Allahabad (original Hindu name is Prayag)
This is one of the places that we did the rituals for the departed souls. Rao and Umamaheswaran went to the banks of the river Ganga with the local priest to do this. Nirmala and I stayed back. I was able to help the other staff in the Mutt in organizing the area for the procedures after their return from the River.
The reason for doing these here is to make sure all the departed souls in the family and immediate relatives did not miss the proper 'send off' after death.
I still cannot understand why we had to do it again and again. Interestingly, we did it for ourselves too, just in case no one does it for us after our death.
Kaashi/Varanasi/Benares
This link below may be useful for you all of us:
In Kasi, we started off the rites the previous day itself under the guidance of the priest Sivakumar. He was very thorough, knowledgeable. Spoke Tamil and the local Hindi dialect. But was fluent in English and hence it was of great help to my husband who knew only Telugu. Even though Uma was trying his best to maintain the Tamil communication, the priest was very thoughtful.
After the rites, we had clean, simple home cooked meals prepared by their staff in each place.The surroundings are very clean here. Ganga waters are also cleaner in Kasi than in Allahabad. Gaya We did 64 pindas here. The ladies of the Mutt cooked and I prepared the pandas for the daan. I have written in my older post a few years ago about this and also posted some photos then. No Bathing in the river here. Not much water around. | ||
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
The religious rites of Sraadha, Pindadaan etc. in Prayag, Kasi and Gaya.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
About 2013 and dates (years) of other Future Kumbh Melas
In 2013, Allahabad Kumbh Mela happened when Sun entered Aries and Jupiter was in Aquarius.
Not all are Maha Kumbh Melas. Maha Kumbh Melas come once in 12 years. The one in 2013 was extra special because it was 12 times 12 equal to 144 years occurance. Once in a life time event for us. I am extremely grateful to God for giving us this opportunity to have a dip in Triveni .
The future Kumbh Melas are hosted by:
2015 Nashik
2016 Ujjain - Kumbh Mela, Haridwar - Ardh Kumbh , Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu) for Mahamaham Kumbh.
2019 Allahabad Ardh Kumbh
2022 Haridwar
The 2013 one was from Jan 14th (Makara Sankranti) to March 10th (Maha Shivaratri). A total of 55 days. Most visited place in the whole world, they claim. But I have no idea whether there are any other events in the world that are attended by millions like this one.
Hope the dip in converged location of the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati had washed off all my sins thus far!!!!
Each day of bathing had a special significance. But, we chose to go on Feb 6th as I mentioned in my previous post.
The special days for this year were:
Makar Sankranti Jan 14, 2013
Paush Poornima Jan 27, 2013
Ekadasi snanam Feb 6, 2013
Mauni Amavasya Feb 10, 2013 (most crowded)
Basant Panchami Feb 15, 2013
Ratha Sapthami Feb 17, 2013
Bhishma Ekadasi Feb 21, 2013
Magha Poornima Feb 25, 2013
Maha Shivaratri March 10, 2013
Not all are Maha Kumbh Melas. Maha Kumbh Melas come once in 12 years. The one in 2013 was extra special because it was 12 times 12 equal to 144 years occurance. Once in a life time event for us. I am extremely grateful to God for giving us this opportunity to have a dip in Triveni .
The future Kumbh Melas are hosted by:
2015 Nashik
2016 Ujjain - Kumbh Mela, Haridwar - Ardh Kumbh , Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu) for Mahamaham Kumbh.
2019 Allahabad Ardh Kumbh
2022 Haridwar
The 2013 one was from Jan 14th (Makara Sankranti) to March 10th (Maha Shivaratri). A total of 55 days. Most visited place in the whole world, they claim. But I have no idea whether there are any other events in the world that are attended by millions like this one.
Hope the dip in converged location of the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati had washed off all my sins thus far!!!!
Each day of bathing had a special significance. But, we chose to go on Feb 6th as I mentioned in my previous post.
The special days for this year were:
Makar Sankranti Jan 14, 2013
Paush Poornima Jan 27, 2013
Ekadasi snanam Feb 6, 2013
Mauni Amavasya Feb 10, 2013 (most crowded)
Basant Panchami Feb 15, 2013
Ratha Sapthami Feb 17, 2013
Bhishma Ekadasi Feb 21, 2013
Magha Poornima Feb 25, 2013
Maha Shivaratri March 10, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Around Varanasi, before we went to Kumbh Mela
There are many Temples and a Mosque in this area. The Hanuman Temple also is famous and very blissful.
Since so much time had lapsed between the actual travel and this post of mine, some details are lost in time. I trusted my memory and did not make notes. Still, I need to write whatever I can recall.
Rao and Umamaheswaran were very much engrossed in performing the sraadha rituals for all those relatives that left this Earth. We went to the Gaya area for that. Rao did perform all this during our previous visit. But now one of his maternal uncles, who was very close to all of us passed away. As we were doing it for him anyway, he wanted to repeat it for all others, including Nirmala's family. The priest Sivakumar in Varanasi handed the contract and the cost was 20,000 rupees for Rao and another 20,000 for Uma. I thought that the amount included the three locations that they performed. But, we had to 'tip' the local priests again. Approximately three to five thousand rupees in each place. I wasn't prepared for that. Fortunately, Nirmala brought her ATM card and we could withdraw our money sitting in her account. We had the Taxi with us all the time. So, that was additional expense. My point is that we should be prepared with extra cash always.
Oops!!! I deviated myself into money matters. Whole idea of this passage being, be prepared for such surprises. Sanjeev was with me all along, great support and adopted me as his mother :):):).
Kasi Viswanath, Durgakund, Sankat Mochan Hanuman and Tilbhandeswar, Visalakshi, Vyasa, Tulsimanas, Annapoorna, Kalabhairava, Mrithyunjaya, Bharata MathaTemples to name a few.
Sri Viswanatha Temple
Varanasi is mostly remembered for Sri Viswanath Temple, which is also called Golden Temple. It is a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is located on the outskirts of the sacred Ganga river. It was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilabai Holkar of Indore. As recently as 1983, the Temple was taken over by the government of Uttar Pradesh.
Durga Temple was built in the 18th century. It is a Swayambhu Idol meaning self manifested
and that no human being had sculptured it. In India, many Temples we visited claimed this concept. Thousands of devotees visit the Durga temple during Navratri .
For some reason, Uma decided to separate from us and do his own local tour. He was conversing in Tamil with the staff in the choultry and was getting some special attention. He was very happy with the new friends he made. This was his first visit to this area. I was happy that he was managing his life so well.
Since so much time had lapsed between the actual travel and this post of mine, some details are lost in time. I trusted my memory and did not make notes. Still, I need to write whatever I can recall.
Rao and Umamaheswaran were very much engrossed in performing the sraadha rituals for all those relatives that left this Earth. We went to the Gaya area for that. Rao did perform all this during our previous visit. But now one of his maternal uncles, who was very close to all of us passed away. As we were doing it for him anyway, he wanted to repeat it for all others, including Nirmala's family. The priest Sivakumar in Varanasi handed the contract and the cost was 20,000 rupees for Rao and another 20,000 for Uma. I thought that the amount included the three locations that they performed. But, we had to 'tip' the local priests again. Approximately three to five thousand rupees in each place. I wasn't prepared for that. Fortunately, Nirmala brought her ATM card and we could withdraw our money sitting in her account. We had the Taxi with us all the time. So, that was additional expense. My point is that we should be prepared with extra cash always.
Oops!!! I deviated myself into money matters. Whole idea of this passage being, be prepared for such surprises. Sanjeev was with me all along, great support and adopted me as his mother :):):).
Kasi Viswanath, Durgakund, Sankat Mochan Hanuman and Tilbhandeswar, Visalakshi, Vyasa, Tulsimanas, Annapoorna, Kalabhairava, Mrithyunjaya, Bharata MathaTemples to name a few.
Sri Viswanatha Temple
Varanasi is mostly remembered for Sri Viswanath Temple, which is also called Golden Temple. It is a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is located on the outskirts of the sacred Ganga river. It was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilabai Holkar of Indore. As recently as 1983, the Temple was taken over by the government of Uttar Pradesh.
Durga Temple was built in the 18th century. It is a Swayambhu Idol meaning self manifested
and that no human being had sculptured it. In India, many Temples we visited claimed this concept. Thousands of devotees visit the Durga temple during Navratri .
This Temple has a rectangular tank of water called the Durga Kund meaning a pond or pool of Durga. The Kund was initially connected directly to the river thus the water was automatically replenished. This channel was later closed, locking off the water supply, which is replenished only by rain or drainage from the Temple. During this trip, I also took dip in many holy waters (rivers and ponds).
