Life at Sabarimala: His belief gives Swamiji a leg-up

Sabarimala: Vishnu Das, 63, alias Swamiji has only one leg as he lost the other in a road accident at Parippally, Kollam, in 1992. But he climbs the steep Sabarimala hills for at least 18 times during each season. He walks long distances on his crutches to reach pilgrim centres round the year and has  trekked all the way from Guruvayur to reach Sabarimala this season.

Hailing from ‘Sreepadam,’ Kaithamukku, Thiruvananthapuram, he earns his living through astrology using betel leaves.

“I visit Sabarimala  on the first of every month. I strengthened my  will  to overcome the disability and  chose to walk constantly. I walked from Padmanabha temple in Thiruvananthapuram to reach Sabarimala in 2013,” Swamiji says.

Vishnu Das  stays at Pampa, meeting people who consult him for astrology. “During my younger days, I was an expert in  Kalari  and other martial art forms. This has also helped me in fighting my disability,” he adds.

“For me, visiting holy places is not for seeking  any favour from God, but is a way of life, a means to do things better. When I walk to such places, I get more  confidence,” Swamiji turns spiritual. Of all the holy places he has visited, he likes Anandasramam in Kasargod the most. “The calmness of Anandasramam   attracted me,” he says.

Vishnu Das also shares his vision: “By walking on my single leg, I wish to spread the message that physical disability should not be a constraint to lead a happy and prosperous life.”