Pratinandan Voyage

As stated in my previous blog this will also revolve around travel, but on a different mission and elite on its own.

During the embryonic stage of this travel eyebrows were raised by few when I shared about the details of this journey and that includes Prathiba, friends and relatives.  I harmonize their astonishment since this is my first voyage all alone…Yes I embarked ALL alone to fulfill a personal desire.

I went through lot of interrogation from the above list of people, some were posted directly to me and for some I read their mind voice. They wanted to know the purpose of this journey, Is it undertaken for a cause? Or Is it recommended by an Astrologist to calm down the malefic effects of planetary positions. 

Being a son of renowned astrologer I will not discard the above questions but I am more matured and strongly believe that “ What will not happen will never happen, whatever effort one may put forth. And what will happen will not fail to happen, however much one may seek to prevent it.” All you need to do is observe and absorb.

Normally we expect HIM to think about us always but we seldom reciprocate the same and will certainly do during grim times. Emphatically I disagree and as illustrated in the header this cruise was explicitly undertaken with the only purpose to Pratinandan (thanks giving), for all those provided and strengthen the bonding. Recently the association has increased manifold through lots of reading from various sources. 
Moreover during various stages of life-cycle the priorities and available resources gets swapped,where in our early life we have time and physical strength but priorities were different. During later stages we have time and defined priority but no strength whereas I want to utilize all those resources that are currently available including the invaluable time at my disposal.

Coming back to my travel, these various places came up during my reading and want to experience the same and hence started all alone. The intent of this blog was to share the places visited with the importance of each of the places and how it came up which will be fairly interesting. 

Recently started learning some Vedic hymns and believe this to be part of the determined route of mine piloted by THE DRIVER.Learning commenced similar to the episode of Ekalavya & Dronar with the help of internet and the blessing of HH Maha Periva considering him as my Guru.Though the learning is an ongoing effort, a typical desire of a student is to exhibit the learning to Guru that will provide personal fulfillment. Thus the thought of reciting the learned part at Kanchi Brindavanam harvested and hence the travel to Kanchi and accomplished the desire.

Contemplating on the same orbit more notions aroused like reciting the anuvakam in Govindapuram Tapovanam. Came to know a list of temples which I have never heard off from the reference during my learning process, thus started the second travel to Kumbakonam.

The first column(3 places) has a direct link to HH Mahaperiva and people who follow will be able to understand the association. Rest of the places got appended either they are near or on the way or on the wish list of mine.

Completed my travel in 2 days and will try to share in two blogs each for a day. Though Govindapuram was first in the list and acted as an ignition for my travel, I visited this place as last and got a treasured experience which might require more space. 

While reading a craving to know about my learning would have occurred. Though I will share it at appropriate places in the subsequent blogs, some samples are shared in the below link.

I have experimented two new features in this blog those are sharing an Audio file and disabled the copy(lifted an open html code and placed in my blog)

Click here for Audio 1                           Click here for Audio 2                                       
Once you click the Audio link, you will get a player select the file and push the play icon to listen.

Some pictures from my Kanchi visit, Had a blissful dharshan and along with HH Mahaperiva blessing got home prasadam too.

Un autre Vacances

Header was borrowed from French which means Yet another vacation.

Yes indeed, Me & Prathiba along with Ananya have been venturing vacation on the eve of rollover of a new year for more than a decade now. We did fail on two occasions, Year 2006 was our settling down time in Hyderabad and due to a business trip of mine in year 2008.

Year 2015-16 was not an exception, had a good time.

In this electronic-age, the quality time spent with family is getting diminutive. Bulk part are being consumed by office and travel whereas the remaining time is swallowed by gadgets and social media like FB and Whatsapp. To prevail over this I ensured that the last 10 days in a year is dedicated to my family, any hurdle will be confronted and the mission will be embarked upon. I have been successful on this from the year 2007 and this peaked when my employer offered official shutdown during last week of December.

