Indian Recepies & Travel Blog - Vankipuram, Gods Country

Navarathri Festival Dassara

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Navaratri festival means nine nights, is a famous festival celebrated by Hindus around the globe in the honor of devine goddess Durga. This festival is celebrated for ten days.

Navaratri is celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin (usually in September or October) from the Shukla Paksha Pratipada (the next of the New moon day of Bhadrapada) to the Vijaya

Dashami or the tenth day of Ashwin. The first day of Aashwin of the bright fortnight is a festival that symbolizes the nine days of battle with asuras/rakshas (demons), while the tenth day named Vijayadashami means the victorious tenth day. It is considered the Godess Durga won the battle against the demons. The 9th day of Navaratri is one celebrated for Goddess Saraswathi (Goddess of knowledge).

Though all the days are celebrated with special poojas everywhere, from Calcutta (Eastern India) to Gujrat (Western India) and Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

People also celebrate Dussehra with a wide variety of expressions, ranging from worshipping the goddess Durga to exhibiting colorful toys.

Garba is an Indian form of dance that originated in the Gujarat region. Garba is performed during all the 9 nights of Navaratri in Gujarat and rest of the world. Here is a video on the kind of beauty and colors that a Garba dance festival has:

Tirumal Brahmotsavas:
The Brahmotsavam festival is one of the most important and auspicious functions in Tirupati. The Brahmotsava is performed over a nine-day period in the Tamil Month of Purattasi. Tirumala Brahmotsavas complement Navaratri festivals as these fall on the same period.

Swine Flu Influenza

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:03:00 +0000

SWINE FLU Do's and Dont's

Please kindly get to know about H1N1 flu and help stop its spread - help protect, save our near and dear ones.

The spread of swine flu is fast emerging as No 1 healthcare emergency not just in the country but the world over. Despite the issue being in the media for a long time, there continue to be ignorance and mis-information about the disease and how to handle it. Indian Medical Association, Nagpur Centre, has come up with a information dossier on the subject.

Swine Flu Condition and Symptoms
What is H1N1 (swine) flu?
H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.

In the beginning it was difficult to predict the effect of this virus on general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people with 65 years of more age, children below five years, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions.

This virus is contagious but, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing
* Bluish or gray skin colour
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?
Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways:

H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is sick.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infecting by you.

* Reduce the time spent in the crowded settings.

* Improve airflow in the living space by opening the windows and proper ventilation.

* Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets

from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches his own eyes, mouth or nose before washing hands.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?

Yes, use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu?) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ?) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

Follow the advice of your local public health department regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to reduce flu transmission. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of illness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and clean your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you are sick and have to travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1). If they suspect any symptoms they will send your blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories. Presently this facility is available only at certain specified government laboratories.

Sree Krishna Janmastami

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:17:00 +0000

☆ Sree Krishna Janmastami ☆

This is a festival is observed on the eighth day on Ashtami tithi, of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Shravana in the Hindu calendar- 13th and 14th of August this year, 2009.

This is an occasion that will be celebrated in all the temples and especially in ISKCON centers spread across the world. I have visited ☆ ISKCON in JR Mathre Road, Juhu, Bombay (Mumbai), ☆ ISKCON - Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple, Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Bangalore (Benguluru) and in ☆ ISKCON in Chennai on ECR road.

Here is a video song track sung by Vikam Hazarika of Art of living which I play the whole day on Sree Krishna Janmastami. I have covered more on this festive occasion in my previous post with a photo in Sree Krishna costume.

Raksha Bandhan

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:08:00 +0000

Raksha Bandhan is the bond of protection in Hindi, Punjabi, Oriya Assamese is a Hindu festival occasion, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. On this occasion people encompass the warmth shared between the siblings but now it goes way beyond it. Some people tie Rakhi to neighbours and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of every individual. Rakhi Utsav was first made understandable by Rabindranath Tagore, a famous Indian poet to promote the feeling of unity and a commitment to the whole society protection and that encourages a harmonious Social life.

Now-a-days, this day has a different view all together! The occasion involves a pledge of life-time practice of moral, cultural and spiritual values. mThe values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole huan race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Guru's Children got New Sacred Threads!

In South India this festival is also called Janjala Purnima (in Andhra) and Avani Aattam (in Tamil Nadu). People visit to the near by temples and take the blessings from their Gurus and change their Yajnopavita or the sacred thread is worn by the Brahmins. Avani Avittam or Upakramam or Avani Attam is a ritual followed by the Brahmins who read Yajurveda. It is most commonly celebrated in southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, and states of Orissa and Maharashtra. It falls on the Shravan Purnima as on Raksha Bandhan.

Varalakshmi Vratam

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:03:00 +0000

Varalakshmi Vratam:

Varalakshmi Vratam is an important pooja performed by many people in the Indian sub-continent from states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu. The traditional month of Sravanamasam / Aavani is considered to be very auspicious especially for women. Women perform the famous Mangalagouri vratam on Tuesdays and Mahalakshmi puja on Fridays during the month. Varalakshmi Vratam is the most important of festivals of them all.

The vratam will be performed on the Friday before the Full Moon Day or the Poornima day in Sravanamasam. This is a festival to make peace with Shri Varalakshmi (Mahalakshmi ) the wife of Lord Vishnu. This is an auspicious ritual considered to bring wealth to their home.

There are special poojas are observed in Temples of South India. The glory of performing the VARALAKSHMI VRATAM, narrated directly by Lord Shiva Himself, is elaborately discussed in the Skanda Puranam.

