Aham - the Self

Aham is a Sanskrit term which means "Self" or "I." 
Aham Brahmasmi from the Upanishads, relates to the Absolute Reality, I am the real, Brahman.

Aham also refers to ego. 
Positively, a real ego or Negatively, a false ego. 
The real ego helps to understand the Self spiritually.
The false ego leads to thinking of the Self materially, 

In the context of Aham Brahmasmi, the term is used positively - the real ego. 

Kara in Sanskrit means by hand, which is created, is material. Aham-kara, is ego created, by desire - the false ego.

Every single word, phrase, lesson, tree, bird, animal, everything possesses knowledge. 

It’s up to us to see it, learn, gracefully accept, and use it to the best of the society. 

It’s up to us to see the positive in everything and use it for good.

Shreemad Bhagwad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। 
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
English Translation:
Your right is to the duty only, not to the fruits thereof.
Do not act for the results of your deeds. Never be attached to not doing the duty.

Krishna says do your Dharma. To do our Dharma, one need not become an ascetic and renounce the world and walk in the path of realsing God. Even if we are to do our daily chores with devotion and dedication, that in itself is Dharma which earns Karma, good Karma. He continues, don't expect returns. Doing our Dharma with conviction with bring its desired result, not what our Aham desires. 

In order to structure our living, we follow religion & it’s tenets; our scriptures such as the Vedas have concised this vast knowledge of the world and put it in a form for people can follow; if understood correctly, taught by a learned Guru, it sharpens the intellect, structures the mind and purifies it. A truly learned person is not affected by false ego, Ahamkara. What we get, we must share, positively, to make a difference. Otherwise what’s the purpose of having knowledge and not enhancing the intellect of another! Same goes to wealth - what we get, we must share; what we keep goes bare; when we share, with good intention, the joy multiples, especially when we do not bind the recipient to our directions and restrict the end-result. 

Learned people who had wronged like Ravana-Brahma or Hiranyakasipu, used their vast knowledge for selfish purposes, that would satisfy their Aham-kara, the false ego - and justified it by doing things which they thought was right, but it wasn’t so for the society. This led to their destruction. 

Aham, the egotistic false self and the desire it feeds, leads to destruction of not only the self, but also the society. 

The humanity is suffering due to agnana-ignorance and ahamkara - false ego.

Take the example of climate change! We cut a tree thinking it may trouble us. So does everyone else, resulting in disastrous consequences to the society and then on to the World! We destroy the little ecosystem it supports - the birds, animals, insects that are dependent on it. Everything in nature is inter-related. Trees hold water under ground, grow to give shade and fruits/flowers, suck pollution from the atmosphere created by humans, store it in them for ages; even after they are dead, after many ages turns to fossil fuel! Every type of tree/ plant/ shrub has a purpose. Similarly every human has a purpose, which one must realise and act accordingly to better the society. 

Every drop makes an ocean, every tree can become a forest, every human can become a saint! 

If we don’t cut, and advise another to not cut, then the climate would’ve been much better than now...

If we can realise the positive self, advise another to enhance their being, society would be much better than now....

Shreemad Bhagawad Geeta Chapter 4 Verse 39
श्रद्धावाल्लँभते ज्ञानं तत्परः संयतेंद्रियः। 
ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा परां शांतिमचिरेणाधिगच्छति॥ 
English Translation:
The faithful one, attentively focused, who has conquered the senses, achieves transcendental knowledge
and having achieved transcendental knowledge, quickly attains supreme peace.

Nature supports itself, when not destructed by others. There is no widespread aham in nature; in fact, largely, there is support, cooperation and coordination - that we will observe in another episode.

Yes, I’m Changing...!

I usually do not forward or seriously consoder messages received on social media. But this one beats them all. While not being preachy and not self-glorifying, it speaks a language that related to anyone, and that includes me. I find that I’m able to relate to almost every situation mentioned here, just that people tend to misunderstand and interpret affirmative action as either ‘in-action’ or ‘hyper-active’ or ‘indifferent’ or even just ‘arrogance’.

Well, you can fight facts, not perceptions. Just like how each person is differently, so too is their personality, thoughts and behaviour. Maturity is to ignore or advise, depending on the circumstance, nothing is achieved by fretting other than losing inner peace and mental balance.
Internally, I feel more mellowed and compassionate. That’s both good and bad- I feel great when I am about doing good to society, it’s bad because people who interact perceive it as softness and counterproductive to the rats in their races; hmm... has any rat ever won a race? 🐀
There’s little hunger for life, bondage to attachments, excitement over a new toy, gratification over achievements, grief over a loss; life is more functional, now. The fire, as they say, still burns, but not to set fire to anything or anyone, but just to prove to myself that productivity is still there, knowledge is paramount.

Well, here it goes....

Days slip into weeks,
Weeks turn into months and
Months transform into years.
Calendars are changing and so am I.

Yes, I am changing.
- After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my friends, now I have started loving myself.

Yes, I am changing.
- I just realised that I am not “Atlas” & the world does not rest on my shoulders.

Yes, I am changing.
- I now have stopped bargaining with poor vegetables & fruits vendors. After all, a few rupees more is not going to burn a hole in my pocket but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.

Yes, I am changing.
- I pay the autowalla / cabbie & walk away without waiting for the change. The extra money might bring a smile on his face. After all he is toiling much harder for a living than me.

Yes, I am changing.
- I stopped telling the elderly that they have already narrated that story many times. After  all, the story makes them walk down the memory lane and relive the past.

Yes, I am changing.
- I have learn not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. After all, the onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.

Yes, I am changing.
- I give compliments freely & generously. After all its a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me.

Yes, I am changing.
- I have learnt not to bother about a crease on my shirt or a spot on my skirt. After all, personality speaks louder than appearances.

Yes, I am changing.
- I walk  away from people who don't value me. After all, they might not know my worth, but I do*.