We had wonderful darsans in each Temple. The procedure for touching the Siva lingam in Sri Visweswara Temple changed a little bit since our previous trip. Since we went to the Temple with Sivakumar's family, we had special darsan.For some reason, Uma decided to separate from us and do his own local tour. He was conversing in Tamil with the staff in the choultry and was getting some special attention. He was very happy with the new friends he made. This was his first visit to this area. I was happy that he was managing his life so well.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Kumbh Mela yatra continues - actually a summary
In one of his previous yatras, Rao fell sick on the train and Vikas
(Pawar) from Parli area and his friend Amar Pawar, both helped
him a lot. We communicated with them before this yatra. Actually they used to call us in USA to check to see how his health was!!! They introduced
another young man Sanjeev Kumar of Lucknow whom they met on a train also during one of
their travels to Tirupati and became friends. It is all Bhagawan's
leela. That Sanjeev Kumar was really God sent for us in our Allahabad
trip. I will go into the details later.
We left Tirupati Feb 2nd morning and met Umamaheswaran at the Central station. We all packed dinner from our respective origins and ate on the train. I don't know who is responsible for the maintenance of the train - it was very unclean. We were told that the Chennai Railways are not incharge of that train. Anyway, I don't understand the Indian railways of this Era. When I was in India, even in the 60s, I commuted mostly between Nellore and Tirupati and only by bus.
We reached Varanasi almost on time, took a Taxi to the known Choultry near Hanuman Ghat where the Priest cum owner of the choultry had two rooms ready for us.
About this choultry - I must have written in my older posts. If you tell the Auto rickshaw fellows that you need to go to Krishnamurthy Ghanapatigal's place, they know. But the rate varies and if you want, you can negotiate with them. It is usually much higher than the actual going rate. It all depends on your skill and patience in India.:):):)
We rested, visited the local Temples, had meals which were freshly prepared, simple and healthy. By afternoon, Sanjeev Kumar called from the train he was on and arrived at our choultry with a happy face. He showed me the Police permit he brought with him to post in on the windshield of our Taxi for the local police to see when we reached the Triveni Ghat. This was on Feb 6th, 2013. It was supposed to be a busy, crowded day also. But we missed all that. I was sooooo happy to be there that day. As it was my daughter's birthday, I had special prayers for her. Of course I prayed for my son, his family, my s-i-l and all my nieces, nephews (all the nieces and nephews I acquired in the USA also) and anyone that touched my life.
After a lot of discussion, we left for the Triveni area quite early in the morning. Took towels, change of clothes etc. The Taxi driver (oops! I forgot his name) and Sanjeev became close friends instantly. The drive was very comfortable. All the warnings we received about the traffic jam on the way to Allahabad from Varanasi did not come true. Personally, I wanted to experience the Kumbhmela crowd, which I did not and that was disappointing. The other three were happy about the smooth travel. But I wanted to see all the yogis, sages, Babas of all kinds. Most of all, I strongly believed that the great Babaji mentioned by Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda would appear to me in some form. May be he did, but, I don't recall any.
We left Tirupati Feb 2nd morning and met Umamaheswaran at the Central station. We all packed dinner from our respective origins and ate on the train. I don't know who is responsible for the maintenance of the train - it was very unclean. We were told that the Chennai Railways are not incharge of that train. Anyway, I don't understand the Indian railways of this Era. When I was in India, even in the 60s, I commuted mostly between Nellore and Tirupati and only by bus.
We reached Varanasi almost on time, took a Taxi to the known Choultry near Hanuman Ghat where the Priest cum owner of the choultry had two rooms ready for us.
About this choultry - I must have written in my older posts. If you tell the Auto rickshaw fellows that you need to go to Krishnamurthy Ghanapatigal's place, they know. But the rate varies and if you want, you can negotiate with them. It is usually much higher than the actual going rate. It all depends on your skill and patience in India.:):):)
We rested, visited the local Temples, had meals which were freshly prepared, simple and healthy. By afternoon, Sanjeev Kumar called from the train he was on and arrived at our choultry with a happy face. He showed me the Police permit he brought with him to post in on the windshield of our Taxi for the local police to see when we reached the Triveni Ghat. This was on Feb 6th, 2013. It was supposed to be a busy, crowded day also. But we missed all that. I was sooooo happy to be there that day. As it was my daughter's birthday, I had special prayers for her. Of course I prayed for my son, his family, my s-i-l and all my nieces, nephews (all the nieces and nephews I acquired in the USA also) and anyone that touched my life.
After a lot of discussion, we left for the Triveni area quite early in the morning. Took towels, change of clothes etc. The Taxi driver (oops! I forgot his name) and Sanjeev became close friends instantly. The drive was very comfortable. All the warnings we received about the traffic jam on the way to Allahabad from Varanasi did not come true. Personally, I wanted to experience the Kumbhmela crowd, which I did not and that was disappointing. The other three were happy about the smooth travel. But I wanted to see all the yogis, sages, Babas of all kinds. Most of all, I strongly believed that the great Babaji mentioned by Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda would appear to me in some form. May be he did, but, I don't recall any.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Finally, about our Maha Kumbh Mela yatra - preliminaries!!
We were four of us for this yatra. Myself, my husband Rao, my friend Nirmala and Umamaheswaran. Uma and his younger sister Bhuvana were with us for the Amarnath Yatra two years ago. Uma communicated with us frequently and made the Train arrangements to Varanasi. I met one young Vikas on the Internet and he said that he and his grand father were going to join us in either Allahabad or in Varanasi. That kept on changing since his wedding was fixed for February 13th or so and his grand father changed his mind and did not want to join us on the days we were planning. With all this confusion, I never met him in person. Hope he is having a happy married life!! I still have his e-mail address somewhere and I should contact him. This time my blog is running very slow. Hope I remember all the events in the right order.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Happy Deepavali/Dewali
To all my Blog readers - May you all be blessed with much Peace and Happiness on this Dewali day and into the future.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Back to Tirupati, Nellore and Hyderabad
After completing our Andhra yatra, I went to my native place Nellore to spend some time with my sisters. My husband went to Hyderabad and Machilipatnam to spend time with his side of the family.
As my daughter was visiting her in-laws in Chennai along with her husband and children and since they also wanted to visit my sisters, I co-ordinated my stay with their trip to Nellore. They made a day trip by Taxi and we all thoroughly enjoyed our family reunion. After they left, I continued my stay in Nellore. Nothing much accomplished while I was there. I very much wanted to visit my High School and could not do that. But, did visit the area I grew up and the Temples that we visited everyday. Did some saree shopping. Was happy to spend Pongal/Sankranthiri with my eldest sister.
On Jan 16th, I returned to Tirupati as I have previously booked my ticket to Hyderabad from there. Nirmala decided to travel with me to Hyderabad to spend time with her niece. On Jan 24th, she invited us to join her niece and family and to our surprise, she arranged a small family party with cake etc. She gifted us with silk saree and silk dhoti also. Now I remember that we were with her in Tirumalai for our 40th also and had wonderful darsan of Lord Venkateswara. While in Hyderabad, I caught severe cold and suffered a lot. My husband's two sisters-in-law took very good care of me.
Spent two weeks in Hyderabad and then we both joined my friend Nirmala for our main yatra, The Maha Kumbh Mela trip.
As my daughter was visiting her in-laws in Chennai along with her husband and children and since they also wanted to visit my sisters, I co-ordinated my stay with their trip to Nellore. They made a day trip by Taxi and we all thoroughly enjoyed our family reunion. After they left, I continued my stay in Nellore. Nothing much accomplished while I was there. I very much wanted to visit my High School and could not do that. But, did visit the area I grew up and the Temples that we visited everyday. Did some saree shopping. Was happy to spend Pongal/Sankranthiri with my eldest sister.
On Jan 16th, I returned to Tirupati as I have previously booked my ticket to Hyderabad from there. Nirmala decided to travel with me to Hyderabad to spend time with her niece. On Jan 24th, she invited us to join her niece and family and to our surprise, she arranged a small family party with cake etc. She gifted us with silk saree and silk dhoti also. Now I remember that we were with her in Tirumalai for our 40th also and had wonderful darsan of Lord Venkateswara. While in Hyderabad, I caught severe cold and suffered a lot. My husband's two sisters-in-law took very good care of me.
Spent two weeks in Hyderabad and then we both joined my friend Nirmala for our main yatra, The Maha Kumbh Mela trip.
A brief sketch of the five Araamas
Since I have fallen behind in writing my posts, I am writing fast and this post does not do any justice to the glory of that land !!!
By the way, please copy and pate the two links below in this post, about the 3rd and the fourth araamas..
Mukteswaram (Mukteswara, a Shiva Temple)
Appanapalli (Sri Balaji Temple)
Antarvedi (Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple)
Vaanapalli (Pallaalamma Talli Temple, near Kakinaada)
Pancharamas are where the swayambhuvu of Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of lingam.
The Five Araamas are:
1. Ksheeraaramam
2. Drakshaaraamam
3. Amaraaraamam
4. Somaraamam
5. Kumararaamam
1. Ksheeraamam - Ksheera Rama Lingeswara Swamy
As the name itself suggests we perform abhishekam to
Lord Shiva using milk.
