Unified Road Tax system - One Nation One Tax for Vehicles

My first write up for year 2021 comes after a long break. I am elated hearing this proposal from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and want to share this to bigger audience, though waiting for the implementation of this bill.

Before venturing into details we all have to appreciate Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari for his tireless work and have put in significant efforts in his power as Minister of Road Transport and Highways. I wanted this guy to be PM in 2019 when the talks were high during 2019 elections but caste and political mileage are twins in Indian politics and our current PM being an OBC was favored. Let us not dive into politics.

One Nation One Road Tax is proposed to make one road tax across the country just like the Goods and services tax. Currently, there are different taxes across the country in different states according to the pre-decided rates but now it is being discussed to apply a single rate of road tax across the nation.

Currently the tax are as high as 18% in Karnataka and Maharashtra to 4% in Rajasthan. Some use Invoice value others like Karnataka, Delhi use ex show room price that is Invoice +GST and apply the % for Road Tax. Do we have better roads for the tax being paid, that is a BIG ??. 

The Automobile industry has been pushing for a uniform road tax structure. This is a concern for most of the states and union governments that the manufacturing of vehicles is getting impacted due to the different taxation systems. Hence a uniform taxation system will create an even playing field for the states and the union territories. 

Altering the revenue system can affect the state’s revenue and that is why the states have been opposing the implementation of the uniform system of taxation of road tax. 

The Government is set to release a new system of taxation very soon which will be unifying the road tax. This will help protect the revenue of the state. Road Tax is paid during the registration of the vehicle in a particular state. The Centre is trying to make the states on board sharing the vehicle registration data on the Vahan Website.

New Proposal is on Invoice value only and that,

All personal vehicles, the tax should be 8% for a vehicle costing under ₹10 lakh, 10% for a vehicle costing between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh and 12% for a vehicle costing more over ₹20 lakh

For example assume a car with Invoice value of 10 lakh and GST of 4 Lakh, in the current system we will end up paying 2.5 lakh whereas now we will pay 1.0 lakh savings of 1.5 lakh.

Other proposal is also being tabled along with this is that an All India registration and the road tax will be for minimum 2 years (prorated), not for life time. Assume if you move to other state after 2 years you can pay prorata tax in that state for 2 years and continue. You will also have a choice of your registration where you can choose an India Registration and not confined to any particular state. The new Vehicle number will look like this.

But for taking India registration there is an eligibility clause and it states that the person should be working in Central Government, Defense and in case of private sector employees then the organization should have offices in minimum 5 states in India. Others are excluded from getting the privilege of an Indian registration.

With a request will end this that let it be for all without any exceptions.

Sri Satchidghanendra Saraswati Swami - 13th Acharya

Adhishtanam of Sri Sri Satchidghanendra Saraswati Swami, the 13th Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti peetam from AD 235 to 272 is at Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Koil Katharikuppam.

Katharikuppam is a small village near Ranipet, 15 Kms from Ponnai River Iron Bridge and if anyone want I can share map.

History:

Sri Satchidghanendra Saraswati Swamigal, Like his predecessor gave up his peetathipathi status as 13th Acharya and appointed his successor and wandered around Kanchipuram as Avadhuthar. After 32 years of wandering he reached this place and disapperead in this temple and his mortal frame got transformed into a Linga.

Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Koil is a small temple in the village Katharikuppam, where you can find the Brindhavanam of 13th Acharya. Another Brindhavanam adjacent to temple near the pond is of a sidhar who served Sri Satchidghanendra Saraswati Swamigal. This siddhar was instrumental in bringing out the details of 13th Acharya by Deiva Prashanam, during that he revealed that Sri Satchidghanendra Saraswati Swamigal is the 13th acharya of Kamakoti peetam and other details.