Yes, I am changing.
- I remain cool when someone plays dirty politics to outrun me in the rat race. After all, I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.

Yes, I am changing.
- I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. After all, it's my emotions that make me human.

Yes, I am changing.
- I have learnt that its better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. After all, my ego will keep me aloof whereas with relationships I will never be alone.

Yes, I am changing.
- I demand for whatever is due to me. After all, accepting injustice is almost as bad as doing injustice.

Yes, I am changing.
- I've learnt to live each day as if it were the last. After all, it might be the last .

Yes, I am changing.
- I am doing what makes me happy. After all, I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to me.

Patjhad, पतझड़, (Autumn)

है यह पतझड़ की शाम, सखे!

नीलम-से पल्लव टूट ग‌ए,
मरकत-से साथी छूट ग‌ए,
अटके फिर भी दो पीत पात
जीवन-डाली को थाम, सखे!
है यह पतझड़ की शाम, सखे!

लुक-छिप करके गानेवाली,
मानव से शरमानेवाली
कू-कू कर कोयल माँग रही
नूतन घूँघट अविराम, सखे!
है यह पतझड़ की शाम, सखे!

नंगी डालों पर नीड़ सघन,
नीड़ों में है कुछ-कुछ कंपन,
मत देख, नज़र लग जा‌एगी;
यह चिड़ियों के सुखधाम, सखे!
है यह पतझड़ की शाम, सखे!

∼ हरिवंश राय बच्चन

Randomly

Sometimes you just need to

distance yourself from people.

If they care, they'll notice.

If they don't, you know

where you stand with them.

People think that to be strong

is to never feel pain.

But in reality,

the strongest people are the ones

who feel it but get through it!

The fear of humiliation is the biggest stumbling block to growth. If you run away from it, you restrict your consciousness from blossoming.

People often pretend to be happy simply because smiling tends to be easier than explaining to others why they're upset.

Blind people smile despite never seeing anyone smile before because it's a natural human reaction.

The best thing in life is finding someone who knows all your flaws, mistakes, and weaknesses, and still thinks you're completely amazing.

Music is one of the few activities in life that utilizes the entire brain. Especially dance.

Don’t depend too much on anyone in this world because even your own shadow leaves you when you are in darkness.

If you must cry, cry like a child. The first thing you learned in life was to cry.  Never forget that to show your emotions  is liberating

One reason men cry less than women is because they have larger tear ducts, prohibiting their eyes from leaking easily.

“The thirst in my heart can taste the tears in my eyes”

Follow your dreams;  you may not make money, but will never be poor

Follow other people's dreams; you can make money but will never be rich

Some people are like clouds

when they disappear, the sun can shine in our lives

Some people are like clouds, they keep drifting 
And bump in once in a while, sometimes never to return.

Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

You cannot find peace by avoiding life. 
But you cannot find life without enjoyment.
By excessive enjoyment, you deepen into misery. 

By lack of enjoyment, you die.

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

Sometimes you have to move on without certain people. If they're meant to be in your life, they'll catch up.

All that is mighty, wondrous, spectacular, grand, majestic, beautiful, awe-inspiring & glorious in the world is God’s divine manifestation. 

No matter what happens and how bad it seems today, Life does go on and will be better than today. 

You'll end up really disappointed if you think people will do for you as you do for them. Not everyone has the same heart as you.

KITNA HU TANHA

Main Kab Se Kitna Hu Tanha Mujhe Pata Bhi Nahi,

Tera Toh Koi Khuda Hai Mera Khuda Bhi Nahi,

Kabhi Yeh Lagta Hai Ab Khatm Ho Gaya Hai Sab Kuchh,

Kabhi Yeh Lagta Hai Ab Tak Toh Kuchh Hua Bhi Nahi,

Kabhi Toh Baat Ki Usne Kabhi Raha Khamosh,

Kabhi Toh Hanske Mila Aur Kabhi Mila Bhi Nahi,

Kabhi Jo Kadwi Baat Thi Woh Bhi Khatm Huyi,

Kabhi Gila Tha Hamein Unse Ab Gila Bhi Nahi,

Woh Cheekh Ubhri, Badi Der Gunji, Doob Gayi,

Har Ek Sunta Tha Lekin Koi Hila Bhi Nahi….

– Javed Akhtar

Just sharing a  very deep shaer from the king of Poetry that I felt good about!

Aditi Dance, 2017, Venkatachala nilayam

Thirukadal Mallai, Mamallapuram

This little gem of a temple is tucked away in Mamallapuram (aka Mahabalipuram).
One of the 108 Divya Desams (most sacred place of Sri Maha Vishnu), Thurikadal Mallai is the 63rd of the revered list. Here reside Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal and NilaMangai Thayar (Bhoosthala Mangala Devi).

Oh! Its not a regular Perumal temple, as in Sri Maha Vishnu resting on Adisesha with Sri Lakshmi at his feet. He usually holds a lotus, a made,
The significance is evident in the name itself; Bhoo-Sthala-Sayana - which means, "sleeping on bare floor" - its a one of its kind temple, where Sri Maha Vishnu is resting in his traditional sleeping-posture on the floor, strangely with empty fore hands, while Sri Lakshmi is to his right and sage Pundareeka near His feet with folded arms. Its said to be the only divya-desam with Sri Vishnu with a lotus flower in his hand and an abhaya-hasta. I believe this is so, cause he hurried to meet Pundareeka Rishi and to assure him of His affection.