Varalakshmi is normally interpreted in two ways. One, Varalakshmi is one who grants desirable state in a family. In another, she is the Goddess who is invited into the home and honored. The different types of benefits that will accrue thanks to performing the Varalakshmi puja are Dhanam (Money), Dhanyam (Gains or Food), Arogyam (Health), Sampatha (Property), Sathsanthanam (Virtuous offspring) and Dheerga Saumangalyam (Longevity of the husband).

Here is a video on Gopikas performing Varalakshmi Puja:

Aeri Katha Ramar Temple

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:57:00 +0000

Sri Kodhanda Ramar Koil, Maduranthakam
It is Vadaithi Vuthsavam at Maduranthakam, once again this year on11th July' 09. This annual occassion is the last day of Brhamotsavam and this vuthsavam is performed to Srinivasa Perumal (Karunakarn), at Sri Kodanda Ramar Koil also known as Aeri Katha Ramar Koil (temple) at Maduranthakam.

This last day is a special day for "Vankipuram family" as per tradition. This is the third consecutive year that the 5th generation (Madhav) of Vankipuram dynasty is witnessing the occasion at Maduranthakam.

Here are my previous posts on this topic as Vadaithi Vuthsavam year 3, year 2 and year 1 covered in this blog. Check the photographs taken on this occasion, during this time.

Akshaya Tritiya

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Akshaya Tritiya: An auspicious occasion celebrated by Hindus. Akshaya Tritiya is the day when Veda Vyaasa and Lord Ganesha are believed to have started writing Mahabharata, has arrived. This is also believed to be the day for investing on Gold and also to kick start something new, like a business to enroll in a course and few other reasons.

Gold on Akshaya Tritiya: Gold is used as money for transacting business from ancient times for its versatility besides being rare. There are typically two main reasons for gold being considered as a good investment option - the profits it fetched as it price increases over a period of time and the fact is that it helps withstand any economic, political and social crisis.

Since gold derives its value from its demand and supply, the price of gold fluctuates with time. During this season, Gold shops are believed to run out of stock and on this day in particular. However we could buy 10 grams as a tradition and performed Lakshmi pooja.

These reasons make Gold as a precious metal was also been prompted by Thomas Fuller, a british writer to say "It is much better to have gold in your hand than in the heart". However as a frequent buyer, I feel that we should have Gold both in hand and in heart :)

Tamil Panguni Uthsavams Temple Rituals

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:34:00 +0000

Panguni Uthsavams
Sri VaishNavAs:: adiyEn namaskArams: Here is the schedule for Panguni Uthsavams. Rituals started from April 4th 2009 Saturday.

There were many scheduled important uthsavams at various divyadesams. AdiyEn requests all devotees in and around the divyadesams to witness and receive the divine blessings of
divyadampathis (sacred couples).

April 4th 2009 Saturday

1) Naachiyaar Koil - Eve: KAL GARUDA SEVAI

April 5th 2009 Sunday

1) Thirup PuLLANI - 7.30 - 9.00 PM THIRU KALYANAM
2) Thiru Kovalur - 9.00 PM : GARUDA SEVAI
3) Sri Rangam - NamperumAL URAIYUR SERTHI sEvai

Apart from the above, PANGUNI BRAHMOTSAVAM is
happening at THIRUVALI - THIUNAGARI divyadesam

April 7th 2009 Tuesday

THIRUVALI - THIRUNAGARI
THIRUMANGAI AZHWAR THIRU VEDUPARI UTHSAVAM

April 8th 2009 Wednesday

SRI RANGAM --- PRANAYA KALAGAM, SERTHI SEVAI
PANGUNI UTTHIRAM , GATHYA THRAYAM GHOSTI

April 9th 2009 Thursday

SRI PARIMALA RENGA NATHAR --- THIRU INDHALUR
MAHA SAMPROKSHANAM

April 10th 2009 Friday

Sri Parthasarathy Swamy - Thiru AllikEni BrahmOtsavam
starts from 10th April 2009 - Friday
12-April-09 (Sunday) - Sri PArthasarathy swamy GARUDA SEVAI

April 20th 2009 Monday

Sri PERUMBUDUR - Srimath RAMANUJAR thiru avathAra mahOtsavam
BEGINS
25-04-09 - Udaiyavar VeLLai sAthupadi
28-04-09 - Thiru thEr
29-04-09 - SAtthumaRai ( THIRUVADHIRAI)

All devotees can participate in the Uthsavams (rituals) held
in nearby divyadesams in large scale and receive the BLESSINGS.

Sri Rama Navami Maduranthakam Ramar Temple

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:17:00 +0000

ஸ்ரீராமநவமிமதுராந்தகம் ராமர் கோயில் - Sri RAAM NAVAMI (Râm-Noimi) Sita Rama Kalyanam Celebrations - LORD RÂMA CHANDRA'S (Wedding Celebrations). Shri Râmas Cosmic Descendence, a dedication to Lord Rama.

This occasion takes place in all temples of Lord Rama including the other temples having Lord Rama's Idol.

Here is the video of Sri Rama Navami with Slokas:

Ramayana is a celebrated epic of Hindu mythology composed by Sage Valmiki. However, there are many sthalas and sthala puranas for each one of Rama Temples in India from Ayodhya to BhadraChala Ramar to Rameshwaram, from North India till down south.

