My First Snow season…

First Encounter of the snow resulting in one down in my Wish List…

 Whenever I got to see the Himalayas or Switzerland photos , I was always fascinated by beauty created by the Snow around.. … My Dream came true on Thanksgiving day  (Nov27, 2010) , we had some plans for the shopping as it is known for Doorbusters and good discount deals.

It was around 11am in afternoon, we both were ready to check out and grab some good deals… I heard that hubby is calling me, and  asking me to look out  the window, there was Something Surprising waiting for me, it was SnowFall…  I got Super Excited…  as it was little early to expect this since we were told we can’t expect anything like that till late December. It was not heavy Shower but a Mild dusting though.. this was my first encounter with Snow… I became Superrrr Happy… Started running and checking this out in all the windows and balcony doors of our house… Hubby captured this in his camera…Moments like these I want to hold onto forever 🙂 🙂

Snow Storm

Now I knew I am in to winter period of the year, where I will for sure get to see the beautiful snow.

 Then it was the Christmas weekend, a big winter storm hit the North-east US with heavy Snow that fell all day and into the night, resulting in a foot or two of Snow. Making the world around me White & White everywhere and bringing the White Christmas to the people here..

Here is my first cute little Snow Man…

An Unplanned Trip to Boston

Another Long weekend.. We had planned to visit the Newyork.. but things were not have been planned out. As this was an Independence day weekend in USA, where most of the friends said visiting NYC would be a Wrong thing. My hubby happens to call his old friend and manager in Boston, which changed our plan.

Un planned Trip to Boston, We started our journey on Saturday (03 july,2010) @ 2:15, expecting it will take abt 5hrs to reach fermingham ( 25 miles to boston, which falls on the way ).  Route is NJ ->NY-> Connecticut-> Boston. Little we did we know on the Traffic, Festive Long weekend eve, NYC crowd (we were thinking it would be Bad on 4^th Didn’t Expect  crowd on the 3^rd),  As  it enrouted NYC, We were stuck in the Hugh Traffic JAM to enter the NYC @ GW Bridge. We could make it to the Framingham by only 9:00 pm, Drive after Crossing NYC was Calm & Peaceful though.

Subbu’s Old Manager Friend Nalin, Took us out to a near by Indian Restaurant For dinner.

4^th July, early morning subbu collected some local info on the Boston Downtown and Acquarium.We left early @ 8.00am  from fermingham to boston, it took us 20 mins to reach downtown, after entering the city, our first task was to find a parking. And we ended up parking in a building which charges $35 (costliest park fee seen till date). Then went off to get the details on the local tours, we chose the “City View “Tours,Which had a Hop-off, Hop- On Services for the Whole day , Package also included 45 Mins cruise trip which is not available in the Duck tours. If u r not interested to get down, then these trolleys takes u through-out city attractions by Driver Narrating the history.

After the Tour, we took the 45 min cruise, then gave a visit New England Aquarium.

@ 6, we drove back to Nalin’s Home.

By that time, Nalin had some info on the Fire works happening in the city (Charles River).

We again rushed back , luckily we gotta a parking near MIT Avenue (near by Massecheuts Institute of Technology). Then  joined the crowd @ 9:30pm. Some of them were even waiting from the afternoon. They were all set with chairs, drinks, towels…etc. . Fireworks were expected to start by 10:30pm.

Place we stood, was one of bridge near MIT,  There was some delay but fireword started at 10:45pm.. went on till 11:15pm. It was marvelous, just superb and awesome..

 Next day visited to see the whale watch. But this time we had find out a place for parking, this is little cheaper and it worked out to 16$.

Whale watch is a 3-3.5 hrs Cruise (10:30 to 1:30pm) drive which takes you to abt 25 miles awy from the Boston in to the Atlantic ocean.

5-6 whales were visible, here comes there pics.

 After this trip we grabbed some food @ Panera bread then headed back to Home @ 3. But had decided we have to take toll-free road, so by that means if we could avoid GW bridge. That does save lots of time . it was the hot day.. we reached home @ 9:00.

Though myself & Subbu was tired. But we did had the nice time in the long unplanned Weekend Boston Trip 🙂

NYC….

On  Aug 21, 2010

Myself & Subbu decided to Explore NYC.. We Took NJ transit from Hamilton to Newyork, which takes about 1.5 hrs. We had booked Newyork Pass online on the previos day , which was valid to visit 55  attractions (listed in it) in a day for Free ( who ever made this know that anyone cannot see all these attractions in a day .. Hee hee hee :D). We had some Top Must see attractions in our list , all of which were anyways valid in this Pass.

