TEERTHAYAATRA TO PANCHA DWARAKA - Day 2

  

Om Namoh Narayanaya

TEERTHAYAATRA TO PANCHA DWARAKA

(2nd to 12th Aug 2023)

Author:  Sindhu Satish (Architect & Professor)

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Every inch of my Bhaarat is a Teerthabhumi!

- Swami Vivekananda

DAY 2 - AUG 3rd, 2023

 Dakor Dwaraka

As instructed, we were all gathered in the dining hall at sharp 5.00 am.  We sat sipping hot coffee eagerly to hear about the day’s schedule. We were asked to assemble at 6.00 am to proceed to Dakor for Ranchhodrai’s darshanam. This would be our first place & temple among Pancha Dwaraka. 

Why did Lord Krishna shift to Dwarka from Mathura? Why is he referred as Ranchhodrai? 

Sri Krishna was born in Mathura which was not less than 1000 km North East of Dwarka. This brings us to wonder why the new city of Dwaraka was established so far from his birthplace. Now as we recount, in the Mahabharatha, Lord Krishna kills his maternal uncle and the evil ruler Kamsa of Mathura. He then places Kamsa’s father Ugrasena as chief of Mathura. Jarasandha Kamsa’s father-in-law who was the powerful ruler of Magadha wanted to avenge Kamsa’s death and attacked Mathura 18 times. However, he fails due to the defensive tactics put in place by Lord Krishna and his brother Balarama. But soon Lord Krishna realizes that all the material resources were expending only to defend Mathura.  For the sake of progress of the people it is but imperative to make a strategic withdrawal. Thus, the new city of Dwaraka was to be located 1000 of kms to the southwest of Mathura which was simply out of reach of Jarasandha’s army. Mathura lay along the banks of the river Yamuna a tributary of the once mighty Saraswathi. If Lord Krishna had simply followed the route the Yamuna to the point where it met Saraswathi and followed Saraswati to the point where she drained out into the sea it would be the Run of Kutch a metaphoric stone’s throw away from Dwarka. Mathura and Dwarka were simply the starting and ending points provided by the bountiful Saraswathi. This decision resulted in Lord Krishna being branded “Ranchod.” The one who leaves the battlefield for ever. Even today people of Gujarat refer to Lord Krishna as Ranchod.

At 6:00 am, ladies dressed traditionally in sarees (some in Madisar) men in Kachche panche, shalya with tiruman (Nama) and Sricharanam everyone gathered at the hotel’s lobby fully charged. We clicked few selfies as we waited for two AC buses to arrive. The bus which took us around the previous day was to be now replaced by another AC bus of larger capacity. By 6.30 am we were all settling in the bus and in two and half hour reached later we were at Dakor by 9.00 am. We were all taken to what looked like a Mutt. It had a huge Hall with a raised chamber which housed Krishna and Radha deities. Few cells on to the right had idols of Gurus and Archaryas including Ramanujacharya. On the left side of the hall were many rooms, typical rooms on the mezzanine floor above them indicating, that at times this served as a wedding hall.  Tasty Pongal, vada, halwa with coffee was quickly served. We then walked about 200 to 250 m to Dakor temple.

I could feel my adrenaline rush as I came out into the buzzing street which seemed awfully chaotic. With tourists, temple visitors walking in groups, locals mostly on two wheelers, dogs, cows all on the same narrow street.  The stretch had usual souvenir shops on either side with colourful luring items displayed. I couldn’t help but make note of things that I might want to see on the way back. The loud and continuous horns from passing vehicles pierced our ears masking all other possible street noises. This seemed the only way that local people on bikes could move through this street full of people and stray animals. We also managed to wade through this narrow galli to emerge right outside the temple precinct. soon we identified the long queue along the outside wall of the temple and hurriedly joined it. 

As we moved swiftly with crowd from one of the side entries to the right, I was dumb struck by overwhelming sight. The hall looked round and vast with a high ceiling of the central large dome richly painted. Although baffled by the pushing confused crowd I could not but loose myself in the admiration of the beauty of this temple. Every inch be it ceiling of the dome or walls all covered in glittering colourful paintings. Stories from Lord Krishna’s life. The maddening crowd simply pushed everyone ahead.  I had to forcefully tear my mesmerized self from the physical envelope of the temple towards the sanctum which was located on the right side as I moved closer to the sanctum sanctorum. I struggled and strutted my neck out amidst the entangled people to get a glimse of Dakorji , but suddenly saw a young priest swinging from the high platform in front of the sanctum tied on a rope holding a big bowl taking it right into the assembled crowd of devotees to collect their offerings. I managed to put a note that I was clutching all along in my palm and just then I was shoved by the crowd on to the railing which separated the rest of the crowd mostly men. I managed to rest on the railing raising on my toe stood straight balancing myself.  I was now directly in line with the stunning deity of Dakorji. He looked beautiful adorned with gold jewels and expensive clothes. He appeared to be smiling as I stood there for a long time at the edge buttressing against the railing from pushing women in the crowd who appeared like waves in the ocean raising and falling. Standing there for a long while satisfied with good darshan of Dakorji I decided to join the ocean of people. I was literally pushed out. It was only when I came out clearly separated from my group that I realised there were two separate queues for men and women. The men were at the back while we women were given the privilege of standing in the line right opposite the diety. Soon, one by one our group members assembled out and moved ahead to locate ourselves strategically to see the flag (dwaja) hoisted on the shikara. At that time a person assigned was changing the flag. We then sat in a shade and recited few shlokas with our guru Ravi Maama. Chanting shlokas inside the temple gave me an unexplainable happiness and peace. 

Coming out of the temple we gathered our footwear and went straight to Gomati Ghat which was right there a few meters way. The ghat was very dirty and disappointed me. River looked extremely filthy with all the garbage trashed into the river gathered effortlessly on the edge. However, the small domed structures that sat lined on the other side of river edge defined the skyline. This looked beautiful. Some of us tasted the local savoury dish Dakor Gota with thick curds which was amazingly tasty. I managed to do a bit of quick shopping and walked back to where our bus was stationed near the mutt. 

Dakor Ghat

Architecture, Dakor Temple -The main temple situated near the banks of Gomti is enclosed by a fort wall. The temple sits on a high plinth with steps on all side and is surrounded by a courtyard. The temple is covered with 8 domes 24 turrets. The central dome is about 27m high crowned with golden Kalasha and a white silk flag is the tallest temple in this district of Kheda. Although the temple built of brick walls and stone pillars has no carvings like the typical temples this structure built in 1772 CE built by Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar a shroff of a peshwa’s court in Poona, is magnificent.  The main cupola derives its influence from Maharashtrian style of temple architecture. The main deity Ranchhodrai is a petite framed idol made in black touchstone about 1m tall. Throne of Ranchodrai is an ornate masterpiece of wooden carving plated in silver and gold. The upper floors of the gate there is a tokorkhana (Music room) where music is played on shehnai and drums daily every three hours.  

Dakor- Ranchhodrai’s temple

We travelled back to Ahmedabad reaching our hotel by 2.30pm. Finishing lunch, soon we headed to our respective rooms. We had about an hour to take a quick nap and pack a small bag with clothes for two days. Rest of our bags were to be kept in one of the two rooms identified. This was to be kept under lock and key until our return from Dwaraka. 

We assembled back in the lobby with our small bags, had evening coffee and hopped into the bus. By 5.30 pm we were on our way to Dwaraka. It was a night journey to Dwarka. For almost 2 hours inside the bus Ravi Maama kept us all busy and occupied for he was conducting a quiz on the deities of our Hindu pantheon. Time flew as we enjoyed this thought-provoking quiz. At 8.30pm our bus stopped near a hotel to serve us dinner. While we were eating someone from our group noticed Havmore Icecream store and that's it, within next few minutes we were all busy selecting our favourite flavours. Enjoying Ice cream, we strode back to our bus. I failed despondently trying very hard to fall asleep. I read a novel for a while, listened to audio book sometime. Somehow sleep evaded me for a long time. Bumpy road added to the discomfort enormously. To me, it seemed like a never-ending night journey to Dwaraka. With another short break at the break of dawn we reached Dwarka at 4.00 am.

Day 3 : To be continued ... click here

TEERTHAYAATRA TO PANCHA DWARAKA - Day 1

 

Om Namoh Narayanaya

TEERTHAYAATRA TO PANCHA DWARAKA

(2nd to 12th Aug 2023)

Author:  Sindhu Satish (Architect & Professor)

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Every inch of my Bhaarat is a Teerthabhumi!