The Sthala puranam talks about the life of Maharshi Upamanyu, a devotee of Lord Shiva. Born into a poor family, his mother could not provide him with sufficient milk to drink. She suggested that he pray to Shiva who only can provide him with sufficient milk. He obeyed the mother and started worshipping Shiva by chanting Shiva Panchakshari mantra. Lord Shive, pleased, bestowed him with two boons. Feeding Ksheera samudram and Shiva Saayudham (or Sannidhi).
The town is called Paalakollu, located in West Godavari district. The Temple was built by Reddy Rajulu.
How to Reach PaalaKollu:
Train route: Narsapur Express from Hyderabad-Vijayawada-Narsapur,
Paalakollu comes in between Vijayawada to Narsapur.
2. Draksharaamam - Bheemeshwara Swamy
This is the First Araamam of five. We worship the Lord Shiva as
Bheemeshwara Swamy. Here Shiva linga is 60 ft tall. Story is Daksha
Prajapati performed Yagnam here that is why this place is named as
Draksharaamam. The specialty of temple is Shiva lingam mixed with
white and black colors. I already mentioned about our experience in this Temple in my post of May 19, 2013.
How to Reach Draksharaamam:
It is resided in East Godavari District near Ramachandrapuram.
Ramachandrapuram is 30 Kms (approx.) far from Kakinada town. You can
reach Kakinada by bus or train from both Vijayawada and Hyderabad.
3. Amara aramam - Amara lingeswara Swamy
http://wikimapia.org/11987687/Amaralingeswara-swamy-temple
After killing the demon Tarakasura, one part of shiva lingam has
fallen here and Indra performed puja here that is why we worship him
Amaralingeswara Swamy. My mind is blank for this. I just cannot recall anything about this Temple.
How to Reach Amaravathi:
It is resided in Guntur district Amaravathi is 30 kms from Guntur and
Vijayawada. Bus facility is available from Guntur and Vijayawada.
There is no train facility.
4. Soma araamam - Soma Lingeswara Swamy
After killing the demon Tarakasura, one part of shiva lingam has
fallen here and Chandra performed puja here that is why we worship him
Somalingeswara Swamy. Here specialty is in normal days Shiva lingam
usually in white but it changes to wheatish color in Amavasya (Lord
shiva likes this day).
How to reach Somaramam:
It is resided in West Godavari district Gunupudi, near Bhimavaram.We
have to get down at Bhimavaram by train or Bus and travel for 2 Kms to
reach Gunupudi.
5. Kumara araamam - Kaala Bhairavudu
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/85145065
The above link shows photo taken by someone else. I just used it.
This is last araamam of all five araamas. This was constructed in the
dynasty of King of Chalukya Bheemudu. Here Shivalingam is made with
lime stone.
How to reach Kumaraamam:
It is in East Godavari District, near Samarla Kota. It's in
Vijayawada - Vizag route rail route.
By the way, please copy and pate the two links below in this post, about the 3rd and the fourth araamas..
Mukteswaram (Mukteswara, a Shiva Temple)
Appanapalli (Sri Balaji Temple)
Antarvedi (Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple)
Vaanapalli (Pallaalamma Talli Temple, near Kakinaada)
Pancharamas are where the swayambhuvu of Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of lingam.
The Five Araamas are:
1. Ksheeraaramam
2. Drakshaaraamam
3. Amaraaraamam
4. Somaraamam
5. Kumararaamam
1. Ksheeraamam - Ksheera Rama Lingeswara Swamy
As the name itself suggests we perform abhishekam to
Lord Shiva using milk.
The Sthala puranam talks about the life of Maharshi Upamanyu, a devotee of Lord Shiva. Born into a poor family, his mother could not provide him with sufficient milk to drink. She suggested that he pray to Shiva who only can provide him with sufficient milk. He obeyed the mother and started worshipping Shiva by chanting Shiva Panchakshari mantra. Lord Shive, pleased, bestowed him with two boons. Feeding Ksheera samudram and Shiva Saayudham (or Sannidhi).
The town is called Paalakollu, located in West Godavari district. The Temple was built by Reddy Rajulu.
How to Reach PaalaKollu:
Train route: Narsapur Express from Hyderabad-Vijayawada-Narsapur,
Paalakollu comes in between Vijayawada to Narsapur.
2. Draksharaamam - Bheemeshwara Swamy
This is the First Araamam of five. We worship the Lord Shiva as
Bheemeshwara Swamy. Here Shiva linga is 60 ft tall. Story is Daksha
Prajapati performed Yagnam here that is why this place is named as
Draksharaamam. The specialty of temple is Shiva lingam mixed with
white and black colors. I already mentioned about our experience in this Temple in my post of May 19, 2013.
How to Reach Draksharaamam:
It is resided in East Godavari District near Ramachandrapuram.
Ramachandrapuram is 30 Kms (approx.) far from Kakinada town. You can
reach Kakinada by bus or train from both Vijayawada and Hyderabad.
3. Amara aramam - Amara lingeswara Swamy
http://wikimapia.org/11987687/Amaralingeswara-swamy-temple
After killing the demon Tarakasura, one part of shiva lingam has
fallen here and Indra performed puja here that is why we worship him
Amaralingeswara Swamy. My mind is blank for this. I just cannot recall anything about this Temple.
How to Reach Amaravathi:
It is resided in Guntur district Amaravathi is 30 kms from Guntur and
Vijayawada. Bus facility is available from Guntur and Vijayawada.
There is no train facility.
4. Soma araamam - Soma Lingeswara Swamy
After killing the demon Tarakasura, one part of shiva lingam has
fallen here and Chandra performed puja here that is why we worship him
Somalingeswara Swamy. Here specialty is in normal days Shiva lingam
usually in white but it changes to wheatish color in Amavasya (Lord
shiva likes this day).
How to reach Somaramam:
It is resided in West Godavari district Gunupudi, near Bhimavaram.We
have to get down at Bhimavaram by train or Bus and travel for 2 Kms to
reach Gunupudi.
5. Kumara araamam - Kaala Bhairavudu
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/85145065
The above link shows photo taken by someone else. I just used it.
This is last araamam of all five araamas. This was constructed in the
dynasty of King of Chalukya Bheemudu. Here Shivalingam is made with
lime stone.
How to reach Kumaraamam:
It is in East Godavari District, near Samarla Kota. It's in
Vijayawada - Vizag route rail route.
A short comment on Kedarnath etc.
I just feel sad that such a Holy place was hit by hardships !!! At the same time, feel fortunate to have visited Kedar, Badri, Gangotri and Yamunotri in 2006. As I mentioned previously, we could not go to Joshi Math. Even though I have beautiful memories of that trip, I also visit my blog and read what I saw. Yesterday, a young man Bhushan who said that he reads my blog, advised that I should keep a diary while traveling so that I won't forget the details. He is 100 percent right. That is what happened during my December 2012 Andhra yatra. I remember very little. My two companions are not interested in the life of this blog. So, no help from them. I remember the truck loads of Tulasi (sacred Basil) in Hanuman Temple. Wherever we went it was Tulasi in abundance. Never in my life I have seen so much of those stems. Here in my home I grow them in pots and they are very special for me. They are so delicate and susceptible to those spider mites, I lost the plants many times. I start from the seeds again. I used to grow and take them to our local Temple during the Sravana month and the authorities sold them in minutes. I haven't done that in 5 years. Currently, I have two small but healthy ones growing. Locally, I know some of my young friends have huge plants in their homes.
Having written this short note, I should begin my 2012-2013 yatra posts soon. The main yatra was the Maha Kumbh Mela and I am yet to begin that. I will finish my Andhra ones first and follow the calendar for the other sacred places that we visited.
Having written this short note, I should begin my 2012-2013 yatra posts soon. The main yatra was the Maha Kumbh Mela and I am yet to begin that. I will finish my Andhra ones first and follow the calendar for the other sacred places that we visited.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
About Char Dham and the disaster news
Just came to know that the Chardham that is mentioned in my earliest posts is actually , should be referred to as Chota Char Dham. The WIKI says the four Peethams Dwaraka, Puri, Badri and Sringeri established by Sri Adi Shankara are the Char Dham. The Uttaranchal ones and the other set, we have visited all of them. But at Badrinath, we could not go to Joshi Math since our package tour by the Garhwal travels did not include it. Other two times we were in the vicinity, the weather did not permit the travel to Badrinath.
Now, after the disaster, we don't know how long it will take to do such yatra.
Some Uttarakhand disaster photos:
Now, after the disaster, we don't know how long it will take to do such yatra.
Some Uttarakhand disaster photos:
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Two more Temples in Andhra pradesh
Ryali Jaganmohini Kesawaswamy Temple:
Here the idol when seen from the front it is the male form of Keshawa swamy and from the back, it is Jaganmohini. All those that know the story of Samudra Mathanam, the distribution of amrutam (divine nectar) and the Mohini avataram will know the significance of this. Normally, the priest explains the story after the Aarati.