As we got in NY Penn stn, We first walked in to the local subway station to get the one day Unlimited  MTA Passes  which allows us to use local transits(bus and trains), we then went to collect ‘New York Pass’ from Planet Hollywood Located  @ 49th street near Times square.  I had done some homework to have the Subway Maps  handy for the Places we had plans to be visited for the day.

This time instead of explaining the Places, I have decided to put up Pics

After collecting the Passes, we first went to see the Top of the Rock, Here are some pics

Times Square

Madame Tussauds Museum, NYC

Natural History Museum, Central Park

Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island

Empire State Building (till date tallest building after WTC’s)

After getting the view of Lighted Newyork  (city never sleeps) from Empire State, We started Back @ 9:30pm. We could catch up 10:00 pm NJ transit to hamilton, which we were back by 11:15pm and finally reached our home by 11:45pm..

Overall an exciting, terrific experience of exploring newyork using local transits 😉

The Thundering Waterrrr…….

Its has been ages that I have updated my Travel blog.. After coming to US , I have become really lazy .. Today finally decided to at least restart it . and this made me not to waste another minute and immediately I was here to write about  my Wonderful Experience on the World’s one of the Most Famous and Must See Place ” NIAGARA– The Thundering Water”.

This Was on the Labor’s Day Weekend.. As I had just arrived to US about two weeks ago.. We Were looking for some nearby places to Visit , We decided with NIAGARA, but people told us not to visit such tourist attractions,as this will be the long weekend , Summer vacation and many would have planned much time earlier, even fare would be higher.  So we were almost about to drop the plan. But just taught of searching for some accommodation hotels and there fares near by, As expected because of Long weekend, no rooms were available in the Niagara city matching our Budget, so increased our search to Places nearby for the Hotels, keeping our budget constant. Finally ended up getting a lodge(Econo lodge) with the fair price matching our requirement  in Buffalo , This place was about 26 miles from Niagara state park.

 On sat 29^th may, 2010

 Started our journey @ 9:45am, though we had plans for 8: 00am. We were accompanied by subbu’s new colleagues (Nithin and Subbu V).  It was about 7 hrs to drive from Our Place in NJ. So had packed some food (Vangibath Upma, Bread, Sauce, Water, Coke, biscuits…etc).After some 5 hrs of drive, stopped at a Rest Area to have the Lunch, then resumed our next non-stop journey to Lodge, which we could make it by 5:30 pm.

@ 6:15 pm : After refreshing, we  were all ready to explore Niagara…, as it was already evening, Hotel receptionist suggested us to enjoy evening light shows at Niagara , which will start by 8:30 pm. Then we started our drive to the  destination. There is a $1 Toll to enter the Niagara

we first went in to Visitor center (Called as Orin Lehman Visitor Centre) Located in Niagara State Park. Purchased Discovery pass tickets which covers some of the Major Attractions.

Let me explain here some Geography and some historic details of Niagara  (Source : WIKIPEDIA)

The Niagara Falls are voluminous waterfalls on the Niagara River, straddling the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. The falls are 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.Niagara Falls is not the High Falls but the Wide falls formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean.Niagara Falls is divided into the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. The Horseshoe Falls drop about 173 feet (53 m), the height of the American Falls varies between 70–100 feet (21–30 m) because of the presence of giant boulders at its base. The larger Horseshoe Falls are about 2,600 feet (790 m) wide, while the American Falls are 1,060 feet (320 m) wide.

That Evening we enjoyed the Serenity of the Falls took some pics then walk down to Goat’s Island by that time it was already 9:00 pm, So could see the ColourFul Light Shows  then Had Dinner at the Indian restaurant in Welcome Centre, serving Naan, Rice and Daal and were back to hotel by 12:30pm Midnight.

 Day 2 in Niagara (Sunday 30^th May,2010)

 We planned to start the day as early as possible so that we can cover as many attractions as possible with in the time limit (by evening 4) , as we had plans to start back our Journey on the same day.

 We were served with the Complimentary breakfast at the Hotel, and started to State Park at 7:45 am. We reached the place by 8:10am, as it was early morning we could Fortunately get the State Park’s Parking .

