Day 11: The Changing of the Guard

Day 11: The Changing of the Guard

If the first ten days of my Mandala Deeksha were a gentle introduction, Day 11 arrived like a flash flood, testing my endurance, my faith, and my grit all at once.

My alarm went off at 4:45 AM. Today was the big corporate cricket tournament at the St. John's Medical College grounds. We pushed through a grueling schedule, playing two intense matches back-to-back that stretched all the way until 4:00 PM.

The tournament brought its own beautiful realizations. Because I was wearing the Swami Mala, my teammates and opponents alike showed immense respect and kindness—they even gracefully offered me a by-runner to protect my healing heel. We fought hard on the pitch and won both matches, securing our spot for the quarter finals tomorrow.

But as the cheers on the cricket field faded, the real Tapasya of the day began at home.

The True Test Begins

Today, my mother left for Delhi. From this moment onward, I am entirely on my own to manage the household, cook my own strictly prescribed meals, and maintain the rigorous Sudi Madi Acharam (spiritual cleanliness and purity protocols) required by the Deeksha.

When I first decided to take the Mala, I was living alone in Bengaluru. When Amma told me she would come stay with me for the 40 days to support me, my initial ego-driven thought was: "No, I want to do it all alone. Cooking and cleaning is part of the penance."

The last ten days completely shattered that illusion. I realized just how incredibly tough it is to balance a demanding corporate life, an active sports schedule, and intense spiritual discipline without a solid support system. Some of my relatives were supposed to come over to help fill the gap when Amma left, but at the last minute, plans fell through and they pulled off.

Feeling the weight of the upcoming weeks, I called my grandmother. Her words immediately put everything into perspective:

"These are the true tests of your Deeksha, child. Ayyappa is testing your grit, your toughness, and your resolve to see how badly you want this. Be strong. Everything will go well."

Walking into the New Phase

Tomorrow morning, the cycle repeats, but with the stakes raised. I have to wake up at 4:00 AM, finish my morning pooja and Sandhyavandanam, prepare my own food, and head back out to the cricket pitch to hopefully win the finals. Thankfully, my uncle is here to step in and offer a helping hand if things get chaotic.

Today’s Lesson:

Lord Ayyappa taught me that the moment you think you have everything under control, the universe shifts the ground beneath your feet to see if you can still stand straight. True devotion isn't found when the path is smooth and your family is managing your meals; it is found when you are tired, alone in the kitchen at dawn, choosing to cook with purity rather than cut corners.

The comforting safety net of the first 10 days is gone. This is the real, raw experience I secretly wanted, and I am ready to face it. Let's see how this new phase goes. 🤞

Current State:

Body: Exhausted from two full cricket matches, but resilient.

Mind: Steeling itself for the challenge of self-reliance.

Spirit: Surrendered completely to the test.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.