Here in Tamil Nadu, we attended the Celebrations of Sri Rama Navami at Maduranthakam Ramar Koil (Temple) on the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) road on NH-45. As I already covered about the peculiarity of Eri Katha Ramar Koil in my previous posts, written about the only two uthsavaas that happen to the Lord Rama, every year. Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana are said to be swayambhu (self incarnation), holding hand of Sitamma (Janakavalli tayaar).
One occasion celebrated is Vadayithi uthsavam, performed on Lord Karunakaran (also known as Srinivasa Perumal) uthsava Moorhty, on the last day of Madurantaka ramar Brahamotsavas and other is Sri Rama Navami, performed on Lord Rama's uthsava moorhty.

Also, in some parts of the Indian sub-continent, like in Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh, Sita Rama Kalyanam was performed the next day as on 4th of April, because the Navami thithi ends on the 4th Morning.

There are NRIs in the west (UK, USA etc.) who may have to perform on 4th of April that may coincide the occasion. Sometimes I feel that "Two sides of one wall: over there sits yesterday. Here sits tomorrow. So, I call tomorrow to wish the loved ones.

Linga Ashtakam

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:46:00 +0000

Brahma Murari Sura architha Lingam,
Nirmala bashitha Shobitha Lingam,
Janmaja dukha vinasaka lingam.
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and other Devas,
Which is pure and resplendent,
And which destroys sorrows of birth.

Deva Murari pravarchitha Lingam,
Kama dahana Karunakara lingam,
Ravana darpa vinashana lingam,
That pranamami sad shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by great sages and devas,
Which destroyed the god of love,
Which showers mercy,
And which destroyed the pride of Ravana.

Sarva sukandhi sulepitha lingam,
Budhi vivarthana karana lingam,
Siddha surasura vandhitha lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is anointed by perfumes,
Which leads to growth of wisdom,
And which is worshipped by sages, devas and asuras.

Kanaka mahamani bhooshitha lingam,.
Panipathi veshtitha shobitha lingam,
Daksha suyagna vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is ornamented by gold and great jewels,
Which shines with the snake being with it,
And which destroyed the Yagna of Daksha.

Kunkuma chandana lepitha lingam,
Pankaja hara sushobitha lingam,
Sanchitha papa vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is adorned by sandal paste and saffron,
Which wears the garland of lotus flowers,
And which can destroy accumulated sins.

Deva Ganarchitha sevitha lingam,
Bhavair bakthi pravesa lingam,
Dinakara koti prabhakara lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is served by gods and other beings,
Which is the doorway for devotion and good thought,
And which shines like billions of Suns.

Ashta dalopari veshtitha lingam,
Sarva samudbhava karana lingam,
Ashta daridra vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is surrounded by eight petals,
Which is the prime reason of all riches,
And which destroys eight types of poverty.

Suraguru sura vara poojitha Lingam,
Sura vana pushpa sadarchitha lingam,
Parathparam paramathmaka lingam,
That pranamai sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by the teacher of gods,
Which is worshipped by the best of gods,
Which is always worshipped by the flowers,
From the garden of Gods,
Which is the eternal abode,
And which is the ultimate truth.

Lingashtakam, Idam Punyam padeth Shiva Sannidhow,
Shivalokam avapnothi shive na sahamodathe.

Any one who chants the holy octet of the Lingam,
In the holy presence of Lord Shiva,
Would in the end reach the world of Shiva, ,
And keep him company.

Temples in Mayavaram - Mayiladuthurai

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:55:00 +0000

Temples near Mayavaram
Saturday Morning we started from Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu travelled towards south of India to cover Shaktipeethas, Navagrahas and few among 108 Divya Desams. It was a pleasant drive towards Mayiladuthurai, also known as Mayavaram that is 280 KMs from Chennai is considered to be an epicenter to all these popular/famous temples in South India. Drive was on Wagonr and Innova cars.

LingAsthakam was all the time in our ears, during the journey. Here, you can listen to Linga Ashtakam, along with the transcript and translation of Linga Astakam. Lingastakam Removes worries of all types and gives peace and tranquillity.

Mayiladuthurai (Tamil: மயிலாடுதுறை, formerly Mayuram or Mayavaram) is a city and a municipality in Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is located in the historic Thanjavur area on the banks of river Cauvery. Mayiladuthurai is a well known railway junction and the town is well-connected with other major towns in the region, such as Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Tiruvarur. Mayiladuthurai is a Lok Sabha constituency.

Sthala Puraanam - Name and significance Legends say that due to a curse, Goddess Parvathi took birth as peacock in Mayuram and worshiped Lord Shiva in his form of Mayuranathar. Mayuram means peacock in Sanskrit and it was later translated as Mayiladuthurai in Tamil language. According to the book Mayiladuthurai Mahaangal (Saints of Mayiladuthurai), several saints lived and attained their final peace (samadhi) in and around Mayiladuthurai. Many siddhars also have lived here. Even today there is a village called Sidharkaadu in the western outskirts of Mayiladuthurai. Legends also tell that it was a part of Tharukavanam.

Temples around Mayiladuthurai

Mayooranathar Temple - The Mayooranathar Temple, also called the 'big temple' is a temple dedicated to Shiva where Thevaram is recited.
Vallalar Temple - Vallalar Temple in the northern bank of river Cauvery is a famous Shiva temple known for its Guru shrine.

Ayyarapper Temple - Ayyarapper Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the center of the city. ThulA Festival is famous in this temple and it is celebrated in the month of October.