Though this is my opinion and everyone will agree, traversing many places promotes in learning different cultures and cultivates the habit of flexibility and adaptability not only to us but also to kids. Another reason is it provides opportunity to explore the beauty of our country, before age makes its dent to my physical features. However damages to my pocket is take care by time share units that helps me in salvaging the stay expenses.

Will share some fascinating moments starting with year 2015 

2015 – Mysore & Ooty

Despite the fact that this is our second trip to both the places, we unveiled a lot for the very first time

For Photos - Click here

• Laptop was not part of our baggage 
• Self Driven vehicle
• Travelled with another family ( Prathiba’s sister family)
• Prathiba did not attend any official calls, I started this habit from year 2013
• Had a different variety of Dosai at Mysore from Original Vinayaka Mylari Hotel( thanks to Google Maps).
  
  Only Dosai ( Plain and Masala) with Butter and Chutney ( no sambar) will be served at this tiny shop and the place can accommodate only max 15 people.                                           You will find big queue outside the shop that includes foreigners, also this carries a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from Zomato. Awesome and worth every penny.        

Other highlights are, Super driving by Ashok(BIL) in the arduous route of Masinagudi to Ooty and A2B came to rescue this foodie tongue in Ooty. ( First week for A2B to branch out in Ooty)

2014 – Rajasthan -Jaipur, Sariska( Tiger reserve forest)

Met a 50+ aged young man (Rakesh Sharma), an avid traveler who travels with family and  also a mountaineer.

 
Things I erudite from this pragmatic person was that age is not an impediment for

• Passion(in his case travel), he drove from Delhi. Appreciate his compassionate quality, he carried some old clothes of the entire family from Delhi and gave to the local villagers in the forest. In reciprocation got some local delicacies and even had dinner with them.
• Other trait that proved.... the age difference between the two sons is 15 years, this proves his fortitude.I confounded the first son to be his brother in law.

2013 – Kerala - Thekkady and Alleppey

Buildup to the Safari at Thekkady. Boat house stay at Alleppey and beach resort was memorable.

Poovar,Elephant ride and Trivandrum too had its own brilliance.

2012 – Sikkim – Gangtok

Travel to Gangtok itself was remarkable and the moments spent at Natulla Pass and Frozen lake Tsonga was awesome

 

2011- Singapore

Everything was brilliant

2010 – Delhi and Himachal

This one was for a long duration of 15 days, Rajdhani travel was unique on its own. Live snow at Shimla and skills of the cab driver who took us to Rhotang Pass were outstanding. Finally Taj was magnificent on its own.

 

2007 – West Bengal and Orissa

First flight travel for Ananya. Astonished  with the engineering marvel of Jaganath and Konark temple.

 

Bewildered with the massive size of Nandankanan Zoological Park.
First Metro and Tram ride for all of us in Kolkata and sweets…sweets…sweets…all time and every time…slurp..
My next one will also be on travel on a different mission...Wait....

புனரமைப்பு மற்றும் அபிவிருத்தி

I deliberately took an extensive route in my previous one so that I can encompass all that I felt during my trip to Ahobilam. I wanted to share more experiences from that trip in this one too as an extension. But HIS intentions are different and the consequence is this one on a different subject.
Will try to incorporate the remaining from the prior in the subsequent edition.

Would like to start and share my reading from “Deivathin Kural” where Mahaperiva talks about temple worship, though it talks about in detail I will seize what is required for this article. He talks...

We have overlooked lot of things which were in practice like not offering daily neivedhyam and proper dress to the Almighty, who has bestowed us with all. If we care about the tidiness of God’s dress then inevitably our inner dirt will be cleaned.

Everyone’s basic duty is to ensure that all temples in their area should be kept in a good state and ensure that the daily rituals are performed. 

