Prelude to My Pilgrimage Memoir
I had been planning this trip to India for quite some time—mainly to attend my nephew’s wedding and a couple of other family functions. But somewhere deep down, I also knew this was the right time to do something I had been putting off for a while—a long-overdue spiritual journey.
With a bit of free time on hand, I thought, “Why not make it count?” So, I decided to begin with Kashi, a place that had always pulled at my soul. Then came the thought of visiting Tirumeeyachur, another temple that had been on my list for years. And while planning those two, something clicked: “Since I’m doing Sri Vidya Sadhana seriously now, why not include Kamakhya too?” And just like that, the trip started taking shape.
Of course, life had other plans too! I ended up changing my itinerary three or four times, rebooking flights, and spending over 720 extra dollars. But looking back, it was all worth it.
From June 12th to August 4th, 2025, this journey turned out to be so much more than just travel. It was deeply fulfilling, and on a spiritual level, it left me with something I can only call transformative.
I’m not just talking about the outer experiences—yes, those were beautiful. But what I really want to share with a few close ones like you is my Anubhav. To me, Anubhav isn’t just experienced. It’s that something beyond rituals (Karma) and knowledge (Jnana). It’s the kind of realization that touches the core of your being. Something divine.
So, here’s my journey. Not a travel diary, but a personal reflection, a series of moments that stayed with me, changed me, and made me feel more connected to the path I walk.
Let me take you through it.
A Bit About My Social Moments Before the Pilgrimage
Before I dive into sharing the spiritual part of my journey, I’d like to first talk a bit about the social side of my trip. No order or timeline here, just a few people, moments, and memories that made this trip special in their own way.
First and foremost, the wedding. That was the main reason I planned this visit in the first place. It turned out to be a beautiful event—full of emotion, laughter, nostalgia, and of course, the usual family chaos that makes weddings so memorable. A lot of my relatives showed up, so it became a kind of informal reunion. I had the chance to reconnect with many of them, share stories, and simply enjoy each other’s presence. Being the eldest in the family, I had a small but meaningful role to play, which I took up with a smile.
What truly filled my heart this time was spending extended quality time with my mother. She’s 92 now, and every moment with her feels precious. After a gap, this visit allowed me to just be with her—talk, sit in silence, eat meals together, and relive old memories. That, for me, was one of the deepest joys of the trip.
Another beautiful part of this journey was reconnecting with Ramya. She’s someone very close to me, and we’ve shared a special bond over the years. She invited me to her in-laws’ place in Namakkal. I stayed with them for three days, and those days were filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt moments. We even visited Kolli Hills together—a serene little hill station tucked away in Tamil Nadu. The drive, the views, the temple visits all came together like a perfect escape with people who matter. I sincerely pray that Ramya is soon able to join her husband in Paris and begin a new chapter of her life.
From Namakkal, I went to visit Pavitra, a truly beautiful soul whom I’ve embraced as my daughter. I spent a day with her and her lovely family, and it was a joy to meet her son. She served me a delicious lunch with so much love. I had brought some gifts for them, which I gave with a full heart before taking leave.
Another special visit during my journey was to Coimbatore, where I spent a full day with Nitya, Jeeva, and Siddharth—who are like family to me and hold a very close place in my heart. We visited temples together, shared a delicious Gujarati meal, and exchanged thoughtful gifts. The day was filled with warmth, laughter, and deep connection.
I also met my school friend Chitra at her place. It was wonderful to sit down and catch up after a long time. Simple joys like this are so underrated. And then there was Aristotle, my old college buddy—he runs a business now. We met at his workplace, had a great conversation, and later in the evening, Mohan, another friend from those college days, joined us. The three of us went out for a relaxed dinner and spent the evening reminiscing, laughing over old stories, and simply enjoying the moment.
Aishwarya is another significant presence in my life. We had distanced ourselves after some deep differences, and for a while, I truly believed our paths had permanently diverged. But during this India trip, something within me moved, and I chose to reconnect with her, voluntarily and without expectation. I even sent her some Prasad for her well-being, as a quiet prayer from my side. The feeling I carry for her now is not what it once used to be—something has shifted. Perhaps time will reveal what this connection still holds. For now, I simply wish her peace, happiness, and all the very best in life.
