Fundraising for Surai Temple

To Begin with, would like to quote Chapter 12 Verse 9 &10 of Bhagavad Gita which refers to service.

"If you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulated principles of bhakti-yoga In this way you will develop a desire to attain to Me."

"If you cannot practice the regulations of bhakti-yoga, then just try to work for Me, because by working for Me you will come to the perfect stage."

It was an overwhelming response from most of you to my earlier communication about my association with this temple authorities of Mannatheswar Temple of Surai Village for building Gopuram for Sivan Sannadhi and Separate sannadhi for Murugar. Most of your responses were towards getting the bank details whereas some sought more details about temple which prompted me to write this article.

The above temple is situated in a village called Surai, near Thirumalaivaiyavur on the way to Vedanthangal from Chengalpet.

The delay in getting this article out is due to the search of an old picture that was taken at this temple to compare the same with current, the intent is not to prove the accomplishment or developments but to render information about this temple and how HE and SHE takes care of not only the devotees but also themselves. Earlier the roofing was with mangalore tiles that has paved way for a concrete hall and completely rejuvenated gopurams and structure to stay for several years to come is not only pleasing to eyes but also to heart.

Same place after a decade

 
Little drops make the mighty ocean or in the modern terminology the same can be refurbished like Little statements/codes make powerful Software.

Similarly all these Sanathana Dharma activities can be easily carried only when we have the synergy of like minded people. In those days we had designated people to carry out these tasks, say for example the Emperors took the responsibility of building the place of worship for the religion they are associated. In this century the Industrialist are coming to the rescue but mostly their association are with medium or mighty temples. Still the needy tiny temples in some hamlet require attention where common people’s synergy is required for the upliftment.

Plans for 2016 are

1. Construction of Gopuram for Sivan sannadhi 
2. Sannadhi for Murugar 
3. Construction of toilets 

Benefits of doing these things have several dimensions apart from HIS blessing.

These villagers do not have the privileges like us where we have several options for a get together with friends or relatives. It is always delightful to see the happy faces of the villagers when they assemble at the temple during festival time. They spend time with friends, neighbors and relatives and have lunch together cooked at the temple premises and finally disperse at the end of the day. Some come from far off places to their own village only for that day and for that event. I have spent time on these occasions in this temple to see the delighted faces.Some sample pictures taken during one such occasion.

 Secondly we can prevent conversion of these people to other religions who are enticed by the offers and the richness of the place of worship from other religions. We can make the poor, innocent villagers to come back to the temples rather than to the other places of worship. All these will fall under sanathana dharmam and to me even the 3rd in the list will also fall under the domain.

During our last visit to this temple, we found that the people particularly women are in the state of discomfiture when there is a need to attend nature call. So the idea of construction of toilet erupted but it is not treated as same as the construction of the other two. Due to the lack of response to this project, whereas good support for the others made us to amalgamate all into one and go for funding.

A group of Masons who visits this temple from Chennai has agreed to spend their time and effort with no cost for the 3rd project.

Hardship in getting support for toilet construction is not a surprise since PM Modi’s Swachh Bharat mission has many challenges in making India “Open defection free” by 2019.

Click here for the Challenges faced by Swachh Bharat

If you intend to be part of all these project and would like to contribute whatever that is possible you can transfer to the below mentioned bank account. Please mention your name in the reference that will help us. For example  Your Name - Surai      

Account Number :- 50100005123491

Name :- Ananya GB

Bank and Branch :- HDFC KK Nagar

IFSC Code :- HDFC0001052

It would be fitting to end with a quote since the start also had one

“Change is permanent and constant. Existence is ephemeral. If existence has age then there will be no “change”. The universe is evolving at all times because of change. Without change there is no universe. -- from Bhagavad Gita”

Panchayatana Pooja @ 29 May 2016

Life is full of desires, even Buddha desired to be free from desire.