Ryali is a small village in East Godavari district of Andhra. Also spelled as Ralli by some.
Also, there is a Shiva Temple in front of the Jaganmohini Temple. Shiva is known as Sri Uma Kamandalesara Swamy here. The photos below was copied from Wiki.
Mandapalli Mandeswaraswami Temple:
Mandapalli is Situated 38 Km from Rajahmundry, 60 Km from Kakinada and 30 Km from Amalapuram.
I don't recall much about this Temple. I know that Rao sponsored some pooja for those in our family and extended family who he thought are in or near Sada sathe (seven year Shani effect).
There is a Parvati Devi Temple also here. The Saptha Maharshis have installed this and worshipped Her. The legend goes that Lord Brahma had installed the Shiva Lingam here and is known as Mandeswara Swami.
One more interesting Temple is that of Nageswara Swami which had been installed by one of the eight mythological poisonous snakes (???) called Karkotaka (I don't get it).
The story goes that hermit Dhadhichi has done a sacrifice of donating his spinal cord for the mighty weapon popularly known as Vajrayudha of Lord Indra. The weapons wielded by the eight suras in the eight directions called astadikpalakas, killed innumerable ghostly demons. To avenge the death of these demons certain other demons called Aswadha and Pippale invaded the area and brought about lot of havoc. This was when sage 'Agasta' assured the people and he king of the death of these giants in the hands of 'Lord Sani' the son of the Sun God. Further they appealed Sani Deva to protect them by putting an end to these terrible monsters 'Aswadha and Pippala'. Sani made up his mind to kill the monsters for which he had to wage a war for one long year and killed them. As a mark of this glorious victory he installed an idol of 'Lord Siva' here. After that Sani declared that whoever worship this Linga by offering the dear gingelli oil etc. would be blessed. He further said that he would bless such devotees by removing all evils that befall them . For this reason, Lord Eswara is popularly known as Saneswara or Mandeswara. So people offer gingelli products which are dear to Sani who is the diety here. This Linga is said to be one of the Sapta Maharshis. There is also another version that the wives of the Saptha Maharshis installed this lingam here.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Draksharamam Temples and special opportunities for Rao
From Visakhapatnam, we took the same Taxi to Rajahmundry, early in the morning. Once reaching the hotel there, we engaged another Taxi which Nirmala arranged through another friend of hers. I called my firiend, another Nirmala who was staying there with her son and family. She was thrilled, I was thrilled. We visited them, had a meal with them and her son Narasimha is a wonderful young man. Rao and he had a lot to talk about the Temples. He suggested that Rao should wear a silk dhoti to perform the Linga Abhishekam in Bhimeswara Temple in Draksharamam. We did not carry one. But Narasimha was very generous. He had a new one at home given to him by Sri Nagaphanindra Sarma garu as a blessing. He convinced Rao to wear that to the Temples.
Rao sponsored Linga Abhishekam to the Crystal Lingam there. We watched him from the outside of the shrine. No priest was there. Rao was allowed to do Rudra abhishekam all by himself. Since he knew the whole procedure by heart, he had absolutely no problem.
I was asked to go out to the shop and buy the necessary paraphernalia that Rao needed for the poojas. That is another adventure in a new town.
The next pooja he did was the Kumkuma pooja to Sri Manikyamba. They let him inside the innermost area to do the Kumkuma Pooja. We were not allowed to take any photos. I bent down to see Rao from my Darsan line. I asked the priest that was controlling the queue whether I can click the Camera. He said 'no' and added " He is not a priest. He is a retired Engineer from Machilipatnam" I just smiled. Did not tell him that it was my husband in the inner shrine. Rao's face was glowing. I never saw like that. He gave karpoora arati to the Devi and showed it to us. The total time at that Sakthi Peetham was about two hours. Worth the trip!!!
Draksharamam is also called Dakshina Kasi and is located in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The Siva Linga in this temple is said to be one large crystal about 2.6 meters long, they said. It is one of the five Arama Kshetras.
It is located at about 40 km from Rajahmundry and is considered to be a sacred pilgrimage destination in Andhra. The architecture of the temple is a blend of both the Chalukya and Chola style. There are inscriptions dating from 1080 AD to 1434 AD,.
Try the link below to get more information. If not clickable, please copy and paste the URL>
http://temples.weebly.com/draksharamam.html
Rao sponsored Linga Abhishekam to the Crystal Lingam there. We watched him from the outside of the shrine. No priest was there. Rao was allowed to do Rudra abhishekam all by himself. Since he knew the whole procedure by heart, he had absolutely no problem.
I was asked to go out to the shop and buy the necessary paraphernalia that Rao needed for the poojas. That is another adventure in a new town.
The next pooja he did was the Kumkuma pooja to Sri Manikyamba. They let him inside the innermost area to do the Kumkuma Pooja. We were not allowed to take any photos. I bent down to see Rao from my Darsan line. I asked the priest that was controlling the queue whether I can click the Camera. He said 'no' and added " He is not a priest. He is a retired Engineer from Machilipatnam" I just smiled. Did not tell him that it was my husband in the inner shrine. Rao's face was glowing. I never saw like that. He gave karpoora arati to the Devi and showed it to us. The total time at that Sakthi Peetham was about two hours. Worth the trip!!!
Draksharamam is also called Dakshina Kasi and is located in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The Siva Linga in this temple is said to be one large crystal about 2.6 meters long, they said. It is one of the five Arama Kshetras.
It is located at about 40 km from Rajahmundry and is considered to be a sacred pilgrimage destination in Andhra. The architecture of the temple is a blend of both the Chalukya and Chola style. There are inscriptions dating from 1080 AD to 1434 AD,.
Try the link below to get more information. If not clickable, please copy and paste the URL>
http://temples.weebly.com/draksharamam.html
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Araku valley and Borra caves
I heard about the Araku valley long long ago from my sister when she was a student of Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. They used to go for plant collection in their Botanical excursions. It was an interesting life for them - unlike us, Mathematics students whose life was dry - books, pen and paper!!!!!.
There were many suggestions from so many people for this trip. Some suggested going by train in the caves. Nirmala wanted that. But to get the train tickets, you have to go to the station and make advance reservations. It was costly also. Personally, I thought that the excitement was only of the train going in the tunnels. You may miss out on the scenic beauty. There were some teachers and children who were visiting on an excursion. They brought lot of excitement into the caves. I manages to go up and down the uneven steps. The Taxi driver took some photos with my Mobile phone camera. I will try to add them once I locate them.
Nirmala said that she is not impressed with the Araku valley.
The valley is very scenic, but nothing extra ordinary for someone who has seen the National parks of North America. But the Borra caves were interesting. Nirmala was not interested in walking around the caves. I just picked up courage and went down the caves.
Overall, the trip was good.
You may see this link for a lot of information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borra_Caves
There were many suggestions from so many people for this trip. Some suggested going by train in the caves. Nirmala wanted that. But to get the train tickets, you have to go to the station and make advance reservations. It was costly also. Personally, I thought that the excitement was only of the train going in the tunnels. You may miss out on the scenic beauty. There were some teachers and children who were visiting on an excursion. They brought lot of excitement into the caves. I manages to go up and down the uneven steps. The Taxi driver took some photos with my Mobile phone camera. I will try to add them once I locate them.
Nirmala said that she is not impressed with the Araku valley.
The valley is very scenic, but nothing extra ordinary for someone who has seen the National parks of North America. But the Borra caves were interesting. Nirmala was not interested in walking around the caves. I just picked up courage and went down the caves.
Overall, the trip was good.
You may see this link for a lot of information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borra_Caves
In and around Srikakulam. Srikurmam, The Sun God, Sangameswara etc.
Srikakulam - Nagavalli river Sangameswara, Arasavalli, Srimukha Lingam
Koti Madhava and Srikoormam Temples at Padmanabhapuram
Srikurmam - is situated about 12 miles from Srikakulam, in Padmanabha puram if I remember correctly. I think this is the only Temple in India where the deity is in the form of Vishnu's Kurma (Tortoise) avathara. We did our usual whispering of our special request here also, by touching the idol with bhakthi. My camera ran out of battery during this tour and no hotel had the charger available. The photos are from Wikipedia.
1. Srimukhalingam.
File:Mukhalingeshwara_temple_,_srimukhalingam_srikakulam.jpgsuryanarayana temple
2. The Suryanarayana Temple - This is the closest one to Srikakulam. Less than a mile and is situated in Arasavalli. The drive in this part of Godavari district was beautiful. Being in December, a cooler time, the vegetation was in full bloom. I loved the Coconut palm trees.
File:Arasavilli_Suryanarayana_Temple_Entrance.jpg
We did go to the sangam, where the three rivers Vegavathi, Swarnamukhi and Nagavalli meet. One of the 5 lingas Sangameswara is located here. This is about 35 miles from Srikakulam. This Temple definitely needs money for renovation and to be better maintained.