As with any ancient Hindu temple, there are legends associated with this temple as well.
Once upon a time, sage Pundareeka was performing penance to appease the Lord. Meanwhile, finding a beautiful lotus flower of 1,008 petals blooming at a pushkarini (holy water-tank), he desired to place it on the Lord's feet at Thiruparkadal (ocean of milk where the lord resides at Vaikuntham), before they wilt. He collected 1,008 of them and started on his journey.
On the way, he came across an ocean; undeterred, he started scooping out the water bowl by bowl, chanting the Lord's name Narayana, Narayana.... intending to dry the ocean of all water and clear his path to Vaikuntham. Thus toiling and not being successful in draining the ocean of water, an exasperated Sage Pundareeka exclaimed, O Lord! Will my resolve be unfulfilled, must I fail!"
As he opened his eyes, a frail old man stood in front of him and asked for food. The sage, torn between deep devotion to his Lord and compassion towards the old man, expressed his intent. The old man made fun of his foolhardiness in trying to drain out water from the ocean, instead of carrying on the penance. The Sage unable to bear this conversation decided to forage into the nearby forest and get something to eat. He requested the old man to hold the basket of flowers and continue to bail the water until he returns with some food. When he returned after some time, the exasperated Sage was shocked to see - a reclining Sri Maha Vishnu on the ground, wearing his lotuses as a garland! Thus the Lord pleased the devoted sage - by showing Himself as in Vaikuntham and also accepting the flowers intended for Him.
Therefore, it is said that worshiping the Lord at this temple is equivalent to offering prayers at His abode, Vaikuntham. All traditional Vsishnavaite rituals and pujas are performed here.

This place is also said to be the birth place of Boodatha Alwar (a Vaishnavaite saint of 7th century) He and Thirumangai Alwar had sang hymns in reverence to this temple in the Nalayira divya prabandham (a Tamil religious text of 6-9th century), and also mentioned of ships carrying gold and gems at Kadal Mallai (referring to the Bay of Bengal).

The temple is part of the 32 UNESCO recognised world heritage monuments at Mahabalipuram.

In order to depict the sacred story, the Pallava King Rajasimhan built this temple in 9th century, along with four other temples. During 14th century, the Vijayanagara King Parankusan had shifted it to its current location in the heart of Mahabalipuram, since by then other 3 temples were washed away by the sea. Later the Chola kings and Madurai Nayaks also contributed to this beautiful Dravidian style architecture.
Therefore, though the Pallava king built this temple. it doesn't appear like the other more famous monolithic Shore temples around.

As with other south-Indian temples, there are various sculpted figurines that adorn the walls and gopuram of this pious temple, and these make the visit even wholesome.

Humble Sweet and a Royal Story!

What is sweet, yellow-ish, porous, named after a city and the most popular South-Indian delicacy?

Yes, the sweet that most of us like a lot and few loathe - the humble - Mysore-Pak!

The Mysore royal family's cook, Sri Kakasura Madappa was asked to prepare a sweet that is unique and never tasted before by anyone, by none other than HRH Nalawadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, in 17th century. The legendary royal chef Madappa scratched his head for many hours, and then a brainwave!

There in front of him was a kadhai with boiling ghee and a batter of besan (chickpea flour, kadale hittu in Kannada). He poured the chick-pea flour gradually into the boiling ghee turning it all the time, till a consistent paste was formed, then added sugar and some crushed cardamom (elaichi). The divine smell emanating from the royal kitchen was mesmerising and the King couldn't wait to sink his teeth into the new preparation.

A silver platter, filled with a neatly cubed, golden coloured dish was uncovered in front of the King, a little while later. A spoon was served to him. There was pin-drop silence, as the King sat with his eyes closed and slowly savoured the delicacy, that was just melting in his mouth. After half-a-minute, eyes opened, filled with bliss and satisfaction... lo and behold... a new dish was born! The King liked it so immensely that Sri Medappa was immediately honoured and praised. The sweet platter passed around, resulting in more approval from all those present - to its uniqueness and perfect blend of sweet, ghee and flour - never before such a courageous attempt was made!

Medappa called it Mysore-paka.
Paka means syrup of sugar; it also means a preparation, as in Nala-Bhima-paka (its said that two of the best cooks in Hindu mythology were Nala - of Nala-damayanti fame and Bhima the strong Pandava).
Thereafter, Medappa sought to retire from the Royal kitchen; the generous King told him to set shop just outside the Amba Vilas Palace so that he could continue to relish his favourite sweet. Thus started the saga of Guru Sweets in the year 1957 at Mysore.

I gather that Sri Kakasura passed away in 1970, but his tradition and legacy lives on to this day; Guru sweets is now run by his Grandson Sri Nataraj, with the same verve and dedication.

Its surprising that despite the obvious roots and popularity, Guru Sweets choose not to cash in on the facts and grow the brand commercially. Many other sweet-marts, especially SKS (Sri Krishna Sweets of Coimbatore) and Nandini (KMF) have created a niche for themselves selling this very sweet, SKS being the closest in taste and appearance.

Peace to Kakasura, more Popularity to the 'Paka of Mysore'.

Randomness...

How difficult it is sometimes to write, or read, or just concentrate on any one thing at a time!!

Not just when there are a million things to do, a zillion things rapidly going on in the mind, a couple of a hundred odd people to handle - but when here is an urge, a serious desire to do but unable to!! Randomness sets in, until of course there is panic and pandemonium takes over.

Luck by Chance

Randomness is a series of unpredictable events or those that do not follow a set pattern to occur, but it also refers to 'fate'. How random is fate? or is fate so random that it is unpredictable? then what about the phrase - hard-work pays, fate delays.

What differentiates between the words fate, destiny, coincidence, luck, chance?!

Is it any coincidence that fatal seems an extension of fate? and destiny to destination?
Is it then prudent to no try at all, just because fate has its own way to deal with things or its own ending?

If everything in life is Destined (as in having a set outcome), that the journey is run by Fate, what is the point of doing anything or action?

The trick here is - we have to do our bit, then the One above will do His bit and then you hit the road destiny; more you do, more are the chances of reaching the desired destination. Take chances, fraught with risks, take heart & be brave. Hence the adage, fortune favours the brave.

