The entire Silambam class was asked to assemble at the foot
of a mountain around 35 kilometres out of Vellore for a promotional shoot. We
assembled there and were confronted with 200 steep steps.
"The filming is at the top of the stairs."
The Average age of my class is 9 years, so they charged up
the mountain waving their weapons and yelling all the way. The master leapt up
along with them.
Apparently, there was a temple at the top. A few barefoot
devotees who were trying to reach the top to pray flattened themselves at the
sides of the stairs.
Spears, deer antlers, knives and swords made their way past
them.
My leg would not allow me to climb 200 steps without side railings,
so I ascended in my car on a long and winding road.
There were monkeys at the top threatening devotees and
stealing their fruit offerings. They fled at the sight of the Silambam army.
We put on quite a show for the locals. Even the priest came
out to have a look. There was a stream running alongside. One Silambam student
managed to drop his stick into it and wanted to wade in to pull it out. The
current was fast-flowing, he was controlled and stick sped away downstream.
"Are your swords sharp? " asked a bystander.
As I turned around to answer him I managed to poke the
master in the forehead. Blood oozed out. The crowd took ten steps backward.
"Sorry , Sorry" I said in consternation.
"Not to worry," said he master, "the sword is
not a tempered weapon unless it tastes blood-----"