Then we first went in to the “Niagara Adventure theatre”, which is located at the bottom floor of the Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center.  Movie “Niagara – Legends of Adventure” started at 9:00 am, which is 45 min clip, Talking about Magic, Mystery and Myths of Niagara falls. You will Witness the Niagara falls Incredible stories and history, That would otherwise take a lifetime to experience.  It seems like no Vacation in Niagara Falls is complete with out a visit to the Niagara Adventure theatre.

 Next in list was “Maid of the Mist”

The Maid of the Mist is a boat tour of Niagara Falls. These  boat starts off at a calm part of the Niagara River, near the Rainbow Bridge, and takes its passengers past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls. The tour is available starting from either the Canadian or U.S. side of the river, returning to the starting point in each case.

As it was Sunday, plus a Long weekend, there was huge Q to compete to gain entry for any of the Attractions, after passing thru the ticket center, took the Elevator to reach the Place, where we were  given Blue Plastic Jackets, then allowed to enter the “ MAID OF THE MIST” Boat.

When Boat takes us near the Horseshoe Falls, View of the Falls, Sound of Roar and Fall’s mist droplets Makes you forget Every thing, It is a MUST Experience Activity and  I bet anyone can just go speechless.. it is Truly a Wonderful Experience.

Cave of Winds:

After Maid of the mist we still had pass for 3 other Major things, one was Cave of the Winds. In this you are allowed to experience the roar of Bridal veil falls.

We all were tired, and Place to reach the Cave of winds needed at least 10 min walk, so decided to catch a local trolley.We stood in Q to collect the Yellow plastic coats and Special slippers, then to our surprise there was a Hugheeeee ( I mean really Huge Q) which took us at least 2.5 hrs to get in to Cave of Winds. Not to waste any more time, While standing in the Q only,we hogged some Pizzas for lunch.

Cave of the Winds, takes closer to the Niagara Falls which any would have taught is Possible. They have built a Wooden railing walkways, which takes us to a ‘Hurricane Deck’. In reality this is about 6 mts from the bridal veil falls. But the rushing waters loom above us, dousing us with a generous spray as we face the thundering fall head-on. A deck has been built 150 feet from the base of the falls especially designed for handicapped and adults with children in arms. we  also get to see Rainbows.I & Subbu, loved it sooo much that we went a couple of times to enjoy the Stormy, breath-taking adventure 🙂

It is also said that these decks are removed in November until spring so that it won’t be spoiled by the winter weather, which will again  re-assembled in the each spring…

 By 3:45pm we came out of Cave of Winds, As it was already late we could not visit the other attractions like museum, aquarium  which were the part of discovery pass. We then Drove back home and reached here by 2:00pm Midnight.

After losing  two continuous days of sleep and Lots of water Activity , huge Q’s just made us all soo tired. though We Had another Day ahead to Rest and Freshen up. But all the tiredness is just worth to Visit this Terrific Beautiful and Must see Place ” NIAGARA”

SHIRDI SAI BABA LIVE DARSHAN

Baba is everywhere.. HE will always be Blessing his childrens..Here I am sharing the Free Baba Live Darshan Link from Shirdi..

This Is a Fantastic site Maintained by Shirdi SaiaBaba Sansthan Trust, you can always get the baba’s Darshan from anywhere and Everywhere between 4AM to 11:15PM IST

http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org/shirdilivedarshan1.htm

Interesting!!! Rhymes Origin’s reflect events in history :)

Hey ahh,

I found a website which gives the details of the nursery rhymes origin’s which inturn reflect the events in history… isn’t this interesting!!!

ok Just See this below example:

recall the Popular rhymes of our nursery… hmmm… “Ring o Ring Roses…”

Did u know how it was originated??

Nah rite.. we just moved around, played, laughed,sanged to-gether… But it has the connection with the Bubonic Plague… You must be asking rite, what a Plague is to do with this song.. if u r thinking this.. which even i was … Then just read below…

Connections to the Bubonic Plague (Black Death)?