In my desire catalog, Panchayatana pooja was the one that was waiting for the prearranged time. He knows when to prescribe and to/by whom. Finally the wait was over and came in the form of LOKA KSHEMA SEVA SAMITI which organizes several events and this one is part of their list. As soon as I heard about the event, registered for the same.They have their criteria in selecting the couples for the event. Due to His blessing I was part of the list and would like to share about the event and the professional approach carried throughout the process. As a prologue would like to throw some light on this pooja.

Panchayatana Pooja is the system of worship in a systematic laid down procedure by Smarta Sampradaya of Hinduism which involves both physical and mental discipline that requires inner and outer cleanliness.

It is said to have been re-introduced by Adi Shankara, yes people mistake that Shri Shankara actually started this Panchayatana puja system - which is wrong. Deva Puja and Archana is one of the most important duties imposed by the Shastras. The Shastras are filled with details of the Panchayatana puja details and Shankra only prescribed us to follow it without fail and made popular.

It consists of the worship of five deities namely Sun, Ambika, Vishnu, Ganapati and Shiva all on the same pedestal meaning no Beda Bhava(discrimination).This emphasized the idea that these are not five different Gods, but they are the one God worshiped in five different forms.

Some wrongly think Adi Shankara taught only Jnana and had no place for Karma. Shankara held that the place of Jnana was all-important but he knew equally well that many could not give up Karma and so they should be taught the most beneficial forms of Karma and this is one among them.

Thus the Panchayatana Puja came into Smartha homes and are represented by small natural stones from various parts of India which is worshipped in its own pure form.

1. Ganesha – Red Sonabhadra stone from river Sone in Bihar 
2. Surya – Crystal from river Vallam in Tanjavur 
3. Vishnu – Saligrama from river Gandaki in Nepal 
4. Shiva – Banalinga from river Narmadha from Madhya Pradesh 
5. Ambikai - Swarna Muki from river Swarna Muki in AP

Now back to the event, the entire event was excellently organized from the start to end where professionalism was evident in all activities. The best part was the amalgamation of technology(Video Conf with Periva) with the event and all those hard efforts manifested into great gala event.

Initial process is those who are interested should call the designated people and in turn you will be asked some questions and finally some personal details to be shared by email. If you get selected based on the criteria, you will be informed by email and SMS about the venue and things to carry on that day. 108 couples were selected for this particular event.

On the previous occasion too they got the blessing from Kanchi Perivas and this year too they met both Periva and got their blessing for this event. Please find the video link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQp-vS6ThvQ

People were present well in advance of the start time(Sunday 7.00 am) and this showed the commitment, almost 80% of the population was well before start. Another thing that was evident is the age group mixture where undeniably people of less than 45 age were higher compared to other age group, good signs for Sanatana Dharmam.

 

At the start, the entire schedule was presented to the audience and everything was followed as per the schedule without any variance.

Rituals and Pooja to Murthis followed by carnatic music to keep audience engaged till Balaperiva’s Live video conference was awesome. Post that every couple was presented with new traditional attire and above videos was played in the screen for those who did not had the opportunity to pick this up in the YouTube earlier. Also a Pooja was performed and the same was telecasted in the screen so that the participants get an idea on the procedure was an awesome amazing idea.

 

 

Finally for each of them Panchakshari Japam was rendered followed by handing over of Murthis to every individual. On the way from the stage before each of them get seated, 2 bags were given that contained items for pooja, also a book on how to do this pooja with mantras. Yes each one of us performed our first pooja there to get accustomed to the practice. Finally awesome feast ended the event around 14.00 hrs for that day.

A follow up event(week later) to clarify the doubts that might sweep across our mind when we perform the pooja at home is the best ending note I have come across recently.

The entire event can be summarized in the below video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=26&v=Gajm7KUhh7c

Kudos to entire team.

Parvathamalai - Southern Kailash - 2

Team
As mentioned in my previous blog the team captain was Balaji Davey, who is renowned for meticulous planning. From 20+ the team size got reduced to 12 when each of them came to know the difficulties associated. Final team consisted of 12 whose age range was from 16 to 77 in which my Father-in-law was also a part.