Parimala Ranganathar temple - Parimala Ranganathar temple, the Vishnu temple in Thiru-Indalur suburb is one among the 108 Dhivya Desams.

Gangai konda Cholapuram, a more than 1000 years old temple is just 40Km from mayiladuthurai. It is a must-see historic place.

Navagraha temples are situated around this town. There are many famous temples in Mayiladuthurai's vicinity, most important amongst which is Vaitheeswarankoil. The temple complex is known to house many astrologers employing a method of fortune telling called NADI Jyothidam. The town also has a Medhaa Dakshinamurthi temple.

Other temples of importance include the Sukran Temple and a temple in TirukkaDavUr is dedicated to Lord AmirthakaDEswarar and Goddess Abirami.

One of the institutions that was formed for the flourishing of Saivam and Tamil, Dharmapuram Adheenam (Mutt) is in the eastern part of Mayuram.
It is the most important location for "Tula snaanam", in the river Kavery in the Tamil month of "Aippasi".

Moovalur Markasagaya shiva temple constructed by Kulothunga cholan is 4Km away from Mayiladuthurai.

Senthangudi Durga Temple - Durga Temple is also famous and is 2 Km from Mayiladuthurai.

Tirupambupuram Temple - Tirupambupuram is a very ancient Shiva temple. It is known as Dakshina Kalahasti. It is located near peralam (7km west).

Thirumanancheri Temple - Thirumanancheri Temple is very famous very near from mayiladuthurai.

Kannagi Temple - The Kannagi Temple is in Melaiyur which is located around 24 km from Mayiladuthurai. Poompuhar is 4km from Melaiyur.

Punugiswarar Temple - The Punugiswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva & consort santha nayaki.Situated at koranad.Workshipped by civet cat.

First of all, we reached Chidambaram by 12:45 PM. Chidambaram is 11 km from the coast and 240 km south of Chennai, is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites as the temple there houses the Akasha Lingam of Shiva and is one of the greatest Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu.
The temple closes for devotees by 12:30 and we couldn't see Akasha Lingam (the main diety). But were able to go around and see those massive temple walls and its archetecture including wall paintings.
However, we could see the glimpse of Akasha Lingam while returning back home on the third day. On Saturday night we could cover three temples in the vicinity. We checked into the PAMS hotel which is affordable with a decent double bed room, costed us Rs. 2000 per day. That afternoon and got fresh and headed toward Oppiliappan Koil (TiruvNNagaram).

Oppiliappan Koil: is one of the famous Divya Desams located at Thiru Nageswaram near Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. On the same evening we could cover Thiruadhanur, Thirupullambhuthangkudi, Thirukkavithathalam temples. The Chakrapani, Sarangapani and Ramaswamy temples, which are located in the town of Kumbakonam, were covered in one evening.

We shall be posting the pleasure trip to more temples Surya Naryana Koil, Gharba Rakshambika koil, Ambika Amman Koil and Kethu Sthalam as on the day two.

Tirumala Sevas - TTD

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:22:00 +0000

Tirumala Sevas - at TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam)
During the start of this month we had a long drive from Chennai to Tirumala Hills of the shrine Srinivasar, also know as Balaji or Venkateshwara Swamy. This drive was exciting and more attractive view in my car (Wagonr) is the Vinayaka sitting on the dash board.

We could get the tickets for Nija Paadha Seva and also an oportinuity to perform Kalyanothsavam (Kalyana Vothsavam) on a single day, which was on 6th of June 2008. Moreover that was the Sudha and I got married in the 2004 at Tirumala Hills.
That next evening we could attend Voonjal Seva, that is now-a-days happening in a auditorium due to the recent mishup that took place at the previous location as a fire broke-out due to the candles litWell the Voonjal Seva was for Kodhanda Ramar moorthy.

Due to lot of crowd on the hills for dharshan, TTD authority had arranged alternatives to manage the crowd that come every day. It is said that it was massively crowded (2 Lac people) a day after we had darshan.
Further more, the TTD authorities claim that they can provide darshan for not more than 65 Thousand people per day. We also could get the Tirupati Laddu that are very famous ones and are about to get a Geographical Indication (GI) for its uniqueness.

However, the best way one can get the glimse of the lord Sri Venkateshwara is very simple and easy if one can book their tickets in advance at TTD Website online from any location in the world.
Finally, I request you to click on the image on the left to check the sevas that are offered by TTD at Tirumala. Good Luck and happy journey!

Sweet Potato - Delecious Salad

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Delecious Salad - Sweet Potato

For the lovers of sweet potatoes, whether its the red, yellow or purple variant, you will definitely love this salad.

Ingredients for this Menu

2 kgs of red sweet potatoes
1/2 kgs of yellow sweet potatoes
1/12 cup of white vinegar
1/12 cup of olive oil1/3 clove garlic (minced)
1/12 cup of dill pickle relish1/6 cup of red onion (chopped)
1/9 cup of mayonnaise
1/9 cup sour cream
1/6 cup of chopped parsley
A pinch of ground black pepper

Preparations

Boil the red and sweet potatoes with water for 15 minutes until they are tender but still firm.

Drain the water.

After the potatoes are cool, remove the skin and cut them into small cubes.

Mix the vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dill pickle relish and chopped onion in a large salad bowl.

Add in the potato cubes and gently mix.

Whisk the mayonnaise, pepper, sour cream and parsley with a metal whisk in another bowl.

Pour the mixture over potatoes and refrigerate the salad for at least 8 hours before serving.