I couldn’t imagine leaving India without meeting Debbie—and her husband, Telson. As it turned out, Debbie was traveling on Sunday, but Telson was available, so he kindly accompanied me to Forum Mall in Vadapalani. We thoroughly enjoyed our shopping experience—he even assisted me in selecting some stylish clothing—and concluded the outing with a delightful biryani at one of the restaurants.
Later, I had the pleasure of meeting Debbie over dinner. She was warm and gracious, and we had a wonderful evening. I sincerely wish them both a joyful and fulfilling life together—and hope to see them even happier in the times ahead.
I also attended another wedding—my cousin’s daughter got married, and it was another chance to reconnect with extended family. Everything went smoothly, and the warmth of being among your people just added to the overall joy of the trip.
But if I had to name one thing that truly gave me a deep sense of contentment, it was the time I spent with my mother. More than ten days spent together, simply being in her presence, attending to her needs, and listening to her stories and moments of silence—this alone rendered the trip invaluable.
These were the meaningful moments that unfolded before my spiritual journey began. Now, with a heart full of love and contentment, I’ll take you through the other part of this journey, the one that transformed me from within.
The Spiritual Kickoff – Kanchipuram and My Krama 2 Initiation
I landed in India on the 12th of June, still carrying the usual jet lag. But just two days later, on Saturday the 14th, I felt this strong inner pull to visit Kanchipuram. The timing felt significant. I was about to receive my Krama 2 Deeksha from my guru on Sunday, the 15th of June, and I thought—what better way to prepare myself than by seeking the blessings of Kanchi Kamakshi herself?
So, I made a solo trip to Kanchipuram that day. The darshan at Kanchi Kamakshi Temple was nothing short of divine. For someone like me on the Sri Vidya path, this visit was incredibly meaningful. Kamakshi is none other than Tripura Sundari herself, the very embodiment of Shakti. The temple is a Shakti Peeth, believed to be the sacred spot where Sati’s navel fell. You could feel the power, the stillness, and the grace—it’s a very potent tantric site. I spent time there, just soaking in her presence.
Thereafter, I made my way to the Ekambareswarar Temple, which is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the Earth element. Lord Shiva here, in his Ekampareshwara form, is deeply grounding. I sat there quietly for a while, meditated, and felt very centered. It was a beautiful way to align myself before what was coming the next day. I returned that same evening, feeling calm and spiritually charged.
Then came Sunday, the 15th of June. I woke up early, took a sacred bath, got myself into a prayerful space, and chanted the Ganapati mantra to prepare myself mentally and energetically. This was the day of my Krama 2 initiation under the grace of Sri Chaitanya of Sri Maha Vidhya Sadhana. I was fully ready for it.
During the Deeksha, I explained to my guru that while I was eager to begin, I wouldn’t be able to start the full practice until August, given my travel plans across India. He understood but gently instructed me to keep the mantra japa going—both Krama 1 and Krama 2—throughout my journey.
That set the tone for the rest of my trip. Spiritually, it was a powerful beginning. With Kamakshi’s blessings and the newly given initiation, I felt guided every step of the way.
A Powerful Sign—Kala Bhairava Darshan at Mylapore
On the 17th of June, something special unfolded. It was Krishna Paksha Ashtami—a day that holds deep meaning for me, especially when it comes to Bhairava Sadhana. This celebration is a practice I’ve taken up, inspired by my wife’s devotion. Therefore, on every Krishna Paksha Ashtami, I make it a point to offer my prayers to Lord Bhairava.
That day, I visited the Sri Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore—an iconic and spiritually charged place. I had gone primarily for a regular darshan of Lord Kapaleeshwara and Mother Karpagambal. While I was doing my rounds and soaking in the energy of the temple, something unexpected happened.
My regular pandit was already there waiting for me, in fact! He had arranged for a special abhishekam at the Kala Bhairava sannidhi and had been hoping I’d join. I hadn’t planned it in advance, so it felt like a beautiful surprise and divine orchestration. Being able to attend that special abhishekam on Krishna Paksha Ashtami—of all days—felt deeply auspicious. It felt as though Bhairava personally extended an invitation to initiate my journey.
The abhishekam was powerful, the energy intense yet comforting. I felt an inner affirmation—as if the divine was blessing the path I was about to walk. It left me with a deep sense of gratitude and set the tone for the rest of my spiritual journey.