The major factor for the reduction in size was the non availability of facilities. Since we planned an overnight stay on top of the hill then obviously this will play a crucial role, though we had a toilet at Ashram we need to carry water on our own or buy from the shops. Power is the second one, they have a genset and since the fuel is carried from the village all the way to the top it is used for couple of hours and then it is pitch dark, either the torch you carry or the kerosene lamp has to be used inside the Ashram.
We all assembled at CMBT and boarded the Van, also had a delicious breakfast at Sangeetha and Lunch at Polur Raja Mess. I have to admit that the lunch was one of the best I had recently and this was the feel of the entire team. Kudos to our captain for picking this one.

Finally reached Thenmadimanagalam village, parked our vehicle and took an auto to reach the foothill where the steps begin. Started around 15.00 hrs and finished our climb before darkness crept and all assembled in front of Ashram.

How to reach the summit- There are 3 ways to reach the top,

1. From Thenmadimangalam, this is relatively new and off late famous. Most devotees use this way where it consist of 1600 steps and at the end of the steps it joins the old route Kadaladi.

2. From Kadaladi, Old and this one is relatively tough, no steps and this is where the Mouna Guru Ashram is located. You have facilities to leave your vehicle, stay and use rest room. This route will be good for trekkers and one must follow the arrow symbols inside the forest. At the end this route meets the steps and as mentioned in my previous edition the tough part starts at the end of steps.

3. Kandha Palayam – This is not much used and very steep

We used 1st route to climb up and 2nd to descend and felt the return was more tiring and all were exhausted. The distance to trek is 7 kms and will take 4 hours for reasonably fit people to ascend and 6 hours maximum for others.

1st route has got lot of small shops all along the way till temple where you get refreshments that include water bottles, lemon soda, fruits etc.,

I met an old man during my ascend, he is 73 years old and he has been climbing the mountain twice a month from his age of 17 years. I was dumbfounded this should be his1344th trip for him.

Ashram @ Top
At the summit of the Hill is the Mouna Guruswamy Ashram where Swami Mouna Vithoba lived from year 1981 in a cave and was maintaining the Temple. After living for 16 years on the summit the saint came to the bottom of Parvathamalai in 1997 and performed intensive sadhana for 4-5 years and attained siddhi in 2002. At the bottom of the Hill a samadhi for Mouna Vithoba Swami and a ashram has been developed.

He was engaged in puja and worship of Goddess Sri Rajarajeshwari at the hilltop cave. The ashram authorities allow everyone to perform meditation inside the cave and also they describe about swamiji and temple details. I have recorded a video of the same and shared along with photos.

During his stay at top he used to serve food to the people who visited the temple and wished that the same to continue which is being carried even now. Both Food and accommodation is available at top and foothill.
Though the construction around the cave started 10 years ago, the ashram is still under development, however even now (in its unfinished state) it offers food and accommodation to pilgrims.

We were served hot ven pongal and the entire team had it under the sky with passing clouds and chill wind. We all stayed inside the Ashram over the night after visiting temple.

Next day morning when we descended after another darshan of God, I saw the cloud coming up as the air was lifting it up, it was a divine experience to be with nature.

Kumbabishegam – The dilapidated state of the Temple forced some the devotees from Triplicane, Chennai, to form a Renovation Committee. Word spread and help came from all quarters. The HR and CE gave the green signal and work started in 2010. But it has not been easy. From water to steel and wood to cement, everything has to be transported manually. An uphill task, literally! Sand is sent up in small bags through devotees. Water is carried in bottles and the same is emptied into huge drums. You will feel the bewilderment once you visit this hill, on how this task was accomplished.

This attached video link will provide an idea how the task was completed and will help to compare the current state and previous state.

