Thursday, May 26, 2022

2154 The Cocoon - Sudeepa Nair


Nair's first book in the dystopian series 'Around the world in 2153' gave a view on how the Earth and the rules here changed by 2153 and how it effected the lives here,  The sequel only carries forward the implications and how that transforms Sia in the  world. 

After a tragic technological mishap, Sia, the ex-leader-in-waiting of Jambudesh, has started a new life in Verdemia as a humanoid.

Sia now has everyone she had ever wished for --her parents, her sister and her companion --but she yearns for a life where the humans accept her without judgment.

The novel takes you for a time travel ride. In a future world distorted beyond recognition by technology and dystopian nation, the author grips you with a plot to find human sensibilities. 

The Non-Residential Earthlings from Mars return to Earth. Sharman, their wily leader, has an ulterior motive to harm the Earthling chosen by the Martians as their new leader.

Two Martians hastily follow Sharman to stop him. What happens then is what the story is all about. 

Looking forward for a book of the series when Sia will come out from the Cocoon to lead the Martian world? Is that being cooked up?

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa is a Hindu devotional hymn in praise of Hanuman, authored by Tulsidas in the Awadhi language and recited by most Hindus. It is a timeless ode to devotion. Composed of 40 verses in praise of Lord Hanuman. 

हनुमान चालीसा Hanuman Chalisa

दोहा

श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज निजमनु मुकुरु सुधारि।

बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु जो दायकु फल चारि।।

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार।

बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार।।


चौपाई

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर।

जय कपीस तिहुं लोक उजागर।।

रामदूत अतुलित बल धामा।

अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा।।


महावीर विक्रम बजरंगी।

कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी।।

कंचन वरन विराज सुवेसा।

कानन कुण्डल कुंचित केसा।।


हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै।

काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै।

शंकर सुवन केसरीनंदन।

तेज प्रताप महा जग वन्दन।।


विद्यावान गुणी अति चातुर।

राम काज करिबे को आतुर।।

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया।

राम लखन सीता मन बसिया।।


सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा।

विकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा।।

भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे।

रामचंद्र के काज संवारे।।


लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये।

श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाये।।

रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई।

तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई।।


सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं।

अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं।।

सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीशा।

नारद सारद सहित अहीसा।।


जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते।

कवि कोविद कहि सके कहाँ ते।।

तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा।

राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा।।


तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषन माना।

लंकेश्वर भये सब जग जाना।।

जुग सहस्र योजन पर भानू।

लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू।।


प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं।

जलधि लांघि गये अचरज नाहीं।।

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते।

सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते।।


राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे।

होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे।।

सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना।

तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना।।


आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै।

तीनों लोक हांक तें कांपै।।

भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै।

महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै।।


नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा।

जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा।।

संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै।

मन क्रम वचन ध्यान जो लावै।।


सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा।

तिनके काज सकल तुम साजा।

और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै।

सोई अमित जीवन फल पावै।।


चारों युग परताप तुम्हारा।

है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा।।

साधु-संत के तुम रखवारे।

असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे।।


अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता।

अस वर दीन जानकी माता।।

राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा।

सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा।।


तुम्हरे भजन राम को भावै।

जनम-जनम के दुख बिसरावै।।

अन्त काल रघुबर पुर जाई।

जहाँ जन्म हरि-भक्त कहाई।।


और देवता चित्त न धरई।

हनुमत सेई सर्व सुख करई।।

संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा।

जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा।।


जै जै जै हनुमान गोसाईं।

कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं।।

जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई।

छूटहिं बंदि महा सुख होई।।


जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा।

होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा।।

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा।

कीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा।।


दोहा 

पवनतनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप।

राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप।।

Hanuman Chalisa Lyrics & the meaning

To have a deeper understanding of this hymn, devotees absorb the essence of each word. 



COUPLET


Sri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Mann Mukuru Sudhaari.

Barnaun Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo Daayaku Phal Chaari.


Having polished the mirror of my heart with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet, I recite the divine fame of the greatest king of Raghukul dynasty, which bestows us with the fruit of all the four efforts.


Buddhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumiraun Pawan-Kumar.

Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar.


Knowing that this mind of mine has less intelligence, I remember the ‘Son of Wind’ who, granting me strength, wisdom, and all kinds of knowledge, removes all my suffering and shortcomings.

QUATRAIN


Jai Hanuman Gyan Gunn Sagar. Jai Kapees Tihun Lok Ujaagar.

Ramdoot Atulit Baldhama. Anjani-Putra Pawansut Naama.


Victory to Lord Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue. Victory to the Lord who is supreme among the monkeys, illuminator of the three worlds.

You are Lord Rama's emissary,‌ the abode of matchless power, Mother Anjani's son, and also popular as the ‘Son of the Wind’.


"Mahaveer Vikram Bajrangi. Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.

Kanchan Baran Biraj Subesa. Kaanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa."


Great hero, You are as mighty as a thunderbolt. You remove evil intellect and are the companion of those having good ones.

Your skin is golden in color and You are adorned with beautiful clothes. You have adorning earrings in Your ears and Your hair is curly and thick. 


Haath Braj Au Dhwaja Biraaje. Kaandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje.

Shankar Suvan Kesarinandan. Tej Prataap Maha Jag Bandan.


In Your hands, shine a mace and a flag of righteousness. A sacred thread adorns Your right shoulder.

You are the embodiment of Lord Shiva and vanar-raj Kesari's son. There is no limit or end to Your glory, Your magnificence. The whole Universe worships You.


Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chaatur. Ram Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur. 

Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya. Ram Lakhan Sita Mann Basiya.


You are the wisest of the wise, virtuous and (morally) clever. You are always eager to do Lord Rama's works.

You feel extremely delighted in listening to Lord Rama's doings and conduct. Lord Rama, Mother Sita, and Lord Laxmana dwell forever in Your heart.


Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyanhi Dikhawa. Bikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarawa.

Bheem Roop Dhari Asura Sanghare. Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Sanware.


Taking the subtle form, You appeared in front of Mother Sita. And, taking the formidable form, You burnt the Lanka (Ravana's kingdom).

Taking the massive form (like that of Bheema), You slaughtered the demons. This is how, You completed Lord Rama's tasks, successfully.


Laaye Sanjeevan Lakhana Jiyaaye. Sri Raghuveer Harashi Urr Laaye.

Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badai. Tum Mum Priya, Bhartahi Sum Bhai.


Bringing the magic-herb (sanjivani), You revived Lord Laxmana. Raghupati, Lord Rama praised You greatly and overflowing in gratitude, said that You are a dear brother to Him just as Bharat is.


Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave. Asa Kahi Sripati Kanth Lagaave. 

Sankaadik Brahmadi Munisa. Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa.


Saying this, Lord Rama drew You to Himself and embraced you. Sages like Sanaka, Gods like Brahma and sages like Narada and even the thousand-mouthed serpent sing Your fame!

Sanak, Sanandan and the other Rishis and great saints; Brahma - the god, Narada, Saraswati - the Mother Divine and the King of serpents sing Your glory.


Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te. Kabi Kobid Kahi Sake Kahan Te. 

Tum Upkaar Sugreevahi Keenha. Ram Milaaye Raj-Pad Deenha.


Yama, Kubera and the guardians of the four quarters; poets and scholars - none can express Your glory.

You helped Sugriva by introducing Him to Lord Rama and regaining his crown. Therefore, You gave Him the Kingship (the dignity of being called a king).


Tumharo Mantra Bibhishan Maana. Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana. 

Yug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhanu. Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu.


Likewise, complying with Your preachings, even Vibhishana became the King of Lanka.

You swallowed the sun, located thousands of miles away, mistaking it to be a sweet, red fruit! 


Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Maahi. Jaladhi Laandhi Gaye Achraj Naahi. 

Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete. Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Tete.


Keeping the ring in Your mouth, which was given to You by Lord Rama, you crossed over the Ocean, to no astonishment, whatsoever.

All difficult tasks of this world become easy, with Your grace.


Ram Duaare Tum Rakhvare. Hott Na Aagya Binu Paisare.