Random thoughts flit through
Confusion remains constant
Good, bad, Right, wrong -
Vision's blur.
Tears of joy? ecstacy? pain?
Roll away in vain!
Anger overrules rationality
Many Mirages abound,
Palms in desperation, grasp the wind -
Desires dissolve to vapour
Labour burns to smoke -
Ruined at the gates of fame!
Images myriad o'blood 'n gore
Travel the mind-streets galore.
Fortune favours the sweet tongue's poke
Silver flows to higher echelons
Luck blinded by the fair
Deceit consumes the legit!
Random pebbles shore-up in sandy storm
Cause misery in peace!
Travails escape to disharmony
Endurance loses faith -
Spirit on the path to pride
Soul searches dignity!

Delight denotes Phantom...

Success equals happenstance?

Randomness devours the Cosmos -
Sun eclipsed by clouds passing by

Hope floats on the horizon...

Hope Floats in RanDomNesS

Love In A Mist, raises a stink

Passiflora foetida,
Stinking Passion flower.


I had found this flower at Tirupati, almost 15 years ago, and researched ever since.

More info from Flowers of India:


Love-in-a-mist is a creeping vine which has an edible fruit and leaves that have a mildly rank aroma. It is native to northern South America and the West Indies. The stems are thin, wiry and woody, covered with sticky yellow hairs. The leaves are three to five-lobed and viscid-hairy. They give off an unpleasant odour when crushed. The flowers are white to pale cream coloured, about 5-6 cm diameter. The fruit is globose, 2-3 cm diameter, yellowish-orange to red when ripe, and has numerous black seeds embedded in the pulp; the fruit are eaten and the seeds dispersed by birds. The bracts of this plant serve as insect traps, but it is as yet unknown whether the plant digests and gains nourishment from the trapped insects or if it merely uses the bracts as a defensive mechanism to protect its flowers and fruit. This is still an issue of debate and research among carnivorous plant enthusiasts.
Medicinal uses: This species can be helpful in treating digestive problems, including dyspepsia and diarrhea; or used as an astringent and expectorant for nervous conditions and spasms.



http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Love%20in%20a%20Mist.html




I chanced upon this ancient post lying in the drafts folder and just posted it; what a chance idea sirji!

to life and all that...

George Bernard Shaw had said, "I want to be used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. Life is no brief candle. To me it is a splendid torch's, and I must it burn as brightly as possible, before handing it on to future generations".


To me, life has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, from the highs of childhood to lows of adolescence, the excitements of tweens to the realities of the -ties.

Been there, Done that! Cliched, but true. There's not much left to experience, which hasn't been already done. My five senses have seen, heard, felt and dine them all. Probably one aspect that continues to excite is to travel to new places, meet new people; one desire deep down is to travel across the world, God willing that will happen too, before I pass on the baton.

No plan has been successful, yet life hasn't been a failure; taking a day at a time, taking on all the good and bad that life threw in its path... was nothing short of a potboiler.

Charles dickens wrote in his Great Expectations, the one laaarge book I read end to end as a kid,  'cause it was my father's favourite, "I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape; we never need be ashamed of our tears".

Something in me had died, completely, bone cold. I was a pale shadow of my own self; but I started to celebrate the stillness, the tears, the and overtime, they turned up even during happiness! Such is the power of positive thinking and the resilience of tears. Idolise? none. I grew up a vegetable with no idols to emulate, which was good in a way that I didn't have to copy anyone or seek 'healthy' advice; All by myself on the ro-co; and as I trudged along, a list of wishes cropped up. Pretty much young I started into the grind, while kids my age were frolicking, I never turned back, neither to distress nor to de-stress.



Looking glass

Charles Dickens said elsewhere, "The most important thing in life is to stop saying 'I wish' and start saying 'I will.' Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as probabilities."

I started to follow Dickens' words and slowly kindness flowed through... few good people took to the innocent lad, some tried to use it to their advantage, some gave a leg-up and lifted me a notch higher.
Life drives itself on auto-pilot in its rickety rackety jalopy; I seem to hold the steering very hard so that I can control the rattletrap, but it seems to have a mind of its own and determined to take me in its own path.

Glad, though, that through all this, looking through the rear-view-mirror in night-vision mode (just to avoid the harsh headlights of past) my mind and heart were at their right places as far as ethics and morals are concerned, not one bit wavering. Kudos to that! talk of self backslapping!! Anyone ayes to that or not, it is 'the' fact.

There are many unchecked boxes in the to-do list, that I still want to really do, somehow, at sometime whenever I find it, that is... it just a new way of doing things at a different place that gives a totally new meaning to the adage, Been There Done All That.

ramble, babble, chuckle, blah, blah, blah.....! just enough! now get off the couch and get out to experience the life outside!

(Written at BIAL lounge, waiting for airplane, travelling to some-place-else!); 5:25 am.

The Angry God at an Explosive Place!

Lord Narasimha, the fourth Avatar of Sri Maha Vishnu, came as a saviour to little Prahalada and the entire Universe, to get rid of Demon King Hiranyakashipu.

Nara-Simha (Man-Lion), the angry Vishnu incarnate had emerged out of a mere stone pillar, to prove to the world that:
1. God is everywhere (from pillar to twig), omnipresent.
2. God saves even the smallest of beings.
3. God punishes the vain, arrogant and foolishly self-indulgent people.
4. God can destroy what he builds and to build self-belief.
5. God hears the earnest pleas of everyone and protects them from evil.

Legend:
Hiranyakashipu, an asura king, was an egoist who insisted on all his subjects that they must worship him as the God, since he defeated all the Devas and was the practical ruler of all the worlds. He was however still in search of Sri Vishnu, who in his third avatar of Kurma (the boar) killed his younger brother Hiranyaksha to save Mother Earth whom he had hidden in Sutala loka (the Netherlands).