I don't remember what else we visited here.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
More on our Andhra Temples' yatra. Some details as I recall
Let me start with the Vinayaka Temple. This is called Anada Ganapathi Temple. By the way, this is located in Simhachalam near Vizag.
If you have a particular request, wish that you want fulfilled by the Lord, you offer a piece of jaggery and whisper the wish.
Simhachalam is famous for Varaha Narasimha Swami's Temple. This was built in the 11th Century. The Temple is located on the Hill top at about 245 meters. Inscriptions on this Temple date back to 1098 AD.
(All of us know the story of Prahlada who was a Vishnu devotee and for that reason was tortured by his own father Hiranyakasipu.) For unknown reason, we attented several Narasimha Temples in this year's yatra.
By the way, this Temple is famous for the Chandanotsavam which is performed annually on Vaisakha suddha Tadiya (the 3rd day after the new Moon in the month of Vaisakha, which varies between April and may). It is on the Chandanotsavam day that the Lord's Sandalwood paste is removed and is covered with a fresh layer of Sandalwood paste brought from Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. The ceremonial process would take some time and during the process of removal of the sandal paste, the sanctum sanctorum doors will be closed. Abhishekam and special pujas will be performed after the diety is fully uncovered. This happens at around 3:00 PM.
How to reach Simhachalam??
One can reach Simhachalam from almost any where in Vizag. If you get down at the Waltair Railway Station, you can visit Simhachalam by Bus ( 6A ) or hire a Cab.
If you like to have a more comfortable journey, hiring a cab is always a good idea. That is what we did to visit all the local Temples.
The next one I want to explore is KanakaMahalakshmi Temple.
If you have a particular request, wish that you want fulfilled by the Lord, you offer a piece of jaggery and whisper the wish.
Simhachalam is famous for Varaha Narasimha Swami's Temple. This was built in the 11th Century. The Temple is located on the Hill top at about 245 meters. Inscriptions on this Temple date back to 1098 AD.
(All of us know the story of Prahlada who was a Vishnu devotee and for that reason was tortured by his own father Hiranyakasipu.) For unknown reason, we attented several Narasimha Temples in this year's yatra.
By the way, this Temple is famous for the Chandanotsavam which is performed annually on Vaisakha suddha Tadiya (the 3rd day after the new Moon in the month of Vaisakha, which varies between April and may). It is on the Chandanotsavam day that the Lord's Sandalwood paste is removed and is covered with a fresh layer of Sandalwood paste brought from Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. The ceremonial process would take some time and during the process of removal of the sandal paste, the sanctum sanctorum doors will be closed. Abhishekam and special pujas will be performed after the diety is fully uncovered. This happens at around 3:00 PM.
How to reach Simhachalam??
One can reach Simhachalam from almost any where in Vizag. If you get down at the Waltair Railway Station, you can visit Simhachalam by Bus ( 6A ) or hire a Cab.
If you like to have a more comfortable journey, hiring a cab is always a good idea. That is what we did to visit all the local Temples.
The next one I want to explore is KanakaMahalakshmi Temple.
Goddess Sri Kanakamalalakshmi is the presiding deity of the Visakhapatnam locals. She is the family deity of rulers of this area and the present location of the temple was in the rampars of their fort, located in the middle of a narrow street in Burujupeta. Unlike in other temples in Andhra Pradesh, if not in South India, that the devotees can directly worship the deity. It is a practice completely different from any other temple where the devotees can only come up to the sanctum sanctorum but cannot enter it. A devotee can break a coconut and pour the water on the idol, apply kumkum and turmeric himself or herself. It is common that milk abishekam being performed by devotees. The temple priests perform the daily puja but the devotees worship the Goddess on their own.
Thursday is the most auspicious day for the Goddess and thousands throng the temple every Thursday.
The month of Margasira according to Hindu calendar (observed as Margasira Masam) that generally comes during November-December every year is considered the most auspicious one. The festivities began with the traditional nadaswaram followed by the abhishekams, Sahasranama pooja etc. Especially on a Thursday nearly two lakh devotees throng the temple to have darshan. Besides, panchamruthabhishekam and ksheerabhisheka seva, special programmes like recital of the Bhagavad-Gita, Sapthasathi and Mahavidya, Lakshmi homam and Srichakrapuja are being conducted during the month.
A unique feature this year is the Ashtalakshmi alankaram from December 22 to 30 at the temple premises. Besides the beautiful Ashtalakshmis, there is an idol of Sri Kanakamalalakshmi towards north and facing Her is Sri Rajarajeswari Devi on the south beginning form the sanctum sanctorum and the eight Lakshmi idols are distributed equally beside the two idols.
Like I said before, we were there for Her darsan on the right day of the right month.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
OLD IS GOLD, but, NEW IS GOLD too - Friends, relatives and family
The special tone to this particular Yatra was that I spent some quality time with some of my friends and family whom I haven't seen in years. Even though my post title says "old is gold", I met some young men and women, strangers who became very close to the heart. So, NEW IS GOLD too.
On Dec 9th, when I attended a wedding in Nellore from my side of the family, I had such a happy reunion with so many of my cousins, friends, extended family and so on. Some of whom I saw after 5o years. We would not have recognized each other if we had met on the road. But we all were very happy to see and to chat.
In Rajahmundry, I could spend time with a friend of mine and her son's family. I met her first time in 1962. In later years she attended both my children's weddings. I met all her three grown children. It was another awesome reunion. We talked to each other many times afterwards. Her son and daughter-in-law are angels!!!!
I met a cousin from my father's side of the family in Vijayawada. I have seen him only three times in my whole life. The first time was in the 50s and the second time in the 70s (he came to my in-law's place to see me) and the third time in Dec 2012 during my Andhra yatra (he came to the hotel room with one of his sons and was able to meet my husband also). He told me that his mother was very fond of all us sisters. I told him that my father was very fond of his mother, who was father's uncle's youngest daughter.
The strangers I met - one young man who helped us in Allahabad Kumbh Mela came all the way from Lucknow and went out of his way to make us comfortable and because of him we felt so safe during the Mela. He was God sent. I had to brush up on my Hindi. He spoke no other language. I very much want to meet his wife one day.
Next we spent quality time with two wonderful families in Maharashtra. One in Mahur area and the other in Parli area. Both have the same last time, but are not related. There was a lot I learned from those young families. The affections in the extended families, respect for the elders, unity between brothers and their wives, the simplicity in the way they all lived and so on. They did not speak any English. So, my fluency in spoken Hindi had to be improved. Their little children spoke only Marathi. So, we used sign language there.
I was able to connect with my grand father's brother's great grandson over the Internet and phone. But could not meet him and his family in person even though they lived in Andhra pradesh..
In addition to all this, we met an American from California and his Hawaiian wife on the train, on our way back to Chennai from Varanasi on the Rameswaram Express. He gave me many leads for voluntary teaching etc. They were on their pilgrimage of some service activity in their Catholic Mission.
Last, but not the least, I have to mention that we met two of my friend and travel companion Nirmala's relatives. They were very affectionate family. The way one young man came home from work during lunch break and took care of the needs of his physically disabled father. I admired his patience and love. In this modern world, there are still some families like that.
I thank God for sending all these special souls into my path.
On my way to Hyderabad from Tirupathi on the train, I met another interesting person. That experience was different and so, I will write about it in my next post.
On Dec 9th, when I attended a wedding in Nellore from my side of the family, I had such a happy reunion with so many of my cousins, friends, extended family and so on. Some of whom I saw after 5o years. We would not have recognized each other if we had met on the road. But we all were very happy to see and to chat.
In Rajahmundry, I could spend time with a friend of mine and her son's family. I met her first time in 1962. In later years she attended both my children's weddings. I met all her three grown children. It was another awesome reunion. We talked to each other many times afterwards. Her son and daughter-in-law are angels!!!!
I met a cousin from my father's side of the family in Vijayawada. I have seen him only three times in my whole life. The first time was in the 50s and the second time in the 70s (he came to my in-law's place to see me) and the third time in Dec 2012 during my Andhra yatra (he came to the hotel room with one of his sons and was able to meet my husband also). He told me that his mother was very fond of all us sisters. I told him that my father was very fond of his mother, who was father's uncle's youngest daughter.
The strangers I met - one young man who helped us in Allahabad Kumbh Mela came all the way from Lucknow and went out of his way to make us comfortable and because of him we felt so safe during the Mela. He was God sent. I had to brush up on my Hindi. He spoke no other language. I very much want to meet his wife one day.
Next we spent quality time with two wonderful families in Maharashtra. One in Mahur area and the other in Parli area. Both have the same last time, but are not related. There was a lot I learned from those young families. The affections in the extended families, respect for the elders, unity between brothers and their wives, the simplicity in the way they all lived and so on. They did not speak any English. So, my fluency in spoken Hindi had to be improved. Their little children spoke only Marathi. So, we used sign language there.