Sab Sukh Lahe Tumhari Sarna. Tum Rakshak Kahu Ko Dar Na.


You are the guardian at Lord Rama's door. Nobody can move forward without Your permission which means that Lord Rama's darshans (to get the sight of) are possible only with Your blessings.

Those who take refuge in You, find all the comforts and happiness. When we have a protector like You, we do not need to get scared of anybody or anything.


Aapan Tej Samharo Aape. Teeno Lok Haank Te Kaampe.

Bhoot Pishaach Nikat Nahi Aavein. Mahaveer Jab Naam Sunaave." 


You alone can withstand Your magnificence. All the three worlds start trembling at one roar of Yours.

O Mahaveer! No ghosts or evil spirits come near the ones who remember Your name. Therefore, just remembering Your name does everything!


Naase Rog Hare Sab Peera. Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera. 

Sankat Te Hanuman Churave. Mann Kram Vachan Dhyaan Jo Laave.


O Hanuman! All diseases and all kinds of pain get eradicated when one recites or chants Your name. Therefore, chanting Your name regularly is considered to be very significant.

Whoever meditates upon or worships You with thought, word, and deed, gets freedom from all kinds of crisis and affliction.


Sab Par Ram Tapasvi Raja. Tin Ke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja.

Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laave. Soi Amit Jivan Phal Paave.


Lord Rama is the greatest Ascetic amongst all the Kings. But, it's only You who carried out all the tasks of Lord Sri Rama.

One who comes to You with any longing or a sincere desire obtains the abundance of the manifested fruit, which remains undying throughout life.


Chaaron Yug Partap Tumhara. Hai Parsidh Jagat Ujiyara. 

Saadhu-Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare. Asur Nikandan Ram Dulaare." 


Your splendor fills all the Four Ages. And, Your glory is renowned throughout the world.

You are the guardian of saints and sages; the destroyer of demons and adored by Lord Rama.


Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Daata. As Var Deen Janaki Mata. 

Ram Rasayan Tumhare Paasa. Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasa.


You have been blessed by Mother Janaki to give boon further, to the deserving ones, wherein You can grant the siddhis (eight different powers) and the nidhis (nine different kinds of wealth).

You have the essence of Ram bhakti, may you always remain the humble and devoted servant of Raghupati. 


Tumhare Bhajan Ram Ko Paave. Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisraave. 

Antkaal Raghuvar Pur Jaayi. Jahan Janam Hari-Bhakt Kahayi.


When one sings Your praise, Your name, He gets to meet Lord Rama and finds relief from the sorrows of many lifetimes.

By your grace, one will go to the immortal abode of Lord Rama after death and remain devoted to Him. 


Aur Devta Chitta Na Dharai. Hanumat Sei Sarva Sukh Karai.

Sankat Kate, Mite Sab Peera. Jo Sumire Hanumat Balbeera. 


It is not needed to serve any other Deity or God. Service to Lord Hanuman gives all the comforts.

All troubles cease for the one who remembers the powerful lord, Lord Hanuman and all his pains also come to an end.


Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosain. Krupa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naai. 

Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi. Chutahi Bandhi Maha Sukh Hoyi.


O Lord Hanuman! Praises and glory to you O mighty Lord, please bestow your grace as our Supreme Guru. 

One who recites this Chalisa a hundred times is released from all bondages and will attain great bliss.


Jo Yeh Padhe Hanuman Chalisa, Hoye Siddhi Saakhi Gaurisa.

Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.


One who reads and recites this Hanuman Chalisa, all his works get accomplished. Lord Shiva, Himself, is the witness to it.

O Lord Hanuman, May I always remain a servant, a devotee to Lord Sri Ram, says Tulsidas. And, May You always reside in my heart.


COUPLET


Pawan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop.

Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.


O the Son of Wind, You are the destroyer of all sorrows. You are the embodiment of fortune and prosperity.


With Lord Rama, Laxmana and Mother Sita, dwell in my heart, always.

Hanuman Chalisa - Vinay - https://vinayrnair.wordpress.com/category/hanuman-chalisa/

To be strong, we need to meditate upon strength. To be knowledgeable, we need to mediate upon knowledge and in the same way to become wise, we need to meditate upon wisdom. Hanuman symbolizes all three – Strength, Knowledge & Wisdom. Hanuman Chalisa, a composition by Tulsidasji, is a very powerful tool for making ourselves achieve all the three.