Kashi Begins with Bhairava’ s Blessings
My Kashi–Kamakhya trip took place from June 29th to July 4th, planned through Neeraj Giri of Teerth Yatra, under the Kanchi Archan Foundation. They’re well known for their deep spiritual work, especially Bhairava Sadhana, and I’ve been associated with them as a regular anna dana donor for their Gurukulam. Neeraj helped me chalk out the entire itinerary—pujas, temple visits, logistics, and even hotel bookings. It was a comprehensive spiritual package.
I landed in Kashi on the 29th, with no visits planned that day except a special Ganga Aarti in the evening. But one thought kept circling in my mind: “Any true journey in Varanasi must begin with Kala Bhairava’ s blessings.” I hadn’t planned it initially, but Neeraj dropped by after lunch and casually mentioned that a visit to Kala Bhairava had already been arranged for 4 PM. That felt like divine alignment.
When we reached the temple, there was a huge crowd, and the pathway was slushy from the rain. Still, Neeraj managed to get me in through the VIP queue. I had a good darshan but couldn’t get close to Garbhagriha. A part of me felt a little disappointed—I wanted to stand right before him, heart to heart.
To my surprise, on the very last day of my trip, Neeraj told me he had arranged a private puja again at the same Kala Bhairava temple. What made it even more special was that this wasn’t something I had asked for or scheduled—it just happened, effortlessly. This time, it was just me and the priest—no crowd, no rush. I stood right in front of Kala Bhairava, watching the Aarti for a full 45 minutes. It was surreal. From a distant glimpse at the start of my trip to standing alone in his presence—Bhairava had called me, accepted me, and sent me off with his blessings.
It was a powerful start—and a divine closure—to my Kashi experience.
Ganga Aarti & A Night of Divine Surprises at Kashi Vishwanath
The Ganga Aarti experience was truly unforgettable. Even though there were thousands of people gathered along the ghats to witness it, I was part of a special group, just 12 of us, who had the privilege of participating in the actual Puja Aarti for Ganga Mata. The atmosphere was magical… the chants, the lamps, the river flowing quietly under the twilight sky—it all felt deeply sacred. I stayed there until late in the evening, fully soaked in energy, and returned to rest with a full heart.
The next day was packed with temple visits. Visited Manimandir, the Durga Temple, the Tulsi Manas Temple, and the Sankat Mochan Temple. Before lunch, I also visited the new Kashi Vishwanath Temple at the Banaras Hindu University campus. That temple had a very calm and unique aura—different, yet equally powerful.
In the afternoon, the plan was to attend the Saptarishi Aarti at the main Kashi Vishwanath Temple. But then, out of nowhere, heavy rain started, and Neeraj said it had to be canceled. I was honestly quite disappointed. That was one darshan I had looked forward to. But then, Neeraj came in and told me he had arranged for me to attend the Shingar Aarti at 10 PM instead. I rested for a bit and headed to the temple later that night, not knowing something truly extraordinary was about to happen.
Though many had paid for the Shringar Aarti, only five of us were chosen to go inside the Garbhagriha—right up close to Sri Kashi Vishwanath. And I was one of them. I can’t even describe the feeling. Standing there, so close, being allowed to touch the Lingam and offer my prayers, it was one of those rare moments where time seemed to stop. The energy was intense but comforting. I felt completely held.
And just when I thought the blessings had peaked, something even more surprising happened. While I was sitting in silent prayer near the sanctum, a lady police officer—out of all the people gathered there—walked up to me with a small paper cup of Prasad. She said it was from the earlier Saptarishi Aarti—the very ritual I had missed! She had crossed through so many people just to hand it to me. I was stunned. That simple gesture felt like a direct message from the divine: “Don’t worry, what’s meant for you will find its way to you.”
I shared the Prasad with a few others around me. It was such a beautiful moment, completely unexpected and deeply humbling.
That night, I returned feeling so full—of grace, of joy, and of a quiet knowing that I was being guided every step of the way.
Day 3 – A Day of Devi Darshan and Deep Seva
Day 3 in Kashi began with a beautiful trail of Devi temples. It truly felt like the Divine Feminine was guiding every step. We started with a visit to Shri Annapurna Mata—she who nourishes the world. Then came the darshan of Shri Kashi Vishalakshi, one of the sacred Shakti Peethas. Sri Kaali’s darshan was equally blessed. The energy there was powerful yet serene.