I was able to connect with my grand father's brother's great grandson over the Internet and phone. But could not meet him and his family in person even though they lived in Andhra pradesh..
In addition to all this, we met an American from California and his Hawaiian wife on the train, on our way back to Chennai from Varanasi on the Rameswaram Express. He gave me many leads for voluntary teaching etc. They were on their pilgrimage of some service activity in their Catholic Mission.
Last, but not the least, I have to mention that we met two of my friend and travel companion Nirmala's relatives. They were very affectionate family. The way one young man came home from work during lunch break and took care of the needs of his physically disabled father. I admired his patience and love. In this modern world, there are still some families like that.
I thank God for sending all these special souls into my path.
On my way to Hyderabad from Tirupathi on the train, I met another interesting person. That experience was different and so, I will write about it in my next post.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Visakhapatnam, Rajamundry, Vijayawada
First, I want to give a list of the Temples that we visited. Then, as I recall, I will post the detailed experiences at each Temple. It may not be in any order.
We left Tirupati by train (Tirumala Express?) at 8:50 p.m. on December 19, 2012. Reached Vizag (Vishakahpatnam) by 11:30 a.m. on Dec 20th. The journey was comfortable, consumed the food we packed from home. Met a family from Vizag who had tons of relatives, friends and acquaintances from Machilipatnam, my husband Rao's native town. This always happens. Our topics were only around that town.
Here is the list of Temples:
Dec 20th ---Simhachalam - Vinayaka Temple at 3 p.m.
Dec 21st--- Left hotel at 6 a.m. and saw:
Srikakulam, Nagavalli river, Arasuvalli, Srikoormam, Srimukha Lingam
Koti Madhava and Srikoormam Temples at Padmanabhapuram
Dec 22nd --- Arakku valley, Borra caves (Not Temples, just sight seeing).
Dec 23rd --- Left at 6 a.m. again. It was Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrated in some Temples.
Annavaram Satyanarayana SwamiTemple at 11:30 a.m.
Visited Kanaka Mahalakshmi also. Reached Pitapuram (à°ªిà° ాà°ªుà°°ం) by 2:30 p.m. the same day.
Dec 24th --- Draksharaamam, Gollala Maamidada Temple (Sun), Bikkavolu, Dwarapudi
Dec 25th --- Ryally (Jaganmohini Kesawaswami Temple)
Mandapalli (Mandeswaraswami Temple)
Mukteswaram (Mukteswara, a Shiva Temple)
Appanapalli (Sri Balaji Temple)
Antarvedi (Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple)
Vaanapalli (Pallaalamma Talli Temple, near Kakinaada)
Dec 26th --- Dwaraka Tirumala, near Eluru (we used to call it chinna Tirupati in the 60s)
Janga Reddy gudem (Maddi Anjaneya Swami Temple)
Dec 27th --- Peravali (Ranganatha Swami Temple)
Teeparru (Anjaneya Swami Temple)
Paalakollu Temples: Ksheera Ramalingeswara, Maavulamma, Rama, Kubera Swami, Sai Baba, Venkateswara and the Pedda gopuram. Went to Bheemavaram.
Dec 29th --- We passed the following villages and visited some Temples in Krishna district :
Kuchipudi , Movva, Srikakulam, Peda Muttevi, Ghantasala, Mopidevi, Hamsala deevi.
The above villages are very familiar and very nostalgic for Rao, who grew up in that area and still has relatives living there.
More towns and villages and more Temples in that area. I just do not have the details. One can search the internet, get the details and visit them. Too many for me to go into details.
Dwaraka Tirumala, Ramalayam
Yadavalli Anjaneyaswami. Must see the Maddichettu
Dwarapudi Jyothirlingams
Group of Gods
Nidadavolu etc.
Lakshmi Vinayaka Temple
Gollala Maamideelu
Ramaalayam
Mirrored room (Addalameda)
Satyanarayana swami
Subrhmanyaswamo
Tekusettipalem
Appanapalli Venkateswarudu
We wen by boat along with the Taxi on the boat. Reached Amalapuram.
From there, Mukteswaram Shiva Temple
Inavelli Ganesha Temple
Mandapalli Shani Temple
Ryali Jaganmohili Temple.
I am glad we finished all this while I am still active.
We left Tirupati by train (Tirumala Express?) at 8:50 p.m. on December 19, 2012. Reached Vizag (Vishakahpatnam) by 11:30 a.m. on Dec 20th. The journey was comfortable, consumed the food we packed from home. Met a family from Vizag who had tons of relatives, friends and acquaintances from Machilipatnam, my husband Rao's native town. This always happens. Our topics were only around that town.
Here is the list of Temples:
Dec 20th ---Simhachalam - Vinayaka Temple at 3 p.m.
Dec 21st--- Left hotel at 6 a.m. and saw:
Srikakulam, Nagavalli river, Arasuvalli, Srikoormam, Srimukha Lingam
Koti Madhava and Srikoormam Temples at Padmanabhapuram
Dec 22nd --- Arakku valley, Borra caves (Not Temples, just sight seeing).
Dec 23rd --- Left at 6 a.m. again. It was Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrated in some Temples.
Annavaram Satyanarayana SwamiTemple at 11:30 a.m.
Visited Kanaka Mahalakshmi also. Reached Pitapuram (à°ªిà° ాà°ªుà°°ం) by 2:30 p.m. the same day.
Dec 24th --- Draksharaamam, Gollala Maamidada Temple (Sun), Bikkavolu, Dwarapudi
Dec 25th --- Ryally (Jaganmohini Kesawaswami Temple)
Mandapalli (Mandeswaraswami Temple)
Mukteswaram (Mukteswara, a Shiva Temple)
Appanapalli (Sri Balaji Temple)
Antarvedi (Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple)
Vaanapalli (Pallaalamma Talli Temple, near Kakinaada)
Dec 26th --- Dwaraka Tirumala, near Eluru (we used to call it chinna Tirupati in the 60s)
Janga Reddy gudem (Maddi Anjaneya Swami Temple)
Dec 27th --- Peravali (Ranganatha Swami Temple)
Teeparru (Anjaneya Swami Temple)
Paalakollu Temples: Ksheera Ramalingeswara, Maavulamma, Rama, Kubera Swami, Sai Baba, Venkateswara and the Pedda gopuram. Went to Bheemavaram.
Dec 29th --- We passed the following villages and visited some Temples in Krishna district :
Kuchipudi , Movva, Srikakulam, Peda Muttevi, Ghantasala, Mopidevi, Hamsala deevi.
The above villages are very familiar and very nostalgic for Rao, who grew up in that area and still has relatives living there.
More towns and villages and more Temples in that area. I just do not have the details. One can search the internet, get the details and visit them. Too many for me to go into details.
Dwaraka Tirumala, Ramalayam
Yadavalli Anjaneyaswami. Must see the Maddichettu
Dwarapudi Jyothirlingams
Group of Gods
Nidadavolu etc.
Lakshmi Vinayaka Temple
Gollala Maamideelu
Ramaalayam
Mirrored room (Addalameda)
Satyanarayana swami
Subrhmanyaswamo
Tekusettipalem
Appanapalli Venkateswarudu
We wen by boat along with the Taxi on the boat. Reached Amalapuram.
From there, Mukteswaram Shiva Temple
Inavelli Ganesha Temple
Mandapalli Shani Temple
Ryali Jaganmohili Temple.
I am glad we finished all this while I am still active.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
On our way to Amma Karunamayi ashram
The road is beautiful for most part. But very rough for a few miles. I thought that the Indian car tires must be very strong. For a while I thought we were driving on large pebbles. We had darsans at Jonnawada Kamakshamma, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami first. Both were blissful, very nostalgic for me. Kamakshamma's Temple is also very familiar to me. During summer months our relatives also used to join in providing food and thirst quenching water, light butter milk to the devotees free of charge. I think each family sponsored a few days. The pooja and prasadms were delicious.
For the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, I climbed the small hill in my younger days very easily. Now the car takes you almost to the top. Adilakshmi is the name of His consort here.
On the way, we needed to eat lunch and was tough getting a pure vegetarian place. But, luckily someone suggested a one man owned hotel in a small lane in a village (forgot the name). The driver got the directions and we had wonderful homemade meal there. He was from Palghat area in Kerala and was knowledgeable about Machilipatnam which impressed Rao even more.
After visiting these two, we arrived at the quiet ashram. It is spacious and clean. Lot of security. At first I only saw white people. Then I found out that there was a retreat going on the next day or so. We tried to get accommodation in the foreign section. We were asked to sit and wait for someone to come and talk to us. Rao mentioned some familiar name from the USA and the staff told him that that person was there. Within an hour he got a room and a key. Paid the fee and was happy. When we came out, Amma in her car was returning from a visit to her school. We stopped along the side of the road and had a glimpse of her as her car entered her residence compound. Rao decided to stay for the Yoga retreat for 3 days and I returned to Nellore to spend 3 days with my sister. We went to the Rapur bus stand to check the bus timings for him to return to Tirupati directly from there.
