Small Story 241.

Story 241 Sanctum of the Same Divine Sunitha had been longing for a visit to Guruvayur to worship Sri Guruvayurappan. But due to various reasons, her trip had been postponed multiple times. One morning, after sending her husband and daughter off to work, she settled down with the newspaper when the phone rang. It was her old classmate Ranjitham calling from Chennai. “Hey, how are you?” Ranjitham asked cheerfully. Hearing her old friend’s voice brought immense joy to Sunitha. Ranjitham shared that she would be attending a wedding in Bengaluru in three days and, since she was coming alone, asked if she could stay with Sunitha. “My dear, this is your home. You are always welcome!” replied Sunitha warmly. Ranjitham arrived that Thursday morning. At 50, she was majestic, respectable, and beautiful. Sunitha had sent her the location, and she reached comfortably by cab. After reminiscing about school days, they enjoyed a hearty breakfast of poori, chutney, and tea. Ranjitham had also brought sweets from Chennai, which Sunitha’s husband and daughter happily accepted before leaving for work. Later, Ranjitham shared her wish: “I came not just for the wedding or to meet you, but also to visit the Guruvayurappan Temple on Kanakapura Road. My friend Ambujam highly recommended it.” Sunitha’s heart filled with joy. “I’ve been longing to go to Guruvayur, and now, through you, it seems the Lord Himself has come to me!” The next day, Friday morning, they left Sunitha’s Jayanagar home by cab and reached the temple by 11 AM—just as Ambujam had advised. They had a blissful darshan of the deity and felt the divine presence akin to the original Guruvayur temple. After buying prasadam, they returned home for lunch. The following day, Ranjitham attended the wedding and left for Chennai by evening train. Sunitha was overwhelmed with gratitude. Through her beloved friend Ranjitham, her long-cherished wish to experience the divine presence of Guruvayurappan was fulfilled—right in her own city. K.Ragavan 10-5-25