As high as possible

We (around 16 of us, excluding the instructor, Kamesh of Mars Adventures and his team, Bala and Nagu) reached Ramanagaram for the expedition on December 13. The trip was organised by Chennai Trekkers’ Club and Mars Adventures Bangalore.

We trekked uphill, ignoring the steps, navigating through dense forest, gigantic rocks and vertical walls. Our heavy backpacks made it even more challenging. By night we camped uphill, near the Pattabhirama Temple.

Our real adventure started on the second day. Kamesh and his men were at the rock climbing spot, doing a lead climb (the initial climb, where the support rope is positioned appropriately such that subsequent climbers will have a rope to fall back, in case they slip). Rest of us got ready and wondered how we were going to climb such a huge vertical rock.

Kamesh briefed us on the basics: “Rock climbing is more about will power than physical stamina. You need to balance yourself on a feet and one hand while use the other leg and hand to position yourself on a higher level.”

Sanjay was the most knowledgeable among us and he opted to climb first. With special shoes (made of the same rubber used in aircraft tyres), fingers wrapped in tape and soaked in chalk powder, he slowly made his way to the top. While it took several minutes of painful effort to climb up, coming down was kid’s play – it’s termed rappelling, just loosen the rope and hop down in multiple leaps.

Three sets of ropes were arranged in parallel and everyone tried their best to reach as high as possible, with most of us succeeding in it. As there was enough time left, many did multiple climbs.

Story time

It is interesting to hear the story behind Sri Pattabhirama Temple. The temple priest told us that post-Lanka war, Rama, Lakshmana, and Seeta were returning to Ayodhya via Ramanagaram along with a Shivalingam and as they entered Ramanagaram they were attacked by Rakshasas.

While fighting with the Rakshasas, Lord Ram had to put the Shivalingam on the ground. After they defeated the Rakshasas and decided to move ahead, they just couldn’t lift the lingam from ground. As they made desperate attempts to lift it, they heard an ashareeravani, which instructed them to install the lingam here as it is a divine place.

Hot puliyogare sourced from a nearby Udupi Hotel was served to us once we reached the campsite. After visiting the temple and enjoying our breakfast we decamped to head towards Bangalore to catch the train to Chennai. A memorable trip on the whole!

(The writer Shrinidhi Hande works with Satyam)