Now you might contemplate why quotes and references and its relevance, yes there is a purpose. This week my cousin approached me for a dignified cause which she has undertaken along with some like minded people with the blessings of Kanchi Acharyas. This group helps in restoration of old temples either through renovation or reconstruction.  This time they have identified Sri Kailashanathar Sametha Sri Kalyana Sundari Temple in Nagakudi for a reconstruction. This temple is at 3 kms from Swamimalai Temple in Thanjavur district. 

Some details about Sri Kailashanathar Sametha Sri Kalyana Sundari Temple 

This temple is about 250-300 years old and was built by a Chola monarch and part of a agaraharam in Nagakudi with a Vishnu temple at the other side which is also being redone by a group of like minded people and it is almost completed. During those days this temple used to have a 10 day car festival, moreover the temple has idols of panchaloka used for utsavams and are kept in Swamimalai temple.

The priest who lives in that agaraharam has been doing the pujas in the temple shared these information and his family was performing the rituals for 5 generations.He also shared how it attained the present state where no pujas are being performed. The temple is not getting any revenue from its owned assets that could have minimized the current apathy.

This group has approached HR&CE and they have given consent and approval for reconstruction and the work had began on 23rd April 2015 and progressing as per HIS wish.

We believe the project will be completed at the earliest by the blessings of Kanchi Acharyas and your good wishes.

The group is requesting assistance and they firmly believe that “little drops of water make a mighty ocean” and any assistance in any form will help them in completing the project.

I am not sharing the Bank information due to data privacy and if you need you can approach me. I will be exultant in sharing the same. You can reach my email gbramy16@gmail.com or Whatsapp +919600006173

Some pictures before Balalayam

 Some pictures after Balalayam

Ahobilam

The initial intent of this article was to share details about my experience and some pictures about Ahobilam. But when I started to write this blog, a brain wave suggested to share from the origin of how the idea to visit this place crept into me. So.......

On the day of Janmashtami evening, before the Pooja a thought reached my mind to visit this place and the next day I saw a FB post where my friend was tagged. This guy visits every month and I reached out to him to finalize my travel plans. This reminds me of Bhagavd Gita 10th Chapter sloka

   "aham sarvasya prabhavo;mattah sarvam pravartate

 iti matva bhajante mam;budha bhava-samanvitah”

“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me”.

To answer all those dear ones who asked numerous questions like why sudden plan? Any purpose? Isn't this place belongs to Vaishnavaites? etc etc.,

I believe this reflection of mine is only of HIS and able to finalize without any hesitation. He even paved way with help of FB in identifying Balaji(friend) who organized the trip.I have come across people who have planned for decades to visit this place.

Everything seemed to fall in its place, the itinerary was during the long weekend that facilitated the leave plans. I know this was in my father-in-law’s imminent list for several years, made an inquiry about his plan to join and he readily accepted so got a companion.

With help of Google gathered more information about the places and slowly got engrossed into it.

This avathar of HIS is significant and unique from others. Unlike Krishna or Rama avatars this one emanated in a flash and the duration is less compared to the successors.  The purpose of this one is to prove that HE is omnipresent in all forms.

It is firmly believed that Lord Narasimha was 'Svayambhu' (self-manifested) here, to answer the question of self-manifestation and his presence in all forms I would like touch in brief about Quantum physics and come back.

Quantum Physics is a highly specialized form of science that, unlike Newtonian physics, studies, explores and explains how everything in the tangible world comes into existence. For some, the word “Quantum Physics” may seem a bit overwhelming but it's really not as intimidating or hard to understand as you may think. Quantum Physics is the study of how and what everything that makes up the universe as well as everything in it, both the seen as well as the unseen, how it is derived.

Quantum physics goes a step beyond atoms and breaks them into sub atomic particles like Photons, Leptons, Electrons, Neutrons, etc., Albert Einstein contribution to Q.Physics was E=MC^2 which is nothing but Energy = Everything.

According to him the subatomic particles which collectively formed the atoms were pure energy and it's this One Energy which makes up ALL things. The bottom line is, everything that exists whether nature, sound, colors, oxygen, the wind, thoughts, emotions, your physical body, the stars, your ability to see, hear, smell, taste, touch, etc. etc., is only made possible as a result of this very same energy.