Hiranya (gold) Kashipu (soft cushion / cloth), the Golden soft cloth covered one, was a daitya, the son of Diti and Kashyapa, and elder brother of Hiranyaksha. Saddened by his brother's death, he unleashed a reign of terror across all the worlds and ordered is demon-soldiers to destroy anything that is even remotely associated with Vishnu; no yagnyas to be performed, holy people to be killed if they don't worship him as the God. Over a period of time, holy practices stopped and righteous acts had almost ended; all aggrieved sages and righteous people who couldn't take these any more then approached Sri Vishnu to seek help. He assured them that shortly all these demonic acts and the Demon himself will be put to an end by his fourth avatar aided by one of the Demon king's own - Shishta Rakshana and Dushta Shikshana will be done. As He says, everybody must perform sufficient acts of Karma, su-karma (most preferably) or ku-karma (due to bad actions or evil intentions) to reap its benefits. Everyone gets a chance, to choose: the path of righteousness or the path of evil.

Advised by Sage Shukracharya, the Asuras' priest, Hiranyakashipu performed severe penance in the valley of Mandarachal / Himalayas, standing on one toe, to appease Lord Brahma. So severe was his austerity that fire emanated from him, that eventually covered the entire world; Brahma unable to withhold himself, finally had to appear before Hiranyakashipu and grant a very rare and powerful boon, that 'no human or animal nor any being created by Brahma can kill him, at neither day nor night, neither inside nor outside, in any of the worlds, by any weapon.' With this, he became virtually invincible and consequently, very arrogant.

Meanwhile, Gods took this opportunity of Hiranyakashipu's absence and attacked Hiranyakashipu's kingdom; Indra abducted the serpent woman Kayadhu, Hiranyakashipu's wife. Sage Narada accosted Indra, fooled him and took her away to his hermitage after warning Indra about Hiranyakashipu's powers. Kayadhu already had three sons-Samhlada, Anuhlada and Hlada, and was carrying the youngest Prahlada in her womb. Narada, a staunch Vishnu devotee took this opportunity to narrate about religion, path of righteousness, and also Sri Maha Visnhu's gloriousness to Kayadhu; these were, unknown to her, picked up by Prahlada in the womb itself. Shortly after returning from his penance Hiranyakashipu thanked Narada for taking care of his wife and was delighted to see his just born son.

The already pious Prahlada turned out to be a staunch devotee of Sri Maha Vishnu himself, much to the chargin of his father, Hiranyakashipu, whereas his mother was happy that least her last son will not be a sinner akin to her family and other Asuras. Hiranyakashipu tried various Gurus to wean Prahlada away from 'Vishnu state-of-mind' and to make him worship any other God, including his own father, who by now was Lord of the Universe. But Prahlada would heed to none of them and would only chant Sri Vishnu. Angered by this single-minded devotion, his father ordered his soldiers to kill Prahlada; they tried various means - trampling by elephant, hurled from a hill, burnt in a fire, pierced by spears, etc. - but Prahlada was unscathed and returned alive each time.Hiranyakashipu's sister, Holika too burned in the pyre that was set to burn Prahlada even though she was virtually un-burnable.

Kayadhu was relieved that since her son was pious, Sri Vishnu was protecting him; but her joy was short lived, as Hiranyakashipu decided to take matters into his own hands and deal with his errant son. When he asked his son, Prahlada where is your lord Vishnu, the little Prahlada solemnly replied to his father, "My Lord is everywhere, in the plants and the abundant nature we enjoy, in all those around us, in me and even in you!"

Enraged, Hiranyakashipu pointed towards a pillar near them and menacingly swaying his mace shouted, "Is your Vishnu in this stone pillar? Will he come to save you from me?", to which Prahlada, in his innocent, calm voice replied, "Yes, dear father, my Lord Vishnu, protector of the entire Universe, is in the pillar as well. If you chant his name in devotion, he will come to save us." Kayadhu, teary-eyed and taking in the conversation, was mutely watching this spectacle unfold between father and son.

The already seething with anger Hiranyakashipu struck the stone pillar with great force ordering Lord Vishnu to appear and save his beloved little devotee from his wrath. Prahlada, devotion personified, called upon Lord Vishnu to appear for his father and fulfill his wish.

Lo! and Behold! There appeared, from the shattered pillar, a strange creature that no one had ever seen or imagined before - A giant lion and man fused together, with eight arms, bloodshot eyes, golden yellow hued muscular body, matted hair and moustache, roaring like a lion, violently swinging his fore-arms with razor sharp, claw-like, long finger nails, holding a Padma (lotus), the Kaumodaki gada (mace), the Panchajanya (conch), the Sudarshana chakra (sacred wheel), the Nandaki sword, the Sarngam (bow) and a Vanamali garland. Prahlada immediately knew that his Lord Vishnu has come to save him and prevent his father from committing any more sins or uttering wrong words against the Lord.

The man-lion, Nara-Simha, walked towards a bewildered Hiranyakashipu who weakly tried attack this unknown creature with his Gada (mace). Narasimha brushed the gada side, then dragged Hiranyakashipu to the threshold of his palace, placed him on his thighs, ripped open the stomach with his bare claw-nails, and drank his blood while wearing the intestines as a garland around his neck. The awe-struck people were mute spectators to this gory event. NaraSimha then roared, I am neither human, nor animal, not god or any being created by Brahma, it is neither day nor night, its the twilight hour; I have placed you on my lap at the threshold of your house, which is neither earth nor sky, I haven't used any weapons to kill you but my nails; thus I haven't showed any disrespect to the boon you have received from Lord Brahma." His deed done, Lord Narasimha angrily walked away leaving the limp body of Hiranyakashipu at the threshold of his palace, even as Kayadhu and Prahlad bowed to him in utter devotion. Thus the fourth avatar of Sri Maha Vishnu rid the universe of misery and brought peace to all.