- Swami Vivekananda

DAY 1 - AUG 2nd, 2023

Bengaluru 

The shrill sound of the alarm clock woke me and my husband up instantly. It was 2.00am. We hurriedly pulled ourselves out of the bed to finish bath, quickly got ready and soon were wheeling all our suitcases near the front door by 3.15am. My heart thumped with excitement although saddened a little since Sameeksha (our daughter, studying in II PUC) had to cancel her ticket due to term exams. While I gave her few instructions, Satish raced up to first floor guest room to wake my brother Vasista. He was supposed to drop us in the car to our friend’s place from where with two other families we would be going to Airport.

INDIGO flight 6E586 was scheduled to leave at 6.00am. We were at airport by 4.30am. Since we had both uploaded our flight and personal details into Digi Yatra app, we got into the Kempegowda airport in a hassle-free manner. Of course, we had to wait for others who had to enter through conventional process before checking in. Soon, as we (Satish, me, Ranga, Radhika, Rukmini Maami, Surya Maama, Shree and Balanujan) entered the waiting lobby, post checking in we met Ravi Anna, Vatsala Akka , and their son Dhruv. Eleven of us from Bengaluru. On the flight we all enjoyed methi chapatis rolls smeared with thokku and pickle. Rukmini Maami had made some yummy thokku, Radhika had packed some methi chapatis and pickle. I tried hard to shut my eyes just to catchup some sleep seeing others do so but in vain. Luckily it was only 2 hours flight to Ahmedabad from Bengaluru, and soon we were landing. 

8.15 am sharp we landed at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Airport at Ahmedabad. As we moved towards belt number 2 to collect our luggage, Ravi Maama stood grinning with his family waiting for us. Delighted, happy greetings were exchanged. They helped us to load our luggage on to the trolleys and soon we were all out trying to locate our bus. It took us almost 45 minutes to collect all our luggage from belt number 2 and to come out. Huddling into the bus we rode off to the hotel by 9.00 am. 

The avenue of trees along the road caught my attention since they looked pretty with lower part of their trunk being painted with brick red colour and white polka dots. At some points where these trees had green wild background they resembled like spotted dears in a lush green forest.

I enjoyed viewing the city streetscape, old houses with lovely balcony, grill designs. All these buildings must have seen their glory days in 70s, 80s. I found the exclusive BRTS lanes very practical and sensible. Perhaps this was possible as the roads were wide all through the city. 

We reached hotel "Cambay Sapphire" at Vishala by 9.40am. As I entered the hotel a musty smell greeted me. It felt like a smallest shake would make the plaster fall off flaking from the walls. As I made my way through stairs to our room assigned in upper floor almost deserted shabby, musty corridors, it the appeared as though the spirit of this hotel was long gone. Pandemic impact on this hotel was obvious and lack of maintenance evident. Two rooms were given immediately to just freshen up before every family got their own. We took a brief break and trouped into the dining hall. Despite the methi paratha roll that I ate during flight I was still very hungry. The catering team were already there and they welcomed us by serving hot Pongal, sambar vada and chutney. We finished breakfast with piping hot coffee. They gave us each a pair of shining stainless steel tumblers that we were to keep it along with our plates (which we carried from home) all the time throughout the yathra. 

It was an open day. This meant we could spend the day at Ahmedabad with our own itinerary. We spent some time discussing all the feasible options of places that we could visit. We decided to start with Kankariya Lake, which is a huge manmade lake in the middle of Ahmedabad. 

Kankariya Lake - Boating

Despite the August heat and sultry weather of Ahmedabad, I enthusiastically entered Kankariya Lake with the others. The Butterfly Park inside was closed, a mini train which went around the entire lake was paused since it was noon and not many people around. Therefore, we decided to take boat and enjoyed the shortest boat ride ever which lasted for only 20 mins. I believe the lake comes alive late in the evening with all lights and people milling around. Most of us were not hungry although it was half past 1.00 pm. We headed towards our next destination Sabarmati Ashram. It was 2.00 pm when we reached the ashram. 

This was my second visit to Ashram after a decade. Last visit was with my students from architecture school. Elated to be there again for two reasons, it was the month of August, Independence Day was just a week later which lifted my heart with patriotic spirits and secondly this month in our podcast “Kannada Pusthaka Parichaya” we were reviewing works of few Kannada authors who wrote about freedom fighters. I had recorded a review on “Ananda Matt” which tells about the birth of Bankimchandra’s “Vande Mataram”, our National Song 

Located on the banks of river Sabarmati the ashram has an ambience that is almost peace and tranquillity in building form. It has a Museum and Hriday Kunj, the residence of Mahatma Gandhi (from 1917–1930). Located between a prison and a cemetery, Gandhi believed that a Satyagrahi is likely to end his life either in prison or in a cemetery and this was the reason he chose this place to stay. We got to know that Seth Mangaldas, an Industrialist had given the seed money for the planning of this Ashram. It is also known as Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram, Satyagraha Ashram. This is also the place from where Gandhi began his Dandi March.

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Built as a tribute to Sabarmati Ashram and designed by one of India’s renowned master architects Charles Correa, Gandhi Memorial Museum attracts many visitors.Completed in 1963, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, during his stay in the Ashram from 1917 to 1930. The museum houses a rich collection of Gandhiji’s personal items, including books, letters, and photographs, and serves as a testimony to his life and ideals. Some important ones include excellent captures of Gandhiji's Satyagraha, Dandi march 12th March 1930, Gandhiji's invitation to Tagore for Sahitya Parishat, Gandhiji's letters, Ashram activities, interesting timeline of Sabarmati ashram from 1915 to 1930, Swadeshi and swaraj movements, founding of Gujarat Vidyapith, educational experiments, Letters to Mohan Charlie, Sarojini Naidu. Some interesting intriguing questions and answers of Kasthurba and Gandhiji...as he lovingly calls her Ba....asserts that he finds only her bravery enduring as years pass. Her quest to fight for Nation’s freedom... advocates strongly to boycott of foreign clothes...and that women are stronger adn have common sense...can understand the language of sorrow. etc, all undoubtedly evoking patriotic feeling so strong as we can almost comprehend the time before independent India.

ARCHITECTURE: The museum’s design embodies the spirit of swadeshi, which describes Gandhiji’s philosophy of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The architecture is characterized by its modest scale, using traditional building materials such as brick piers, stone floors, and tiled roofs to create a contemporary and traditional space. The museum uses a simple but delicately detailed column and beam structure. Load-bearing brick columns support concrete channels, which also support the wooden roof. The foundation is made of concrete and is raised a foot from the ground. 

To reflect the simplicity of Gandhiji’s life and the incremental nature of a living institution, the architect used modular units 6 meters by 6 meters of reinforced cement concrete connecting open and covered spaces, allowing for eventual expansion. Correa’s subtle changes in the enclosure allow for variety in the module’s lighting, temperature, and visual permeability.

Gandhi Memorial Museum

By the time we were through with Ashrama, the sharp sting of hunger pierced all of us. I was now so hungry that I could wolf down anything edible put on table. Maha (Mahalakshmi) suggested that we could go to Nini’s kitchen since it is the closest and that food there was excellent. Well, by the time we reached it was 3.45pm well past lunch time. Luck evaded all of us since we had to wait eternally before our ordered dishes were served adding irritation to our already grumbling stomach.  Pleasantly done interiors and AC kept me occupied for a while but soon peaking hunger and the endless wait made me restless. However, when the dishes arrived it tasted so delicious that all the anger melted in my mouth. Finishing lunch at teatime we realised that we are now too late to visit Adalaj vav and so decided to do some shopping. Some of us decided to go to GURJARI to buy authentic Gujarathi traditional sarees while the others went elsewhere for shopping. We managed to hire three rikshaws. We told one of the rikshaw guy the place and others to follow him. To our surprise this guy parked right in front of Gujari street grinning he said “elloh madam agaye”. I didn’t know whether to laugh or get upset. Instead of the “Gurjari “which is a Govt Store for authentic sarees, this street usually sold seconds. I then tried to make him understand that it was a wrong place but somehow, he refused to take us to the other place. Right then it started to drizzle. He was arguing and asked for exorbitant charge almost double the meter to take us to this new place. We were going bonkers and getting wet in the rain. I guessed he simply did not know that place. Meanwhile, Vatsala akka quickly checked google map and told us that it was just round the corner, less than half a kilometre. We decided to walk. What would be just 10 mins walk on a normal day it took us nearly 30 mins for we had to stop taking shelter couple of times as it started to rain heavily. 

We returned to the hotel by 8.00 pm. Since we had extremely late lunch none of us were hungry but tired and sleepy. However, since dinner was ready, and caterers were waiting to serve we decided to have little besides, we were to receive the next day’s schedule by Balaji Maama (Tour Organizer) we dragged ourselves into the dining hall half sleepy. I was pleasantly surprised to see many elderly couples from Chennai who were to join us for Dwarka Yathra the next day already eating dinner.  We were instructed to assemble at 5.00 am for coffee and later at 6.00 am to leave to our first destination Dakor.