Energy consisted of waves and this discovery further proved that anything and everything that exists in our world once existed as a wave (spiritual) and through individual observation and expectation was transformed into a particle (made physical) based only on what they THOUGHT(which is again an energy) and BELIEVED( again an energy) it would appear in that form.

So a mathematical equation is
Energy +Observation+Expectation+ Belief+Thoughts = Physical particle

This is where when Prahalad said He will be in “தூணிலும் இருப்பான் துரும்பிலும் இருப்பான்” what he meant was He is present in the form of energy in all sub atomic particles and hence omnipresent. When Prahalad showed the pillar which was again energy and he believed and thought that to be The Lord,HE appeared in a physical form(consist of energy)

Now back to Ahobilam, will cover only the significant aspects rest anyway you can google to find more details.
It is believed that in Treata Yuga there existed a palace of Hiranyakasupu in this place and the other version is Lord appeared to Garuda who was performing penance in this place. Let us not indulge in analyzing the version, this place is blissful due to the fact that it is strenuous to reach by people.
There are 9 Narashimar temples that are special and another one in the name of Prahalada Varadhar. You need to start at a particular temple and end at one but this decree is diluted considering the availability of time. All the 9 temples are small in size but very powerful.
1.    Jawala – Here Lord is in fierce form and notable one is that all 365 days 24X7 there are tiny drops of water from the cave which lands only on his head to cool him down. No other part of his gets that water droplets. To reach this temple you need to pass through a water fall and during monsoon all chances of getting wet. Another significant one is the “Rathkund” in front of this temple.

It is believed that after slaying the demon Lord washed his hand, even today you can find water with red color oozing into a crystal clear tub.

        2. Pavana – To reach this place you need to travel in Jeep for 3 hours and the raid is really spine breaking and during rainy season this route is closed and there is an alternative where you need to walk.

      3.Ahobila – This is the place Adi Shankara visited and have installed a Shiv Lingam and Sudarasan Chakram. Very few places you find Shiv lingam in Perumal temple.

      4.Chatravata – Chatra means Umbrella, the peepal tree will be as an umbrella and hence this name. The posture is in one hand he makes "Thalam". Remarkable thing about this place is if you clap your hands you can hear the sound of shruthi petti.

       Rest of the temples also has its own significance and purpose.

Finally Ugra Sthambham.

Though it is only 4Kms from Jawala you need to climb at a steep angle with no laid paths. Both onward and return will take 3 hours. It is believed that from this place Lord appeared from a pillar. On top you have a flag post and Sri Patham. You have to do pradhaksana in sitting posture considering the wind and the place available. Area of the entire place will be 5 feet and have to be very careful when landing.Chaitanya Maha Prabhu had visited this place.

More details about this place are available at http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/information/visitingahobilam.asp

FYI – Photos are available in the below link and your comments are valuable to improve my blogging.

Photo Album Link 

Wimbledon 2015

 The Don of Grand slam tennis concluded for the year 2015.

This is the only grand slam venue holding back the old charm. Though there are some changes made during the last few years that includes the center court score board, retractable roof for the centre court etc., 

There are some parts which are still untouched like the white dress code, green tinge (not only the ground but the entire backdrop)etc,. these long-standing things certainly retain the authenticity of this event.

I am following this event from 1984 finals where McEnroe reached his 5th consecutive finals and won the event for 3rd and last time against Connors. 

Hush!!!!shh!!! Please do not use this to determine my age….

Whereas rest of the Grand slams I picked up from 1988 due to the dependency factor with DD , those days only finals and later on SF were added to the telecast list. 

Both YSCA trophy and this event will have same day finals and I have to run back home from cricket ground to watch Wimbledon finals. Memorable days…

Every year this event will have its own surprises like Steffi’s first round exit in 1994 and year 2015 was not an exception with Rafa’s early exit. All other top seeds in men from one to four reached last eight. Though we did have some threats from Anderson and big serving Croatian Karlovic. Association with Martina Hingis has yielded good results for Peas and Sania.

