Young Elders on the Road — A Day trip to Sri Mruthyunjaya Swamy Temple on 05-02-2026

Pensioners have time. What they sometimes lack is agreement. Our association — a lively bunch of "young elders" — had been meeting for weeks to plan a day trip. The checklist was clear: not too long, not too strenuous step walking, a restroom break somewhere along the way, and enough spiritual and scenic value to make the outing worthwhile. After several heated discussions, the organizers finally settled on the picturesque Mrityunjaya Temple, tucked away in the forests of Badagarakeri, Kodagu — a gem few outsiders know about.

"The road goes through the forest — what about wild animals?" thought came to my mind. I, for one, was genuinely nervous. My mind flashed back to an unforgettable night trip to MM Hills years ago, when a massive, ferocious elephant planted itself squarely in the middle of the road and refused to budge. Our bus sat frozen. I called out to Lord Ganesha with all the faith I could muster — and, as if on cue, the great beast turned and melted silently into the darkness. Divine intervention or coincidence?. I choose to believe the former.

Would this trip bring a similar encounter? Should I cancel? Would there be a refund of money paid (Rs 550 each) ?.

Thankfully, our ever-thorough organizers had already made a trial run to the destination — a "dummy trip" to assess road conditions, timing, and potential trouble spots. They returned reassured, and so I trusted their judgment.

Breakfast — A Democratic Decision

Even the menu was put to a vote. The brief: not too light, not too heavy, and easy enough to eat with a spoon while seated on a moving bus. After due deliberation, the winners were: dry upma, dry fruit sweet, and masala vada. Simple, satisfying, and dignified — no spills, no fuss.

Rolling Out

It was a sunny day in Feb 5, 2026. Total of 65 men and women in 2 buses. At 7 AM sharp, with a small puja in front of the bus to bless the journey, our air-conditioned bus hummed to life and pulled out. The bus had barely covered a few kilometres before demanding its own breakfast — a fuel stop, naturally. The bus, too, travels on faith and petrol.

Near Hunsur, we pulled into Asirwad Hotel for a welcome coffee-and-restroom break. Opinions divided cleanly between tea and coffee — an eternal Indian debate — and everyone emerged refreshed and in fine spirits. Then onward, deeper into the green embrace of Kodagu.

The Temple in the Mist of Coffee and Forest

By around 11:30 AM, we arrived at our destination. Those wishing to participate in the Mrityunjaya Homa purchased their tickets at ₹150 each, and we joined the modest but devotional crowd already gathered.

About the Temple: The Maha Mrityunjaya Temple at Badagarakeri village, situated at the southern end of Kodagu, is believed to be over 800 years old. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva in his form as Mrityunjaya — the Conqueror of Death — and is believed to have the power to ward off untimely death. The god here is famous for protecting devotees from Pancha Akalika Mrityu — five forms of untimely death. People from far and wide visit this sacred temple praying for the well-being of their loved ones, especially the young. It is believed that those who perform the Mrityunjaya Homa at the temple will be protected from any kind of impending unnatural death.

Surrounded by coffee plantations and filled with fresh, unpolluted air and majestic landscapes, the temple is a feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul. It is a place filled with holiness and divinity, sought by those in search of peace and serenity in the lap of nature. The whole temple complex, rising serenely from the middle of a coffee estate, had a splendour that no photograph can fully capture.

We sat for the Homa with our Sankalpa placed, watching the sacred fire receive our prayers. Admittedly, our group felt we could have lingered longer — those few minutes felt too brief for the occasion. After the rituals, we stepped out for snacks and a quiet rest, refreshed by the forest air and the spiritual atmosphere. Within the same complex stands a small Vishnu temple, which we also visited — a complete experience for devotees of both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.

After the entire Homa concluded, we were ushered into an adjoining dining hall for Annadana Prasadam — the blessed community meal. Sweet paysasa, sambar rice, rasam, and thin majjige (buttermilk) were served with warmth and abundance. We ate with contentment, collected our Homa prasadam, and clicked photographs to our hearts' content — group shots, solo portraits, and everything in between.

The Unscheduled Adventure

With the official programme complete and the afternoon sun still high, someone asked the question that opens doors: "What next?"

No plan existed. Suggestions flew — an elephant camp nearby perhaps ?. I made my case firmly: Iruppu Falls, just 20 km away. The drivers resisted — narrow roads, no water this time of year, they said, waste of time. (One suspected they simply wanted to rest.) But I argued: at least we would know for ourselves whether the falls were flowing. Curiosity won the day, and all agreed.

Iruppu Falls — Where Legend Meets Nature

After about an hour's journey through winding, zigzag roads, we reached the entrance. A one-kilometre walk through the forest lay between us and the falls. The entry fee was ₹75. Some members opted out — the walk, the terrain, the uncertainty. Their caution was understandable.

But for those of us who pressed on — what a reward awaited.

About the Falls: Iruppu Falls, also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, is located in the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala. The falls are formed by the Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of the Cauvery, which originates here. Plunging from an impressive height of 170 feet, the falls leave an indelible impression on visitors.

The name carries deep mythological significance. According to legend, Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana were crossing the Brahmagiri range during their search for Sita, when Rama asked his brother to fetch drinking water. To quench his elder brother's thirst, Lakshmana shot an arrow at the Brahmagiri hills, which gave rise to the River Lakshmana Tirtha. At the entrance to the falls stands the ancient Rameshwara Temple on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, where the Shivalinga is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama himself. Sadly , the temple was to be missed as it opens at 6pm only.

And the falls ?. They were very much there — cascading gloriously, long column feet of white water thundering into the rocks below, sending cool mist into the forest air. Every one of us who made the walk posed before that magnificent curtain of water, laughing, clicking, and feeling, perhaps, a little younger than when we had set out.

The Return

Chilled by forest air and lifted by good fortune, we began the return journey. Evening snacks were served on the bus. Then came the housie-housie games — bingo cards rustling, numbers being called, winners erupting in delight cash prize. Some melodious songs followed at the end. The bus, which had started the day in solemn puja, now rang with music and laughter. One person put out a memory test with cash prize hanging in the air – writing the names of the people in the bus . Even the least number who wrote got consolation prize – atleast he remembered himself ?.

At Hunsur, we halted again at Asirwad Hotel for a warm dinner (to each ones' liking ) before the final stretch home back.

In the End

What had begun as a careful, cautious plan — designed for "not too lengthy, not too strenuous" seniors — had quietly become a day of forest drives, sacred fire, blessed meals, mythological waterfalls, games, and song.

The young elders had done it again. The trip had not merely refreshed us. It had made us more energetic, more spiritual, and in every sense — younger.

Click here to view the photo gallery ...