Day 2 : To be continued ... click here

TEERTHAYAATRA TO PANCHA DWARAKA

 Om Namoh Narayanaya

TEERTHAYAATRA TO PANCHA DWARAKA

(2nd to 12th Aug 2023)

Author:  Sindhu Satish (Architect & Professor)

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Every inch of my Bhaarat is a Teerthabhumi!

- Swami Vivekananda

READERS NOTE:                                 15-08-2023

This travelogue intends to not only share an exquisite experience of this memorable teerthayaatra but most importantly to share the benefits of taking up such an endeavour with Guru /Acharya who would, help discern the real purpose of teerthayaatra making it more meaningful and eventually helping us to gather essence of our Sanathana Parampara undoubtedly making us proud to be born in this land of “Lord Krishna” more so as a Sanathani. 

Like any other travelogue this too would give a brief idea of itinerary, schedule of time, list of places that have been visited with brief information including Sthala Purana. It would also cover A brief Architecture, reference to Mahabharata, few Sketches made by members of the group at sites to add visual layer, and my own personal experience unleashing my imagination at the time of this endeavour highlighted in bold for, this would be the narrator’s perspective. (This part, however, could have been experienced differently by the others in the team). 

It is given in three parts. The first part covers all the Pancha Dwarka including places which are part of Nava Dwarka. It also would cover briefly the other places covered on the way.  Second part covers Pushkar. Third part covers Jaipur. 

TEERTHAYAAThRA: तरणात तीर्थ इत्याह: Teertha means that which enables us to cross any blocks (worldly attachments) for our own elevation.  A Kshetra where we can contemplate, meditate, introspect, and help ourselves to slowly release ourselves from this bhava bandana. Vishnu Dharma Sutra (2.16.17) considers Teerthayatra as one of the Saamanya Dharmas, that every sanathaniya should do in life. Skanda-Purana presents 6 saṁhitās (with several khaṇḍas each) each named after a teerthasthalam. Padmapuraana, Vayupuraana, Matsyapuraana & Skaandapurana all glorify the teerthakshetras.

 तीर्थ-माहात्म्यम् :  पुण्यदायकम्-fetches merits पापनिवारकम्-removes sins चित्तश द्धिकारकम्- purifies the mind.

It is said in Vamana-Puranam that those who perform teerthasnaanam become pure and their 7 generations of ancestors and descendants obtain punya. 

Purpose of Teerthayatra could be broadly put into these four categories. 

1. Dharmika - To fulfil deva-rna (obligations of nature, pitr-rna -obligations of our ancestors, and rshi-rnam, obligations of our sages

2. Maanasika - for mental contemplations japa dhyana etc 

3. Aadhyaatmika- For spiritual benefits of kshetra-punyam 

4. Kaamya - for seeking purushartha (worldly aspirations) benefits. In Devi-Bhagavatam Sage Ajaavana explains to Prahlada -Without bhakti one cannot profit by living in or visiting teerthakshetras. Teerthayaatra must be done with Bhakthi and humility.  

(Source: Temple studies- Vibhu Academy, AUTHOR’S Personal notes)

STRUCTURE & PRESENTATION

1.  Narrative follows journey in chronological order of the places and temples that we visited. 

2. Sthala puranas based on what was gathered at temples from local guides, some from websites and personal notes, extracts from Book “The krishna key” by Ashwin Sanghi. 

3.  Basic description of architecture, links to know more along with some illustrations done on site by Sri. Ravi Krishnan Narasimhan and I, Smt. Sindhu Satish to enhance the visual material and to support the read.  

4.  In bold are the situational emotions, my experiences although personal and mostly subjective it is still provided to add tiny wings to the reader’s imagination. 

PANCH DWARIKA – These are the Kshetras that are associated with Lord Krishna, either by his presence there or by his devotees honouring his legacy. The other important Kshetras like Brindavan and Mathura are not covered in this Yaatra.  

Nava Dwaraka is a collection of 9 temples which are the holy Dhams and is held at extremely high reverence by the Vaishnav followers. These 9 temples are – Gomti Dwarka, Rukmini Dwarka, Beyt Dwaraka, Moola Dwaraka, Sudama Dwarka, Nathdwara, Kankroli Dwaraka, Prabhas Teerth and Dakor Dwaraka. Prabhas Teerth is also referred as Mukthi Dwaraka. Refurbished into a corniche-style area for visitors, the Triveni Sangam marks the confluence of rivers Hiran, Kapila and the Saraswati, where they meet the Arabian Sea on the west coast. 

Dakor Dwaraka, Gomati Dwaraka, Beyt Dwaraka, Nathdwara and Kankroli Dwarka are the Pancha Dwaraka Kshethras. 

Although Pushkar does not fall under this category it is still a very sacred place, and hence has been covered in this yatra. 

15 DAYS BEFORE THE PILGRIMAGE

Gasping from work and multitude of people I was yearning for a long spiritual break. It was one of those long tiring days at college. Just as I sat stretching my legs with my usual cup of black coffee in one hand and mobile in the other, trying to relax in the evening twilight a message appeared in the WhatsApp group “Dwaraka Pilgrimage”.   Our Guru – Adiyen Ravi Maama had sent a message – 

Hello -With just another 15 days left for our travel, hope you all have packed your baggage kept ready. It’s preferred to carry the following things –

1.  Thiruman box

2.  Silver /brass / steel sombu of compact size for daily sandhyavandhanam

3.  Silver / brass/ steel plate for food and a tumbler set for coffee.

4.  Nylon rope for drying cloth then and there

5.  A torch light

6.  Your regular medicines if on regular medication like BP / Sugar tab.

7.  Woolen blanket shawl 

8.  Extra empty bags for shopping

9.  Five set of veshti uthariam / saree / chudi

10. Pants shirts / T shirts

11. Aadhar card original, ATM card, little cash to meet petty exp en route.

12. A towel, toilet set, soap, hair oil, lipstick etc

Chuckling at the last item mentioned in the list, this message instantly pulled up my spirits and as though knocked off from a deep slumber realizing that I have not yet started putting things together to be packed eventually, I sprung up to action. 

This group was created on 16-02-23 by Ravi Maama which included members of all the families (from Bengaluru and Chennai) who were to be part of Pancha Dwaraka pilgrimage. Since then, it had been active being booking flight tickets, clarification on hotels, modes of payments, itineraries, Check list for packing etc. This group was currently most active displaying spirited conversations with known and yet be known people.  

Teerthayaatra Group: (20 seats) 65 people were part of this Yatra. Two AC buses full of people.  

I would like to briefly introduce members in this DPG (Dwaraka Pilgrimage Group) through my connect. Myself, Sindhu Satish (Practicing Architect & Professor), my husband Satish Narasimha(IT), our close friends Ranga ramanujam(IT) and his wife Radhika Ramanujan,(Accomplished Bharathanatyam dancer), our Tiruppavai teacher Rukmini Maami, her husband Surya Swamy(IT), their kids ShriPadmavathi (Shree) and young Balanujan(8th std), our “ Nalayara Divyaprabandham” guru Adiyen, Ravi Maama, his wife Rama Maami, their younger daughter Mahalakshmi(MAHA), Murali Maama RaviMaama’s brother- in-law, Adiyen Ramesh Chatharai (Ravi Maama’s younger brother, US) his son Vishnu, RaviMaama’s friends- Ravi Krishnan (IT), his wife Vatsala Ravikrishnan (Finance, NGO) and their son Dhruv (2nd year Eng. - BITS Pilani), Sri Ramanujam, his wife Chitra and her friend. 

PIC -2: Sri Balaji, (4th from left) the yathra organiser from (STARS) Sathyanarayana Tours and Religious Services, Chennai, and his team (cooks & volunteers) were indeed the stars behind the successful “healthy” Yatra. Some of them still working in IT. Hats off for their service. 

Day 1 : To be continued ... click here

Day 2 : To be continued ... click here

Day 3 : To be continued ... click here

Day 4 : To be continued ... click here

Day 5 : To be continued ... click here
Day 6 : To be continued ... click here

Day 7 : To be continued ... click here

Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

What I still remember of that day is the smell of sweat. Sticky, sweet, with an underlay of week old socks. Sweat pouring off my body and being soaked up by my jacket, dripping off of my hair and into my eyes. Sorry people! This isn’t the beginning of a crime novel nor am I remembering anything grotesque, only what was a punishing, yet rewarding trek to the famed Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya.