Being a big fan of Roger I have to admit that Novak’s game in the finals was like surgeon with a racket wielding with precision, otherwise it would have  been difficult to counter Roger who was at his best for the first 14 days. 

The other champion Serena has already won the preceding  three grand slams and was a clear favorite in this one too. She did struggle but did not disappoint her fans.

As an Indian everyone would have noted the triumph in mixed and women final where the Indians partnered with Swiss great and won the championship. Also Sumit’s, Junior doubles title but very few would have followed the match where Rohan Bopana’s outset of Bryan brothers in the men’s doubles QF where the duo played some exciting tennis to remove the No1 seed.

Personally to me the resurgence of Roger is a takeaway from this year's event and the assurance given by HIM that he would return to this event next year too will keep my hopes alive for his 18^th GS title. 

When everyone were talking about his retirement he dismissed all by an immaculate tennis against Murray that proved yet again that he is an eternal genius. At 30+, with no GS titles after 2012 anyone would have taken the retirement with both hands but this Swiss great is continuing with a charm and perhaps brings smile not only to his fans but also to his critics.

Great ambassador to this sport

Finally… thanks to Ananya for guiding Prathiba in recording the first 2 sets of finals which I was not able to watch live since I was returning from Chennai…..

Papanasam

Off late I have seen dumbaku movies.... so to evade the sins (Pavam).....

Watched Papanasam twice during the first few days of release. There is a purpose for this, being a diehard fan of Kamal, thought I should watch more than once during week 1 since I did watch Dhirshyam once during its first week. If not it will be injustice….so watched Papanasam back to back.

In the past I have seen back to back movies of Kamal like Guna, Anbe Sivam, Kuruthi Punal..those are real back to back, immediate show after the previous. Those are unforgettable glorious days….from Deviparadise to Udhayam or to Kasi…using my bi-cycle as a racer bike.

In the above list I have watched some all alone ( esp Anbe Sivam), just to enjoy the performance and dialogue delivery with minimum disturbances around. Having seen the original version I was sure Papanasam will also fall under the above list, so ventured out all alone on Saturday and accomplished the task.

In the past I was never perturbed by this act of venturing alone since all those are during BM period ( Before Marriage) where as this one is in AM…makes a huge difference to your life style.

To reduce the ruffle took everyone in the family the next day so that I get perpetual food at home and this appended my back to back movie list of Kamal

Now to the movie….

Normally in his movie you will see his touches but in this one I think he let Jeetu to be independent except in choosing Gautami, I personally feel Meena would have added more charm to the role. Some changes to the original like adding the emotional element in the climax, more dialogues for MS Baskar since he is native of that place, language (Papanasam tamil) difficult to follow at some places, TVS XL Super replacing bicycle etc.

One notable change to the original version was the police character played by a comedian Shajon whereas in this one by Mani, only similarity between these two is that they hail from Kalabhavan. Mani created the Mahanadhi Thulukanam impact to this film. Big salute to Jeyamohan for his dialogue, some of the best ones are

1. கசாப்பு கடை கட்டறத ஆட்டு குட்டி வேடிக்கை பார்க்கறது
2. எங்க போறீங்க இன்னு கேக்கலாம்..தப்பு இல்லை
3. Entire climax dialogues both from Ananth Mahadevan and Kamal are super

No big change to original one and you will dare to make if the original was a clear winner in all aspects.

Reminiscence

Recently happen to see the movie Manal Kaiyru. 

When I come across 2 tamil movies in any of the social media, one person comes as a flash in my mind is my Grandma Kamalamma.

 Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai released in 1979 whereas the other one is Manal Kaiyru was released in 1982.

In those days I used to accompany her as a bodyguard. Yes I am able to hear your inner voice, how can a 6 year old child be a body guard for an elderly women. 