Tips

You can prepare this salad in the morning before leaving for work and it can be consumed by the time you are at home. ;)

Tirupati Laddu

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:54:00 +0000

Tirupati Laddu or Ladoo - Delicious Prasadam
As I posted on Tirumala Temple and its sevas in my previous articles here is something interesting and delicious that I want to talk about... Right! it is all about Tirupathi Laddu.

Ladoo or Laddu, is one of the most famous offering and prasadam given to devotees at the Tirumala Tirupati Lord Venkateswara Temple. Tirupati Laddu is a spherical-shaped sweet made of flour and sugar. Around 150,000 laddus are made daily. This includes bigger and smaller ones together. One small laddu is given free to each devotee, whereas the bigger ones are given to the devotees who perform sevas in Tirumala.

Number of daily devotees that visit the temple is around 50,000. A devotee can buy extra two laddus – a laddu costs 5 rupees. The revenue from the sale of laddu annually is more than 11 million rupees. Each laddu weighs around 100gms and is huge when compared with the normal laddu found in shops.

There is a super huge Tirupati Laddu known as Kalyana Laddu and it weighs around 500gms – ½ a kilogram. Single largest laddu made is said to have weighed 32 kg.

Tirupati Laddu Preparation - Prepared according to a formula
Ingredients used in Tirupati Laddu are Besan flour (kadalai mavu), Sugar, Cashew nuts, Cardamom, Ghee, Oil, Sugar candy, Raisins and Almonds.
On a day around 5000 kg of Besan flour is used.
Sugar around 10000 kg.
Cashew nuts around 600 kg.
Cardamom 150 kg Ghee 300 liters Sugar candy 400 kg Raisins 540 kg
The ingredients are bought at the auction at the Commodities and Spices Exchange in Kochi.

The tradition of Tirupati Laddu is nearly 300 years old. It is prepared by special hereditary priests known as archakas in special temple kitchen known as ‘potu’.

Tirupati laddu, famous for its size and taste may soon get intellectual property rights as the managing trust of the temple is seeking a geographical indication (GI) tag for the delicacy. An expert panel appointed by the Registrar of Geographical Indications met at the temple last month to examine the merits of the application and has recommended granting the GI tag to the Tirupati laddu. TTD had sought the GI tag for the laddu under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, after failing to curb sale of counterfeit versions by hawkers seeking to exploit the growing demand from visitors to the temple.

GI status is granted to indentify a product as having a specific provenance, and with a certain quality or reputation associated with that origin. Apart from preventing the consumer from getting duped by fake products, it is geared to protecting producers’ rights of local communities, and enhancing the incomes of local artisans and farmers. The GI tag sought by TTD is for the prasadam (offering) to Lord Venkateshwara that has unique characteristic in itself and also has association with the geography—Tirupati. Source Hindu.

Village Scenery

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:16:00 +0000

We got up before dawn and headed towards the hamlet of our ancestors...

As I already covered in my previous posts that Mambakkam is the village near Madurantakkam on the Indian National Highway.

New born calf is a week old. We had this as one of the reasons to visit Mambakkam apart from visiting Erri Katha Ramar Koil.

We grow paddy in our village. India's major crop is Paddy and is grown in abundant in South India.

The people in Mambakkam Village are vey generous, one of the villagers had plucked and brought coconuts for all of us to drink its water. The whole evening we spent there and returned back to Chennai by dawn.

These kids are playing Gully Cricket and the future of India. There are few folks enjoying the day under the tree.

I was working on potraying Madhav and Narayanan. Painting is an art that gives peace of mind. I like to paint with different mediums of painting to bring the final output of the theme.

I also contribute a dedicated blog on painting.

These are the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest Mambakkam.

We had a long walk into the paddy fields the other day. We could relax under the tree where there is a small hut tuckked in.

This is my great grand mother, Janakavalli Pati.

Reema Ganugapati - Bharatanatyam Dance

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 01:17:00 +0000

BharataNatyam Temple Dance: This dance form is a 20th century reconstruction of Cathir, the art of temple dancers. Cathir in turn, is derived from ancient dance forms. In ancient times it was performed as Dasiattam by temple Devadasis. Many of the ancient sculptures in Hindu temples are based on Bharata Natyam dance and this is the most popular classical dance in India and all over the world.

I remember my childhood days while I accompanied my sister to an auditorium where ahe used to learn Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dance classes. Here is one of the most famous dance performance of my niece, Reema Ganugapati in Livermore, California. Her parents Venkipuram Rupa Sharma (my sister) and Sharma Ganugapati have contributed this video of her kuchipudi dance performance for my blog readers.

Additional Resources:

Read more about BharataNatyam dance also the danc forms of Kuchipudi.

The transition of Bharatha Natyam from temple to auditorium.

The Last Lear - One of the best Indian Movies

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:23:00 +0000

The Last Lear - A Hindi Movie Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal, Shefali Shah, Jishu Sengupta and Divya Dutta. This story contains Action, Drama, Love Story, Romance. Director is Rituparno Ghosh.

MSN has got more video clips on their special web page that is launched now.

Enjoy! watching this movie on theatres. ALso, know more from The Last Lear official website here.

Tongue Twister Rhymes for All

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:26:00 +0000

This is one of the best rhymes by Dr. Seuss for all Single and multicellular organisms like adults, adolocents, females, males... and all others who love to have fun.

Check the complete text below:

Socks
Box
Knox

Know in box.
Fox in socks.

Knox on fox
in socks in box.