Nestled in the lush and fertile valleys of Meghalaya, the Root Bridges are a lifeline for these rainy mountains which are lashed with the highest rainfall in the world and where flooded streams are a part of daily life. Bridges made of stick, metal, stone and concrete tend to require constant, repetitive and costly repairs and reinforcements. Root bridges are part of nature and quite unlike such bridges. They are not “built” but, rather “grown” from the roots of the Ficus elastica, commonly known as the Rubber Fig. The people of Khasi and Jaintia tribes of the eastern Khasi hills of Meghalaya have been growing their footbridges for centuries. Each root bridge requires approximately 15 years of loving care by the tribal families to be fully functional and they can, in principle sustain for hundreds of years, as long as the trees whose roots make up the bridges stay healthy and upright. The art and science of growing these bridges is passed on from parents to children through generations of the tribes. Due to their astonishing and unique nature, the root bridge has been recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.






On a wet April morning, our group of five set off from Cherrapunjee, hoping to see one of the best known examples of sustainable, living architecture in the world: The Double Decker Root Bridge of Nongriat.


The Bridge is a 3 km descent from the village of Tyrna , a punishing trek of 2500 steps, up and down steep, slippery stairs surrounded by vivid green forests. Apart from the occasional fellow climber, our descent and the subsequent climb was mainly made in retrospective silence. I’m not sure what the quiet can be attributed to- our urban naivete in recognising wild sounds, or perhaps the birds were themselves still and hushed, or the animals were more active at night rather than the day. But, the forests were calm and serene, not buzzing with the calls of animals or birds; quite unlike our earlier treks of the Western Ghats.

The sounds were all water: streams gushing, rain falling, water dripping off the ledges of huts and waterfalls bellowing in the distance. The air smelt fresh, brisk and crisp, the colors all shades of green, soothing and reassuring.








The trek is memorable for all these reasons and more. We had to cross two other bridges before we actually reached the root bridge. These non-root, wire and concrete bridges seemed incomplete, somehow unfinished.


I, for one, was not prepared for the challenges that came with tiptoeing on a bunch of metal ropes. The heavy torrents of water rushing underneath my feet, the frightening sway of the wires in the wind when I got to the point of no-return are stories worthy of my future grandchildren. No matter how many times my out of shape self has cursed my dear husband for enticing me into the arduous climb, these wonderful moments make it all worth it.



Climbing down through the jade forest, we rounded a cluster of houses and found ourselves at the top of the last flight of stairs leading down to our destination. Unkempt dreadlocks hanging hither and thither, covered with thick moss, looking for all the world like the famed Jack Sparrow, the Double Decker hung across a mini waterfall. The water was cool, inviting you to drag off your clothes and jump right into the middle. But, with propriety riding on my shoulders, I restricted myself to pulling off my shoes and splashing my feet in the refreshing stream underneath the Double Decker. Meanwhile my niece dragged my hubby across our journey’s end shouting with all her teenage glee and I sat, tired, but content. The sounds, smells and the moisture ridden breeze of Meghalaya soothed my sores and calmed my senses. The thought of the as yet unaccomplished climb, back up to Tyrna only a tiny little worm at the back of my mind.






So, here I sit, all these months later, perspiring in the midday heat of a Sunday afternoon, tapping away on my keyboard and smelling my perspiration all over again.

Author : Aarbhi
Photography : Vasistha

ಕೆರೆ ತೊಣ್ಣೂರು ಪ್ರವಾಸ (Thonnur Lake travelogue)

ಕೆರೆ ತೊಣ್ಣೂರು ಪ್ರವಾಸ

ಕಲ್ಲಹಳ್ಳಿಯ ಭೂವರಾಹ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಯ ದರ್ಶನ ಪಡೆದು ನಮ್ಮ ಪಯಣ ಕೆರೆತೊಣ್ಣೂರಿನತ್ತ ಸಾಗಿತು. ತೊಣ್ಣೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಮೊದಲು ಕೆರೆಯ ಬಳಿಗೆ ಹೋದೆವು. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಗಳ ದಂಡೇ ನೆರೆದಿತ್ತು ಹಿಂದೂ ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಭೇದವಿಲ್ಲದೆ. ಬಹು ವಿಶಾಲವಾದ ಕೆರೆ. ಕೆರೆ ಎನ್ನುವುದಕ್ಕಿಂತಲೂ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಎನ್ನುವುದೇ ಲೇಸು. ಅದಕ್ಕೆಂದೇ ಇರಬೇಕು ಅದನ್ನು ಯಾದವ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇತಿಹಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಅದು ಎಂದೂ ಬತ್ತಿದ್ದಿಲ್ಲವಂತೆ. ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ತುಂಬಿ ತುಳುಕುತ್ತಿರುವುದಂತೆ. ಈಚೆಗೆ ಕೆ.ಆರ್.ಎಸ್ ನ ನೀರಿನ ಸಂಪರ್ಕವನ್ನೂ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ಕೇಳಬೇಕೆ ಅದರ ಸೊಭಗನ್ನು. ನಮ್ಮ ಜನರ ಮನೋ ವರ್ತನೆ ಕೇಳಬೇಕೆ? ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಏನೆಲ್ಲ ತಿಂದು ಎಲ್ಲವನ್ನೂ ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಬಿಸಾಕಿ ಏನೊಂದೂ ಯೋಚನೆ ಇಲ್ಲದೇ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಪರಿಸರ ಹಾಳುಮಾಡುತ್ತಾ ತಮಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧವಿಲ್ಲದಂತೆ ಅಡ್ಡಾಡುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅದರ ಪಾವಿತ್ರತೆಯಂತೂ ದೂರವೇ ಉಳಿಯಿತು. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಇದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಕಾಳಜಿ ವಹಿಸಿ ಹೇಳುವವರು, ಕೇಳುವವರು ಯಾರೂ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಯಾರನಾದರೂ ನೊಂದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ಪಂಚಾಯಿತಿ ಆಡಳಿತವಾಗಲೀ, ಪ್ರವಾಸೋದ್ಯಮ ಇಲಾಖೆಯಾಗಲೀ ಇದರತ್ತ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಗಮನ ವಹಿಸಿ ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದೇ ಆದರೆ ಇಲ್ಲೇ ಸ್ವರ್ಗ ಸೌಂದರ್ಯವನ್ನು ಸವಿಯಬಹುದಾಗಿದೆ. ಆ ದಿನಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಕನಸು ಕಾಣುವುದೇ ನಮ್ಮ ಜಾಯಮಾನವಲ್ಲವೇ?

ನಮ್ಮ ಈ ಕರ್ಣಾಟಕ ಶಂಕರ, ರಾಮಾನುಜ, ಮಧ್ವ, ಬಸವಣ್ಣ, ಜೈನ ತೀರ್ಥಂಕರರು, ಗುರುನಾನಕ್ ಮುದಲಾದ ಎಲ್ಲ ಮತ ಧರ್ಮ ಸುಧಾರಕರಿಗೂ ತವರುಮನೆಯಲ್ಲವೇ. ಭಗವದ್ರಾಮಾನುಜರು ತಮಿಳುನಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ರಾಜ ಕ್ರಿಮಿಕಂಠ-ಚೊಳ ನ ಉಪಟಳ ತಾಳಲಾರದೆ ಕರ್ಣಾಟಕಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದು ಸುಮಾರು ೧೨ ವರ್ಷಗಳಷ್ಟು ದೀರ್ಘಕಾಲ ಮೇಲುಕೋಟೆ, ತೊಣ್ಣೂರು, ಸಾಲಗ್ರಾಮ ಮುಂತಾದೆಡೆ ತಮ್ಮ ಕರ್ಮಭೂಮಿಯನಾಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಶಿಷ್ಯರೊಡನೆ ನೆಲೆಸಿ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಚಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿ ಸಮಾಜ ಸುಧಾರಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರತರಾಗಿದ್ದರು. ತೊಣ್ಣೂರಿನ ಈ ಕೆರೆ ಮತ್ತು ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಗಳು ಅವರಿಗೆ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಪ್ರಿಯವಾಗಿದ್ದವಂತೆ. ಕೆರೆಗೆ ಹೊಂದಿಕೊಂಡಿರುವ ವಿಶಾಲ ಪಂಟಪದಲ್ಲೇ ಜೈನ ಧರ್ಮೀಯನಾದ ರಾಜಾ ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದೇವನು ಶ್ರೀವೈಷ್ಣವ ದೀಕ್ಷೆಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆದು ವಿಷ್ಣುವರ್ಧನನಾದುದಲ್ಲದೇ, ಆದಿಶೇಷಾವತಾರಿಗಳಾದ ರಾಮಾನುಜರು ಸಾವಿರಾರು ಜೈನ ಪಂಡಿತರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಏಕಕಾಲದಾಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ತತ್ವವಾದ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾ ವಿಜಯಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಅವರೆಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಶ್ರೀವೈಷ್ಣವ ದೀಕ್ಷೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟರೆಂಬ ಐತಿಹ್ಯವಿದೆ. ಅದರ ಕುರುಹಾಗಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ “ಯೋಗಾನರಸಿಂಹ” ದೇವಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಗುಹಾಮಂಟಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಯೋಗಸ್ಥರಾಗಿರುವ ರಾಮಾನುಜರ ಭವ್ಯ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಆದಿಶೇಷ ಸರ್ಪವು ಅವರನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿ ಹೆಡೆಎತ್ತಿರುವ ದೃಶ್ಯ ’ಮೈಜುಮ್’ ಎನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಯೋಗಾನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನವನ್ನು ಕೃತಯುಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದನು ಕಟ್ಟಿಸಿದ್ದನೆಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಅರ್ಚಕರು ನರಸ್ಂಹ ವಿಗ್ರಹದ ಬಳಿ ಇರುವ ದಂಡವನ್ನು ನಮಗೆ ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಸ್ಪರ್ಶಿಸಿದರು. ಭಗವದ್ದರ್ಶನ ಪೂಜಾದಿ ಕೈಂಕರ್ಯಗಳು ಬಹಳ ಸೊಗಸಾಗಿ ಆಯಿತು.

 ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ನಂಬಿನಾರಾಯಣನ ದೇವಳಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದೆವು. ಅನೇಕ ಕಂಬಗಳಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿ ವಿಶಾಲವದ ಆವರಣ, ವಿಶಾಲವಾದ ಪ್ರಾಂಗಣ, ಶುಕನಾಸಿಗಳಿಂದ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುವ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ ಬಹಳವೇ ಆಕರ್ಷಕವಾಗಿದೆ. ಶ್ರೀ ಭೂ ಸಮೇತನಾದ ಆ ನಾರಾಯಣನ ಚೆಲುವನ್ನು ಬಣ್ಣಿಸಲು ಪದಗಳಿಲ್ಲ. ಅವನನ್ನು ನಂಬಿ ಕೆಟ್ಟವರಿಲ್ಲ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಅವನು “ನಂಬಿನಾರಾಯಣ”.  ಪೂಜಾದಿಗಳನ್ನು ಮುಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಪ್ರಸಾದವಾಗಿ ದೊರೆತ ಸಕ್ಕರ್ಪೊಂಗಲ್ಲನ್ನು ಸವಿಯುತ್ತಾ ಗರುಡಗಂಬ ಪುಷ್ಕರಣಿ (ಸಣ್ಣದು, ಜನ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿ ಹಾಳುಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.) ಪ್ರದಕ್ಷಿಣೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಎದುರಿನಲ್ಲೇ ಇರುವ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು “ಗೋಪಾಲಸ್ವಾಮಿ” ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಕ್ಕೆ ನಡೆದೆವು.

ಗೋಪಾಲಸ್ವಮಿಯ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಮುಂದಾವರಣವು ಗಿಡಮರಗಳಿಂದ ಹಚ್ಚ ಹಸಿರಾಗಿದೆ.ವಿಶಾಲವಾದ ಆವರಣದ ಒಂದು ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ತುಲಾಭಾರ ಮಂಟಪವಿದೆ.ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಅರ್ಚಾಮೂರ್ತಿ ಭವ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ.  ಇದೂ ಸಹ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಪುರಾತನವಾಗಿದ್ದು ಪಾಂಡವ ಧರ್ಮರಾಜ ಪತ್ತೆ ಮಾಡಿದನು ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ಅರ್ಚಾಮೂರ್ತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಪಾರ್ಥಸಾರತಿಯಾಗಿ ಕರೆಯಲ್ಪಡುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀಕೃಷ್ಣ ವಿಶ್ವರೂಪದರ್ಶನದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾನೆ ಎಂದೂ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ೮ ಅಡಿ ಎತ್ತರ ಮತ್ತು ೫ ಅಡಿ ಅಗವುಳ್ಳ ಈ ಸಾಲಿಗ್ರಾಮ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಅಕ್ಕ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ – ಭೂ ದೇವಿಯರೊಡನೆ ಮೋಹನರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದು ಚಿತಾಪಹಾರಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾನೆ.

ಪಾರ್ಥಸಾರಥಿಯ ಮೂಲ ವಿಗ್ರಹದ ಮುಂದೆಯೇ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣನು ತ್ರಿಭಂಗಿ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಣ್ಮನ ಸೆಳೆಯುತ್ತಾನೆ. ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಶೈಲಿ ಚೋಳರಕಾಲದ್ದು ಎನ್ನಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆ ಸುಂದರ ಶಾಂತ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಪೂಜಾ ಕೈಂಕರ್ಯದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಪವಿತ್ರತೆ ತುಂಬಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೊರಬಂದು ಗತ ಕಾಲದ ಚರಿತ್ರೆಯ ಹಿಂದೆ ಸುತ್ತಾಡುತ್ತಾ ಇಕ್ಕೆಡೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಹಸಿರಿನಿಂದ ತುಂಬಿ ಸಂಜೆಯ ತಂಗಾಳಿಯನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಸಲು ಮುಂದಾದೆವು. ಗೋಪಾಲಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಮತ್ತು ಯೋಗಾನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಒಬ್ಬರೇ ಅರ್ಚಕರಿದ್ದು ಅವರು ಸರದಿಯಮೇಲೆ ಎರಡು ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಗಳಿಗೆ ಅಡ್ಡಾಡುತ್ತಾ ಪೂಜಾದಿ ಸೇವೆಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾಡುವುದನ್ನು ನೋಡಿದಾಗ ಒಂದು ಕ್ಷಣ ’ಅಯ್ಯೋ ಭಗವಂತಾ ಇದೆಂತಹ ಕಾಲ ಬಂದಿತಪ್ಪಾ” ಎಂದು ನೊಂದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವಂತಾಯಿತು. ಮುಜರಾಯಿ ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ ಸೇರಿದ ಈ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಗಳಿಗೆ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಇತ್ತ ಗಮನವಹಿಸಿ ಈ ಕೊರತೆಯನ್ನು ಬೇಗನೆ ನೀಗಿಸಲು ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳುವಂತಾಗಲಿ ಎಂದು ಹಾರೈಸೋಣವೆ.

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಪಯಣದ ಮಾರ್ಗದ ಇಕ್ಕೆಡೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕಬ್ಬಿನ ಗದ್ದೆಗಳು ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಕಬ್ಬಿನ ಗಾಣಗಳು, ಇದನ್ನು ನೋಡುತ್ತಾ ನಮ್ಮ ಬಾಯೂರಿ ನಾಲಿಗೆ ಚಪ್ಪರಿಸುವಂತಾಯಿತು. ಕಬ್ಬಿಣ ಗಾಣದ ಒಂದೆಡೆ ವಾಹನ ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ಒಳಹೊಕ್ಕೆವು. ಗಾಣ ಆಡುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ನಿಂತಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೂ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಕಂಡ ಗಾಣ ಅರೆಯುವವರು ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಆದರದಿಂದ ಬರಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಸಾಕೆನಿಸುವಷ್ಟು ಕಬ್ಬಿನ ಹಾಲನ್ನು ಅರೆದು ಕೊಟ್ಟರು. 

ಲೇಖಕಿ ರಜನಿ

ಸವಿಯಲು ಬಿಸಿ ಬಿಸಿ ಬೆಲ್ಲ ಕೊಟ್ಟರು. ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲ ನಮ್ಮ ನೀರಿನ ಬಾಟಲುಗಳಿಗೂ ಕಬ್ಬಿನ ಹಾಲು ತುಂಬಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟರು. ಎಲ್ಲವನ್ನೂ ಹಣದಿಂದಲೇ ಅಳೆಯುವ ಈ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಈತರದ ನಡಾವಳಿ ಈ ಆದರ ಸತ್ಕಾರಗಳಲ್ಲವೇ ನಮ್ಮ ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಡಿನ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಸಾರುವುದು. ನಾವೂ ಸಹ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಬೆಲ್ಲದ ಅಚ್ಚುಗಳನ್ನು ಕೊಂಡು ಅವರಿಗೆ ಧನ್ಯವಾದ ಹೇಳಿ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗಿದೆವು. ಬೆಳಕು ಕರಗಿ ಕತ್ತಲಾಗತೊಡಗಿತ್ತು. ಮತ್ತೆ ನಗರ ಸೇರಿದ ನಾವು ಇನ್ನೂ ಆ ದಿನವನ್ನು ಮೆಲಕು ಹಾಕುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ.

