Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi is the inspiration for my journey to the holy mountain Arunachala. Arunachala is in Thiruvannamalai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. For thousands of years, saints and sages have been drawn to this mountain, it is said that Arunachala is Lord Shiva himself. The following verse was translated from Sanskrit, to Tamil by Sri Ramana.

"Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named Arunachala."

It cannot be explained in words what is compelling me to travel to Arunachala, for in reality, that which i seek is already here. One need not go anywhere, the Self is ever present within each and every conscious being. None the less, since reading Sri Ramana's words i have felt the need to travel to this ancient place. Due to money and time restraints, it has not yet been possible, but this year during the Deepam festival, i am hoping to make the journey. I find myself constantly watching youtube videos of the Ramanaashramam, Arunachala and also the Deepam festival. The question is, who is that watches? Perhaps in Thiruvannamalai i will find out.