Video 1                                                                 Video 2

Yes on Jan 20th 2016 Kumbabishegam was performed after 600 years and we were fortunate to visit before the mandalam. The above picture will show the development and effort that has gone into.

Temple –It is believed that the great siddhar Bhogar created the God here.

There is no door in the temple and similar to North India here too we can perform abishegam to god on our own. It is important to carry water and pooja items which I did.

One passerby noticed my heavy bag and inquired about the same. I told him that it has pooja items and he hinted that they might not allow to perform abishegam on our own considering the Mandala pooja(48 days from Kumbabishegam) and the same was told by priest when I reached the temple.

Normally they will avoid certain items during this period and on my repeated request he accepted few like 2 litres of Ganges water, Rose water, Fruits and Jaggery for Panchamrithum, sandal whereas he rejected Milk, Curd and Honey which I gave it to Ashram people for their use.

The Goddess Brahmarambika idol at the Temple has a dazzling smile and Divine light can be often seen on her face and cheeks. When the devotee walks away from Goddess Brahmarambika in the sanctum sanctorum, the size of the deity instead of diminishing appears to increase in size and it seems as if the Goddess steps forward and approaches the devotee.

In my next edition will share about Girivalam and some salient incidents that has occurred in the past. 

Parvathamalai - Southern Kailash

Cause and the effect of Guru’s Grace can be illustrated with one of the basic scientific process, Water cycle. As all of us know the purest form of water is when it is in the state of vapor. Irrespective of the source or the past form, let it be from drains or stinking ponds or contaminated lakes or the saline water of oceans when it evaporates and comes back as rain it is of the purest form. The important factor for evaporation is the rays of sun and in the case of Guru it is the benevolence of Guru.

When you amalgamate with HIM, no matter what you have been till then, self-purification happens unconsciously. Not only the physical impurities are removed but also the thoughts and feelings towards others too get purified and the impurities are discarded.

My first acquaintance of the word Parvathamalai(Southern Kailash) emanated during my reading on Mahaperiva’s incident during HIS Giri pradhaksana and the Anna Dhannam episode on Marghazi 1st day. As usual started gathering information about this temple and was planning to make a trip. Came to know that the Kumbabishegam is scheduled for Jan 20th 2016 and want to wait till that period so that it adds value to your visit.

https://mahaperiyavaa.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/parvatha-malai-incident/

As usual Balaji Davey (friend), posted in FB that he is planning a trip during second week of February and grabbed the opportunity with both hands and confirmed my availability.

History and Location :- 

Parvathamalai is located near Thenmadimangalam Village, 20 kms from Polur near Thiruvanamalai and part of Javadhu hills.

“Parvatham” means mountain and Parvatha Malai as it is called, denotes “Hill of Hills". It is believed that when Lord Hanuman carried Sanjeevini hill to revive Laxman a piece of Sanjeevenimalai fell at this spot. For this reason this particular area is famous for various herbs and shrubs which can cure the deadliest diseases. It is not just herbs that can cure disease but the breeze alone from the Hill wafting through the plants and shrubbery is enough to help cure illnesses. Also it is believed that when Lord Siva returned from the Himalayas to South India, He stepped on Parvathamalai on His way to Arunachala, Thiruvannamalai.

Constitution:- 

We have to cross 6 hills to reach this powerful temple which is at the cliff of the 7th hill and Lord Shiva is in the form of Mallikarjuna and Goddess as Brahmarambika or Parvathammal. After crossing 6 Chakras in the human body the kundalini shakthi reaches the sadashivam in the top of the body. Similar to that we have to cross 6 hills(Kadalaadi ,Methamalai, Kumari Mettumalai,Kadapparaimalai, kanakachiodaimalai) to reach Shiva Sakthi here. Parvathamalai presents eight different shapes from eight directions around the hill and one form of the shape is like

bull or Nandhi and the temple is bang on the forehead of Nandhi.                                 
Siddhars @ Hill :-

It is believed that it should be 2000 years old and great yogis (Siddhars) constructed this Temple at the top of the hill for doing meditation. However on record we have some reference to 300 AD. This is a hill visited by numerous Siddhas for Shiva worship and that could be a reason for this place to be vested with a lot of spiritual power and powerful vibrations from the religious point of view.