Such was Narasimha's rage that no God dared to come in front of him to pacify him; not even Goddess Lakshmi could control his anger. Then the Gods decided and presented his ardent devotee Prahlada in front of him; as Prahlada touched his feet, the raging Lion god calmed down. Meanwhile Goddes Lakshmi, peeved that Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar did not heed to her pleas, left Vaikuntha and took birth as a girl of the Chenchu tribal king. Lord Narasimha wandered the earth and reached a place called Ahobilam (in current AP), was completed calmed by Chenchu Lakshmi and stayed there for posterity.


Nothing much at all is known about the fate of Queen Kayadhu after this; Prahlada is said to have been crowned king of Hiranyakashipu's kingdom and ruled very nobly.


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Lord Narasimha is very popularly worshipped across India, in many forms; mainly there are 9 of them called Nava Narasimha:
Ugra-Narasimha, Krodha Narasimha, Vira Narasimha, Vilamba Narasimha, Kopa Narasimha, Yoga Narasimha, Aghora Narasimha, Sudarshana Narasimha, Lakshmi Narasimha; and also in many more forms. A unique form, Varaha Narasimha (a combination of Avatars 3 and 4), is worshipped at Simhachalam, near Visakhapatnam where the idol is completely smeared in sandal paste, to keep the Lord cool.

The priests who worship the Lord in his angry form are Brahmacharis (celibates) due to the utmost sanctity and purity necessary to be maintained by them; an exception is for the teples where Lord Narasimha is depicted inn soumya/yogic form, in medication or accompanied by goddess Lakshmi in the same garbha-griha / sanctum sanctorum.

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Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple, Maddur

A very small but beautiful temple, Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple at Maddur, near Bangalore prompted me to write this piece about The Angry God. This avatar shows that while Shiva is mostly attributed to destruction, the benign Lord Sri Vishnu also can become angry in case of absolute crisis and bestow peace to the Universe, without any collateral damage. I haven't come across any other form of Vishnu that was angry and took Avatar for lok-kalyan (may be Parashurama? but he had a personal grudge).

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Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple of Maddur has its own legend and is very unique in itself.

The Legend: During the end of Mahabaratha war and the Dwapara yuga, Arjuna is said to have requested Sri Krishna to see his angry side, to which Sri Krishna declined as it is not in his character to be angry, ever. In turn, Lord Brahma obliged and installed the mesmerising idol of Sri Ugra Narasimha at a place called Arjunapuri. Sage Kadamba had performed penance at this place and the river tributary here is called Kadamba-nadi; now river Shimsha flows nearby.

Ugra Narasimha sculpted on one of the temple pillars

The uniqueness: The idol here has 8 hands and 3 eyes!  The Lord is shown as tearing Hiranyakashipu with 2 hands and other 6 hands are adorned with Sri Vishnu's weapons as mentioned earlier on this page at the time of his Avatar's emergence. Garuda is standing to his left and Bhakta Prahlada to his right. 

The lord's temple is flanked by 2 other temples dedicated to 2 versions of Lakshmi, Soumya Nayaki and Narasimha Nayaki. There is also a shrine of Srinivasa and immediately thereafter of mathey Yashoda holding a young Krishna in her arms and breast-feeding him;  Lord Brahma is seen held from little Lord Sri Krishna's nabhi. Yet another shrine is of Sri Pattabhi Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana where Lord Hanuman is standing to his left holding his tail in left hand and covering his mouth with his right, which is said to be the humility with which we must address our elders.

Sri Pattabhi Rama Shrine

The Temple has a vaikuntha dwaram that is opened 15 days after Sankranti as per calendar followed by Sri Vaishnavaites'.

The temple architecture is a mix of Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Dravidian styles, with recent renovations and additions done by the Palegars. Though not as grand as any of their other illustrious places of worship by them, this temple too has its share of fine sculptures and ornate pillars, though unfortunately painted in peach-coloured distemper!

Between the 16th and the 18th Centuries when this region was being governed by the Palegaras (chieftains of Vijayanagar empire), it is said that gunpowder and explosives of warfare were manufactured and stored here, hence the name Maddu-uru, the place of explosives.

Maddur is 80 kms away from Bangalore, more famous for its crispy Maddur-wada, and is also the tender coconut capital of India!

A must visit place.

Sri Hanuman on Garuda Sthambha



Disclaimer: The information mentioned here is drawn from stories of my grandmother, mother and family, as also a bit of research online and from local lore. The views / narrative are my own and not copied from anywhere; any similarity is purely coincidental. I have shot the photographs by myself and own them; please do not copy; but in case anyone finds them interesting and wants to use, please be kind enough to give credit the genuine source.

The BirdBath Syndrome

A small nondescript BirdBath, I had kept in my garden. It was a nicely carved piece, made of grey granite stone, embellished with a small stone bird to encourage birds to feel enthused and use it often.

To my pleasant surprise, within few days of placing it in my balcony, refilling with water and checking now and then, a small Tit flew down, landing near it. Needless to say, she was very inquisitive; hopped around, twisted and turned her head, chirped at it, knocked it with its beak a few times; then she hopped on to it. I watched the drama unfold from a little distance. 

Sitting on its edge, she could suddenly see her own reflection! Lo and Behold, she was very happy!! when she touched the water, the ripples made her chirp louder, shriller than her usual self. Then came the time I was waiting for - she landed inside the water, tentatively. The BB was shallow and she could stand in it with her beak and eyes above the water. Then the mirth and joy she had in playing with the water was a true sight! She splashed, flapped her wings and sat on the brim. She did this again and again a few times; then preened her feathers and flew away very joyfully chirping, probably calling out to her friends  about this newly discovered hangout! Soon enough there were many of her friends and other species as well that were fond of water games. I was happy that the the birds were having fun, making good use of the accessory that I had put out thoughtfully. 

After some days, I realised that fewer birds would visit BB. It had become dull, dark and lifeless; thus unattractive to the birds. I cursed myself to have neglected it; so gave it a good scrub and put it out again with water, but to no avail. Birds almost stopped flying by, those that stopped eased themselves, rather than having fun in the water. My BB became a loner, a receptacle.

