Maa Durga Durgatinashini!!

Hi Readers,

Today, the Saptami(7th day worship)  puja of Maa Durga has started. From this day onwards till Dashami(10th day) the worship of Maa Durga is celebrated with much pump and show in all parts of India. The four day long puja from the Saptami till Dashami is given more importance in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Though, Gujurat and other state celebrate this as Navaratri from day one to day nine.

MahishasuraMardini Form of Maa Durga

Maa Durga the name itself has got much more deeper insight. The word "Durga" means which cannot be obtained easily. Maa Durga is believed to be the source of energy(Shakti). She is considered to have two forms one is Knowledge or Wisdom and another Ignorance or Illiteracy. Knowledge or Wisdom controls our vision towards truth and enables us the strength to understand the meaning of our existence.Knowledge makes us more kin towards spiritual form of living and detaches us from materialistic objects. Whereas, Ignorance or Illiteracy makes us more kin towards materialistic form of living thus giving rise to greed for wealth and power. Maa Durga is considered to be the creator of life, she preserves and sustains the existence of life and also is the destroyer or end of life.

She is the origin of all source of power and energy. She has many forms. Like wise the name "Durga" has another meaning, that is Durgatinashini meaning one who eradicates all the evils. She is the one who protects her beloved children from all forms of evil and obstacles. We pray to Maa Durga to get truth its victory over evil. Sri Ram is believed to have prayed to Maa in order to get victory over Ravana and Lanka.

If we think spiritually, it shows that we pray to her to get control of all the ignorance that exist inside us, like the greed for wealth and power. Even if, she is one she is worshipped in many forms, namely the nine forms of Maa Durga and also in form of Maa Lakshmi and Saraswati.

Maa Ambika form of Maa Durga

The Durga Pandal's are decorated with many forms of Maa. In various parts of India, she is worshipped in different forms. Especially, she is worshipped in Mahisashura Mardini form i.e. the form when Maa Durga kills the demon king Mahisashura with her Trident. The Durga Pandal's in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa is decorated with this form of Maa generally. Though, now a days theme based Durga Pandals are visible in every place. In Gujurat and Andhra Pradesh, the durga pandals are decorated with Maa Ambika form of Durga where she is depicted to be calm and rides on a tiger.

Durga Pandal at Hyderabad

It is believed that one who prays with much devotion to the goddess gets all the benefits and also gets his/her wish fulfilled. Though now a days, people not only fast on Navaratri days to get benefit out of these austerities but also to get health benefits that this nine day fast would cleanse their digestive system and make it more systematic than before. Some also follow this to get rid of the fat.

Thank you.

"Ban on Jasmine"

Hi Readers,

Are you aware that our neighbouring country CHINA has removed the word Jasmine from all its dictionary? What was the guilt of this beautiful scented Jasmine? Why did China government has ban on it?

If you search in the Internet with the word Jasmine in China it will reply that there is no such word. The farmers who used to produce Jasmine before 2011, have lost there source of income because the government has a ban on Jasmine. There was a beautiful song in China dedicated to its President which used Jasmine as a word. Now, broadcasting that is also banned. After all why did this all happen, what was the guilt of Jasmine that China has a ban on it. Why did China ban its flower festival named Jasmine festival after all. All this started in February 2011, when there was people's revolution against its diplomatic ruler at Tunisia (North Africa). Tunisia has Jasmine as its national flower. And this common mass revolution against its government was named JASMINE REVOLUTION by international media. This revolution not only had the people of Tunisia overcome its Diplomat ruler Ben Ali, but also led to other revolutions in Egypt and Libya. The result of all this revolutions is known.

During this agitation, the Internet flooded with news and blogs and tweeter started raising people to have peace march holding Jasmine in their hand. Though the people of Tunisia called this revolution Dignity Revolution, it gained fame as Jasmine Revolution world wide.

The China government fearing that people of China will follow the path that Tunisia has shown, led ban on this scented Jasmine. Now, SM S's Internet, even talking and growing Jasmine in China has been banned. However, the farmers who depended on Jasmine cultivation are in loss. And its hard to understand why there was ban on this flower, just because its name was used in the revolution.Nobody, has any answer to the strict ban on use of word Jasmine in China.

Vellore Fort - Jalakantheswar Temple

Hi Readers,

Today, again I am going to describe my trip to Vellore. Its more of about the fort and the magnificent temple inside it.

View of the fort from boat in the moat.

The fortification consist of a main rampart broken at irregular intervals by round towers and rectangular projections. The main wall is made up of granite stone taken from nearby Arcot and Chittor. The main wall is surrounded by moat fed with water to make it even more defensive. This is one of the most perfect specimen of military architecture in India. Same as any other fort be it in south or north of India. The architecture depicts the same massive and huge walls surrounded by moat to make it more defensive.

The most interesting fact about this fort is there is a Hindu temple(Jalakantheswar temple), a mosque and a church inside its barricade. The fort also houses the famous "TIPU MAHAL", where Tipu Sultan is believed to have stayed along with his family during the war with Britishers.