Many siddhars are living and practicing their skills around Hill and they have given darshan to many visitors. It is reputed that there are Siddhars who have made this Hill their home and who keep their presence a secret only choosing to reveal themselves to very few devotees of the Divine. It is believed that these Siddhars visit the Temple on the top of Parvathamalai at midnight to worship the presiding deities there. 

Trekking to Top:-

Reaching the top of Parvathamalai is an arduous task. It is a vertical mountain over 4,500 feet in height that has iron rod steps, 1600 track steps, ladder steps, and sky steps (agayapadi) not found at other such sacred mountains. The Kadapaarai Padhai section of the climb up the Hill is considered to be the toughest part of the trek. This part which is punctuated by iron rods drilled into the rocks and chains to assist during the sharp ascent is also only wide enough to accommodate one-way traffic. Thus one has to raise one’s voice voice from the bottom of this section and wait for acknowledgment from the other end before starting to climb the Kadapaarai Padhai section.

Maha Periva & Malai :-

Kanchi Sri Sankaracharya saw the hill in the shape of Shivalingam. He saw the hill as God and doesn't want to keep his foot on the hill and just went around the hill worshiping it. This hill attracts a lot of devotees on Pradhosam,Full moon day, No moon day, Adi 18 and also on Marghazi 1st day close to a lakh people will perform Giri Pradhksanam.

Mystic Malai:-Villagers around ‘Parvathamalai’ down below say that they can clearly hear the sound of ringing bells, blowing conch and beating drums exactly at midnight when pujas are performed by siddhars. This place is filled with stories of miracles witnessed in one form or another.It is reported by visitors that at night many paranormal activities occur on Parvathamalai. On a clear day one can see Thiruvanamalai hill from here.

In my next edition will cover the Ashram and its activities at the top, how our travel was organized by our captain Balaji, Experience of staying overnight at the top, How the kumbabishekam was performed and finally some of the incidents I heard from shopkeepers during my interaction with them.

Pratinandan Voyage - 4(Final)

God takes the form of a Guru and appears to the devotee,The Guru will come to us when we are ready. We simply need to make ourselves ready and the rest is automatic. 

Finally taking this series to an end.The intent of sharing these information is to create interest so that everyone should visit these temples atleast as a mark of respect to those who spent their time and energy in building these wonders. Even for non-believers these have plenty in store, if someone from other country can find an architecture marvel why not we? 

Many of us think that Kumbakonam is only the nine Navagraha temples for all our dhoshams and a little more but actually it is much much bigger indeed!
Please reserve a full day for other temples and have a plan to cover as much as possible in each of your visit.

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES

Gangaikonda CholapuramThis particular temple was picked when I was reading an article about how HH MahaPeriva started the Annaabhishegam in year 1986. So got fascinated and wanted to visit and thus included in my list.

 Also prior to that HH ensured that abhishegam to Brahadheeswara is performed by Ganges water that was brought from Haridwar in a huge lorry.(If interested goggle to find the entire episode). 

When I visited this temple around 10.00 am I was the one and only devotee in this huge temple.
This temple was built by Rajendra Chola son of Raja Raja Chola after his victorious invasion of Northern India. In the year 1012 to 1044 he expanded to south east Asia and Srilanka and made Cholas as supreme power.

