The Longest day of my Life

Well i am now going to write about the 22nd of February, 2005.

It is my Guruji's birthday. As such, there were 2 special prayers planned. One in Batu Caves, done by some of the main volunteers and a lot of people were invited. Next, was in Batang Berjuntai and this was a special prayer undertook by our group only.

Well, I woke up at 5+ in the morning, did the meditation and then we were on our way to Batu Caves. Reached there just in time as the prayers started. They were quite elaborate prayers, starting at the little temple at the bottom of the stairs and then we walked up the 272 steps to pray at the main temple inside the caves. Of course it was worth it, because we got to witness something that can only be witnessed usually during Thaipusam. We then got back home and rested. About 3 plus, after my aunt arrived all of us took the 2 cars and drove to Batang Berjuntai. It was a very VERY long drive to get there and i was driving my aunt's car behind my dad. My sister and cousin were in the car and we were having a lively chat.

The interesting part happens once we got to the temple. We were told a few things. One was the history of the temple itself. It seems many years ago a yogi was meditating in the spot where the temple is now built. Then it was just a forest of oil palms. Hanuman appeared to him in his meditation. Hanuman told the yogi that he wanted a place to rest in his travels in that part of the jungle. As such a Hanuman temple was built in the area. For those chinese people, Hanuman is the name of the indian Monkey God. He is famous as a follower and disciple of Rama in the epic Ramayana.

Next thing we were told was the fact that whenever anyone starts doing something for his Guru. The more important and complicated the task is, the MORE there is bound to be problems and obstacles to test the faith of the disciples. This is a known fact. What we need to do is totally focus on what needs to be completed and stick to it. Why? the results would be rewarding to us many fold. In this case, the first priest that was supposed to conduct the prayers suddenly quit. Our leader didn't lose heart. He just went on and found another priest at the 11th hour. Interesting part was THIS last minute priest knew exactly how to conduct prayers for a Guru and specifically told us what needed to be prepared. A blessing in disguise?

Next, the prayers were supposed to be from 4-8 pm. It started at 7:40 pm and went right up till 11.30pm when we finally left the temple. The priest was delayed by terrible traffic jams in KL side. It was a real test of faith as the delay was a huge one and the temple was in the middle of the jungle. No fringe entertainments. I stepped up to help when i saw another young guy walking around preparing everything. It was really fun so to speak as i knew a lot of the people that were there. But still, it was very tiring.

In the meantime however, my frens were having dinner back here in serdang and i had to cancel my intentions of going back to meet those guys even though i promised. But, who knows what other more important matters were other members missing while being stuck there like me. Yeah....before i forget. 2 more miracles that happened in the temple. One, the monkeys that inhabit the place. According to the person in charge the monkeys will always be inside the compounds of the temple. Two, as it was a jungle there was supposed to be lots of mosquitoes. None of these 2 bothered us at all.
Conclusion, i don't think i have been to any prayers that is stronger than this particular prayer. I absolutely cherished being given the chance to take part as a volunteer. Anyway after it ended i followed my parents home and then........................................(to be continued)

-Mathan-