ಲೇಖಕರು : ಎನ್.ಎಸ್.ರಜನಿ
ಫೋಟೋಗ್ರಾಫಿ : ವಸಿಷ್ಠ

ಕೀಯಿಂಗ್ : ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ

ಕಲ್ಲಹಳ್ಳಿ ಭೂವರಾಹ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ದೇವಾಲಯ (Kallahalli Bhoovaraaha Swami Temple)

ಕಲ್ಲಹಳ್ಳಿ ಭೂವರಾಹ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ದೇವಾಲಯ

ಹೊಸಹೊಳಲಿನ ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ದೇವಾಲಯದ ದರ್ಶನವಾದ ಬಳಿಕ ಸಮೀಪದಲ್ಲೇ ಇರುವ ಕಲ್ಲಹಳ್ಳಿಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಪಯಣ ಸಾಗಿತು, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಈಚೆಗೆ ಬಹಳವಾಗಿ ಕೇಳಿಬರುತ್ತಿರುವ ಭೂವರಾಹ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಯ ದರ್ಶನ ಪಡೆಯುವ ಸಲುವಾಗಿ. ದೇವಾಲಯ ಇನ್ನೂ ಜೀರ್ಣೋದ್ಧಾರದ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಕೆಲವು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ದುಬಾಯಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಉದ್ಯಮಿಯೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ಕನಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದ ಈ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ನನಗೆ ಪೂಜಾದಿಗಳು ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ಪಾಳು ಬಿದ್ದಿರುವೆ ಎಂಬ ಕನಸು ಪದೇ ಪದೆ ಬೀಳುತ್ತಿತ್ತಂತೆ. ಕುತೂಹಲದಿಂದ ಅವರು ಬಂದು ಈ ಸ್ಥಳವನ್ನು ಹುಡುಕಿ ನೋಡಲಾಗಿ ಆಆಳೆತ್ತರದ ಈ ಭವ್ಯವಾದ ಸಾಲಗ್ರಾಮ ಶಿಲೆಯ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಕಾಣಿಸಿತಂತೆ. ಆಗ ಅವರೇ ಮುಂದಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯನ್ನು ವಹಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಪರಕಾಲಮಠದ ಪೂಜ್ಯ ಸ್ಮಾಮೀಜಯವರ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಜೀರ್ಣೋದ್ಧರ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಸಿದರಂತೆ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಈಗ ಪರಕಾಲಮಠದ ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಗೀಶಬ್ರಹ್ಮತಂತ್ರ ಮಹಾಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳವರ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲೇ ಜೀರ್ಣೋದ್ಧಾರ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಭರದಿಂದ ಸಾಗಿದೆ. ವರಾಹಸ್ವಾಮಿಯು ತಮ್ಮ ಎಡಬಗಲಲ್ಲಿ ಭೂದೇವೀ ಮಾತೆಯನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿದು ಕುಳಿತಿರುವ ಭಂಗಿಯಂತೂ ಕಣ್ಮನಗಳಿಗೆ ವರ್ಣಿಸಲಾಧ್ಯ. ಅದನ್ನು ದರ್ಶಿಸಿಯೇ ಅನುಭವಿಸಬೇಕು. ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಹೊಯ್ಸಳರ ಕಾಲದ್ದೆಂಬ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಇದೆ.

ದೇವಾಲಯ ಜೀರ್ಣೋದ್ಧಾರದ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದರೂ ಭಕ್ತಾದಿಗಳು ಅಧಿಕ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ದೂರ ದೂರದಿಂದ ಬರುತ್ತಾರೆ.  ಶನಿವಾರ ಭಾನುವಾರದಲ್ಲಂತೂ ಇನ್ನೂ ವಿಶೇಷ. 

ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ವಿಶೆಷವೆಂದರೆ.ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ಮನೆ ಕಟ್ಟುವವರು ಜಾತಿ ಮತಗಳ ಭೇದವಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಬಂದು ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪೂಜೆ ಮಾಡಿಸಿ ಕೊಂಡೊಯ್ಯುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಹಾಗೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಆ ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆಗಳಿಂದ ಮನೆ ಮೊದಲಾದುವುಗಳ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಸಿದರೆ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ನಿರ್ವಿಘ್ನವಾಗಿ ಸುಸೂತ್ರವಾಗಿ ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಂಡು ಕುಟುಂಬಕ್ಕೆ ಸುಖ ಶಾಂತಿ ದೊರೆಯುವುದೆಂಬ ನಂಬಿಕೆ ಎಲ್ಲರಲ್ಲೂ ದಟ್ಟವಾಗಿರುವ ಹಾಗೆ ಕಂಡುಬರುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಬದಿಯಲ್ಲೇ ಕಾವೇರಿ ವೈಯ್ಯಾರದಿಂದ ನಡೆದು ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಳೆ. ಸುತ್ತ ಮುತ್ತ ಹಸಿರು ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಮುದ ತುಂಬಿಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ. ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಮುಂದೆ ಎರಡು ಬದಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ರೈತರು ತಾವು ಬೆಳೆದ ಸೊಪ್ಪು ತರಕಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಆಗ ತಾನೇ ಕಿತ್ತು ತಂದು ಮಾರುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಬಂದ ಯಾರೊಬ್ಬರೂ ಅಪರೂಪಕ್ಕೆ ಸುಲಭ ಬೆಲೆಗೆ ಸಿಗುವ ಆ ಶುದ್ಧ ತರಕಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಕೊಳ್ಳದೆ ಹೊರಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ನಾವೂ ಅದೇ ಕೆಲಸ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಮುಂದೆ ಕೆರೆ ತೊಣ್ಣುರಿನ ಕಡೆ ಪಯಣ ಬೇಳೆಸಿದೆವು.


ಲೇಖಕರು : ಎನ್.ಎಸ್.ರಜನಿ 

ಫೋಟೋಗ್ರಾಫಿ : ವಸಿಷ್ಠ
ಕೀಯಿಂಗ್ : ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ

ಹೊಸಹೊಳಲು ಪ್ರವಾಸ - Hosaholalu Travelogue

ಹೊಸಹೊಳಲು ಪ್ರವಾಸ

ಸಂಜೆ ಆಫೀಸಿನಿಂದ ಮನೆಗ ಮಗ ಬರುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ ಖುಷಿಯಾಗಿ ಹೇಳಿದ  ಅಮ್ಮಾ ನಾಳಿದ್ದು ಭಾನುವಾರ ಒಂದು ಸೊಗಸಿನ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ತಯಾರಿ ಮಾಡು ಎಂದು.

ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ಇದ್ದು ಬೋರು ಬೋರೋ ಎಂದು ಆಗಾಗ ಹಾಡುವ ನನಗೆ ಅವನ ಮಾತು ಕೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹಾಗೇ ಕಿವಿ ಚುರುಕಾಯ್ತು.ಎಲ್ಲಿಗೋ ಈ ಬಾರಿ ಎಂದೆ ಉತ್ಸಾಹ ತಡೆಯಲಾರದೆ. ಅದನ್ನ ಆಮೇಲೆ ಹೇಳ್ತೀನಿ, ಸಧ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಈಗ ಊಟ ಬದಿಸು ಎಂದು ಕೈಕಾಲು ತೊಳೆಯಲು ಹೋದ. ಸೊಸೆಯನ್ನು ಕರೆದು ತಕ್ಷಣ ಒದರಿದೆ. ಈ ಬಾರಿ ಒಂದು ಪುಟ್ಟ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸಿದ್ಧಮಾಡಿಕೊ. ಮಗುವಿನ ಅಗತ್ಯತೆಗಳ ಚೀಲ ಸಿದ್ದಪಡಿಸಿಕೋ ಎಂದೆ. ಅವಳು ನನ್ನಷ್ಟೇ ಉತ್ಸಾಹಿ, ಹೊರಗಡೆ ತಿರುಗಾಡಿ ಬರುವುದೆಂದರೆ. ಅವಳೂ ಖುಷಿಯಾದಳು.

ಭಾನುವಾರ ಬೆಳಗಿನ ೫:೩೦ ಕ್ಕೆ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಹೊರಡ್ಲು ಸಜ್ಜಾದೆವು. ತವೇರಾ ಗಾಡಿ ಆಗಲೇ ಬಂದು ನಿಂತಿತ್ತು. ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಕುಳಿತ ಹಾಗೇ, ಮಗ ಹೇಳಿದ ಮೈಸೂರು ರೋಡಿಗೆ ಚಲಿಸಿ ಎಂದು. ಈಗಲಾದರೂ ಸಸ್ಪೆನ್ಸ್ ಮುರಿಯೋ ಎಂದೆ  ಆಗ ಬಾಯ್ಬಿಟ್ಟ. ಹೊಸಹೊಳಲು, ಕಲ್ಲಳ್ಳಿ ಭೂವರಾಹ, ಕೆರೆತೊಣ್ಣೂರು, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆರೆ, ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಗಳು ನಂತರ ಹಿಂತಿರುಗೋದು ಎಂದ.