One late night, under the moonlight, I heard a faint whimper. I looked around to see if ay child of the neighbourhood was in distress, but none was visible. I would often hear the sounds, some times as clear as a sob, some times just muffled sniffs. It started disturbing me, and  I decided to take some time out and trace the source. No where inside or outside the house it was audible, except for one place in the balcony, near the carved green baluster. I went back there, and muttered to myself, "where on earth can I find the sound's source, how can I help if i can't discover it?"


After a few minutes, as I moved closer to BB, I started hearing a voice! Startled, I concentrated hard and tried to listen; "Birds come, use water, play around and leave.I am bored. I want to leave" I heard. It was my BB!! He can talk, has a soul and had feelings!!! I was quite disturbed at hearing what he said. I softly told, "sorry BB, I completely neglected you; give me some time, I will find a way".

I couldn't let him go, dump him somewhere or let someone else take away. He was mine, I liked him and his toy bird. Over the next few days, I would fill water and started observing him closely; few birds, it at least a crow would visit him and of course the eternal favourite Tit would certainly drop by. Poor BB would stand there, lifeless, like a fool watching all the fun between bird & water.
 
One such eventful day, the Tit and the BB had a heart to heart talk. I overheard the Tit advise my BB - instead of being an onlooker, participate! You are the main one in this, and if you don't feel, nobody can enjoy the purpose of you being here. I think my BB saw the light. 

Once it started feeling the cold water splashing on it, the birds tickling it with its feet, the rythm of birds flapping their wings in side its bowl, my the BB starts to enjoy life....

BB became bright again, and all its friends restarted visiting it, playing around and having fun!!

 

THOUGHT OF YOU

THOUGHT OF YOU

The thought of you floods my mind today,

Your presence fills my life to this day.

Walking away in to your world silently,

You lived your life the disciplined way.

 

I can feel you always around me,

Holding my hand, the way you do.

I can feel the strength pervade me,

Guiding, calming, lifting me when blue.

 

Strive I did, to stand up to your expectations,

I dissented and wounded you in many situations.

Graceful you were in my peeves,

I, miserable in displaying affections.

 

You gave me a life, a method to live,

The purpose I ignored, and failed to give.

I wish you stayed with me, alive,

A better life we could enjoy, and thrive.

 

Many comment, that I now look like you,

I miss the warmth, the love and the gentle man.

Selfish I am, still asking you,

Give me strength, to be, like you, the man.

 

Tears well’d my eyes uncontrolled,

Of sadness, of joy, of comfort, of peace.

A few words can never do justice,

To a feeling that can never be expressed.

 

I hope to meet one day in the beautiful world of yours,

Happy you will be embracing me in your arms.

I will be comforted by just being with you!

For now, I will find peace just with the thought of you!

 

Sriram

May 22, 2015
To - Dad

Begur to Bangalore - The Probability of A Beginning!

Begur was a sleepy insignificant village, about 15 kms from Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, off-Hosur Road.

The IT boom in the 2000’s turned it into a commercial and residential hub due to its strategic location, between the Electronics city and IT in Koramangala.It has a history dating more than a millennium!

 It is averred that the Western Ganga Dynasty established this village as an important place, during their conquests to annexe Kongu region. The most significant heritage site existing till today in the village is the 1,300 year old Shiva temple complex, built by the Gangas – the Sri Panchalingehwara(890 AD). There is another site close by about 1.5 kms away – the Begur Fort, but then that’s another story. The Gangas ruled for 6 centuries upto 10th century AD.

The Sri Panchalingeshwara or The Begur Temple (as it is popularly known), was built by Sri. Rajasimhanandi of the Talakad Ganga Dynasty in 8th century A D. Said to be the 18^th in the hierarchy of 108 temples built along with Sri Kulothunga Raja I of Chola Dynasty, the Panchalingeshwara Temple is the perfect admixture of simplicity and grandeur in granite.

FIVE TEMPLES

The main temple – Sri Parvati Sametha Nageshwara Swamy Temple is the largest of all. The Linga is about 3.5 feet tall. There is a separate shrine for his consort Goddess Parvati, and is represented by a five-foot idol. She is also known as Sri Dakshina Kali. Standing to the left of this idol and praying is believed to cure all blood related diseases, (incl blood cancer!). This divine form of Mother Goddess is the consort of Sri Nageshwara Swamy, and is never seen with other forms of Shiva that are worshiped here. Praying to Her also bestows happiness, wealth and spiritual solace. On the West of the navaranga is the 1200-year-old Kalabhaireswara in nagnaroopa.

Sri Choleshwara Linga: The shrine of Sri Choleshwara is where unmarried girls pray, standing below the carved Ashta Dik Palakas (Eight Guardian Angels) and Uma Maheswara on the ceiling, for an early and good alliance. The Linga is about 4 feet tall.
Sri Kali Kamateshwara Linga The idol of Sri Kali Kamateshwara is about three and a 3.5 feet tall. It is said to be similar to the idol of Sri Mookambika at Kollur. Both idols have a Linga placed at their feet. Here the Lord is known as Kamateshwara Linga, and is less than 1 feet. Devotees pray to to the Linga for Santhanam (children). Built originally by the Gangas, it was renovated by the Vijayanagar rulers. (15-16 AD)

 
Sri Nagareshwara Linga: This is the largest of all Lingas in this Temple, at over 4 feet tall. Devotees stand right side of this Linga and pray for prosperity; and on the left side of this Linga for prevention and cure of  skin diseases. Sun-God, Surya Narayana, is in front of this shrine, behind the idol of Sri Nandi (of about 4 feet), which is one of the most beautiful that I have seen.

Sri Karneshwara: This is the smallest of all the Lingas here and measure about 2.5 feet. There is a small Sri Nandi in front of this Linga. It is believed that Devotees stand on the right side of the Linga for relief from stomach related diseases, in front for ear (karna) related problems, and left side of Linga for nervous problems and brain disorders, including paralysis.