Socks on Knox
and Knox in box.

Fox in socks
on box on Knox.

Chicks with bricks come.
Chicks with blocks come.
Chicks with Bricks and
blocks and clocks come.

Look, sir. Look, sir.
Mr Knox, sir.
Let's do tricks with
bricks and blocks, sir.
Let;s do tricks with
chicks and clocks, sir.

First, I'll make a
quick trick brick stack.
Then I'll make a
quick trick block stack.

You can make a
quick trick chick stack.
You can make a
trick clock stack.

And here's a
new trick, Mr Knox....
Socks on chicks
and chicks on fox.
Fox on clocks
on bricks and blocks.
bricks and blocks
on Knox on blocks.

Now we come to
ticks and tocks, sir.
Try to say this
Mr Knox, sir....

Clocks on fox tick.
Clocks on Knox tock.
Six sick bricks tick.
Six sick chicks tock.

Please, sir. I don't
like this trick, sir.
My tongue isn't
quick or slick, sir.
I get all those
ticks and clocks, sir,
mixed up with the
chicks and tocks, sir.
I can't do it, Mr. Fox, sir.

I'm so sorry,
Mr. Knox sir.

Here's and easy
game to play.
Here's an easy
thing to say...

New socks.
Two socks.
Whose socks?
Sue's socks.

Who sews whose socks?
Sue sews Sue's socks.

Who sees who sew
whose new socks, sir?
You see Sue sew
Sue's new socks, sir.

That's not easy,
Mr. Fox, sir.

Who comes?
Crow comes.
Slow Joe Crow comes.

Who sews crow's clothes?
Sue sews crow's clothes.
Slow Joe Crow
sews whose clothes?
Sue;s clothes.

Sue sews socks of
fox in socks now.

Slow Joe Crow sews
Knox in box now.

Sue sews rose
on Slow Joe Crow's clothes.
Fox sews hose
on Slow Joe Crow's nose

Hose goes.
Rose frows.
Nose hose goes some.
Crow's rose grows some.

Mr Fox!
I hate this game, sir.
This game makes
my tongue quite lame, sir.

Mr. Knox, sir,
what a shame, sir.

We'll find something
new to do now.
Here is lots of
new blue goo now.
New goo. Blue goo.
Gooey. Goeey.
Blue goo, New goo.
Gluey. Gluey.

Gooey goo
for chewy chewing!
That's what that
Goo-Goose is doing
Do you choose to
chew goo, too, sir?
If, sir, you, sir,
choose to chew, sir,
with the Goo-Goose,
chew, sir. Do, sir.

Mr. Fox, sir,
I won't do it.
I can't say it.
I won't chew it.

Very well, sir.
Step this way.
We'll find another
game to play.

Bim comes.
Ben comes.
Bim bringgs Ben broom.
Ben brings Bim broom.

Ben bends Bim's broom.
Bim bends Ben's broom,
Bim's bends,
Ben's bends.
Ben's bent broom breaks.
Bim's bent broom breaks.

Ben's band. Bim's band.
Big bands. Pig bands.

Bim and Ben lead
bands with brooms.
Ben's band bangs
and Bim's band booms.

Pig band! Boom band!
Big band! Broom band!
My poor mouth can't
say that. No Sir.
My pooor mouth is
much too slow, sir.

Well then...
bring your mouth this way.
I'll find it something
it can say.

Luke Luck likes lakes.
Luke's duck likes lakes.
Luke luck licks lakes.
Luke's duck licks lakes.

Duck takes licks
in lakes Luke Luck likes.
Luke Luck takes licks
in lakes duck likes.

I can't blah
such blibber blubber!
My tongue isn't
made of runner.

Mr. Knox. Now
come now. Come now.
You don't have to
be so dumb now....

Try to say this,
Mr, Knox, please....
Through three cheese trees
three free fleas flew.
While these fleas flew,
freezy breeze blew.
Freezy breeze made
these three trees freeze.
Freezy trees made
these trees' cheese freeze
That's what made these
three free fleas sneeze.

Stop it! Stop it!
That;s enough, sir.
I can't say
such silly stuff, sir.

Very well, then
Mr. Knox, sir.
Let's have a little talk
about tweetle beetles....

What do you know
about tweetle beetles?
well...

When tweetle beetles fight,
it's called
a tweetle beetle battle.

And when they
battle in a puddle,
it's a tweetle
beetle puddle battle.

AND when tweetle beetles
battle with paddles in a puddle,
they call it a tweetle
beetle puddle paddle battle.
AND...

When beetles battle beetles
in a puddle paddle battle
and the beetle battle puddle
is a puddle in a bottle...

...they call this
a tweetle beetle
bottle puddle
paddle battle muddle.
AND...

When beetles
fight these battles
in a bottle
with their paddles
and the bottle's
on a poodle
and the poodle's
eating noodles...

...they call this
a muddle puddle
tweetle poodle
beetle noodle
bottle paddle battle.
AND...

Now wait
a minute
Mr. Socks Fox!

When a fox is
in the bottle where
the tweetle beetls battle
with their paddles
in a puddle on a
noodle-eating poodle.
THIS is what they call...

...a tweetle beetle
noodle poodle bottles
paddled muddled duddled
fuddled wuddled
fox in sockx, sir!

Fox in socks,
our game is done, sir.
Thank you for
a lot of fun, sir

Madhav Indian Kid - Kids Toys

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 09:23:00 +0000

There are many ecommerce websites that offer toys for kids. These are the sites that sell their toys online for publicity through Internet Marketing. Also, there are toy companies that depend on Internet Marketing agencies or individuals to get a brand awareness and promote their products online.

