Tirupathi

Temple on a hill
token of man's will.
Traditions survive
over centuries alive.
Blind faith abound
when God is all around.

Steep cliffs beckon
the Saptagiri impose a mighty welcome.
Rolling greens embrace
this towering mystical place.
Is it some special presence
or other ethereal essence?

Somber angel's namaskar
greets the faithfuls' cars.
Inside bustling hustle
policemen exercising their muscle.
Chaos reigned
access to divinity was ordained.

Carved out of black stone
fabrics in gold thread sown.
Line of believers moving at snail's rate
edge towards His dwelling's gate.
Ancient verses irrevocably inscribed
signal that you have arrived.

Hundi of a million prayers
desperate fears are confessed here.
Hearts deepest desire
laid bare on the wire.
Mass of humanity converges
chant of many as one voice emerges.

The pinnacle of the trance
over the threshhold as you advance.
Sudden hush
quitening of the rush.
A pause for reflection
silent prayer for purification.

Forgiveness for our sins
prosperity for our kin.
Wishes as old as man and religion
cycle back to their origin.
Surrender of the self for but a moment
before being pulled back into the torrent.

Outside you emerge a little lighter
your aura a little brighter.
Having paid homage
to this most sacred of pilgrimage.
God's hand always on your head
his presence now confirmed.