The words to the Ring around the rosy children’s ring game have their origin in English history . The historical period dates back to the Great Plague of London in 1665 (bubonic plague) or even before when the first outbreak of the Plague hit England in the 1300’s. The symptoms of the plague included a rosy red rash in the shape of a ring on the skin (Ring around the rosy). Pockets and pouches were filled with sweet smelling herbs ( or posies) which were carried due to the belief that the disease was transmitted by bad smells. The term “Ashes Ashes” refers to the cremation of the dead bodies! The death rate was over 60% and the plague was only halted by the Great Fire of London in 1666 which killed the rats which carried the disease which was transmitting via water sources. The English version of “Ring around the rosy” replaces Ashes with (A-tishoo, A-tishoo) as violent sneezing was another symptom of the disease. We recommend the following site for comprehensive information regarding the Bubonic Plague. http://www.william-shakespeare.info/bubonic-black-plague-elizabethan-era.htm

Views of the Sceptics

The connection between this Rhyme was made by James Leasor in 1961 in his non-fiction book ‘ The Plague and the Fire. Some people are sceptical of the plague interpretations of this rhyme, many stating that words in the rhyme cannot be found in Middle English. The sceptics must be referring to the later version of the rhyme, possibly with American origins, the English version is “Ring a ring o’ rosies” using the Middle English “o” as a shortening of the word “of”. The written word ” posies” is first mentioned in a poem called ‘Prothalamion or A Spousal Verse’ by Edmund Spenser (1552-1599). We believe that this addresses the views of the sceptics.

  Ring around the rosy 
AKA as Ring a ring o’ rosies

 Ring around the rosy                                                                                                Ring-a-Ring o’Rosies
A pocketful of posies                                                                                               A Pocket full of Posies
“Ashes, Ashes”                                                                                                              “A-tishoo! A-tishoo!”
We all fall down!                                                                                                         We all fall Down! 

More such popular rhymes Origins and History can be found at http://www.rhymes.org.uk/

Horanadu- Shringeri-Dharmasthala – Kukke

We had 4 Days .. Jan 23rd -26th .. The entire vacation was planned with In-Laws interest in visting pilgrimage. It was finalized to Horanadu-shringeri-Dharmastala- Kukke.

Subbu’s Chikkappa ( Satya Chikkapa) Booked Innova AC car (6+1 seater)

Friday 22nd, 2010 – our Family (Subbu, Myself, Inlaws) were joined by Satya Chikkapa and Rashmi for the trip. We started the journey at 10:00Pm.
Doddakalsandra -> Kanakpuramainroad-> Nice road to Tumkur-> Nelamangala-> Kunigal->Hassan Belur->Mudigere-> Kottigehara-> Kalasa-> Hornadu.
As we started.. I, subbu, Rashmi Occupied the back seats in the car.. chikkappa is a jovial and Hilarious person.. he started entertaining us with his sense of humor.. I didn’t even realize when I slept.. later I heard from others tat I was only one.. who slept nicely.. others tried but couldn’t sleep …when we were almost nearing the place, drive from Kottigere seemed to be having lots of Hair pin Curves! And driver also drove very fast though.. it wasz like a Roller Coaster Ride.. and we were @ Horanadu by 6:00Am.

Saturday 23rd 2010,
As we got out of the car, it was Frezzing Cold outside, and everyone started shivering! This made us to first find for a shop which serve Hot Beverages (Tea/ Coffee)….subbu found one in the Temple Premise…We climbed the steps to go to shop and could see the Goddess Annapoorneshwari!! from outside.. this was our very first darshan in this theerth yatra 🙂
Subbu’s colleague had given some reference.. Using that he got two rooms @ “Annapoorneshwari guest house.”
we had two options either to take bath with hot water (which was available @5rs per bucket)and another was to  have it in the River, Atte and Rashmi opted for earlier option.

At 7:00Am, we were thinking that it would be about a 5min walk for a River But after enquiring with the Localite got to know that we have to go about 4 kms for River (it lies on the way to Kalasa).
Bhadra River flows in the Horanadu. We caught hold of an Auto wallah, who charged 100rs/- for up & down trip including 30mins waiting charge.
Bhadra River was so calm and water was very clean too (it seems as though not many come here to take bath). Thin Layer of Fogs waves just getting up from River surface, Coool Breeze and sunrrise just added beauty to it… this serene view was Just awesome!! (actually didn’t carry camera..so couldn’t take the pics)
It seemed Chilling Cold.. ..was getting scared to get in to water!.. But subbu told… “just go and dip once.. u may not feel cold later”.. he wasz actually right..  after the bath Anna, chikappa, subbu.. started doing there Morning sandyavandana.. standing in water. As they were busy with that.. I was busy playing In water 🙂

Horanadu is located in the picturesque surroundings of Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is a place of enchanting natural scenery, the ancient temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari here has been restored and renamed as the Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shree Aapoorneshwari.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The single image depicts the Goddess Annapoorneshwari standing on a peeta with Shanku, Chakra, Sri Chakra and    Devi Gayathri in her four hands.The name “Annapoorneshwari” means “Feeding one and all”. The uniqueness of this temple is everybody who visit this temple are provided with food (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and place to sleep in the temple premises.
Place was not that crowded, we got the Chance to enter temple multiple times .We were also served with Break fast (Avalakki) and Lunch .