Mahaveer

Hanuman is said to be a Mahaveer. Mahaveer is a quality of an excellent leader. Leadership is not necessarily an inborn trait. It can be cultivated by anybody if they can rise up to the point of Mahaveer. To become a Mahaveer, one needs to have the below five qualities.

1. Ranaveer: A person who is brave enough to face any challenge in life, like a warrior, is called Ranaveer. Smooth roads have never made an excellent driver. Challenges are a must for becoming exceptional. If we take any great personality’s life, we can see that he must have come through a lot of strife and turmoil.

2.Vidyaveer: One who is well-read and widely-read is called a Vidyaveer. Many a times we find people who are either of these but not both. Some people are well-read in scriptures or sciences like Psychology, but don’t know how to apply these sciences in daily life. What’s the use of such learning? Some are widely-read, like News channel anchors & reporters, and have the knowledge of all the things going around in the world, but their life may be a tragedy. Again, what’s the use?

However, people like Chanakya, Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha, Swami Chinmayananda, who were well-read in the scriptures and widely-read about the happenings all over the world, which helps them to make us understand how the knowledge of the scriptures is applicable to the daily life, in the field of economics, in the betterment of the whole society.

Both academic knowledge and spiritual knowledge are important for a person to be an exceptional leader.

3.Daanveer: Daanveer means one who is never hesitant to do charity. For him, charity is not something that he does once in a while. For him, charity is a habit. Because, he has understood that sharing is not shrinking, but sharing is expanding.

Whatever we have in excess, needs to be shared. Not just shared, it needs to be shared intelligently. Suppose in a town, there is a mango tree that produces a very good variety of mango. If the owner intelligently plants its seeds properly in different places in the town by giving it proper water, light and manure, and also sharing such seeds with others, very soon the town will be full of mango trees that will be producing the excellent variety of mango.

Each of us has some quality or knowledge in a particular field. Once we have discovered that quality / knowledge, it will enhance the moment we start sharing it with others. It can be music, handicraft, a cooking recipe, knowledge of a subject, anything. When we teach such things to others, a process of inner growth begins in us. But again, we should do it intelligently. It should be sharing with the right person. A nuclear scientist of a country should not be trying to be a Daanveer by sharing information with its neighbouring country.

4.Dayaveer: Daya means compassion. Compassion is not a word or a sad expression that we make when we hear sad news. It is an action that is done by going out of the way to help somebody.

Mata Amritanandamai: Millions of devotees throng at her feet to get a glimpse of her, to get a warm hug from her. People from far and wide come to see her and go back contented for all their worries got destroyed with a few words uttered by her. She has set up number of hospices & hospitals for the poor where they are treated free of cost, in additional to the other spiritual and educational institutions set up by her

Hanuman was full of compassion and love for everybody. When Sugreeva had lost his kingdom was being troubled by Vali, Hanuman served Sugreeva selflessly. When Lakshmana was sinking after being hit but a powerful weapon sent by Indrajit (son of Ravana) during the war, Hanuman rescues him by bring Sanjeevani. When Sita had almost given up hope of Rama finding her and was about to give up her life, Hanuman reaches there at the right time and saves her life. Bharat had taken a promise from Rama that if Rama doesn’t return back to Ayodhya exactly after 14 years, Bharat would give up his life the very next day. Due to the war, when Rama 

Hanuman was an embodiment of sacrifice and service. Never ever in his entire life he did something for himself. When he was the minister of Sugreeva, he worked for Sugreeva. When he became the devotee of Lord Rama, Rama’s work was his work. In his life he had no personal goal.

When we say sacrifice in the literal sense, we mean, dropping something we have for a higher goal. But Hanuman was beyond that because he never had any personal possessions. He never considered any of his qualities also as ‘his’ qualities. So, as far as Hanuman was concerned, there was nothing ‘personal’ that he could sacrifice for Lord Rama. His purpose of existence was to serve Lord Rama.

For Tyaagveer, what better example can anybody think of other than Hanuman?