This video is of Madhav driving a Toy Car in 2008. Most popular kid's toys are from Mattel® and Fisher-Price® Brands among others. These brands are always on top as they are inclined toward entertaining kids around the world.

Video on Indian Recipes

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:24:00 +0000

Modern indian cooking - by Hari Nayak

Eating good food make you fresh and soft in nature. So, pick the Quick and Easy Indian Recipes and Enjoy!

Indian recepies expert Chef Hari Nayak's Video.

Kids Education - Shiksha Project

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:44:00 +0000

India is considered to have developed a unique education system in the universe. However, there are many initiatives taken by the NGOs as the one with "Shiksha Project" supported by Procter and Gamble with two beautiful Indian Celebrities.

With its plurality and paradoxes, India never ceases to fascinate. And education in India is only one among various other elements that have captured the attention of the world. While the Americans are worried about the illiterates in a large number, various other countries are indeed amazed by the quality of some of the human resources that the Indian education system has produced.

Further more, after gaining independence in the year 1947, making education available to all had become a priority for the Indian government. As discrimination on the basis of caste and gender has been a major structure that made its progress a bit difficult in the healthy development of the Indian society, these sought of discriminations have been made unlawful by the Indian constitution.

Lord Sri Venkateshwara Tirumala Sevas

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 06:56:00 +0000

Lord Sri Venkateshwara Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam (TTD)
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

View Larger Map
Lord Sri Venkateshwara also known as Srinivisa Perumal Koil in Tirumala is a holy place for all Hindus and Sri Vishnavas in particular. Lord Balaji or Malayappa Swami are a few other names to the Lord Venkateshwara. Puranas referred Tirumala as one among 108 Diya Desangal (sacred shrines) of the Sri Vaishanava tradition. According to Puranas, Lord Vishnu stayed on the earth for sometime in the avatar of Swetha Varaham and rose out of Pushkarini as Swayambhu (Self incarnation). Venkatam Hill is believed to be the part of celestical mount meru, brought to the earth from Vaykuntam by Garuda (Lord's Vehicle) from Puranas. Tirumala Hills, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, is believed to be the manifestation of Adhisesha (the cosmic serpant). Moreover, these Seven Hills are said to be Seven Hoods of Adi Shesha.
A rare photo of Lord Venkateswara picked by a Britisher, and the Vishwaroopam in the thumbnail on the photo of the Lord. Lord Srinivasa Perumal blesses his devotees with peace and prosperity. With Millions of money in Offering each day by lakhs of devotees, devotees who throng the sacred seven hills in Andhra Pradesh - India.

venkaTAdri samam sthAnam

brahmANDe nAsti kincana;

venkateSa samo devo

na bhUto na bhaviSyati

Varaha Purana declares that Tirumala Temple, the abode of Lord Venkateswara is the ultimate goal of all devotees from times immemorial. Sri Krishna Deva Raya(1509-1530 AD), a Kannada speaking king respected all sects of Hinduism, although he personally leaned in favour of Sri Vaishnavism, as evident in his litreary times. The Tirumala Raya Mandapam, in the main temple complex, is named after him. Inside the temple complex main carvings are the Krishna Devaraya Mandapam, Padi Kavali Maha Dwara Sampangi Pradakshinam, Ranga Mandapam Tirumala.

There are many Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams Online Seva Portals that offers better service to the Devotees with their Web Based Interface. Devotees in Tirumala can participate in so many vishesha (special) poojas conducted to the lord. Tirupati Laddu is one of the most famous offerings and prasadams given to devotees at the Tirumala Tirupati Lord Venkateswara Temple. Tirupati Laddu is a spherical-shaped sweet made of flour and sugar.

Here are a few Website resources that contains details like the cost, no of persons, contact info etc.:
The Official Website for Sri Venkateswara Temple of Tirumala - gives the information on how to get there, places to stay and visit, facilities.
Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams - e-Services - Online Seva Portal.
Daily Sevas - Here, Sri Venkateswara's temple Sevas are given in chronological order.
Tirumal Tirupati - Details on Wikipedia.

Devotees / piligrims believe that "it is not that a Piligrim gets a darshan (glimpse) of this main deity, but it is the main deity who makes the Devotees to see Him". To sum up, Tirumala is an ultimate destination for all devotees who trust in God.

Hari Candadai - Public Speaking

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:50:00 +0000

Eri Katha Ramar

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:16:00 +0000

I am sure that you have read my article last year on Madhuranthakam Ramar Divyadarsanam, it was my experience during the trip to Madhurantakam - Eri Katha Ramar Koil (Temple) to perform a ritual / traditional Vadaithi Vuthsavam, last year.

This Vuthsavam happens on the final day of Bramothsavam of Eri Katha Ramar and is done to Karunakaran (Srinivasar Perumal). Chack out the Garland that I am wearing is a honour for me and my family, as it was from Karunakaran.
This year, the Vuthsavam took place on Tuesday, the 24th day of June 2008, and it is performed every year using the contributions of Vankipuram and its Family.

I am privilaged to be honored by the huge garland that was put on the Vuthsava morthy called Karunakaran. The garland seems to be too long. This Vothsavam alone is done for Karunakaran which means Srinivasa Perumal the God who has multiple names as Kesava, Madhava, Govinda, Rushikesa, Padmanabha, Dhamodhara, Vishnu among others.