Background of this event:

Group of students from the age of 8 to 70 are learning Vedas in Chennai and their Guru decided to perform Mahanyasa Rudhram Parayanam, Abishegam and Rudhra Homam at this temple on Sunday the Feb 21st 2021. They requested Sri Veda Moorthy Trust Bangalore, if the Mahaperiva Vigraham can be brought to this event from Bangalore and the same was accepted by trustees. Since most of the trustees were occupied I got a request to accompany one of the trustee for this event. I accepeted the offer, we started around 4 in the morning and reached the place as per schdule. You can find the event in the attached video link.

The temple itself is very small but the vibrations you receive are something you have to experience to believe, privileged to get that experience. It was electrifying when reciting vedas adding to the vibrations.

Blessed Couples:

I have to mention about 2 blessed souls, Shri Rajappa and Smt Geetha. Shri Rajappa retired from a very senior position in L&T and Smt Geetha was Chief Secy to Tamil Nadu Government. In 2005 she took VRS (early by 2 years) and constructed a house opposite to temple to take care it. Later with the entire retirement benefits, they managed to renovate the two thousand year old temple and also did Kumbabishegam with little or no help from outsiders. Now with the monthly pension they are managing the day-to-day expenses of both household and temple. ( Please see last few minutes of Video)

Shri Rajappa shared some facts and would like to highlight a few

1. When we placed the Mahaperiva vigraham (brought from Bangalore) near Adhishtanam, it happened to be the same place where he sat physically in 1973 when HE visited this temple. It was coincidental and surprised the village people.

2. Pond adjacent to temple had very little water when Mahaperiva visited this place in 1973 where he wanted to stay for few days. Due to non-availabity of water he took a handful of water and sprayed on his head and was about to leave this village. It started to rain heavily and pond got filled up to the brim.

3. It seems where Siddhars and Yatis are present you can find lot of Athi and Parasa trees with white Erukkai. You can find huge numbers(100s) around this temple and pond area.

Both shared their experiences with utmost humility and I had a wonderful time. I was engulfed in their experiences that failed me in capturing a video of them that I realized later. Will do definitely in my next visit. He also expressed that I look very familiar to him and he felt a strong connect between us. He also shared his contact and requested me to visit again with family.

The entire team close to 50 in size left the place around 15.00 hrs after a tasty lunch and Thamboolam from the couples. We both drove back to Bangalore with Periva and reached in the night, all along remembering the wonderful experience of the day. Thanks to the trust to provide me an opportunity to serve and get this privilege.

Would like to end by sharing the edited video so that you can watch the event virtually.

Video Link

Shri Uttar Chidambaram Natraj Temple, Satara - Maha Kumbhabishegam

Uttar Chidambaram temple, Satara is 110 Kms from Pune. This temple looks alike and replica of Chidambaram temple in Tamil Nadu, one of the Panja Bootha Stalam.

 Satara Temple has similar structure to TN temple and Mahaperiyava was the brain behind the temple. Mahaperiyava visit to TN Chidambaram temple in 1933 considered to be an great event in his life span. During that time he had desire to construct a similar temple but that got fulfilled after 47 years. During HIS third padayatra of Bharatha bhoomi on his return in 1981 he stayed 11 months in Satara. During his stay he expressed his desire to build a temple similar to Chidambaram to Shri Shamarao Shanbhag who immediately started on the project by donating his land where river Krishna and Veena confluence(sangamam).

Satara Temple has 4 raja Gopurams of 5 tier, where we can find a National unity.  The west side of Gopuram was built by Maharashtra government, North by then Andhra Pradesh, East by Karnataka and South by Tamil Nadu. Chief Ministers of 1981 agreed instantly to the request of Mahaperiyava. The woods required were funded by Kerala Government.

Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam is an Indian classical Bharata Natyam dancer who is devotee of the Paramacharya of Kanchi. She has designed the sculptures of the 108 sculptures(Dance postures) of Lord Nataraja and goddess Parvathi in black granite for this Uttar Nataraja temple at Satara, on the orders of MahaPeriyava.

