Sathuragiri Hills – Useful Tips
Pilgrims
can also come to Sathuragiri Hills from Theni and other towns situated around
the Hills. If you are not experienced in any of these routes or not led by an
experienced guide, you are requested to avoid these routes. Because it is quite
easy to get lost as not many people use these routes. So pilgrims are advised
to stick to the Thaanipaarai route as it is quite easy (compared to others) and
even on lean days, the path is used often by the Adivasis to carry goods. So it
would be easy to find humans using the path quite often say every 10-20
minutes.
Tips:
·
Avoid
heavy luggages.
·
Luggage
can be a medium haversack bag or backpack (preferable)
·
Toilet
kit containing soap, tooth brush, tooth paste and others.
·
Comfortable
clothing for three days
·
A small
torch light with new cells.
·
Always
carry a torch light, when venturing into the jungle.
·
Cellphone
+ Mobile Charger
·
A pen
knife & small pair of scissors
·
An air
pillow
·
Bed
Sheets (1 spread + 1 to cover)
·
Sweater/shawl
·
Camera
(loaded)
·
Medicine
kit: including balms
·
Water-bottle
·
Mug
·
Cleaning
cloth
·
Locks,
keys and chains
·
Pen and
paper pad:
·
Waist-pouch
or Cash-bag
·
Snacks
for the hills: chips, biscuits, chocolates etc.,
·
Match
box and candles
· Since it
is a forest area no enclosures for toilet/ bath are available. One should take
shelter under nature (bushes/trees)
·
Water
points for bathing, drinking are provided by a philanthropist.
· There is
no provision for electricity at the top of the hills. Please bring small
torches, matches and candles.
·
Luggage
carriers are available. They accept luggages weighing upto 35 Kgs and normally
charge somewhere between 100-150 Rs per person. Beyond 35 Kg it is Rs.150+ per
person.
·
Sathuragiri
is a very holy place. Still lot of Spiritual aspirants and Siddha do penance
there. So pilgrims are requested not to disturb the environment (do not talk
loudly, do not litter, do not pluck flowers, leaves, plants etc. or do not
break branches etc.). Decency and decorum should be maintained on all occasions
and at all levels. It is a Pilgrimage and Not a Tour. Let us have devotion in
our heart and sweetness in our speech and temperament.
· The
mountain environment is very fragile. So please do not litter plastic covers,
bottles and other waste materials. Always carry a plastic bag with you and dump
all the waste generated (waste papers, plastic bottles etc.) into it. You can
later dump the plastic bag either at Sathuragiri or at Thaanipaarai (i.e. in a
waste bin).
· Once at
Sathuragiri, pilgrims are requested not to venture on their own into the
jungle. Fine guides with in depth knowledge about the mountains are available
and it is advisable to take their services and strictly follow their
instructions.
·
If any
animals happen to cross your path, do not panic. Stay still and wait for the
animals to leave to proceed further.
· Sathuragiri
hill does not have any electricity, hotels, lodges etc. There is an ashram
called Sri Kalimuthu Swamigal Madam or Kanji Madam, which provides free food
and also provides place for pilgrims to stay.
·
During
full moon and new moon days, lakhs of devotees visit the hills. The new moon
during the month of July-August (Aadi Amavasai) attracts about 10 to 15 lakhs
devotees.
· It is
not advised to climb the hill, if you have any heart diseases or respiratory
problems.