The Shiva Linga in the temple is the biggest(bigger than Tanjore) in size among the Lingas in Tamilnadu temples. Nandhi is also bigger than Tanjore, made of a single lime stone 200 metres far from the sanctum. Rays of Sun light falls on the Nandhi each day reflecting on the Linga. Even if all lights in the sanctum are put off, devotees can see the Lord in the sunlight. Similar to Tanjore Big temple, the shadow of the Kalasa on the tower does not fall on ground.A stone, called Chandrakanta stone is installed under the Linga with a rare power of making the place cool during summer and comforting warmth during winter. This is experienced by generations of priests of the temple. Mother Durga in the temple graces the devotees as a 9 year old pretty smiling little girl with 20 hands killing demon Mahishasura. She is the family deity of King Rajendra Chola.

This temple was abandoned by people and wore a deserted look till late 80’s until HH Mahaperiva installed a Sri Chakra at the feet of the Mother Periyanayagi. People say that only after the installation of the Sri Chakra , the crowd began to swell in the temple.

Outer wall was destructed during British rule to reuse the material (rocks) for constructing a dam across Kollidam.

I have provided a link from youtube where you can get full view of the temple.

http://view360.in/virtualtour/gangaikondacholapuram/

Thirubhuvanam - Kampaheswarar Temple

This is on the way to Mayiladuthurai from Kumbakonam. This is similar to Thanjavur, Dasarum, Gangaikonda Cholapuram in the architecture style where structure of main sanctum is mightier than first gopuram. Again this was built as a memorial to a successful North India campaign by Cholas and more than 1000 years old.

Main deity is Sri Kambahareswarar and Ambal is Sri Dharmasamvardhani there is a seprate shrine for Sarabeswarar.

Narashimma avatar is the most ferocious forms of Vishnu avatars, after slaying the demon the presence of the evil demon’s blood made Narashima more furious. All Rishis and Devas got frightened on the situation and pleaded to Lord Shiva to save the world from his intensity. Lord Shiva took a Sarabeswarar form and started chasing the Narashimma Avatar of Vishnu. Sarabeswarar is a form of as half animal and half bird with 8 legs, 4 hands, 2 feathers and sharp tooth, nails that was looking more ferocious than Narashima. Narashimma got frightened by looking at Sarabeswarar and started running away. At one point of time, Sarabeswarar touched Narashimma then Narashimma’s anger went away and he got calm. Lord Sarabeswara took Narasimha above the gravitational sphere to prevent his blood falling on earth. The form of Sarabeswara comprises four Gods – Shiva, Kaali, Durga and Vishnu.

Performing abishegam to main deity is like performing Ashwamedha Yagna and every month for the last 25 years on a full moon day this is being performed by Thinamalar family and I was fortunate to be there on 23 rd Jan(full moon day).

Thiruvidaimarudur - Mahalingaeswaraswamy
Lord Shiva is called Mahalingeswaraswamy and referred to as Jothimayalingam and the consort is Brihathsundarakujambigai. Some people consider this temple equivalent to Kasi and pooja is performed to main deity and then only to Lord Vinayagar. This is one of the huge temples I have visited and later on came to know that it is largest in Tamilnadu. Having heard about the association of this temple with HH Maha Periva, how can this not be in the list and hence included.This huge temple is one of the greatest Saivite shrines in Tamilnadu and is referred to as Madhyarjuna Kshetram and is said to be on par with Chidambaram and Varanasi.

The Shiva lingam is suyambu, in the process of teaching and demonstrating the worship to sages it is believed that Shiva worshipped himself (Advaitha Philosophy). Devotees use different gopurams to enter and exit and there is story(Brahmahatti dosham) behind this where a Pandyan King was constantly haunted by a Brahim ghost who was killed by the King’s horse. As per the divine guidance King visited this temple through eastern gate and left through western gate where the Ghost was waiting in the eastern gate for him to return thus the king was relieved of Dosam.

This temple has 3 praharamas, Aswamedha pradhakshina praharam(should be more than half km), Going around this will give the effect of doing Ashwamedha yaga. Kodumudi praharam – circumambulation this will give the effect of going to Kailash. Pranava praharam – Going around this will give Moksha.