The first Maha Kumbhabishegam was performed on 9^th June 1985 followed by 2^nd Kumbhabishegam on 27^th Jan 2003. Now 3^rd Kumbhabishegam is planned and the activities have already been started. Before Kumbhabishegam the temples of Shri Natarajar and Shivakama Sundari, Adhishankarar and other temples have to be renovated. The outer parikarama of the temple will be asphalted with new rest house for devotees are planned to be built. The 3^rd Kumbhabishegam work was started by Shri Jayendra periva and it has been decided by the trustees and devotees to carry out this function in grand manner as a tribute to Pudhu Periva.

The members of the trust has also decided to perform Arudhra Abishegam on Jan 10^th 2020 with event starting on Jan 5^th with flag hoisting. On Jan 9^th a giant chariot with idols of Natarajar and Sivakami amman will lead the procession.

The members of Shri Uttar Chidambaram Nataraja Mandir Maha Kumbhabishegam committee earnestly appeal to all devotees to come forward and donate for the Kumbhabishegam. Receipt will be sent for all payments received and devotees are requested to share the Full Name, Postal Address, Email id and WhatsApp Number that will enable us to communicate the activities of the Mandir from time to time.

Successful and glorious completion of this event vest with the devotees and we look forward for your participation. As we all know tiny drops of water make a mighty ocean and journey of thousand miles begins with a step. Whatever be the donation cash or kind will be accepted.

Super Year 2019

The day Dec 21st 2019 will be a memorable one. Jaya Jaya Shankara Hara Hara Shankara

Intent of sharing this experience is to share HIS kindness

Last week I got a call from a known person in Bangalore to visit them on Dec 21st Saturday before noon. When asked for the purpose, I was told to come. I thought this to be a regular service and Periva Aradhana is around the corner so some assistance needed.

Last 10 days I am down with viral flue with heavy cough that made me physically down and was skeptical of providing any help to them. Due to heavy medicines not able to get up and my routine Pooja and others activities were blocked for last 15 days.

To everyone’s surprise (including me) today morning got up did my routine Pooja and abishegam and left the house in a bus some 30 kms away from my residence. Reason for not using car is single travel and can use the bus journey for a nap. I have got a rudhraksra mala from Kanchi Srimatam and I will wear that only during my Pooja and will step out of Pooja room only after removing the mala.

When I visited their house and after some talking, they took me to upstairs. In the Pooja room there was a padhuka of Maha periva. They asked to me take it and I was surprised and asked couple of times to check if it is not dream. Also curious to know the background asked the reason or purpose behind. They narrated. This Padhuka was from Villupuram ( Periva Birth place), They did place it at the patasala, HIS residence and did pooja and took this to Kanchi Brindhavanam and from there to Bangalore. In fact they did Kavacham before giving it to me and also did shuthi Pooja ( Pooja after Kavasam).

When asked the reason behind giving it to me, they shared, On the day of shuthi Pooja they decided to give to the person who has periva bakthi and calls them during Pooja. They thought that periva decide where he needs to go. I happened to be that person called them for rendering some service for the upcoming Aradhana.

I can’t bring periva in a public bus and booked a cab and while returning was sharing my joy with ecstasy to Prathiba who was more surprised and shared with few other too.

During my return I noticed that I was wearing that Rudhraksha mala which I never did outside my Pooja room,that made to connect the dots.

Not due to humbleness or modesty I am saying this but out from heart, Even while writing this article still doubtful whether we(me and Prathiba) deserve this much of HIS kindness. Nothing great expect trying to follow some of HIS preaching. But long way to go.

For doing some minor service he is returning his ever benevolence. If we follow HM 100% then....

During the year 2019, there were several inquires about Padhuka and how to get them from couple of relatives. My response to them was if you are destined then HE will make way. He yet again proved that.

Yet another blissful and memorable year….