@ 3:00Pm we were on the  way to shringeri.

 

                                

Horanadu-> Kalasa-> SK border-> Kudremukh-> Shringeri
We stopped @ kalasa for a tea break.
The route took us through beautiful-lazy-dark green tea plantations in Kalasa and en route to S.K.Border(south kanara border). It is a sight that has to be felt through naked eyes and definitely cannot be replicated by words. Roads were definitely far better than those we find within our busy city limits. The road takes you through Kudremukh National Park with a free pass issued by the check post officials. But we felt we were warmly being engulfed in nature’s beauty continuously. We were discussing among ourselves the pure air and hustle-free atmosphere nature has provided along with the lack of convenient lifestyle of our city life. We convinced ourselves that the grass is always greener on the other side.

Briskly driving through the thick park of Kudremukh, we reached Shringeri temple at 6.00PM in the evening.
Subbu and Chikkappa went in to the mutt reception to find for the rooms. We just got only one room for six people @ Sharada Krupa. Then subbu told me to go along with anna & amma asking for another room. person @ reception  gave us another room @ yatri nivas (this was opposite to sharada krupa).
We went to temple at 8:00pm for evening darshan. After that we headed for dinner , which was served at temple Premise.

Sunday 24th 2010,
Next day @ 7:00Pm went to have bath in the Tunga river near the temple. There people were asked not to use soap as it will harm the Fishes. You get to see lots of Mega fishes (which can be fed with kadlepuri).

                                

                               
After this , We went to Kigga temple @ 9 Am,this is ‘Rishya Shringeshwara’ temple, which was closed, we then just went around it. As we were about to leave one priest came in , we asked him to open the temple for darshan, but he replied that it belongs to Govt and keys will be with other people and he don’t have one and temple will open by 10:00am. He also said this temple is famous for rain god, poojas will be performed 4 times a day ( in Kannada “Nalaku Java”), earlier it was 3times a day. Which is being the instruction from current Karnataka CM yedurappa recently (as their was floods recently in karnataka)
As temple will open @ 10:00am, we were thinking what to done now?, either go back or stay?
Priest also offered us coffee by inviting us to his house, which is next to the temple. Then we were on our way back to shringeri.
Of late heard that this village is been in news for naxalites presence.
Anna and rashmi was feeling hungry, so decided to have breakfast. And chikappa suggested a place where idlys, and other breakfast (Vadas and Puri’s) are served hot on the banana leaves. We visited this Holla Hotel which is located on the same side of the temple (i.e on the way to bus stand from the main entrance of the temple). The food served is really hot, delicious and clean.After Breakfast, we all went to temple, for goddess darshan.
Shringeri:
Located amongst the lush green mountain ranges of the Sahyadri,The Peetham is the first and foremost of the four Peethams established by the renowned 8th century philosopher saint Sri Adi Shankara, the principal exponent of Advaita (non-dualism). The Divinity of Knowledge, Goddess Sharada, installed at Sringeri by Sri Adi Shankara, graces the Peetham as the presiding deity.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal, the 36th in the illustrious and unbroken lineage of Acharyas presently adorns the throne of transcendental wisdom – the Vyakhyana Simhasana, the title associated with the Pontifical Seat of the Peetham. The Jagadguru upholds the activities of the Peetham towards the propagation and sustenance of Sanatana Dharma while pervading the lives of many thousands of disciples as their spiritual guide.
More details  @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shringeri

