Hiking in the Sahyadris

The Western Ghats, also known in Maharashtra as the Sahyadris, run parallel to India’s west coast and stretch across the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Formed from volcanic rock, the hills are a maze of ridges and valleys. In Maharashtra, the many popular hill stations serve as excellent starting points for a number of scenic walking trails. The hills are well marked with the hiking routes that lead through lush forests and valleys. These hills also have a wealth of craggy rock – faces perfect for climbing and Lonavala is a favorite base of rock climbing enthusiasts. Matheran has a much trodden path known as Shivaji’s ladder, which leads from One Tree Hill down to the valley below. The Sahyadri Hills are particularly beautiful in September after the rains, when the hills are carpeted with wild flowers and cascading water falls seem to appear at every turn.

Routes

 There are several walking routes that can be carried out

• Lonavala to Matheran – A four to five day treck starting at Lonavala and going on to Rajmachi, Bhairi caves, Dhak fort, Karjat and finally Matheran.
• Kondana Caves to Lonavala – Start from Kondana Caves hike till Rajmachi Fort and then proceed to Lonavala. 

IHR Tip:

One should remember that there are some obstacles and hurdles while hiking in the Sahyadris. Be aware that there are huge bee hives on the cliff side of the Dukes Nose and an accidental disturbance could cause major bee trouble. 

There are several insects and other creatures found in the jungles of Sahyadris, large spiders, beetles, snakes etc. A creature that stands out is the black rock Scorpion. It is the largest in the species of scorpions. While walking around the hills keep an eye for them.

Brahmotsavam

The Brahmotsavam is a Hindu festival and is the most important temple festival celebrated in the holy town of Tirupati - Balaji. The festival is celebrated annually in the month of September and October depending on the moon. The festival is a nine day long event. The festival is grand every third year and is called Navratri Brahmotsavam. The entire hilltop resounds with Sanskrit mantras (sacred chants) and the music of bells, drums, cymbals, flutes, and temple horns. The perfumes of camphor, sandalwood, incense, jasmine, rose, and marigold fills the air.

It is belived that the festival was started by the Lord Brahma. He worshiped lord Balaji on the banks of the river Pushkarini in Tirupati in order to thank him for the saving the mankind. Hence the festival is named ‘Brahmotsavam’ which means Brahma’s Utsav.

 Day 1 - Pedda Seshavahana

The festival starts with the Dhwajarohana that is hoisting the Garudadhwaja (flag which has an emblem of a black eagle) near the Srivari Alaya Dhwajasthambham which is followed by a spectacular procession of Lord Venkateshwara on a chariot known as Pedda Seshavahana is taken around the four streets of the main temple. The procession is carried out at ten in the night and continues till midnight. The procession lasts for the first two days of the festival.

 Day 2 - Chinna Seshavahana

The second day of the festival starts with a huge procession in the morning. The idol of the lord is taken out on the streets but this time on Chinna Seshavahana. After the procession the lord is worshipped through out the day and in the night the deities are taken to Uyala Mandapam for the Unjal Seva (swinging).

 Day 3 – Simhavahana

The deities are carried around on the streets on Simhavahana - a vehicle which has a Lion`s emblem on it. The lion’s emblem denotes the command and authority. After the procession the deities are taken again for the Unjal Seva which is followed by an exciting ride on Mutayalapandiri Vahana in the night which is the symbol of purity.

 Day 4 - Kalpavriksha Vahana

The deities are carried out in a Kalpavriksha Vahana in the morning. The vehicle shaped like a tree which signifies that the Lord grants boons and fulfils the wishes of his devotees. Kalpavriksha is name of a tree which is belived to grant boon and fulfill all the wishes. In the night, after the Unjal Seva, the deities are carried in a Sarvabhoopala Vahana. Sarvabhoopala means `all the kings of Mother Earth`.

 Day 5 - Garuda Vahana

A majority of pilgrims visit the temple on fifth day day. In the morning the Mohini Avatarotsavam is celebrated to memorialize the Lord`s incarnation as Mohini. The Lord is dressed like Mohini and is taken out in a procession in a Pallaki (palanquin).After the Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord along with other deities are seated on Garuda Vahana.

 Day 6 - Gaja Vahana

In the morning of the sixth day, the deities of the temple are carried out on a beautifully-decorated Hanumad Vahana. Instead of the Unjal Seva, the Vasantotsavam is celebrated on the sixth day. In the night the Lord is taken out in a procession seated on a Gaja Vahana.

 Day 7 - Suryaprabha Vahana

On the seventh day, in the morning the lord is escalated on the Suryaprabha Vahana (sun chariot) whereas during the night the lord is taken out on Chandraprabha Vahana after Unjal Seva.

 Day 8 – Rathotsavam

On the eight day the Lord is taken on a procession seated on a chariot which is also known as Rathotsavam. The idols of Daruka, (the charioteer of Lord Sri Krishna) and the four horses are placed before the decorated idols of the Lord and his consorts. The devotees pull the chariot. After the Unjal Seva in the night, the deities are taken in the Aswa (horse) Vahana. It is believed that all those who witness the Rathotsavam will not be reborn.

 Day 9 - Chakrasnana Mahotsavam

On the last day the Pallaki Seva and Chakrasnana Mahotsavam is conducted in the morning whereas Dhwajavarohanam is performed in the evening. All the images that were taken out in the procession are smeared with oil, turmeric powder and other auspicious ingredients and Abhishekam is performed. Sudarsan Chakram is also given a bath in the Swami Pushkarini. The Garuda flag which was hoisted on the first day to mark the onset of the festival is lowered symbolizing the end of the nine day festival.