The One in All. Quick Darshan - Athi Vardhar

Omnipresent – The ONE in ALL, who else it could be

People who are close to me know that I visit kanchi one Pradhosam in a month to Srimatam and Orikai, this has been my routine for the past 2 years. Prathiba’s Chitappa’s sister who lives in Coimbatore came to know about my routine and sought my guidance in planning a visit to the temple city.  Last week she called and checked if I am planning for July 14^th and she wants to join for Pradhosam and Athi vardhar. When the response was positive she shared the train ticket details and I was shocked to see the entire group consist of senior citizens and super senior citizens.

With the rapport I have with some local people, able to get 2 AC rooms and a pick up cabs from Arakonam station that was reciprocated by local people, though the request was made during 11^th hour. Considering the age of the people I took extra care so that they are put to little hardship as there are lot of chaos already prevailing in the city due to the ongoing vardhar festivity.

The scheduled plan was they will arrive on July 14^th in Kanchi around late noon and have darshan of Maha Periva Brindhavan pradhosa abishegam. Next day early morning Kamatchi Amman abishegam and around 7.00 am stand in the Q for vardhar and late in the evening catch return train to Coimbatore.

Everything fell in place as per the plan, sumptuous lunch added more flavor to the things. After the pradhosam abishegam at Brindavan, I checked with the group if they might be interested to visit Orikai and Thenambakkam to which they all agreed. As we all came out of Srimatam, there was only one auto available outside and it seems he was waiting only for us. After little bargaining he accepted for both places and dropping them back at their hotel and me in the bus-stand so that I can catch my train to Bangalore.

Couple of points which went into head while I am on my way back to Bangalore in train are below

• The entire Sr Citizen group was with immense faith and devotion during Pradhosam abishegam that was evident in their activities.
• Auto guy during the travel, without me asking any details shared the story behind the Periva Sticker in the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle belongs to a guy who himself is devotee of Periva and associated with trade Union that was created during the 50^th birthday celebration of periva early this year.
• July13th there were close to 2.0 lakh people visited the town for Vardhar darshan and it took close to 10 hours standing in the Q.

 On our way back to hotel/bus station from Orikai, the driver offered a help in taking them for shopping and also try our luck for vardhar darshan. The rationale he put forth are

• Hindus who consume non veg foods have restrictions during Ashada (aadi) month which is couple of days away and they try to utilize the last Sunday to have nonveg
• After consumption of non-veg during lunch many of them will not visit temples in the evenings. He was mirroring in general the views of local people
• Cricket World cup final match

Since it was already 20.00 hrs in the night and in hurry mode to catch the train, I got down in the midway and they all proceeded.The driver was 100% perfect in judgement and the vardhar darsharn was over within 40 mins.

I strongly believe in “ What you sow is what you reap”, when faith and devotion is being sowed what else you get in return. We all later felt that Auto carrying HIS image in the front is a return gift from “THE ONE who is in ALL” for the faith and devotion of the group that consist of senior citizens. Periva Charanam.

On my way to bus station looking out for auto, with Panchaghacham as my attire the rates demanded were huge. Hence thought of changing to normal attire and able to find a small house where 3 hindi speaking sadhus doing chit chat in the Thin-nai(portico) of the house. Their costume and the look will give anyone a second thought to approach, with butterflies in the stomach and Periva in the heart approached them so that some money could be saved from the autowalas.

They obliged the request and after changing the dress, for a moment I thought will leave without informing them. Later ashamed of that thought, thanked them at a distance and when I was about to turn back one of the sadhu called me near. With high heart beat went near him and he asked in Hindi and my response was also in my own Hindi

• Whether I visited Srimatam of shankarachya for which I said Yes and surprised how does he know
• Whether I had Athi vardhar darshan, for which I said no due to long Q, not able to get the hindi word for Q. He himself prompted “ baught beed ha kya” I said yes
• He took one big Guava and a mango fruit and gave it to me before showering his blessing with both hands. I had both the fruits on my way which were tasty.