From there, we visited the Raja Rajeshwari and Shri Tripura Sundari temples. Each one carried a distinct vibration, but all were equally divine. At the Tripura Sundari temple, we had to wait a bit for the Aarti, but honestly, I consider it a blessing. There weren’t too many people around, so I could have a peaceful and unhurried darshan at every temple. I felt truly fortunate—each temple visit was seamless, with no rush or chaos.
After the Devi darshans, we headed to the Batuk Bhairava temple. This was a special visit for me. Batuk Bhairava, the child form of Bhairava, is both endearing and fierce in his own way. There, I performed Kappar Seva—a ritual more aligned with the Vamachara tradition. Since I follow Sri Vidya Tantra through the Kavalachara path, which draws from Vamachara, I felt drawn and prepared to participate in this seva. And I’m so glad I did.
The experience at Batuk Bhairava’s shrine was profound. The young priest who helped conduct the seva left a deep impression on me. We stayed in touch afterward, and even now, he sends me daily photos of Batuk Bhairava. It’s a small gesture, but it keeps the connection alive and close to my heart.
Nearby, I also visited a Kamakhya temple in Kashi—another unexpected and powerful moment that felt divinely aligned with my Sadhana.
Around 2 PM, I went to the Shri Mahalakshmi temple and performed an Abhishekam myself. That’s something I truly cherish. Unlike most temples in the South, here in North India, they allowed me to personally touch the deity and offer my prayers. I spent an hour doing the abhishekam, invoking Mahalakshmi through both tantric and Vedic chants. It was deeply meditative, powerful, and humble all at once.
Looking back, Day 3 was packed with grace—from Devi darshans to Bhairava Seva and the Mahalakshmi abhishekam. My heart was full. Truly, I felt blessed.
Day 4 – A Glide Through the Ghats Before Heading to Kamakhya
Before catching my flight to Guwahati, we had one final experience planned in Kashi—a private boat ride along the Ganga to visit all the famous ghats. And what an experience it was! Cruising along the river early in the morning, we covered all 83 ghats, including a couple of the newly added ones. Watching life unfold along the banks—sadhus, pilgrims, morning rituals, and the timeless rhythm of the river—was truly mesmerizing.
I had one small regret, though. I had hoped to visit Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat late at night, just to feel the unique energy and intensity of those sacred cremation spots. There’s something deeply spiritual about being there in silence, under the night sky. But time didn’t allow for it on this trip.
Still, I felt content. The boat ride gave me a beautiful overview of Kashi’s spirit—its soul lives along those ghats. Once we returned, I headed back to the hotel, packed up, and made my way to the airport.
Next stop: Kamakhya.
Kamakhya: A Journey of Grace, Surrender, and Fulfillment
Something unexpected happened the moment I landed in Guwahati. My mobile just conked off—frozen, completely unresponsive. All my plans, contacts, hotel details—everything was stored in it. For a few minutes, I was genuinely lost and confused. But I stayed calm and approached the help desk at the airport. They tried their best but couldn’t fix it either.
I asked if they could take me to a mobile repair shop and then drop me at my hotel. But I didn’t even have the hotel name or address printed anywhere! Everything was in the phone. I tried my laptop—it was dead too. So I plugged it in, waited patiently, and finally got enough charge to pull up the booking details. With that, I gave the driver the address and requested him to factor in a stop at the mobile shop.
This Kamakhya leg was something I had arranged entirely on my own. I had gotten the priest’s contact through my astrology guru and booked a guesthouse that simply had good ratings. I didn’t know it would turn out to be such a blessing.
At the mobile shop, the technician connected my phone to a charger, and like magic, it came back to life. It had 21% battery all along; it just needed a proper reboot. In minutes, everything was back. Crisis averted.
The guesthouse was lovely—clean, neat, and well-kept, probably because many international devotees visit here. No AC, but surprisingly, I didn’t miss it. The best part? As I stepped out to explore a bit, I discovered I was just 100 meters from the main entrance of the Kamakhya temple! I had no idea while booking—it just happened. A beautiful synchronicity.
The next morning, the priest had asked me to come by 9 AM. I was ready and there by 8:45. He welcomed me into the VIP lounge and arranged tickets, and I was taken through the special queue. Kamakhya Temple is not like any other—it’s a cave shrine, where worship is offered to the Yoni of Sati Devi, not an idol. It’s a place of raw Shakti, and the entire process is filled with sacred rituals.