Every child of Maduranthakam has been fed with the story of Eri Katha Ramar along with mother?s milk. However, Madurantakam is a small town about seventy kilometres to the south of Chennai [formerly Madras], located on National Highway 45 connecting Chennai with Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of India.

There is rich folklore associated with this place and it is said that Lord Rama Himself visited it, while wandering in search of His Consort Sita. There is big tank in the neighbourhood, and Rama is supposed to have had a bath there while visiting the place. In later years, a temple for Rama was duly established.
During eighteenth century. By that time, Madras and many regions near it had come under the rule of the British East India Company, and that included Madurantakam. Sometime in 1795, there was a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal following which there was a heavy downpour in and around Madurantakam. The then Collector named Col. Lionel Price got the news that the lake in Madurantakam was full and that there was the danger of a breach. If the breach occurred, it might result in severe damage to surrounding property.
Col. Price lost no time in heading for Madurantakam, and after carrying out the inspection, ordered that the breach be plugged. He then decided to visit the Rama temple in the neighbourhood. Removing his shoes out of respect for native tradition, he entered the temple. He found it in a dilapidated condition. Apparently, devotion had declined and that was part of the reason for the poor state of the temple.
Looking around, Col. Price saw in a corner a heap of bricks. He enquired what the bricks were doing there, piled up high. He was told by the temple priest that they were meant for constructing a temple for Mother Sita, but the construction could not be carried out because there was no money. Why was there no money asked the collector? The reply given was that the huge tank regularly breached during cyclones and that caused much loss to the people; that was why they could not raise funds for building the temple.
Col. Price then asked, “How come your Rama is not coming to your rescue? Why does He not protect the tank, allowing you to build the temple for His Consort?”
The temple authorities were deeply hurt by this remark and replied, “Next time there is an emergency, you will definitely see Lord Rama coming to our rescue.” Aerial view of the Madurantakam Tank. Due to years of drought, there is no water. This tank is man-made and, like many others in South India, is used to harvest rain water for agriculture. The tank is bounded mainly by mud walls. In a good season, there is plenty of water in the tank, which then presents the appearance of a lake. As it turned out very shortly after that, there was a heavy downpour and this time the situation was really serious.
Col. Price rushed again to Madurantakam, and the sight that greeted him overwhelmed him. A ferocious storm was raging and the fury of Nature stunned Col. Price. Gone was the earlier bravado and he was at his wit’s ends. It was just too much, and God alone could save the situation.
There was a big crowd of villagers taking shelter in the temple. The water level in the lake was rising menacingly and Col. Price was wondering whether he would have a watery grave here in this village while his wife and family were in far-away England unaware of his situation. While immersed thus in his thoughts, he found an elderly gentleman talking non stop about Lord Rama, His Glory and His Power.
This was a desperate situation beyond the might of the British East India Company. Though a devout Christian, Col. Price decided to give Lord Rama a try and silently prayed:
“O Lord Rama, they say You are great. In that case, please come to the rescue of all of us and save everyone by preventing the lake from breaching. If You respond to my prayers, I shall, as an expression of my gratitude, build a temple for Your Consort.”
The moment Col. Price concluded his prayer, there was a flash of lightning, and he had a vision of Rama and Lakshmana smiling! Astounded, he simply cried, “Look there!” and immediately fainted.
When he regained consciousness, Col. Price found himself in a comfortable bed in his own quarters, surrounded by his minions. He sat up with a start and demanded to know the latest position about the tank. He was told that miraculously the rains stopped suddenly, besides which the water level in the lake came down abruptly to a safe level. Col. Price felt relieved, ecstatic and most grateful to the Lord who had come to the rescue in such a dramatic fashion.
Not only Price but also the people of Madurantakam realised that it was Lord Rama who had come to their rescue. Thus it is that even today the temple deity is not referred to as just Rama but as Rama who protected the tank - "Eri Katha Ramar".
As for the Colonel, he duly kept his promise and did have a temple constructed for Mother Sita. In fact, there may be found to this day, an inscription in Tamil and Telugu that the temple was built by Company Collector Lionel Place. [The person who did the engraving apparently got the name wrong!]

Inscription on the wall at the entrance of the temple, recording the donation made by the British collector - Col. Price.

There is also a small representation of the Colonel himself. Also, I took a snap of a painting on the wall of the Kodhanda Ramar Temple, during my recent visit for the Vadaithi Vuthsavam. This picture depicting the way Rama and Lakshmana appeared in front of the collector and blessing him after instructing him to construct a bridge to avoid the floods into the village and save the settlements with people living there.

The temple has a serene atmosphere, and is a wonderful place to . Moreover, an unique feature on the walls of the temple is that you may find the devotional songs composed by Saint Tyagaraja, a great poet saint of south India, in praise of Lord Rama. In addition to this, you can also see my painting that I did during January 2008 and I personally feel that Rama always blessed the whole world with peace and tranquility.

World Of Fun for Kids

vnarsimhan@gmail.com (Narasimhan) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:23:00 +0000

Who will be willing to ignore something that interests their kids to explore on the Internet that is filled with Fun? None of you out there! I bet!

Microsoft Network has come up with a website that is filled with fun for kids this Summer. Check the MSN India Website with summer activities, games, puzzles, books, movies, quizzes, science projects, summer jobs, puzzles, hobbies, blog for Children.

This will be a good passtime and keep the kids engaged on net for sometime, so that you can relax.