 
After sharada Devi darshan, anna was feeling tired (as he was having Temperature and Cold) so he left to room to rest for some time, we all others went to see “Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha” crossing the ‘ Sri Vidya Teertha Setu’ across the Tunga river, very neatly maintained temple garden, then we entered the premise where guru was seated and was giving prasadam to a set of people who had done pada pooja (seperate Q). We joined another Q , which was only for darshan. then visited the samadhis of earlier Guru’s.
After this we were went in to ‘Vidya Shankara Temple’, this temple architecture is just Amazing!! It is a Photographers paradise.
Wiki says “The niches in the temple have a number of sculptures from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythologies. Inscriptions in the temple record contributions made by several Vijayanagara emperors but the temple was probably built on an earlier Hoysala site as it combines Hoysala and Vijayanagara architectural features. The temple architecture is also an exhibition of the astronomical expertise of medieval south Indian temple builders. The main temple hall features 12 pillars designated for the 12 signs of the zodiac. Windows and doors along the temple walls are arranged such that equinoxes sunrise views reach the deity. The northern and southern gates enable the sunrise view from the hall during solstices.”                      
After this we all went back to Sharadadevi temple, seated there for some time then went to have the Lunch prasadam.
One thing which drawn our attention is Solarenergy is being used for Cooking purpose, The fact that the solar energy plant caters to over 10,000 devotees every day speaks of its significance in saving expenditure on fuel besides keeping the surroundings clean and free from air pollution.
                    

After lunch headed to the Room, as we have to pack things and leave to Dharmasthala.
We started at 3:00pm from Sringeri and were in Dharamsthala 5:45 (except that we took 15min break at a hotel for coffee and Coconut water)
Sringeri->Kudremukh-> Bajagole-> Guruvanakere -> Ujire-> Dharmasthala.
On the enroute to dharmasthala , we went to nethravathi river, to get water sprinkled on us. Then headed to dharmasthala for the god shiva’s darshan.
Dhramasthala temple is devoted to Shiva and houses a linga of gold, on the banks of river ‘Nethravathi River’ .Offlate, it been seen that this temple is drawing lots of devotees, on an average the flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people a day. To manage such Huge Q, there are lots of Q lines is being done, for common darshan, everyone needs to go thru lots of Lines which are outside and inside the temple premise before getting in to temple for darshan. We stood in this Q. It took us almost 2.5 hrs to get the darshan and we were out by 8:30pm.
Dharmastala represents religious tolerance where in the caste, creed and faith of pilgrims are no bars.

Here, the Jain Theerthankara is worshipped on the same consecrated grounds as the native Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Shiva). The priests are Vaishnavite Brahmins and the guardian of the temple a Heggade, a Jain by faith.
A mechanised kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims and there are guest houses with modern amenities.

As it was very late, we left for Kukke and reached subramanya by 10:15pm. We had reservations in the “Ashlesha” guest house. Then all of us (except Anna) went to a nearby hotel to have the light dinner and  packed few idly’s for anna.

Monday 25th, 2010
After having the holy dip in kumaradhara river, we went to the temple to have darshan of the Lord.
Here Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as the lord of all serpents.

The epics relate that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found safety under Lord Subrahmanya when apprehended by Garuda.The devotees enter the courtyard from the back side and walk around to go before the idol. There is Garuda pillar covered with silver between the sanctuary and the portico entrance. It is believed that the pillar was charmed and planted there to shield the devotees from the poison flames streaming from the breath of Vasuki who resides inside. Devotees circle the pillar. Beyond the pillar is the outer hall and then the inner hall and after that the sanctuary of Sri Subrahmanya. In the center of sanctuary is a pedestal. On the upper dais stands the idol of Sri Subrahmanya and then the idol of Vasuki and somewhat lower the idol of Shesha. Devotions to these deities take place daily
History:
According to one Mythology, after killing the demon rulers, Tharaka, Shurapadmasura and their followers in a war, Lord Shanuka reached Kumara parvatha with his brother Ganesh and others. He was received by Indra and his followers. Indra being very happy prayed Lord Kumara swamy to accept and marry his daughter Devasena for which the Lord readily agreed. The divine marriage took place on Margashira shudha shashti at Kumara parvatha. Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and many other deities assembled for the marriage and coronation ceremony of Shanmukha for which waters of several holy rivers were brought. With these waters of Mahabhisheka fell down to form a river which was later known by the popular name Kumaradhara.
The great Shiva Bhakta and Serpent king Vasuki was performing tapas for years in the Biladwara caves of Kukke Subrahmanya to avoid the attack of Garuda. Following Lord Shiva’s assurance Shanmuka gave darshan to Vasuki and blessed him that he would stay with his parama bhakta in this place forever.

Hence the poojas offered to Vasuki or Nagaraja are nothing but the poojas to Lord Subrahmanya.
Another thing I forgot to mention earlier “Male visitors to all these temple have to remove their shirts and banians and preferably cover their shoulders with a towel or a shawl as a symbol of respect and humility in front of god.”