To be a leader of that standard, which Hanuman has set, is not impossible. We just have to keep contemplating on Hanuman Chalisa and start implementing the learning in us. The transformation will happen!


Jai Hanuman!

Jai Shree Ram!!

Jersey, A Perfect Pairing and 12th man

 Jersey, A Perfect Pairing and 12th man - Never realised the three movies of the month turned out to be from three languages. 

Jersey:


Yet another movie on cricket, and did not want to watch, but then hubby dear said it had won many awards in Telgu in 2019 and is a remake, and he was watching it. Many viewers  believed that it was based on the life of Raman Lamba. Lamba was a talented and popular Indian cricket player who ultimately suffered an untimely death from an internal hemorrhage three days after being hit in the head with a cricket ball during a match in 1998. Gowtam Tinnanuri, writer & Director, however, has refuted these claims and asserts that both the 2019 and 2022 versions of Jersey are purely works of fiction.

An ex-cricketer Shahid Kapoor as Arjun Talwar struggling to make ends meet, wants to fulfil his child's wish of getting a Jersey but in the process comes face to face with his heroic past and is forced to decide if he will rise to the occasion and become a symbol of hope, or continue to live life as a loser. He carries the Punjab team to win the Ranji trophy. Soon after, he dies of heart failure because of all the strain he took on while playing cricket. After his death, it is found out that he was selected for the Indian cricket team. They also reveal that he knew he had a heart condition ten years before he returned to cricket, which is the reason he quit in the first place.

A Perfect Pairing

Location was mesmerising, so choose “The Perfect Pairing”, though the movie was based in Australia, internet says, it was filmed in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada at the Peller Estates Winery and was originally called “Love and Ice Wine” while it was filmed.


Starring Adam Demos (From Sex/Life fame) and Victoria Justice, the film follows an LA wine executive (Justice) who travels to Australia to secure a huge deal, unexpectedly bonding with a rugged local (Demos) at the same time. American corporate girl, Aussie/Kiwi man, farms, countryside. Yep, this is all sounding very familiar. Yes - it's not 'Falling Inn Love?' A RomCom after sometime. There was a time when I was addicted to this Channel when viewing TV. 

12th Man

Yet another old wine in a new bottle - 12th man is a film directed by Jeethu Joseph and produced by Antony Perumbavoor through Aashirvad Cinemas, with a screenplay by K. R. Krishna Kumar and based on a story by Sunir Khetarpal. The film stars Mohanlal, with Unni Mukundan, Sshivada, Anusree, Anu Sithara, Saiju Kurup, Rahul Madhav, Aditi Ravi, Priyanka Nair, Leona Lishoy, Anu Mohan, and Chandhunadh. Again not the True World War II story about Jan Baalsrud, one of the 12 saboteurs sent in 1943 from England to the Nazi-occupied Northern Norway. 




There are what we are reminded of when we watch the movie. A mix of how there are secrets amidst friend, and their lives turns topsy-turvy, on a day, meant to be happy and memorable. 

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🙏🏻Salute to the Technology🙏🏻

Monday, May 23, 2022

Good Vibes, Good Life - Vex King

Though got the book in December last year, along with Atomic Habits and Azadi, and started reading this soon after, somehow got delayed in writing the review. Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King is my 26th of 2022. This books is a guide to get out of darkness and live a more beautiful and meaningful life, by being the best version of who we can be, by truly loving oneself, transforming negative emotions into positive ones, and finding lasting happiness, finding higher purpose and becoming a shining light for others. 

Daily Goal : Be Better than who I was yesterday.

It's important to recognize that it's not unjust to let go of those who show no concern for you. Self-Love is the balance between accepting yourself as you are while knowing you deserve better, and then working towards it. 

An understanding of self-love allows us to find balance between mindset and action. Without balance we'll regularly stumble, fall and feel lost. When you love yourself, life will begin to love you back. The balance between mindset and action will enable you to vibrate higher. 