 I am trying to get answers on why the auto having periva image offered a ride, suggested about varadhar darshan and also made it possible in 40 mins. Finally the sadhus blessing which I consider to be a gift for the service I did to this group of aged people from morning who are the followers of Periva.

I can understand the readers question that If I had stayed back in the auto then I might have got Vardhar Darshan but on the day when Federer and Williamson’s had several If and Buts to ponder mine is immaterial and will get dissolved in the memorable memories whenever I recollect this day in future.

During my return to bus stand had an experience which could be termed as “ The All in One”. If time permits will continue in the next episode which is equally interesting and made me to realize other side of coin.

Parental Experience

Good learning and personal experience to share. Especially to all those Animated parents while supporting the kids in their studies.

Ananya is in class 9 and the annual exams got over in Mid Feb’19 and marks was shared this week, also the class 10 started this week.

Till class 8, I used to teach all subjects except French and give her weekly test and evaluate the test. During exam times it will be stressful for both Me and Ananya as she has to answer or solve the questions picked at random. Once the exam time table is out we both will chart out plans to cover portions and after exam on the same day walk through of question paper to evaluate her performance and provide a rough marks.

All the above routine was followed in class 9 only for the first month exam, later on from July 2018 all got vanished.I decided to take a risk of not helping her in studies and told her she has to learn on her own, evaluate and plan for exams on her own and can come to me for doubts after exposing all options including Mr.Google.

Both Prathiba and Ananya was surprised by this move and Prathiba would have requested several times to support her in preparation which was gently declined by me.

During exam times I made a point not to know the time table and all I will do is wish her All the best for the exam. No walk through of question paper post exam.The risk is to not only to evaluate her independency but to boost the morale and confidence.

Performance and outcome of subsequent 2 exams went down and the marks made a nose dive compared to her class 8. During every PT meeting the teacher used to raise this and I never heeded those comments and asked Ananya to improve.

It started to improve from Half yearly followed by pre annual finally she exceeded her class 8 average marks in the annual exam. During this week PT meeting I shared my plan with teacher in the absence of Ananya and asked her feedback considering my plan. Not only she appreciated Ananya but I could see the surprise element in her face.

This approach helped in many ways

1. Provided confidence to Ananya that she can stand on her legs
2. Apart from Independency it helped me to evaluate her based on the kind of questions / doubts she raised.
3. Doubts and questions raised helped to understand her knowledge level, though marks made a dip but the kind of questions she asked gave me a confidence that she will soon reach where she belonged earlier. Since I strongly believe both knowledge and marks need not be directly proportional.

My humble suggestion to all those enthusiastic and excited parents is to give it a try and take a risk. Worth venturing this risk and definitely both the kid and parents will feel accomplished at the end.

Echangudi Patasala

I strongly believe that the world around us is a clear manifestation of our own thoughts, desires, perceptions and feelings. You may call it any but I term that as destiny or Karma which I strongly believe.

If you have a strong desire, then simply believe that the universe will fulfill it. You need to have a strong faith and determination for what you seek. “Where there is faith, there is no doubt.” Fear is a mere absence of faith.

A spark of thought that erupted some 2 months ago about providing Vastra Dhaan to the students of Vedha Patasala. The things that followed this thought cannot be expressed but I will try my best to narrate the same.

When this thought flashed immediately the contemplation of picking the vedapatasala(which one?) to provide the dhaan was hovering in the mind. Periva did guide me on that, received a whatsapp video on the same night about Echangudi vedapatasala. Echangudi is the place near Thiruvaiyaru and this is Mahaperiva’s maternal ancestor’s place. Mahaperiva on his last day(few hours before siddhi) gave his padhuka and requested Mr Hari to build a Patasala. Having decided the Patasala, chalked out the plan.

That Video had a contact number, spoke to that person and got the details of the students. Able to get the vastram and saree for the mami who cooks for the students and the materials were with me for more than a month. I was not able to get the train ticket, we have only one train from Bangalore to Kumbakonam.