The temple car(Ther) is one of the biggest of Tamilnadu, The Ther was donated to the temple in 1800 AD.Swamiji in the below picture will have reference in my next

 

When I visited the temple, 5 car festival happened after 180 years and due to HIS grace able to get a glimpse of the Majestic ther moving.

Govindapuram

Finally reached the destination which did ignited this travel. Visited Dakshina Pandaripuram which is a replica and a Maharashtrian style temple for Sri Rukmini sametha Sri Vittal.

Since I requested for Kanchi madam the driver took me to the Brindhavan of Srimad Bhagavannama Bodhendral – the 59th acharya of the Sri Kamakoti Peetha, spent some and rushed to Tapovanam since it was almost noon.

Tapovanam - The divine form of Sri Mahaswami which is in a seated posture has been sculpted in green stone by Sri Ganapathi Sthapati. Encircling Sri Mahaswami, are Sri Adi Sankara in sculpted form and all the other Gurus in the form of Banalingas. All these banalingas have been brought from the Narmada river. Wondrous indeed, that by the grace and penance of Sri Mahaswami, all these lingas were found on a single day. Here in their subtle presence are all the 68 Masters starting from Sri Adi Sankara onwards, in one and the same place. Sri Mettur Swami, who received sanyasa directly from Sri Mahaswami and who was personally overseeing the performance of the Nithya puja and abhisheka entered his brindavana here. Since HH is in mid of his Guru the posture is that of making his pranams to his Guru. 

 Tapovanam was closed even before I went and initially had a poignant mood, then realized the purpose is to chant so recited the verses and left the main mandapam. A person who was managing the premises called me and the purpose of the call was they are about to open the main mandapam for a Visitor, the same swamiji I saw in the Ther vizha. He was the one among the elite members who occupied the dais and started the Ther vizha. This made me to realize the power of the slokas recited by me, especially Chamakam. 
Chamakam when chanted with devotion assures granting of what you ask. Not only I had a wonderful darshan and details of the tapovanam described but also delicious lunch with vada payasam etc., 

I am sharing a link where you can find more details and would encourage everyone to have a look and if possible participate in the nityapoojai and homa and get his blessing. Let us all share a small portion to our Guruparampara.

https://mahaperiyavaa.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/sri-kanchi-mahaswamigal-tapovanam-govindapuram-2/

Grand Slam - Down Under 2016

Going off-track from my previous theme where the concluding edition is pending that might get rolled later this week. Before I forget I want to pen down this one since those places will remain as everlasting memories and I can recollect the same anytime.

Advent of December(Marghazi) and January(Thai) month brings with it Bhakthi, Music and Sports during the early hours of India. War for television remote is definitely possible if people of varied interest share a television set.

Normally in Australia during the month of January both Tennis and the shorter version of cricket go hand in hand and similar to the year 2015 this year also Indian cricket team was there down under.

Being the first Grand slam event of the year, Australian open creates lot of interest among the followers and this year was no exception. I was personally looking for this one for various reasons

• Being an zealous fan of Federer, wanted him to get that elusive No 18 title
• Serene equaling the German great Steffi

Other mutually exclusive that were on the cards are of Djokovic 11th that will bring him on par with legends like Laver and Borg or Rafa’s 14th title or Andy’s first at down under.

Year 2016 event had dust storm, rain, searing heat, clear sky and controversies. Before start of the event I was surprised with the news that this sport too is not spared by match-fixers. The report from BBC sparked flurry of revelations and accusations with Djokovic among the players to confirm a match-fixing approach early in his career.

Considering the Australian summer, the entry of physical trainer onto the court is a normal phenomenon at this venue. But this year not only there were several visits by trainer on to the court also there were instances of off-court injuries, like Nigel Sears (father in law of Andy Murray) who collapsed during a match.

The seeding largely held the expectation and more true in the Men’s draw with the exception of few like Rafa's 1st round exit  and as the event progressed the Women’s draw witnessed more seeded player’s exits starting Venus Williams in the 1st round.

