September 24, 2011. After a cup of hot milk and a few songs of MSS on the nice Saturday morning, I decided to go to Balaji Temple at Narayanpur. I started at 11:30 from my house. Took an auto from Kothrud and reached Swargate. From Swargate ST stand I took a bus that goes to Bhor. The route to Narayanpur was so splendid that I kept sticking my head out of the window of the bus like a kid to enjoy the sceneries. After an awesome journey for about an hour I got down at Kapurhol. From Kapurhol there are share taxis that ply frequently to the Balaji Temple. I took one and reached the temple at around 13.30. The atmosphere in the temple was very calm and peaceful. Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple. There is a place where you can deposit them. At the entrance of the temple there is water flowing from a pipe with holes where one can wash the feet before entering the temple. This is similar to the entrance in Tirupati. There are sannidhis of Chakrathalvar, Mahalakshmi, Andal, Venugopala Swamy, Hanuman. In the main sannidhi the Lord Balaji is present in his majestic form with ornaments and beautiful decorations. As I completed the darshan and came out I was in for a pleasant surprise. There was a person handing out the famous prasadam... awesome laddus. He was also providing the lunch coupons. I then proceeded to the Annadan Prasadam Bhavan where the lunch is served. People are allowed inside in batches for the lunch. After every batch, the staff clean the entire area. The place is maintained sparkling clean. The lunch comprised of kesari, steaming hot rice, sambar, rasam and a chutney. After the sumptuous meal, I took my camera from the place where I had deposited and clicked some photos from outside the temple. Then I started walking towards the exit. As I walked out, I saw share taxis waiting. There were even taxis direct to Swargate. They charge Rs. 40 per person, however one has to wait till the taxi gets full. After about an hour's travel I was back at home sweet home. Wow!!! now that's a Saturday well spent.
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