Uniqueness in this temple complex:

At the entrance to the Parvati Shrine, is the oldest idol of Ganesha found in South India, its uniqueness is that it is 2-armed. Two-armed Ganesha represents Pranava or Om, the sacred syllable from which Ganesha was created. 
 

There is probably the only temple in India where Sri Surya Narayana is placed in the East facing West. Traditional Temple Vaasthu Shastraa proclaims that the idol of Sri Soorya Narayana should be placed facing East. Here it was placed probably to ensure that the first rays of the rising sun fall on the main Linga. This shrine is also known as Bhaskara Kshetra (Sun Temple).

 

The Vimanas on all Shrines have sculptures on them, even though not very intricate, they are awesome; when I visited, few of them were being repaired / painted.
A well inside the Temple premises too has carved pillars, caters to the Sthala Theertha, and this water is used for all Temple rituals. Shami Vriksha and the large Bilva Patra are the revered Temple Trees. There were a number of birds on the Bilva tree that I haven't seen anywhere else.

There is also a stone carving on a slab of Sri Kulutunga Raja the First of Chola Dynasty who built this Temple, and his wife behind the Sri Vrishabha Kambha. There are a number of veeragallu / stones with history that lie wasted all around the temple.few of them are also broken and dumped along with scrap-waste. Unless taken-up seriously, precious history could be lost. These are not just aged-old stones, each one is screaming to tell its own story!

 






The temple complex used to be on the banks of the Bommanahalli / Begur Kere; now the kere (lake) has retreated almost a few hundred meters; there is rampant encroachment on the lake-bed and commercial vegetation is being grown for many years now. Almost every other home in the village bears the signs of religious conversion.






 


It appears that INTACH helped build a compound wall and an entrance gate in 2002. This is in a dilapidated condition. A Gov't Boys school building beside the temple wears an abandoned look, and a while I was there, a group of boys vanished inside and emerged after a long time (- a den for nefarious activities)? A fresh new entrance/ Gopuram is constructed by a local MLA, and has no compound wall around to protect the Temple from sundry riffraff vandalising the holy precincts.

Sri B S Ananth Deekshitar is the chief priest, and his family are said to be the caretakers and priests (Archakas) of Begur Temple for the last 1300 years, and authorised by the Chola and Talakadu Dynasties. He says that this Temple is an energy zone and standing in specific places in the Temple have positive attributes and helps in mental peace, protection from enemies, diseases, skin problems, spiritual enhancement and protection from black magic etc, as mentioned earlier here..

The concept of Pancha or 5

It is widely believed that Lord shiva is associated with Pancha-bhootas (elements – Wind, Fire, Earth, Sky and Water), which are represented by the 5 shrines –

Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh known, as Vamadeva is associated with Vayu – Wind.

The Arunachala lingam in Tiruvanamallai is related to Agni – Fire.

The Lingam at Kanchipuram called Bhulingam – Earth element.

At Chidambaram is the Aakasa lingam, related to the Sky and

The Jambukeswara temple near Tiruchi which is the Jala lingam, the Water.

Bangalore originates here?

Bengavalluru kaleghadhul buttana setti sattam, the ‘halegannada’ inscription on the rock says; Buttana Setti (presumably a warrior) died in Bengaval-uru (city of guards). This veeragallu or victory stone dates back to the 10^th century; Until this inscription was discovered, by the legendary B.L. Rice, the former director of the Mysore archaeology department and compiler of Epigraphia Carnatica, and confirmed by noted historian Sri Narasimhachar (E-C, Vol 10), it was assumed that there was no Bangalore before KempeGowda I.

It is believed that king Veera Ballala who ruled the Deccan Plateau of south India during 1120 AD, built a town in memory of an old woman who saved his life by giving him ‘boiled-beans’ during a hunting expedition, and named it ’Benda–kal–ooru’; over time, this became Bengaluru, later anglicized to Bangalore, and now back to Bengaluru. Later, in 1537, Kempegowda-I shaped the city that we now know as the Bangalore.

Bengaluru takes shape

KempeGowda-I, a Chieftain under the Vijayanagar Empire, had Yelahanka as his Capital. He sought the Empire's permission to establish a self-contained township with fort, cantonment, markets, reservoirs, temples, etc.; thus he came upon Bengaluru, built a small mud fort in 1537 AD, and shifted his capital to the new Town. He certainly deserves credit, in bringing together many areas under the town Bengaluru. Another theory is that while Kempegowda-I went about bringing together many hutments and dwellings under the new town; there was a big forest which is believed to have been burnt down. So the town built on Benda Kadu (burnt forest) "Benda kaduru", later got transformed to Bengada-uru and finally Bengaluru.
His grandson, KempeGowda-II (1578-1658 AD) carried the vision forward by leaps and bounds and expanded the township, by erecting few more watch towers, and most of the 400-odd lakes/water-bodies that sustained Bangalore until recently (Kempambudhi, Ulsoor, Dharmambudhi, Hebbal). Few of them still survive, many others have been killed by mindless encroachments and land-mafia. Bangalore was first a City of Lakes and then became the Garden City, which is now the Silicon city.

The Serene Ulsoor Lake

Footnote 
Many of the 'Theories' around the origin of the city of Bengaluru hardly anything concrete to prove; the stone inscription at Begur temple seems to be the most authentic one to reflect Bengaluru's humble beginnings, and then the work of KG-I and KG-II's has itself to show...
I just hope the concrete jungle doesn't totally replace the once lush green almost-jungle-type foliage, and hopefully one day it could become the pensioner's paradise it once was, during my childhood! 

Photos credit: Self
Contents credit: Local villagers, Internet, Books, Journals, et al.
Disclaimer: No attempt to steal any information, just a sincere effort to put my thoughts and gatherings together