I was having complete faith that I will be able to accomplish before Periva Jayanthi since the dhaan is part of Jayanthi gift from Periva to students. One travel agent came forward to help me but not able to get tickets during first week of May but able to in the subsequent week.

Got down at Tanjore and got the details of public transport that run through that village, the frequency of the bus is every one hour. The Patasala is walkable distance from the bus stop and I was greeted by admin person who is taking care of Patasala. On completion of my morning daily routine, I was invited to be part of daily Pooja and then before the lunch gave the Dhoti and saree along with the prasadam that I got earlier from Sri Matam when I shared my details to Bala Periva.

  There were couple of messages I received when I was in Patasala which I perceive to be directly from Periva. These messages were received from those with whom I interacted over there but answered some of my queries.

If you need any help reaching to this place, which is worth an experience, please feel free to check with me for details.

Bhangaya Kala

Making of Kala. This is not about any movie whereas it’s a real short story from my office.

In my office the house keeping staffs will have different costumes depending on the work they execute.

Red colour for those who work in the toilet area and Black overcoat with tie for those who work in the pantry area. Floor supervisor will have different to distinguish.

Kishore a guy from other side of Vindhyas mountain with Red Tshirt costume has been working for a year now. Meticulous Guy. Often I admire his attitude towards his task, with minimum supervision he on his own ensures not only cleanliness but also during spare time takes up other tasks that uplifts the place. Be it polishing of Tap or the mirror, name any he will do it on his own. Seldom these people are observed or motivated in our always-engaged schedule.

This week I saw a guy in pantry area filling up the coffee vending machine who was alike Kishore but the costume was different. With a microscopic stare realized that it was same Kishore with black overcoat and tie. With a bit of astonishment started a conversation with him and came to know that he was promoted which did not surprise me. The guy deserves this elevation. My only piece of advise to him was not to sojourn with this elevation and stop proclaiming “ From where to Here” instead he should ponder about “From Here to There”.

During my conversation, the stress was on the aspect of "Kahan se Yahaan nei….Yahaan se Vahaan"….Only thing he should fix is his Vahaan with a timeline to reach. He moved away with a ray of optimism in his eyes that gave a confidence to me that I will soon see this guy in a different costume.

Would like to share another experience encountered during recent train journey from Bangalore to Chennai. A couple along with two kids were travelling and I happened to be their co-passenger. The permissive parents were able to handle the hyperactive kids for an hour. Later on with more energy flowing from kids the couple had no option but to change the style that oriented towards Authoritarian. I was thoroughly enjoying every bit of the drama and at times relate my personal experience with Ananya's mischeifs during her infancy.

When any one of the kids shoe touches me, then either of the parent will start shouting at the kids. “ Uncle mela kaal touch aguthu paaru” “Uncle la disturb pannatha” etc… That touch of shoe has never disturbed my deep sleep but I will woke up due to the yelling from either of them. I did share my thoughts with the parents that the kids never troubled me when compared to their yelling. In fact to some extent I enjoyed all those mischief.

This paved way for some exquisite thoughts to deliberate. 

How easily an external stimuli makes changes to our nature as a grown up but not for those kids. In this case me acting as a stimulus to change the nature of parents from indulgent. Kids are always natural and never heed the surroundings. These hypocritical acts of adults not only shows a dirty picture but also flags off health hazards internally. Ending the episode with a wish, that either we should be always kids or carry the innocent heart when we grow. Both are next to impossible. 

MAIDEN GIRIVALAM @ Tiruvannamalai

The month of February 2018 was remarkable for me, I was able to check out couple of big tickets from my to-do list. Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina was staying on the top among the first 3 items of the list.

During a recent conversation, a person wanted to have a discussion on this place and I had to stop the conversation and told him that I will not be able to comment since I have not experienced. That person expressed his surprise since he knows I travel a lot and have not been to this place. Response was I would be able to only if HE desires/commands.