I had wonderful time in Nellore with my sisters. I returned to Tirupati per my original schedule, but, Rao extended his stay at the Ashram for two more days (one day at a time). He would have stayed longer, but we had reservations on a train to Visakhapatnam on the 18th.
I copied and pasted the following information from her India website for those who are interested:
International Headquarters Penusila Ashram
Sri Penchalakona Kshetram
Nellore District
Andhra Pradesh
INDIA – 524 414
Tel: 08621-221615
Email : communications@karunamayi.org
Directions:
From Nellore town, Penchalakona is 70km. From Thirupathi, it's 100km.
Every 90 minutes there is bus service from Nellore RTC busstand. By taxi, it takes about 90 minutes.
For the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, I climbed the small hill in my younger days very easily. Now the car takes you almost to the top. Adilakshmi is the name of His consort here.
On the way, we needed to eat lunch and was tough getting a pure vegetarian place. But, luckily someone suggested a one man owned hotel in a small lane in a village (forgot the name). The driver got the directions and we had wonderful homemade meal there. He was from Palghat area in Kerala and was knowledgeable about Machilipatnam which impressed Rao even more.
After visiting these two, we arrived at the quiet ashram. It is spacious and clean. Lot of security. At first I only saw white people. Then I found out that there was a retreat going on the next day or so. We tried to get accommodation in the foreign section. We were asked to sit and wait for someone to come and talk to us. Rao mentioned some familiar name from the USA and the staff told him that that person was there. Within an hour he got a room and a key. Paid the fee and was happy. When we came out, Amma in her car was returning from a visit to her school. We stopped along the side of the road and had a glimpse of her as her car entered her residence compound. Rao decided to stay for the Yoga retreat for 3 days and I returned to Nellore to spend 3 days with my sister. We went to the Rapur bus stand to check the bus timings for him to return to Tirupati directly from there.
I had wonderful time in Nellore with my sisters. I returned to Tirupati per my original schedule, but, Rao extended his stay at the Ashram for two more days (one day at a time). He would have stayed longer, but we had reservations on a train to Visakhapatnam on the 18th.
I copied and pasted the following information from her India website for those who are interested:
International Headquarters Penusila Ashram
Sri Penchalakona Kshetram
Nellore District
Andhra Pradesh
INDIA – 524 414
Tel: 08621-221615
Email : communications@karunamayi.org
Directions:
From Nellore town, Penchalakona is 70km. From Thirupathi, it's 100km.
Every 90 minutes there is bus service from Nellore RTC busstand. By taxi, it takes about 90 minutes.
More about my visit to the Shiva Temple and down the memory lane
The darsans at the Temples were great. The Mulathaneswara Temple was crowded. Big change from what it used to be in my childhood. Being the month of Karthikam many were doing homa poojas outside the main shrine. I recalled that there was an old well at that location. We would take a peak some bats flying around. Now all that is closed. The Temple, overall looks very modern with multicolored gopuram and all. It looks pretty, but I missed the ancient look. The huge Ganesha outside the compound facing the Temple looked the same. The big Nandi next to the Ganesha shrine, with broken mouth part was there in it's magnificent way !!! I went on my memory lane looking at the houses around, thinking of all my playmates that lived there and all the games we played in that area.
I felt it was a quick visit.
The Venugopala swami Temple also had changed. But not much. As usual, there was less crowd. The new addition for me was the Hanuman shrine. I still have some relatives living in that area. They may not know mw. But I remembered their ancestors (of my age and older)!!!
The Dattatreya swami Temple had always been less busy. and we did not go in too often to that shrine, then. Now I know about the Lord and was keenly interested. It is a very small Temple in size. I don't know the history of it.
The Taxi fellow was very patient and waited where ever I wanted to. There is one not so popular one, Dharmaraja/Draupadi Temple. The main deity is the shakti part of Draupadi. Lord Krishna's idol used to be on the side (which I minded even in my preteen days. But a lot of activity was going on there. We did not visit this one. We drove by on the highway behind that Temple. The highway is really great going towards Jonnawada.
More later, folks!!!!
I felt it was a quick visit.
The Venugopala swami Temple also had changed. But not much. As usual, there was less crowd. The new addition for me was the Hanuman shrine. I still have some relatives living in that area. They may not know mw. But I remembered their ancestors (of my age and older)!!!
The Dattatreya swami Temple had always been less busy. and we did not go in too often to that shrine, then. Now I know about the Lord and was keenly interested. It is a very small Temple in size. I don't know the history of it.
The Taxi fellow was very patient and waited where ever I wanted to. There is one not so popular one, Dharmaraja/Draupadi Temple. The main deity is the shakti part of Draupadi. Lord Krishna's idol used to be on the side (which I minded even in my preteen days. But a lot of activity was going on there. We did not visit this one. We drove by on the highway behind that Temple. The highway is really great going towards Jonnawada.
More later, folks!!!!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Temples in and around Nellore
Rao and I made our next yatra place as Nellore. He has not seen most of them. But this time his interest was on visiting Karunamayi Ashram near penusila. I was not too keen on staying there. So, we decided to hire a Taxi, have darsans at the Temples which interested both of us and then go to Jonnawada (Kamakshamma Temple), then to Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha swami Temple and then to Amma Karunamayi. The plan was to drop him off there and I return to my sister's place in Nellore by evening.And that worked out fine. It was the month of Kartika and visiting the Shiva Temple on a Monday was great. Will recollect the details and post them later. Everywhere, it was crowded. But we had blissful darsans !!!
I have collected a list - see below. But there are many more Temples in the Nellore area.
Hanuman, Ayyappa, Dattatreya Temples and more. I have listed only some Temples.
We saw the following Temples only.
Mulasthaneswara, Ranganatha Swami, Jonnawada Kamakshamma and Lakshmi Narasimha Swami in Penchalakona (actually, there were two Temples of Narasimha that we visited !!!).
As I was growing up in Nellore, we lived close to Mulasthaneswara Temple in Mulapeta. It is an ancient one. The consort is Bhuvaneswari. After school, in the evening everyday I remember going out to play with my friends in and around that Temple, do the pradakshinams and reach home with kumkum and vibhuti as prasadams. Sweet memories.
Mulasthaneswara Temple:
Mulasthaneswara temple is also famous as Mulapet Shivalayam which is said to be 1400 years old, located in the heart of the Nellore city dedicated to one of the variations of Lord Shiva. Shivaratri festival is celebrated with great pomp and exuberance over here. The temple is believed to be powerful and devotees give away generous offerings to the residing deity.
Legend goes that the poet Tikkana Somayaji translated Mahabhratam into Telugu only after making his obeisance to the deity.
Ranganathaswami Temple:
Approximately 500 years old temple, located on the bank of Pennar river.A 29m tall gopuram with gold kalasam.
The Sri Ranganthaswami Temple in Nellore is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha a resting form of Lord Vishnu. Also called Talpagiri Ranganathaswami temple is one of the oldest temples in Nellore. It is located on the banks of the Penna River and is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century. The Gaaligopuram is approximately 70 feet high and has 10 feet of gold plated vessels on top of it, called kalisams. Every year during the month of March–April based on the Lunar calendar, Brahmotsavam is celebrated.
Jonnawada Kamakshamma:
Jonnawada is a pilgrimage centre in Nellore. It is around 12 km from the city centre. Located on the bank of Pennar.
This temple was constructed in the year 1150 (Tretayuga??????). There is bus service from Nellore to Jonnawada. For the convenience of the pilgrims there are choultries of the Devastanam and TTD and also private choultries. Every year, during the celebration of Brahmstsavam in the month of Vaisakha, devotees visit the holy centre to worship the goddess to attain salvation and Friday is the day very dear to Kamakshiamma. A bathing ghat has been built on the bank of the Penna.
Narasimha Konda:
A hill near to Jonnawada. A pilgrimage place where Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is situated.
Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple is nearly 500 years ago, on the summit of Narasimhakonda. This temple was built by the Pallava king Narsimha Varma in the 9th century. Legend goes that the sage Kasyapa established the temple on the bank of Penna. And according to the vedic scripture Brahma Puranam the Saptarishis performed yagnam on the top of Narasimhakonda. The Temple is about 15 km away from Nellore, on the southern bank of the river Pinakini (Pennar). Every year “Brahmotsavams” are celebrated here in the month of May.
Penchalakona:
Sri Penusila Narasimha Swamy temple is situated at Penchalakona , which is approximately 70 km away from Nellore.It is believed that Kanva Maharshi did his penance here. A waterfalls is also there at Penchalakona.
I have collected a list - see below. But there are many more Temples in the Nellore area.
Hanuman, Ayyappa, Dattatreya Temples and more. I have listed only some Temples.
We saw the following Temples only.