There is a garden outside this fort and boating facility is there in the moat. Paintings of Demon faces, horses, elephants, gooses and human figure can be seen in the main wall of this fort. The cannon pointing outside with the cannon balls can still be seen.

Main entrance Jalakantheswar.

The Jalakantheswar temple is of same age as this fort. This temple is noted for its magnificent sculpture, and speaks about the highly skilled and efficient artisans of that age. The temple has a large wedding hall adorned with elegant reliefs of monolithic sculpture. The temple has double Gopurams and has many deities beside the Jalakantheswar Shiva to whom it is dedicated. The temple premises has Ganapati temple, Akhilanteswari temple and Navagrahas. There is a well, where they say to drop a coin and make a wish. It also displays the Gold chariot that is used to take the lord for Parikrama(trip to town) once a year.

Sculptures

Pillar

Pillars

Gold Chariot

Mandapa

So, readers if you happen to go on a trip to Vellore, don't miss out this wonderful destination.

Sripuram - Golden Temple

Hi Readers,

This weekend I went to yet another golden temple i.e. The golden temple of Sripuram, Vellore. Frankly, speaking I never heard about this temple in my 5 yrs stay in south India. This temple was inaugurated in 2007, may be that is the reason it has not got the fame of Tirupathi. I just heard about it few days back and packed my bags to visit this splendid temple.

The temple is situated just 10kms away from Vellore city, the place is named Tirumalaikodi. Reaching Vellore from Chennai takes just 2 and ½ hr. The temple is built over 100 acres of land. Below is the picture of its entrance.

Main gate

Though, photography is strictly not allowed inside the temple premises, I got a few picture if this magnificent temple by GOOGLING. The temple has a calm and serene atmosphere. The premises are well kept and the garden is well maintained. The garden has a manmade waterfall, has beautiful flower plants from roses to orchids. The plants are cut into different shapes resembling human figures and animals. It reminded me of the gardens at Ramoji Film city Hyderabad. Once, you make an entry to the temple, the first thing is to keep your mobiles, cameras and other electronic items in safe lockers. Use of any sort of electronics is strictly prohibited. That’s, the reason I could not take a single picture of this magnificent temple.

View from outside the temple

Once, you are done with footwear and electronics, the path leads you to a path with wooden pillars, roofed with tiles and floors decorated with granites and red tiles. You can mark the star shape engraved with granites in the path. This path has wonderful lamp posts and when you take your step through the path, you will be greeted with the Narayani mantra at a very slow pitch. The place is very quiet and calm. The cool breeze, the scenic beauty of this temple will grab all your attention. In both side of this path you can see visible boards displaying life, righteousness and truth messages. They encourage you to read these messages and imbibe its meaning as you slowly progress towards your destination i.e. the main temple. The aerial view of this path is wonderfully designed in the shape of star. You can see the picture below with the STAR like structure.

Star path and its aerial view

Inside this Star path there is another inner circle encircling the main temple. The distance between the inner circle and the main temple has a water pond. This golden temple reflects in this water, and that dazzling light fills your heart and soul with purity in thoughts and makes you more inclined towards the mantra that is being played. Chanting Mantra is encouraged like the Iscon temple Bangalore, where you Chant the Mantra at each step that you put forward to reach the main temple.

View of main temple from the Main gate

The green water reflects the temple architecture much more beautifully. Temple architecture is much similar to the golden temple at Tirupathi. The gold foils that are used to cover of the pillars are engraved with elephants, gooses and lotus. The temple dome is beautifully decorated with a large lotus and has a big hanging ceiling light. All the engraving on the gold is done minutely and is flawless. Inside the temple you can see a large idol of Lakhmi Narayani.  The statue is black in color and is decorated with gold and gem ornaments. It is decorated with flower garlands and Basil leaves. You can sit there for about 15 to 20mins and watch the Aarati at evening hours. The priest keep on chanting the mantras and the atmosphere fills your heart and soul with peace, and purity in thoughts. While leaving you will be given the Prasadam/Prasad along with a holy book about the goddess Lakhmi Narayani  and about the temple history and Sree Shakthi Amma the founder of this temple.

The Main temple

Sree Lakshmi Narayani with the founder

Altogether, I felt this as one place where peace restores in mind, somehow the much needed FEEL GOOD FACTOR is there that recharged my thoughts.  I would love to come back again and again to this beautiful temple.

"In the name of Honour"

Today, again the  nuisance in the name of honour hits the headline in all local newspaper. Another, case emerges and this time its not from any of the northern states, but Andhra Pradesh.Last night parent of an young couple decided the FATE of their young children,by hitting them with boulders.

In last year or so HONOUR KILLING has hit the news several times. Be it the KHAP PANCHAYAT in Himachal or the ruthless mother from Jharkhand.Even though, many NGO's and media tries their best to make people understand the evil effect of Honour killing, it seems to have no end.