What better day could I ask for in sowing that thought into me, Masi (11th month of Tamil calendar) and a combination of Magha star and Full moon day. Being a mid-day of a week, doubts of getting approved leave was hovering the entire day, considering the communication from my Boss that this week was important due to people visiting from other geographies. There were couple of meeting with those folks that needed my participation and presence.

I put up this request to Mahaperiva and sought his help to pick me out of this agony. Usually for an unplanned leave or permission, I will select from a bunch of tarot cards that consist of untruth stories built around health of family members. Exceptionally this time the thought of providing the true reason erupted and told my Boss the real reason. Without any word it was approved to my astonishment with an order it will be for a day alone and subsequently booked my bus ticket prior to few hours of travel. I was shocked to witness the pace at which the things were falling in place and helping me. Some folks in office wanted to join which I did not reciprocate since I want it all alone and do the Pradakshina in silence. According to scriptures, the walk around the Hill should be conducted at a slow pace either in silence, thoughts on to the Hill of Fire or one could sing and listen to songs of HIM

I was told the crowd on this particular day would be humongous and hence sought an aid from a person who stays in that town which was declined gently due to his travel plans. I have to fall back on Mahaperiva again to sort the things out and with his blessing started around 23.00 hrs from Bangalore.

Reached there around 3.30 in the morning and was checking with people around Rajagopuram who had completed the circumambulation on the route. With that help started around 4.00 am all alone with stillness in mind and emitting HIS name. Till Ramana Ashram I was alone and slowly crowd gathered and two women who were walking along were playing audio of Thiruvasagam from their phone. During the interval between two verses it was filled with “ Jaya Jaya Shankara Hara Hara Shankara”. In that pitch dark and deep silence that was loud and clear message from Periva.

Sri Bhagvan Ramanar told “The greatness of this Giri Pradakshina has been described at length in ‘Arunachala Puranam’. To go round this hill is good. The word ‘Pradakshina’ has a typical meaning. The letter ‘Pra’ stands for removal of all kinds of sins; ‘da’ stands for fulfilling the desires; ‘kshi’ stands for freedom from future births; ‘na’ stands for giving deliverance through Jnana.” Really, it is difficult to describe the pleasure and the happiness one gets by this Pradakshina. The body gets tired, the sense organs lose their strength and all the activities of the body become absorbed within. It is possible thus to forget oneself and get into a state of meditation. As one continues to walk, the body automatically gets harmonized as in the Asana state. The body therefore becomes improved in health. Besides this, there are several varieties of medicinal herbs on the hill. The air that passes over those herbs is good for the lungs”.

Completed the Girivallam in 3 hours and with a skeptic thought in mind of standing in a long serpentine queue entered the Rajagopuram. To my wonder completed the darshan in less than an hour and was waiting for Urchavar to start the theerthavari procession towards Pallikondanpattu. The pinnacle of Masi Magha is this event “ Theerthavari”. The procession started around 10.00 am towards that village which is not far. This event happens at a place 6 kms away from Tiruvannamalai called “ Pallikonda Pattu”. I was not able to keep the pace of the procession after the tiring Girivallam so hired an Auto and reached the place before the arrival of Urchavar. Pooja was performed by temple authorities at a small mandapam constructed on the riverbanks after immersion of idol.

Each temple has its own myth of celebrating Masi Makam, in the case of Arunachaleswar Temple, the legend for Masi Makam is related to King Vallalan and Lord Shiva. King Vallalan of Tiruvannamalai was an ardent devotee of the Lord, and he had no child. He felt very bad that there is no descendants to perform his last rites and Shradh ceremonies. Lord Shiva in all his compassion appeared in front of the King in the form of a small lad and assured him that He would take the personal responsibility of performing his last rites and the Shradha ceremonies every year. To fulfill His word, the Lord appeared on the day when the king departed on the day of Masi Magam and performed the last rites of the King. The Lord also assured that those individuals who take a holy dip on this day will attain liberation with His blessings. . The promise is still remembered in Tiruvannamalai and each year King Vallalan’s funeral is re-enacted to commemorate the event. This was a grandeur event.