ಮೊದಲಿಗೆ ನಾವು ಕೆ ಆರ್ ಪೇಟೆಗೆ ಹೊರೆಟ್ವಿ. ಏಕೆಂದರೆ ನಮಗೆ ಹೊಸಹೊಳಲು ನೋಡುವುದಿತ್ತು.  ಹೊಸಹೊಳಲು ಕೆ ಆರ್ ಪೇಟೆಗೆ ಮೂರು ಮೈಲಿ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ನಮಗೆ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಬೋರ್ಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕ ವಿಚಾರವೆಂದರೆ, ಹೊಸಹೊಳಲು ಗಂಗ ಚೋಳರ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸೀಮೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದು, ನಂತರ ಹೊಯ್ಸಳರ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಅಗ್ರಹಾರವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಈ ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಊರು ೧೩ ನೇ ಶತಮಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರ್ಮಿತಿಯಾದ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನಾರಾಯಣ ದೇವಾಲಯದಿಂದ ಬಹಳ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಪಡೆದಿದೆ. ವಿಜಯನಗರದರಸರ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಊರಿನ ಸುತ್ತ ಒಂದು ಕೋಟೆ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣವಾಗಿತ್ತು ಎನ್ನಲಾಗಿದೆ.

ಈ ದೇವಾಲಯವನ್ನು ನೋಡಿದ ಕೂಡಲೇ, ಇದು ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ ಶೈಲಿಯ ವಾಸ್ತು ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಎಂಬುದು ಯಾರಿಗಾದರೂ ಅನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಅಮೋಘವಾದ, ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಸುಂದರವಾದ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರಾಕಾರದ ತಳಕಟ್ಟಡದ ಮೇಲೆ ಭವ್ಯವಾದ ದೇವಾಲಯ ನಿರ್ಮಿತಿಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ತ್ರಿಕೂಟಾಚಲವಾದ ಈ ದೇವಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂರು ಗರ್ಭಗುಡಿಗಳಿವೆ. ಎತ್ತರವಾದ ಜಗಲಿಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಪೂರ್ವಕ್ಕೆ ಮುಖದ್ವಾರವಿದೆ. ಪಶ್ಚಿಮದ ಗರ್ಭಗೃಹಕ್ಕೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಶುಕನಾಸಿ ಮತ್ತು ವಿಮಾನವಿದೆ. 

ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಸುಂದರವಾದ ಕೆತ್ತನೆಗಳಿಂದ ತುಂಬಿದ ಕಂಬಗಳಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿ ಗುಂಡನೆಯ ನೃತ್ಯಮಂಟಪದೊಂದಿಗೆ ನವರಂಗಮಂಟಪವಿದೆ. ನವರಂಗಕ್ಕೆ ಪೂರ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಭದ್ರಮಂಟಪವಿದೆ. ಒಂದೊಂದು ಕಂಬಗಳೂ ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟವಾದ ಕೆತ್ತನೆಗಳಿಂದ ತುಂಬಿವೆ. ಕಂಬಗಳ ಮೇಲ್ಛಾವಣಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಆನೆ, ಕುದುರೆ, ಕಾಲಾಳು, ಬಳ್ಳಿ, ಪೌರಾಣಿಕ ಕಥಾನಕಗಳು ಇವುಗಳ ಶಿಲ್ಪಗಳಿಂದ ದೇವಳದ ಹೊರಮೈ ಕೋಷ್ಠ್ಹಕಗಳು ತುಂಬಿ ಮನ ಸೂರೆಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತವೆ. ಇವೆಲ್ಲವೂ ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ ಶೈಲಿಯನ್ನು ಘೋಷಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಒಳಗಡೆ ಭುವನೇಶ್ವರಿಗಳೂ ಸಹ ಮಿಥುನ ಶಿಲ್ಪಗಳಿಂದ ಹಾಗೂ ಇತರೆ ಅನೇಕ ಸುಂದರ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸಗಳ ಕೆತ್ತನೆಗಳಿಂದ ತುಂಬಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ರಮಣೀಯವಾಗಿವೆ. ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಶಿಲ್ಪ ವೈಭವ ಯಾವ ಬೇಲೂರು ಅಥವಾ ಹಳೇಬೀಡುಗಳ ಶಿಲ್ಪ ವೈಭವಕ್ಕೆ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಏನೂ ಇಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ನಮಗೆ ಅನಿಸದೇ ಇರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಸುಂದರ ಆವರಣದಿಂದ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಈ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಕರ್ತೃ, ಕಾಲ ಇವುಗಳ ಸರಿಯಾದ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಇಲ್ಲದಿರುವುದು ಖೇದದ ಸಂಗತಿಯೇ ಸರಿ.ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಅರ್ಚಕರ ಹೇಳಿಕೆಯ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಕ್ರಿ.ಶ ೯೪೩  ೧೦೫೦ ರೊಳಗೆ ಈ ದೇವಾಲಯ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣವಾಗಿರಬೇಕು. 

ಮೊದಲನೆಯ ಗರ್ಭಗುಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವೇಣುಗೊಪಾಲ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಇದೆ. ಇದು ಸಾಲಿಗ್ರಾಮ ಶಿಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಡೆಯಲ್ಪಟ್ಟು ಮನಮೋಹಕವಾಗಿದೆ. ಎಲ್ಲ್ಲಾಗರ್ಭಗುಡಿಯ ದ್ವಾರದ ಹೊರ ಮೇಲ್ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಳಗಿನ ಮೂರ್ತಿಯನ್ನೇ ತದ್ರೂಪವಾಗಿ ಕೆತ್ತಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಆದರೆ ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲಸ್ವಾಮಿಯ ಗರ್ಭಗುಡಿಯ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಹೊರ ದ್ವಾರದ ಮೂರ್ತಿಗಿಂತ ಭಿನ್ನವಾಗಿದೆ. ಅರ್ಚಕರ ಅಂಬೋಣ ಏನೆಂದರೆ ಈಗ್ಗೆ ಸುಮಾರು ೬೦ - ೭೦ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಮೊದಲು ಮೂಲ ಗರ್ಭಗುಡಿಯ ಮೂರ್ತಿಯನ್ನು ಏನೋ ಕಾರಣದಿಂದ ಕೆ ಅರ್.ಎಸ್ ನದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾಕಲಾಗಿ ನಂತರ ಈ ಮೂರ್ತಿಯನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ತಂದು ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಾಪಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ,  ಹೊರ ದ್ವಾರದ ಮೂರ್ತಿಯ ಸುತ್ತಲೂ ತಳಿರು ತೋರಣದಂತೆ ಕಂಡುಬರುವ ಕೆತ್ತನೆ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮ ಕೆತ್ತನೆಗಳಿಂದ ಸಿರಿನಿಧಿಯಂತೆ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಣಪತಿಯು ಮಗುವಿನಂತೆ ಕುಳಿತಿರುವ ಭಂಗಿಯ ಶಿಲ್ಪವನ್ನು ನೋಡಬಹುದು.

ಮಧ್ಯಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಳೆತ್ತರದ ಸಾಲಿಗ್ರಾಮಶಿಲೆಯ ನಾರಾಯಣನ ದಿವ್ಯಮೂರ್ತಿ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಮುಂದಿನ ಕೈಗಳಲ್ಲೇ ಶಂಖ - ಚಕ್ರಧಾರಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾನೆ. ಹಿಂದಿನ ಎರಡು ಕೈಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ತಾವರೆ ಹೂವನ್ನು ಪಿಡಿದಿದ್ದಾನೆ. ನಸು ನಗುತ್ತಾ ನಿಂತಿರುವ ಆ ಸುಂದರಭಂಗಿ ಎಂಥಹವರನ್ನೂ ಸೆಳೆಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಸ್ವಾಮಿಗೆ ಪೂಜಾದಿಗಳನ್ನು ಅರ್ಚಕರು ಮಾಡಿದರು. 

ನಂತರ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲೇ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನರಸಿಂಹಸ್ವಾಮಿಯ ದಿವ್ಯವಾದ ಮೂರ್ತಿ. ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ವಿಶೇಷವೆಂದರೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದನೂ ಕೈಜೊಡಿಸಿ ನಿಂತಿರುವುದು. ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದನ ಈ ಭಂಗಿ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತು ಆಂದ್ರಪ್ರದೇಶದ ಕದ್ರಿಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ ಬಿಟ್ಟರೆ ಮತ್ತೆಲ್ಲೂ ಕಾಣಸಿಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಇದೇ ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ವಿಶೇಷ. ಪ್ರತಿ ಮಂಗಳವಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾನುವಾರ ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದ ನರಸಿಂಹರ ದರ್ಶನ ಬಹಳ ಪುಣ್ಯಪ್ರದ ಎಂಬುದು ಅರ್ಚಕರ ಅಂಬೋಣ.

