It was Monday, day 10 evening of the Brahmotsavam, final session, the Dwaja Avarohanam where the flag (Garudakodi) was un-hoisted and kept at the feet of the Lord.
It was in Nov 2009, before leaving Sydney for our trip to India, met our "S"enior Bhattar at the temple and said that we will be visiting Mannargudi and asked him whether he needs anything from there. He said he doesn't need anything for him personally but asked me whether I can bring a small cloth bag containing a painted cloth for forthcoming Brahmotsavam. I said yes and collected this bag from Mannargudi, India. On the very first Saturday, after I arrived Sydney, I went to the temple and handed over the bag. It was collected by our "J"unior Mannargudi Bhattar. As soon as he collected from me, he kept the bag straight at the feet of the Moolavar Perumal. I asked him what for is this and when do you use? He said it is the "Garudakodi" and said this is "the most" essential for the Brahmotsavam, which we are planning to do for the first time in Oct 2010. Our "S"enior Bhattar just joined then and looked at me and said "Ungalukku thaan Sir, ennudaiya kritagnyathayai therivichikiren (my sincere thanks to you)" and further said "ithai yaar moolama engu konduvaruvathunu yosichapozuthu, Perumaala paarthu unga moolama kondu vara vachutaaru". I went speechless and my eyes and mind surrendered at His feet along with the Garudakodi.
From then on, every time whenever I see the flag hoisted during Brahmotsavam, I feel so elated that Perumal has personally chosen me (a very small person "neechan") amongst many others, and entrusted this big kaingaryam of bringing the Garudakodi, all the way from Mannargudi to Yateendragiri .
I am certain that He showered His grace, blessings and divine experience to every one of us in some form or other in our past and will continue to do so forever and forever, for all of us to cherish and enjoy, because He is always Kurai Onrum Illatha Govinda!!
Sri Yateendra Giri Vasaya Nityaya Paramaatmane
Sri Bhumi Nila Sametha Venkatesaaya - Nithya Sri Nithya Mangalam!!
By,
Ramesh Raghuraman