Absolutely Not! There wasn’t much of a crowd at all—no jostling, rushing, or pushing. We moved leisurely, immersed in the divine atmosphere, and had one of the most peaceful darshans of the Lord. We stood before Him, absorbing the moment until our hearts felt content. 

Afterward, we visited the Hundi to make our offerings. With no cottage booked, we prepared for the journey back. Of course, there was the unavoidable shopping along the row of shops near the temple entrance—now relocated—where we bought trinkets, including the signature papier-mâché Lord Balaji heads to adorn our walls. 

Waiting for the bus ride back down was another adventure. The descent was thrilling, marked by darshan of Anjaneya on the way and a stop at a quaint Pillaiyar temple. When we reached the plains, we naturally headed to Bhima’s for lunch—a tradition among Tirupati pilgrims. 

However, our return was delayed, and late at night, we found ourselves at the bus stand. The conductor informed us that the bus to Chennai’s Mint Bus Stand would depart early the next morning, around 4 or 5 a.m. With no lodging available, we were more than happy to sleep on the bus itself. The next morning, we returned home, tired but fulfilled. 

In 1971, nearly nine years after that first trip, I returned to Tirupati with two close friends. One had earned a promotion, and the other was joining a top-tier government service. Both had vowed to have their heads tonsured if they achieved these milestones, and I was invited to accompany them. After getting my mother’s approval, I joined them at the station, and we embarked on what became one of my most unforgettable pilgrimages. 

We reached Tirupati by afternoon, had a hearty lunch at Bhima’s, and decided to climb the hill on foot. Back then, the path wasn’t as sheltered as it is today, and we braved the mid-afternoon heat. However, with youthful energy, the climb was smooth and enjoyable. My two friends had their heads tonsured, and after a refreshing bath, we had another blissful darshan. 

Contd. 366. Steps to the Sanctorum - Part 3