After having lunch Prasad, we started our journey back to Bangalore ……

Maitreya Buddha pyramid

From Many days subbu was telling about this place, it is about approx 25Km from our place.
On Jan 1st 2010, finally we could make it ( Subbu, ajji, Anna, atte, Myself). 

Route: Take kanakpura road -> Continue south on Kanakapura Road (NH209)-> Take left at Pyramid Valley sign board on to Kebbedodde Village -> Drive 1.2km to reach Pyramid Valley 

This is one of the largest meditation centers in India, it is called Maitreya Buddha pyramid.The place is pollution free and very neatly maintained. The experience when you enter the pyramid is just amazing. This is not a place to go in a group but to go individually without having any distractions. “observe your breathe ” is the main mantra of meditation. 

Pyramid Power
The pyramid is a solid structure with four triangular sloping sides resting on a square base… and the four apices joining at a point forming the apex of the pyramid. Each triangular sloping face is an isosceles triangle, with the two sloping sides being equal and the base angle equal. The length of the equal sides are all equal and all are similar to each other and of equal area
Pyramids are store-houses of energy. Their geometric design collects, radiates, and stores Cosmic Energy. Pyramids help to reduce the level of stress and tension in the physical body.
The Great Pyramid at Gizeh
The fact that a geometric design collects and radiates energy was known to Ancient Egyptians, more than 10,000 years ago. They utilized the concept when they built their pyramids. The pyramids are storehouses of energy drawn from the universe. The Power of the Pyramid was obtained through a blending of the radiated cosmic energy with that of the gravitational force of earth.
Scholars are aware that The Great Pyramid at Gizeh was built as a place and as an instrument of initiation into altered and higher states of consciousness,… through the mechanism of conscious out-of-body experiences.
 Meditation done inside a pyramid or underneath a Pyramid is called Pyramid Meditation and it is thrice more powerful. Most people who have experimented with Pyramid Meditation, describe as experiencing a total relaxation of their body, shutting out of irrelevant thoughts and finally achieving an altered state of consciousness. 

Facts about Maitreya Buddha pyramid:  

Maitreya-Buddha Pyramid, with a capacity of 5,000 people, is the World’s Largest Pyramid built solely for practicing intensive meditation. It has a base area of 160ft. x 160ft. and is as tall as a ten stroreyed building at 102ft. height. The exterior surface of the Pyramid is covered by beautiful murals depicting various elements of nature.

Its spiral and vibrant Kings chamber, the most energetic spot of the Pyramid, stands 34ft. tall and accommodates 40-pepole for meditation at a time.

This Pyramid is constructed on the principles of Giza Pyramid, oriented exactly in the North – South direction, having the golden angle of inclination at 51° 51’ on all sides and the King’s Chamber located at the center to 1/3rd the height of the Pyramid.

Over 640 natural Himalayan crystals are fitted inside the Pyramid meditation hall to amplify the Pyramid energy and help in more profound meditational experiences.

The lower hall of the Pyramid has beautiful murals and art work of Buddha, reminding us of the powerful meditation techniques that Buddha had discovered and shared.

It’s Calm and enriching experience, but one thing to be noted is  small childrens are not allowed inside the pyramid, but there is pretty good gardens around where childrens can play. 

You can find more details @ these websites 

http://www.pssmovement.org/pss.htm. 

http://www.pyramidvalley.org/home.htm 

 

Goat’s Leap…

On the New yr eve  ( 2010)..this being the Long weekend.. we decided to visit a near by place for a day trip. . my option was Wonder la… but later we ended up visiting  Mekedatu… on saturday

We were accompanied by Subbu’s Friend and his wife (Sudhi & Divya), who picked us up around 10:45am on Saturday morning  in their Silver Ford Ikon.

Meke datu is about 90km from blore, On the way , we stopped at kanakpura to pack some snacks and water.

Route :  Kanakapura road- Kanakapura – satanoor- take left to sangama

 Sangama: well this is called because this is the place of confluence of two rivers – Arkavathi and Kaveri (Cauvery). It is a nice place to relax and enjoy. We wanted to stay here, but this ‘Goat’s Cross’ enticed us, why a place where Goats crossed would become famous?