Some of the events I personally enjoyed while watching them live are

• Tomas Berdych’s 195km/h serve against Roger Federer that crashed into a line judge’s abdomen(to be specific on the box) and I could feel the pain from here. Regardless of the pain, showing a typical Aussie grit the official carried on.
• Tsonga came to the aid of a stricken ball girl, she was not able to stand due to illness. He supported her till the gates.
• Dominic Thiem’s sportsmanship against David Goffin, handing back a point he knew should not be replayed and finally lost the match.

One person who will not be seen from next year on this GS is Lleyton Hewitt, being his home was a wild card entrant every year. My memorable moment of Lleyton Hewitt goes back to 1998 when at 15 years old he became one of the youngest winner of a tournament, defeating Jason Stoltenberg in the final, after having defeated Andre Agassi in the semi-finals. He was also the youngest male ever to be ranked NO1 at the age of 20. Now on his new assignment of coaching the Davis cup team and shaping the teenagers like Bernard Tomic and Kyrgious should be his priority.

Hewitt remained a presence at Melbourne Park throughout the fortnight, partnering Groth in the doubles and appearing in both Kyrgios’ and Tomic’s(fellow countrymen) boxes before standing alongside Laver, Ken Rosewall during the men’s final. He may not be in the draw next year, but his impact of the sport in Australia remains as important as ever.

It is pleasing to see the next generation of players like Dimitrov,Milos Raonic,Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic emerging and the big question on the Era after the likes Fedrer and Djokovic might be answered by these folks….

Women’s event – I was surprised with early exits of some players like Vic Azarenka and Venus Willams but could spot a talent in Daria Gavrilova, this Aussie teenager showed some power tennis and finally folded in round 4 to Carla’s experience. This year too we had the routine face off between Serena and Maria and yet again Serena emerging victorious. The final result amazed everyone including the winner Kerber against Serena(attached picture proves),

who was denied her chance to draw level with Steffi Graf as the most decorated Grand Slam champion of the Open era with a 22nd title. By winning this title Kerber has shot to No2 in the ranking, a temporary standing.

Men’s Event - The men’s draw began with a bang and exit of Rafa and the rest of the results were as expected. Exceptional talent was seen in the form of Milos Raonic who exhibited the net game similar to his idol Pete Sampras. Round 4 match against Stan Wawrinka was an epic battle where the serve-volleying Canadian won not only the match but several tennis fan’s heart. From the lower half of the draw, I was expecting him to play the final but in SF against Andy he lost due to his leg injury. We can expect a blast from this guy during Wimbledon 2016.

No Canadian men has ever reached the final of a tennis Grand Slam, it looked as if Raonic would become the first.He beat Andy Murray in the first set of their semifinal match, as well as the third. But just when one set away from winning the match and reaching the final, his body let him down.

As usual another tussle between Federer and Djokovic this time in a SF, that ended with the same result and this loss had shot the confidence of the Serbian and in future matches he might win a game before it starts.

Djokovic mowed Roger in semis and blasted Andy in the finals. Also Novak makes you to go for steep angles to win points, else it will be tough and hence the unforced errors of his opponents are higher, actually this can be termed as forced errors (mentally outplayed).

Change of coach has definitely improved Murray’s game but he has to realize that Djokovic is also improving year after year. The intensity of the final match was not there and first set showed the direction of the result. Agree, the Scot endured one of the hardest fortnights of his career in Melbourne, away from his expectant wife Kim and rushing to the bedside of his father-in-law Nigel Sears, who collapsed during his third-round match but if you want to win, all these things has to be set aside mentally.

Finally the name Djokovic was engraved 6th time on the cup.

Women’s Doubles – As expected the pair of Martina and Sania sailed yet another title without any battle except in QF.

Mixed Doubles – Martina and Leander Peas tumbled to the world no 1 Sania and Ivan in the QF but eventually the world no1 lost their SF to the winners of Elena pair.

Eagerly waiting for the queen of Grand slam during English Summer….