Inside the cave, another priest recited mantras and guided us through the puja. As I neared the main sanctum, I noticed someone familiar walking by—Sri Rajarshi Nandy, a powerful upasaka of Kamakhya and Bhairava. Just spotting him there felt like a blessing. I continued my prayers, offered flowers, and performed the sacred water ritual—taking a sip and sprinkling it on myself.
Despite the crowds (Ambubachi Mela had just ended a week earlier), we weren’t rushed. I had peaceful darshan. It felt intimate and divine.
Once outside, the priest asked me to wait. He soon took me to a hall opposite the Bali Peda area, where animal sacrifices happen. There, I performed a Kumari Puja—also called Kanni Puja—a ritual I had been wanting to do. That day, I had also arranged for Anna Dana for 8–12 young girls from the Powai Foundation. I told the priest to offer lunch and dinner on my behalf, a small gesture of gratitude.
After the Kanni Puja, I received sacred items—Ambubachi Vastra, blessed water, and prasad. The priest recommended that I explore the ten Mahavidya shrines and, if possible, visit the Bhairava temple on the Brahmaputra Island. I couldn’t make the boat trip, but I spent the whole day at Kamakhya, barefoot, walking through the complex, absorbing the intense energy. My guesthouse was so close that I didn’t even bother to return to my room.
There was something happening everywhere—mantra japa, tantric rituals, quiet meditations. I was immersed in it, continuously chanting my Krama 2 mantra mentally. From the moment I stepped in till I left, the japa didn’t stop. That inner silence and connection stayed with me.
By evening, I was physically tired but spiritually full. I returned to the room, skipped visiting Bhairava temple due to exhaustion, ordered some food, and rested. It was hot, yes—but I was glowing from within.
One small dilemma remained: I had been given the sacred Ambubachi water in a plastic bottle. I wanted to bring it back but realized it might leak, and frankly, people wouldn’t understand its sacredness. So I did something simple and personally bathed with it that evening and kept the Vastra in my wallet.
That’s how my journey to Kamakhya ended—deeply fulfilling, mystical, and aligned with my sadhana. The next day, I flew to Chennai.
Reflections: A Journey Within
Looking back, this pilgrimage wasn’t just about visiting sacred places; it was about rediscovering parts of myself through every darshan, every mantra, and every unexpected turn. From the structured serenity of Kanchipuram to the raw energy of Kashi and the deep tantric vibration of Kamakhya, each destination opened a new doorway within me. The challenges—be it a dead phone, weather disruptions, or physical exhaustion—were not obstacles but divine orchestration, guiding me gently toward surrender and deeper awareness. The presence of Bhairava at the beginning and end, the blessings of the Devi in many forms, and the inner stillness that grew with each japa—I carry all of this with me, etched into my spirit. This journey has transformed not just how I worship, but how I walk my path. With gratitude, I now move forward—lighter, clearer, and more connected than ever before.
Completing the Circle with Kaalikambal Darshan
While I visited several other temples during my time in India, the final note of my journey was struck with a deeply meaningful visit to the Sri Kaalikambal Temple in Broadway, Chennai. This wasn’t just another stop; it felt like a divine completion. Kaalikambal, the fierce and compassionate goddess worshipped here, is revered as a powerful form of Shakti, with her energy rooted deeply in the Sri Chakra. She is both a destroyer of negativity and a nurturer of wisdom and strength.
Interestingly, this temple is also where the great warrior Shivaji once prayed before his southern campaigns. The vibrations here are intense yet grounding, offering the kind of quiet assurance that only divine feminine energy can.
One thing I must mention—there was a strong presence of positive energy throughout my journey. Yet, something lingers in my heart. I had a deep longing to visit Thirumiyachur, the sacred abode of Sri Lalithambika, where Lord Hayagriva revealed the Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam to the world through Sage Agastya. I planned the trip four times, and each time it was I who had to cancel. Somewhere deep inside, I feel that Ambal herself has not yet called me. Perhaps she is waiting for the right moment. When she does, that visit shall be my highest priority.
I began this sacred journey with darshan of Sri Kanchi Kamakshi, the embodiment of Tripura Sundari and Sri Vidya, and concluded it with Sri Kaalikambal, the fierce protector and mother. It felt like an unseen hand had scripted this perfect beginning and end, a sacred arc held between grace and power. A divine plan, indeed.
Whispers-of-the-Soul 
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