us waiting for at least two hours, we paid for a bullock-cart ride to visit the impressive 112-foot tall Adiyogi statue. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest bust sculpture, the Adiyogi statue of Lord Shiva stands as a profound symbol of yoga's origins and serves as a beacon for spiritual seekers worldwide. Set against the backdrop of lush mountains, it is both a visual landmark and a source of inspiration for self-transformation and inner exploration. Exploring the area and capturing memorable photos, we observed prayers underway, requiring a fee to participate. The devout members of my tour group joined in, while myself and a few others opted out.

It was a fulfilling day in Coimbatore before we checked into Zip By Spree Coimbatore Hotel - pleasant and comforting, a perfect overnight stay indeed. I chose to skip dining with the group and satisfy my longing for Malaysian food with an Instant Noodle Cup from my luggage. The Tomyam Noodle Soup was incredibly satisfying. After a refreshing shower, I called it a night.

To be continued...