In a concluding verse on King Vallalan in the Arunachala Puranam we could trace this event that Lord Siva undertakes to perform King Vallalan’s funeral rites for him, a task which is normally performed by the son of the deceased Lord Shiva also blessed the king by saying that whoever bathes in the sea during Masi Magam will merge with him and will get ‘mukthi.’

With tired physical body but fully charged internally and with a bit of heavy heart started my return journey to Bangalore and reached around 16.00 hrs. If someone would have told the previous day around the same time that next day will be a memorable one I would have laughed at their ignorance.   For more pictures click here - Pictures and Videos

This surprise element of life could be termed as “Destiny” and I effusively accept this with AVAN ARULALE AVAN THAL VANAGI

Dasama Varsikotsava (10th Anniversary)

Recently with the help and support of friends and relatives was able to perform Ganapathi Homam and Abishegam for Prakasa Ganapthy on Feb 25th Sunday. Several questions and doubts on performing the rituals by me now(year 2018), when the association with this temple got severed 18 years ago. I normally do not trade off my actions, as HE knows the intentions behind my actions.

Being the 10th death anniversary of my father, I was pondering on how to make this a special year so that his soul is pleased apart from the routine yearly shradham. Immediately this thought came as I felt that there can’t be better action to please him. I do not want to feed my ego by performing on my own so alms were sought so that it will be a combined effort of all.

Before proceeding, I should provide some lineage on the relationship between us. It was a typical Indian heritage where many sons idolize their father till the age of teen and with the arrival of adolescent the differences start. With the advent of my pubescent age, we both were simply polar in our thoughts that resulted in cold war most of the times. These mutinies is due to the act of seeking a self-identity that paved way for rough weather. In some families, however this revolt turns to be a lifelong disconnect whereas fortunately it was not in my case. We both cherished each other with a third person and never embraced each other directly. He shared my professional and personal victories with others (in my absence) with pride and similarly I shared his triumphs when he is not present.

My father’s association with this temple dates back to year 1987, it was built with public money inside our flat premises in T.Nagar. The Ganapthy was named after our street “Prakasa” means bright. Irrespective of his work shift hours, he used to perform daily, monthly and yearly rituals till year 2000 without any fail. Year 2000 we moved out to a different house due to space constraints. The relationship between my father and Ganapathy was evident when he returned to the flat in year 2008 and within few months succumbed to severe cardiac arrest just in front of the temple and respired his last breathe before starting to meet his maker.

As a mark of respect to his devotion and sincerity, I wanted this event before his tenth anniversary to please both(Ganapthy and him). Ganapthy is craving to have a feast for the last 10 years that was fulfilled on this occassion. Would like to personally thank each of the members who convened for this occasion and those who supported physically and financially to make this dream come true.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO CLICK HERE

Would like to end with a quote from my favorite author valluvar under “Makatperu”

மகன்தந்தைக்கு ஆற்றும் உதவி இவன்தந்தை
என்நோற்றான் கொல்எனும் சொல். 

The duty of the son ( children ) to father ( parents ) is to make others to wonder, What penance the father ( parents ) had done to beget him(them). Children by the virtue of their behavior, attitude, and knowledge should make others to wonder. 

தந்தை மகற்காற்று நன்றி அவையத்து
முந்தி இருப்பச் செயல் 

The duty of the parents is to bring up their children in such a way that they sit in the front row in any assembly of wise. To achieve this, the children should be given right education. Apart from the formal education, children should be trained to live within the law and ethical parameters, spend within the prescribed norms etc., 

My father not only told me how to live; He lived and made me to watch his living.