 So we crossed the river which separates the two banks. Now we could either take a Bus or walk for 4 Km to reach the spot. We decided the later and went walking. Started our walk at 1:00 pm , The walking part was not as much fun as we had expected as the sun was really belting down on us and the tree cover over the road was really not something to speak about.we were also accompanied by a doggie… it jus followed us for  some distance.. then don knw whr did it go in to the jungle.

Road here runs parallel with the river, we were offered some scenic views. Finally reached the place at 2:20pm,uhfff!!! we met Divya’s expectation 😀 (as per her calculation, for a normal person to walk a km , he takes approx 20min)

 Mekedatu : The meaning is so simple right, the place were Goats used to jump across, If you come here you would agree that the place is so precariously up the slope that at this point I suspect even the goats would fear to venture leave alone jump!!

Enough with the literal meaning, moving ahead this is the point where the Cauvery comes through the Narrow gorge. The scenery is quite pleasing and the rock formations are just breath taking. But one should be very careful not to go to near the edge as the rocks are slippery to say the least. We sat around here for quite a while before heading back.

 From wiki…

“Mekedatu is a location along Kaveri in kanakpura Taluk. Sangama is the place where Arkavati merges with Kaveri. From this point, about 3.5 kilometers downstream, the river Kaveri flows through a deep gorge so narrow that one would think that a goat can leap across it (‘Mekedatu’ means, ‘goat’s leap’ in kannada). Of course, it is not really so narrow and no goat commonly found in that part of India could cross that distance in a single leap. This place is about 90 km from Bangalore via kanakpura. The name comes from an incident which is believed to have witnessed by herdsmen in that area a long time ago. It is said that a goat being chased by a tiger made a desperate attempt to save its life by leaping from one side of the gorge and managed to cross over the raging river below, whereas the tiger did not attempt to replicate this feat, and abandoned the chase. The point where the goat leapt has widened since then from erosion caused by of the river Cauvery.

There is also some mythological significance to this place (both Sangama and Mekedatu.) As per one version, the goat (meke) that is believed to have lept across the Kaveri was Lord Shiva in disguise. On both rocky precipices of the gorge, one can find strange holes, whose shapes resemble goats’ hooves, though several times larger. It was thought that only divine goats could have marked their ‘footprints’ in such hard rocks.

 Narrow Flow Path of Cauvery at Mekedaatu :

At Mekedaatu, the Kaveri runs through a deep, narrow ravine of hard granite rock. The river, which is more than 150 meters wide at the confluence (at Sangama) flows through the hardly 10 meters wide gorge at Mekedatu. One can see the ferocious flow of all that water,  It is said that a goat could leap over it, giving the falls the name Goat’s Leap”

 We were extremely tired, so we hopped onto a Special Bus which would take us back to Sangam, I am mentioning Special Bus since even though the charge is Rs 20 for 4 Kms!We finally reached back to Sangam around 4:30 pm after a 10 horrific minutes on the bus.

We crossed the river again, and headed to see if we could get any veggie ‘Hotel’!!! For lunch. Hardly could get a decent hotel, but it was also Closed.  If you are a Non- vegetarian and u like fish then Everywhere there you get the view of Fishes being fried with masala on the Road side shops

So decided to have it on the way back… didn’t find a good hotel @ satnoor also.. continued our journey.. Finally stopped at some darshini  in kanakpura (don’t remem name 😛 ) . As it was already 5:30pm.. we ordered for tiffins… rava idli, masala dosa, masala vada, Maddur vada etc…. after the hot beverages.. we were on our way back home.

Reached our place around 6:30pm.. it was a good trip.. tiring though but had fun in crossing river, walking in the hot sun, Climbing the Rocks to get the View of Leap, tasty food@ darshini (Hungry kya kare! :)), Playing melodious music in car..

Why we shout when we are angry?

Interesting.. sounds True….

A saint asked his disciples, ‘Why do we shout in anger?

Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?
Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, ‘Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.’
‘But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?’ asked the saint.
‘Isn’t it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?
Why do you shout at a person when you’re angry?’
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.
Finally he explained, ‘When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.’

Then the saint asked, ‘What happens when two people fall in love? They don’t shout at each other but talk softly, why? because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small…’
The Saint continued, ‘When they love each other even more, what happens?
They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love.
Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that’s all.
That is how close two people are when they love each other.’

MORAL: When you argue do not let your hearts get distant; do not say words that distance each other.

Controlling Anger — Before It Controls You
Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems …