DESTINATION DIVINE: K. Rajesh and R. Udayakar Rao embarking on their scooter yatra to Vaishno Devi on Friday from Karimnagar. - Photo: R. Raju

KARIMNAGAR : Two devotees of Mother Goddess launched into a `maha yatra' on scooter from Karimnagar town to the ancient and historic Vaishno Devi temple in Katra of Jammu & Kashmir on Friday, the auspicious day of `Tholi Ekadasi', the first festival of Telugus.

Braving inclement, unpredictable weather and road conditions, the duo have decided to travel on scooter to have a darshan of the famous shrine.

They will be traversing a distance of 6,500 kms from Karimnagar to Vaishno Devi and return to the town in 35 days after offering prayers in various temples enroute.

41-day deeksha

The devotees Kondapalli Rajesh, a milk dairy owner and Rachakonda Udayakar Rao, an electrician employed here were on a vow (deeksha) for 41 days. On completion, they have decided to offer prayers at Vaishno Devi in Kashmir.

Their `maha yatra' took off from Durga Matha temple near FCI godowns here after the ritualistic ceremonies and poojas. They were also felicitated by the locals on the occasion and prayers were offered for a safe and successful pilgrimage.

Earlier visit by bicycle

Rachakonda Udayakar Rao, had visited Vaishno Devi on bicycle along with his friends last year in 45 days and was thrilled with his experience.

While, Kondapalli Rajesh, an atheist turned devotee Durga inspired by Udayakar decided to go on a pilgrimage this year by scooter.

Talking to The Hindu here on Friday, the devotees said that they had taken up this mission only for universal peace and welfare of their families.

They said that they would traverse through 11 states and visit several historic temples such as Amarnath, Amritsar, Dharmashala, Uttar Kashi, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Haridwar, Kurukshetra, Mathura, Ujjain etc.

``We would drive our scooter everyday for about 300 to 400 kms the mornings and brake for rest at temples enroute before continuing the next leg of our journey.

The yatra would continue with the blessings of Goddess Durga,'' they said and added that they would be accorded a warm reception in all north Indian states.

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