Mulasthaneswara, Ranganatha Swami, Jonnawada Kamakshamma and Lakshmi Narasimha Swami in Penchalakona (actually, there were two Temples of Narasimha that we visited !!!).
As I was growing up in Nellore, we lived close to Mulasthaneswara Temple in Mulapeta. It is an ancient one. The consort is Bhuvaneswari. After school, in the evening everyday I remember going out to play with my friends in and around that Temple, do the pradakshinams and reach home with kumkum and vibhuti as prasadams. Sweet memories.
Mulasthaneswara temple is also famous as Mulapet Shivalayam which is said to be 1400 years old, located in the heart of the Nellore city dedicated to one of the variations of Lord Shiva. Shivaratri festival is celebrated with great pomp and exuberance over here. The temple is believed to be powerful and devotees give away generous offerings to the residing deity.
Legend goes that the poet Tikkana Somayaji translated Mahabhratam into Telugu only after making his obeisance to the deity.
Approximately 500 years old temple, located on the bank of Pennar river.A 29m tall gopuram with gold kalasam.
The Sri Ranganthaswami Temple in Nellore is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha a resting form of Lord Vishnu. Also called Talpagiri Ranganathaswami temple is one of the oldest temples in Nellore. It is located on the banks of the Penna River and is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century. The Gaaligopuram is approximately 70 feet high and has 10 feet of gold plated vessels on top of it, called kalisams. Every year during the month of March–April based on the Lunar calendar, Brahmotsavam is celebrated.
Jonnawada is a pilgrimage centre in Nellore. It is around 12 km from the city centre. Located on the bank of Pennar.
This temple was constructed in the year 1150 (Tretayuga??????). There is bus service from Nellore to Jonnawada. For the convenience of the pilgrims there are choultries of the Devastanam and TTD and also private choultries. Every year, during the celebration of Brahmstsavam in the month of Vaisakha, devotees visit the holy centre to worship the goddess to attain salvation and Friday is the day very dear to Kamakshiamma. A bathing ghat has been built on the bank of the Penna.
Narasimha Konda:
Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple is nearly 500 years ago, on the summit of Narasimhakonda. This temple was built by the Pallava king Narsimha Varma in the 9th century. Legend goes that the sage Kasyapa established the temple on the bank of Penna. And according to the vedic scripture Brahma Puranam the Saptarishis performed yagnam on the top of Narasimhakonda. The Temple is about 15 km away from Nellore, on the southern bank of the river Pinakini (Pennar). Every year “Brahmotsavams” are celebrated here in the month of May.
Penchalakona:
Sri Penusila Narasimha Swamy temple is situated at Penchalakona , which is approximately 70 km away from Nellore.It is believed that Kanva Maharshi did his penance here. A waterfalls is also there at Penchalakona.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple
The Lord here is believed to have emerged out from the roots of this tree Called Khadri in Samskrit and also called as "Maddi" tree in Telugu. His consort Sri Maha Lakshmi is called Sri Amrutha Valli Ammavaru and is in the adjacent Sanctorum. The construction of this temple is said to have been commenced during the regime of Paschima Chalukyas and completed during the time of Vijayanagar rulers.
Kadiri is in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The Thimmappa marrimaanu (World's Biggest Banyan tree spread over 11 acres of land. It got entry in the Guinness Book of world records 1989). It is located just 25 km away from Kadiri. Kadiri is famous for jasmine flowers, Kumkuma, and Silk thread (Pattu Daaram).
The temple of popular poet Sri Yogi Vemana is at Katarupalle is only 15 kilometres from this town.
We sponsored Annadanam here and also had free prasadam meals. There we met a lady from Anatapur, A Sathya Sai devotee and we shared a lot of experiences. Her name was Adilakshmi and her sister's name was Padmavathi. What a coincidence we thought. My full name is Padmavathi and my eldest sister's name is Adilakshmi. Swami makes the travel a pleasure!!!!
I forget the other small details of our visit.
The roads were very bad and all I remember is the Bus trip to Tirupati was ' taxing' !!!
The following is a copy and paste from another source:
Bhagwaan Nrsimha or Narasimha at Kadiri is Svaymabhu, meaning, self emenating, from the roots of Khadri tree. The Moolavirat is that of AshtaBaahu Sri Nrsimha (having eight hands) cleaving Hiranyakasipu and transforming into a more protecting persona with Bhakta Prahlada standing beside him, with folded hands, paying obeisances.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Tiruchanur, Tirumalai, Puttaparthi
It was Nov 28th, 2012 that we arrived in Tirupati. It was a Wednesday. We rested the next day. Nirmala arranged anAuto rickshaw to take us to Tiruchanur to have Padmavati devi's darsan. We are supposed to see her first before we go up the hills. We had a quick glimpse of the Idol adorned with beautiful flower garlands. Since we sponsored the 'kumkum archana' we were allowed to sit briefly in the front of the shrine. It felt very good. We paid 100 rupees to the Auto towards 'to and fro' charges. Nirmala goes in the same auto every Friday. On Saturdays, she goes to Tirumalai in a Taxi with her friends very early (4 a.m.) in the morning. We went for a 300 rupees ticket darsan around 8 a.m. on that Saturday, Dec 1st. We were in the line for a very long time, but had great darsan.
We were very happy. We start our Yatra by first going to Balaji darsan, every time.
On Dec 3rd, we started off to Puttaparti by bus. I was looking forward to this trip since I could not visit Swami's samadhi during my previous visit. We stayed in Parthi for 2 nights. Nothing changed, But Swami's physical presence was missed by me. I sobbed at the Samadhi. We attended Nagara Sankeertan, Suprabhatam and bhajans. As we boarded the bus for our return trip to Tirupati, Rao suggested that we get off at Kadiri and visit the Lakshmi Narasimha swami's Temple. I will write those details in my next post.
We were very happy. We start our Yatra by first going to Balaji darsan, every time.
On Dec 3rd, we started off to Puttaparti by bus. I was looking forward to this trip since I could not visit Swami's samadhi during my previous visit. We stayed in Parthi for 2 nights. Nothing changed, But Swami's physical presence was missed by me. I sobbed at the Samadhi. We attended Nagara Sankeertan, Suprabhatam and bhajans. As we boarded the bus for our return trip to Tirupati, Rao suggested that we get off at Kadiri and visit the Lakshmi Narasimha swami's Temple. I will write those details in my next post.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
From Cleveland Hopkins to EWR to Brussels to Mumbai to Chennai
Finally, the suitcases were ready - from two each to one each. Our tickets said two allowed. The travel agent assured that there should not be any problem taking two. But the United Airlines customer service was very firm on their rule that I pay $100.00 for the second one, even though Jetair allowed two from EWR. I did not want to take the risk. United Air customer service was not that polite either over the phone or at the Airport. End of complaints !!!!!!!!!
A loving soul presented me with a maroon colored sweater the day before on Nov 25th (to withstand Allahabad winter weather?????????). I wore it on the flight from Cleveland. The upholstery on the plane was all maroon. I fitted perfectly!! We had a few hours' wait at the NJ airport. Got on the Jetair on time. They are wonderful. Great service, tasty meals and happy faces. Reached Brussels on time and another wait of a couple of hours. Then to Mumbai. This was the longest wait. Changing from the International to the Domestic was a breeze!! Immigration and customs was smooth. They not only have clean airports, but also polite staff these days at Mumbai.The domestic airport is very glamorous and comfortable. Very clean. But Coffee was 100 rupees per cup. Tea was 90 rupees. I did not want either one!!!
Finally reached Chennai airport, got our luggage, came out and after some search got hold of the Taxi driver that Nirmala sent from Tirupati. He took us to Nandanam (he knows the house) where my daughter's in-laws live. Had wonderful few hours there and by evening, we were off to Tirupati.
I thought that this introductory post of the yatra was going to be brief. Sorry folks!!! I had to write this.
A loving soul presented me with a maroon colored sweater the day before on Nov 25th (to withstand Allahabad winter weather?????????). I wore it on the flight from Cleveland. The upholstery on the plane was all maroon. I fitted perfectly!! We had a few hours' wait at the NJ airport. Got on the Jetair on time. They are wonderful. Great service, tasty meals and happy faces. Reached Brussels on time and another wait of a couple of hours. Then to Mumbai. This was the longest wait. Changing from the International to the Domestic was a breeze!! Immigration and customs was smooth. They not only have clean airports, but also polite staff these days at Mumbai.The domestic airport is very glamorous and comfortable. Very clean. But Coffee was 100 rupees per cup. Tea was 90 rupees. I did not want either one!!!
Finally reached Chennai airport, got our luggage, came out and after some search got hold of the Taxi driver that Nirmala sent from Tirupati. He took us to Nandanam (he knows the house) where my daughter's in-laws live. Had wonderful few hours there and by evening, we were off to Tirupati.
I thought that this introductory post of the yatra was going to be brief. Sorry folks!!! I had to write this.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)