That even surprises me now!!!!!Could be that was a defense used to shield herself in getting permission from her son.

AAV – was released in Kamala cinema, I remember it should be first week of release. Her first attempt for Noon show ticket was a failure and we stayed there for a matinee and she somehow managed to get tickets. Great perseverance.

MK – was released in Krishnaveni cinema, we both were successful in getting tickets in first attempt. This one was night show, we stayed at Mangesh street which was near to the cinema which made life easier for our late night return.

Both cinemas are still in Chennai with big change to their infrastructure but when I pass through them sometimes this incident flashes with a little smile in my face.

Not only I used to accompany her to movies but also to lot of temples that used to be a herculean task in those days considering the public transport. Two such temple visits bring that iron lady to my memory immediately are

Nanganallur Anjeneyar Temple – Year 1989 Lord Hanuman
was installed but the 

Kumababishekam was performed only in 1995.  During 1989 there was nothing in the vicinity, We both took couple of buses from DMS(teynampet)and reached the temple and saw the mighty hanuman standing tall in an open area. Yes it was all open those days. It was my first experience of seeing something that big. 

The picture below depicts the evolution of this temple 

Vallakotai Murugan Temple - The powerful lord Murugan in this temple is the tallest ( 7 feet) in Tamilnadu. This one is situated between Singaperumal koil to Sriperumbudur on the Oragadam high way. Imagine in 1987 travelling to Oragadam from Tambaram. I will faint if I am asked to go to this place by public transport even today. But at that age she traversed to these places with great determination. 

This temple started becoming famous in those days for the quote

 “ இழந்த செல்வங்களை மீட்டு தரும் அருள்மிகு கொடையாண்டவர்” translation  “He who restores all that is lost”.

When we both visited this temple in 1987 it was as small as what they

have now for peacocks. No big gopurams and the temple had asbestos running along the circumference. 

Agree...yes the prayer was answered by HIM..HE did restore, that was lost and the generation X Y and Z of the family can vouch for that along with her sons and daughter in laws..... To be continued.....

Australian open - 2015

Tennis curtain for 2015 unfolded with no surprises when it comes to champions of Australian open. To the delight of the players and fans, this year the temperature at Melbourne (Flinders) Park was normal whereas this used to be a tennis event in an oven. 

 

Djoker and Melbourne is now what Rafa and Paris used to be, high-quality tennis for a fortnight from Djoker. Change of coach from Ivan Lendle to a woman/ Gay Mauresmo did not work for Murray but bettered his dismal year of 2014.

 

Sad part for me was the exit of Roger which I am used to for couple of years. He entered the event as No:2 seeded and also won a tune up title before this event. If this kind of performance is going to repeated in the next two majors, I would guess Tennis will see what Cricket saw in 2014. The exit of another sporting GOD.

 

Even before the start of the ladies final, Sharapova was defeated mentally by the  statistics  where she was facing an opponent whom she was not able to conquer in her last 15 outings and this 2015 Aus open final loss made that count to 16^th straight loss.

 

There is a cohesion between Williams sisters and Waugh brothers, In both the cases not only the letter W is common but one who came later to the sport shot to prominence. Mark was the one who surpassed his twin by elegance and all round ability whereas Serena with her number of Grand slam wins. Serena needs  another  4 more GS wins to surpass Steffi which might be possible if she adds another 2 this year else it will be demanding ask considering her age. 

Scene stealer on the men’s and ladies side are the 19 year old sensation Nick Krygious and Madison Keys. Nick has got lot of flair and charisma. On the other side the ferocious striker of the tennis ball has hit the scenes of women’s tennis in the name of Madison Keys. Based on the performance from these two it is hard not to envision a success for these two in the coming years.  

Finally on Rafal, It is now a pattern for Tomas Bredych to upset someone with some great tennis on a given day and go down in the next match. He played some scintillating tennis against Rafal and in the next match lost to Murray.