Its not that it happens only in Indian subcontinent, the same practice is followed in many of the Western countries. Sometimes, I feel pity for the people who practise this brutal act. I just wanted to ask that ruthless mother,( who could force her daughter to drink Poison,) was she really the mother of that child? Could a mother kill her own child? If yes, then where has gone that love with which she brought up her child.

How could these people imagine that they will restore the family honour by conducting such a brutal act? When I try to imagine the situation from the other end, that is the side of parent and family, I do agree, these young couple might not be in a condition to listen to their parent. The parent would have tried their best to show their beloved child the adverse effect of their decision. However, the child has his/her view point and most importantly is in LOVE with another human being.

There could be thousand reasons to put forth in both sides, however I am not trying to pull out a discussion or debate on the issue. I just want to ask, "DO YOU REALLY THINK SUCH BRUTAL ACT CAN RESTORE THE FAMILY HONOUR?" I am sure the answer would be NO, then why to get indulged in such heinous crime.

I am looking forward to view the movie KHAP and see how the director and team would portray their view in this subject matter. I am not sure what could be the way to make people realise the adverse effect of such heinous crime. Is it education, no it can't be, even educated families are engaged in such practice.

I am for a corruption free India... Are you?

Nowadays, the streets of India are choked with anti-corruption crusaders, and the walls are marked with busy slogans. Last Friday, I marked a slogan written on a guy's T-shirt," I AM FOR A CORRUPTION FREE INDIA? ARE YOU?" Who could fail to agree with that? It is somewhat like " I am Pro-justice? Are you? It is a sort of self-righteous political claim that is designed to cancel debate rather than to encourage it.

There is a lot of chaos and demonstrations going on street in support of yet another emerging "Gandhi" of India, ANNA HAZARE. Whenever I open a news channel, it directly takes me to the events that are being conducted by common mass of India in favour of this Gandhian leader who has gone on fast to pass a bill, that would take India one step forward to fight against corruption at ground level. This movement has come about to stop the corruption that the common people face day in and day out in order to complete their work.

Last week, there was widespread demonstration at India gate.People gathered at large mass to support Anna Hazare. My facebook floods with pictures that my friends have posted after joining the camp. It is not just limited to Delhi, people from all the cities are conducting various demonstrations.If you look at these people from a distance it appears like "Men in Black @ Work". People in black dress with placards in their hand, distributing pamphlet's to support Team Hazare and India against Corruption to pass the Jan Lokpal bill.

I am not sure how far its going to take us with the movement against corruption with Team Hazare and India Against Corruption. Sometimes, I doubt the big haul that this movement has created, is it going to give us equally rewarding benefits. I am still unsure with the posts and mails that I receive everyday in favour of Hazare and peculiarly against each and every politician. Sometimes, I feel we are shouting a lot in Facebook, is it really going to work? Many doubts creeping in my mind, still I hope strongly to see a India  without any corruption. I hope to see this movement come up with a result that is truly in favour of common mass. I hope one day, I need not have to say ," I AM FOR A CORRUPTION FREE INDIA, ARE YOU?"

------------Jai Hind!!---------------

My first Kutchwork

Hi Readers,

Today for the first time I am going to write about my other activities. While searching on net I got an interesting tutorial about Kutch embroidery. It was in fact one of the confusing and complicated design pattern. However, I was really attracted to its beauty.

When I got some time for myself at the end of the day, I could not resist myself to try the pattern. I tried with just a single colour thread on a Sambalpuri cloth. The geometrical pattern was at first little critical. I tried from the very simple design and in just one day learnt two different design patterns. You can see my design in both the pictures. It came out really well and took me to another step in my creativity.

The pleasure to see my own work gives a lot of satisfaction. I remember one of my friend's word, that " Be creative and be productive. Do not indulge in unnecessary gossips." True, i have never felt so satisfied and happy to just indulge in gossips. Instead, I feel great when someone gives a nice comment after reading my posts and when I see my crafts and needlework.

My journey with crafts came about in a way that I never dreamt about. The basic of all crafts and needle work was taught to us in school. However, I never had time to make them my real hobby. When I was in Bangalore and stayed in a hostel along with my friends, this came to me as a hobby because of an unfortunate incident. One of my close friend had issues with her roommates. Her roommates never co-operated with her and always wanted to disturb her. And she found it uneasy to stay in that room. However, she wanted to be with us so she did not wanted to change the Hostel. One day, we decided to make some crafts which will make us busy and she need not feel disturbed by her roommates. We started our first project to create a applique bed sheet. And you know what, the girls who disturbed my friend gradually started to see us work and then stopped all the disturbances.This ultimately lead to solve the cold war between roommates. And we got our new hobby.

The most interesting thing of having a great hobby is to not feel lonely. It keeps us so busy that we forget that we are alone. Be it reading a novel, painting or anything that involves just one person, then you never have to depend on others. Yes, its great to have friends who join hands in your activity too. I find this as a great stress reliever.

I would say, have some time for yourself and get indulged in activities that interest you. You will see the difference and feel the great FEEL GOOD FACTOR.