In seven parts, Part 1 says we need to have good vibrations (vibes) around us, we are who we become who we surround around us with, Part 2, suggests the positive life style habits, including people, body language, self time, inspirations, being away from gossip and drama, gratitude, awareness of the present, emotions, meditation and the need to sort out nutrition and water. Part 3 is about making self a priority with our good vibes protecting us, daring to leave toxic  and handling negative people, not trying to please everyone, being there for others, facing family, choosing real friendship, having a good partner, and checking own behaviour. Part 4 is about Accepting self , appreciating, valuing, celebrating, respecting, forgiving and not comparing. Part 5 & 6 is about  is about Manifesting Goals : Mind Work & Taking actions  which emphasis on positive thinking, understanding subconscious mind, going beyond thoughts, changing beliefs, repeating affirmations, setting intentions, writing down goals, power of Imagination. Taking action covers flowing with the universe, being consistent, having faith, focusing on long term gain. Part 7 covers pain and purpose, reminding us to notice the warning signs, understanding purpose, and achieving true happiness. Love yourself!


Sunday, May 22, 2022

Madurai Meenakshi, Rameshwaram and Dhanuskodi

Mid April, soon after Vishu sadhya after seeing Kani, visiting Thrikakara temple and clicking pics around lotus, had the second innings to Madurai Meenakshi, Rameshwaram and Dhanuskodi; with Geeta and Amma. Geeta had reached the previous night. Sky was beautiful as we drove towards Madurai






If last time it was the temple festival at Rameshwaram this time it was at Madurai - Chithirai festival. For the unity and amity of Saiva- Vishanava. Temple was crowded, and there were restrictions. We reached Madurai around 5 pm, and was at the temple by 6. 


There are four big Rajagopuram like this, as the North, East, South and West end, because of the crowd, vehicle had to parked at some distance and we got in from the south entrance. The Minakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple has a spectacular architecture with spellbinding murals all around. Amma was running ahead in a hurry to get darshan, but it was the exit. Geeta got into the entry queue. We were in different lane. So she went ahead. When we reached the checking counter, I had to surrender my mobile. Amma was smart enough not to carry anything. I had my bag with me. At the entrace, the bag bipped. They checked, it was the umbrela. They asked me to get out and keep it at the deposit counter, and Amma had to move forward. By the time I kept and reached the entrace, there was a chaos there, an old lady was unwilling to deposit her mobile in the counter outside, and was adamant that she would want to enter the temple. With the huge crowd, the lady police checking were dead tired. Realising that it was useless fighting with the elderly lady, she said, go to hell and do whatever you want, let her in. Finally I got in. At the entrace, could not see either Amma or Geetha. The queue was very long - and there were different ones - free, Rs. 50 and Rs. 100. I took tickets for all for Rs. 100, and started looking for amma, in all the queues. Not finding her in any of the three queues and having walked outside and inside I was worried, and informed the police. Did meet Geeta in between the search. Felt sorry for the lady police. It was an uphill task for them to manage the crowd. After three round, wondering where she would be, if she had money - finally heard her calling - Meera. Ah! what  relief it was, but then it was the beginning of a long wait in the queue. Even inside there was a zig-zag of queue, and we had to almost take a 'U' turn - did see her enter into the Meenakshi temple when we were at this end of the 'U' - but was not aware then, that there was another queue inside. After being in queue for almost an hour, got Meenakshi Dharshan, went to Shiva Dharshan - which was amazing - with Deeparadana, and we were right in the front. We could see the hall that has a thousand pillars. We kept going around to find the South gate. I collected the umbrella and mobile - Geeta and the driver was waiting out. The moon was shining beautiful next to the Gopuram, but could not click a pic of it.                   

Chithirai Thiruvizha or Thirukalyanam Festival is the best time to visit the temple. Located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai, this Hindu temple is an epitome of classic architecture with murals so gorgeous that it will take your breath away. Thankfully the walk in the queue was not so tiring, as we were Thankful that we were not lost and also were admiring the beauty of the sacred pool with a golden lotus .


Stay was at the TTDC hotel. We woke up next morning and left for Rameshwaram, it was Hanuman Jayanthi, and auspicious day with the place too being significant. Before that A brief about the Madurai festival: Lord Kallazhagar starts from Azhagar kovil in the form of Kallar  and reaches Madurai on Pournami (Full Moon day). Here he steps into river Vaigai in his Horse Vaganam. Lakhs of devotees flock to river Vaigai to see this event. "Ethir Sevai" festival is celebrated on the day before Alagar steps into river Vaigai. It is a tradition for the people of Madurai to welcome Alagar. After this event Azhagar is taken to Mysore Veera Mandapam on decorated Anantharayar Palanquin. The next morning Azhagar in the form of Kallar returns to Azhagar kovil in ‘Poo Pallakku'(Palanquin decorated with flowers)

Then had a beautiful drive to Rameshwaram. Reached there by 12 pm, passing through the famous Pampan bridge of Chennai Express fame.






 Beautiful view, but as we were running out of time, thought of clicking pictures when returning, just had a view. Amma wanted to get down, in front of the temple, before reaching the hotel. I had a skip of my heartbeat, reminded of the previous day run around. But somehow she agreed to sit. Me and Geeta went to the room - the view from there was breath-taking.  



We had a dip in the Bay of Bengal, and reached the temple with an intention to take bath from the water of 22 wells. This temple too was very crowded even during the afternoon, and we were at the wrong gate. We were told that we need to be at the north gate to have the well water bath. On reaching there - Union people were behind us, saying they would help, though earlier reluctant, it was a blessing, as we could complete the process soon. Three of us, kept handing over the bag's to one another like passing the parcel, as we were blessed with the water of the river.  








Normally Siva temples remain closed in the afternoon, and they had to close it - but the union member - took us through the temple, with special and closed doors, unfortunately - we had literally bribed him, and he had taken it. Else we would not have been able to finish it on time. The architecture of this temple too was amazing, but even here camera's were not allowed, and we did not carry it too, as we had to take dip in the water. 





Evening went to the Panchamuki (5 faced)  Hanuman temple, where we saw the floating stones - which would float only under certain circumstances. There is also a 20 feet tall Hanuman statue. From there we went to Dhanuskodi, after a halt at the temple were Vibishan's patabishagam was conducted. It was a beautiful view. 

Where are we  heading....???😱

To the last land of the incredible India💪A road where we can see both the Bay of Bengal and the Indian ocean 🌊 on both the sides...🌊

Dhanuskodi 👻- the Ghost Town - the whole town was abandoned after the massive hit of tsunami in the year 1964. It is open to the public only from 6am to 5pm. The tourists can't stay at this place as there is no electricity and only the locals stay here.The government has banned any type of construction here & at night you really see the lights✨ of Srilanka🇱🇰...So you can imagine how wild is this place🎃but it's a must visit destination 😎 with ruines from Tsunami, and some people not ready to leave the land. 

The drive to Dhanuskodi was amazing, with the Bay of Bengal on the one side, and the Indian Ocean on the other, with the light house.











One could see the difference in water, and view both sun set and moon rise. It was so crystal clear - and the full moon night. There was a new Ashoka Stamp at the tip - but we could not enter there as it was almost 5.30 when we reached, and it was closing, though we could see from a couple of feet away. Inspite of warning from police, Amma kept on with her dare task of getting into the water on one side which was sloppy and dangerous. Then we spend sometime on the West side, viewing the sun set - as it was over, there was the moon rise in the east. Police were behind us again, and the place was almost empty - we did not spend much time in the ghost land. The drive back was amazing. Back at Rameshwaram, we did few purchasing, and then went to the room, kept gazing at the moon, clicking pics and videos. 












Went out for morning walk at 4 am. It was cloudy, so though could see full moon setting, and the first ray of sun - the rise was delayed, though we could see. By the time we left the hotel, it was raining very heavily. We could not stop at the Pampan bridge, but it made the drive soothing. Return trip was through Munnar - with clouds around - it was beautiful and memorable. Amma too enjoyed. 







The drive via Munnar with drizzling rain in the background, as we returned brought a soothing end to that trip which was a bonus unexpected. 

We were to have dinner with Mili as it was her birthday - but reached late. By the time, we all reached The Bridge it was past 9 pm. Nevertheless, all is well that ends well. 





Next day went to Mili's home, and walked across the new beautiful pathway. While returning from Potta dropping Amma - also met Ramya. Next day went to Ernakulam market, courtesy Madhuman, Marine drive and Fort Kochi; and then it was time for Geeta to return and for us to get back into routine.