ಎತ್ತರವಾದ ಪಾಣಿಪೀಠದಲ್ಲಿ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ಸಮೇತನಾಗಿ ನರಸಿಂಹನು ಕುಳಿತಿರುವ ಹಿಂದೆ ಇರುವ ಪ್ರಭಾವಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ (ಕಲ್ಲಿನ) ಅವತಾರಗಳ ಕೆತ್ತನೆ ಇದೆಯಂತೆ.



ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಹೊರಗಿನ ಆವರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದೆವು. ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಯ ಎಡ ಬದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೌಮ್ಯನಾಯಕಿಯ ಸುಂದರ ಶಿಲಾಮೂರ್ತಿ ಇದೆ. ಅದು ಈಚಿನದು ಅಂದರೆ ಸುಮಾರು ೯೦೦ ವರ್ಷಗಳಷ್ಟು ಹಳೆಯದು ಎಂದು ಅರ್ಚಕರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು. ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಹೊರಗೋಡೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪೂರ್ಣ ರಾಮಯಣವನ್ನು ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಅಮ್ಮನವರ ಪೂಜೆಯನ್ನು ಮುಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಇರುವ ಬಾವಿಯನ್ನು ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಪ್ರದಕ್ಷಿಣೆ ಹಾಕಿ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಹೊತ್ತು ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಕುಳಿತಿದ್ದು, ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಸಾನಿಧ್ಯದ ರಸಾನುಭವವನ್ನು ಮನದೊಳಗೇ ತುಂಬಿಕೊಂಡು ಸವಿಯುತ್ತಾ ಮುಂದಿನ ಪಯಣಕ್ಕೆ ಹೊರಟೆವು.

ಲೇಖಕರು : ಎನ್.ಎಸ್.ರಜನಿ
ಫೋಟೋಗ್ರಾಫಿ : ವಸಿಷ್ಠ
ಕೀಯಿಂಗ್ : ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ

Buddy’s Day Party- A special idea by a little girl!

Author and Photographer: Sindhu Jagannath
Party concept: Sameeksha Iyengar

Idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was striking 10 at night on a cold Friday in December and I was hurriedly cleaning the kitchen, my mind consumed with thoughts of the next day's class (I teach architecture students). I had to get up at 5 in the morning to cook enough food to last the entire day for both my husband and daughter Sweetu (Sameeksha). Preoccupied with these thoughts I was still in the kitchen when I was startled by an exited squeal. Sweetu came running into the kitchen, her eyebrows raised and grinning from ear to ear.
She declared “Mamma I have an Idea! I'll have a totally different party this Sunday!!!”

The endearing enthusiasm in her voice solely tempted me to say yes (though she was making a statement and not asking my permission), but, I knew from experience that a YES could never be turned into a NO without hurting Sweetu's feelings.


So, with a heavy heart, I stared to say "Sweetu, we still have whole month till your Birthday…." But, before I could complete my sentence, she ran into the bedroom, drew up the comforter and started reading her book. I shrugged and turned back to my work assuming that it was the end of the discussion.
I managed to finish up my chores and joined her, picking up my book to read.
Soon, Sweetu turned to me and said: "Mamma I need your help for Sunday’s party."

There she goes again, I thought.

I might have sounded a little too mean when I replied in an unyielding tone “Sweetu! No party sharty until your Birthday.”

“But Mamma I am not talking about my birthday party…”

I raised my eyebrows and she turned away, her eyes brimming with tears and started flipping the pages of her book in anger. Within a few seconds she fell asleep like an angel. I twisted and turned in guilt for almost an hour.

The next month, when we were planning her birthday party, I asked her about the ideas that she had but she just dismissed me saying ”Those are for Buddy’s day party not birthday party!"
I was taken aback. Curious, I asked her "Whats that? Never heard of anything like that."She went on about it for good 15 minutes and at the end of it I wanted to have the party more than her. What surprised me was the extent to which she had planned the party, the minute details that she had worked out. Of course, at that time I just gave her a smile of assurance and told her that for any party we must have a strong reason. So, you find the reason and we will have the party.She immediately said “Mamma this party is to celebrate the end of holidays and to welcome the fresh academic year!!! And that’s how the date for Buddy’s day party got fixed as June 1st.

The months dragged on and we both forgot this discussion. Then, I was little free by the 3rd week of May so I asked sweetu about the Party and told her that we should start preparing.

As I said that, I witnessed something that is beyond words. The smile that lit her eyes was mesmerizing. I realized how much this party means to her.
Her ideas and concepts were very clear. Most of the program was already planned by her. She had the event sheet ready. It had a welcome speech followed by distribution of badges, quiz, games, art activities and last but not the least, a concert. She had the list of her friends whom she wanted to invite for the party ready.

The theme for the party was REUSE. The seed of the idea derived from her classes in school. She wanted to reuse everything possible for this party.

Plan on the Table

The party fever had caught both of us now. I was bowled over by the idea of Buddy’s day party, so every evening, I sat with her to work on it. She wanted to personally invite friends with invitation cards. But many stayed far away. So, we came up with an alternative. We made an invitation card and sent it to all via WhatsApp. We also invited them over phone. We got instant replies from almost all.

Next thing were the Badges.
Sweetu decided that the concept would be either flowers or butterflies; for she believes that they are the most beautiful creations of God.

Butterflies and Flowers! 

One of my friends gave us star shaped reminder slips which we thought could become the base over which we could attach paper flowers cut from old wedding/party invitations.

We wrote the names of the invitees on it, stuck it with double sided cello tape and 20 Badges were ready.
She then managed to get 50 questions for the witty quiz from her previous year’s collection of TOOTS and the Quiz cards were ready.


She had some informal games planned and I let her take care of that completely (most of it being mind games, did not require any accessories). For the art and activities she thought of two things. Clay modeling and painting. We managed to pool in all the paints, color pencils, crayons, 2B and 4B pencils, gerasers and sharpeners that Sweetu had in her stash for the art supplies. One set for two kids. I was shocked at the collection that Sweetu had! When I told her that she could manage to finish her 10th grade with the stationary she already had, gave me a sly smile and a naughty wink.

Now for the paper to draw, I managed to get unused sketchbook sheets torn from the old submissions from college. We highlighted the borders to make the plain drawing sheets a bit more interesting.

Sweetu decided the topic for that as ”Nature and City”.

As a souvenir, she wanted to give them all Bookmarks since one of the reasons for the get together was to welcome the new Academic year (signifying studies). But, she also wanted to write something about friendship as the occasion was Buddy’s day party. We again used the invitation cards for the flowers and butterflies and made bookmarks. Along with the book marks she handpicked gifts (parameter being the age of her friends). Something that could be used for school work at their level.

The Bookmarks 

Sweetu’s initial idea for putting up a stall was discarded for many reasons. She wanted to build a stall reusing cartons and other waste materials at home. In the stall, she would keep all her books (which is a fairly good collection ranging from books for little ones to the highschool kids). On the party day she wanted to lend these books to her friends to motivate them to read. Apart from the library, she wanted to sell birthday and friendship cards which she hoped to make out of waste materials. She wanted to display her toys and even planned to gift some toys to her friends if they liked it, as a token of friendship. She also wanted to create designer costumes for that day for which she wanted to reuse old cloths.

Now this was a big business idea for a little girl of 9. Due to time constraints, I convinced her to cancel most of it promising her that it will all be done for the next year’s Buddy’s day party. But she insisted that she has to make cards and sell them. For she wanted to give that money to an orphanage. I teasingly asked her what would be the price for the card and she squeezed her brows, thought for a while and said that it could range from Re 1 to Rs2 and since the cards were to be sold, their quality should be very good. So, “Mamma you should make the cards and write up the messages because my writing is not good and you are the best card maker” was her apt logic.

On hearing this, I just could not control my laughter. I said: "I never made one. How can you say that Sweetu?"

She replied: "I know! I can see your talent inside my mind!!!" And gave me her best trust me kind of smile.

Though I had no clue what to do we got started anyway, using the same concept as the bookmarks.

Sweetu parallely googled for some sayings on friendship and write-ups for birthday cards. We could only manage ten cards.

The best part of the preparatory two weeks was Sweetu entertaining me with her singing. In the name of practice I made Sweetu sing all the songs that she planned to sing in the concert. She had downloaded the songs and learnt it all by herself for the concert. All four songs were for friends. “Light up the world”, "You are the one", "Be a friend" and "Gift of a friend".

The most important task was food. It would be about 30 people in all, kids and elders put together. Mamtha, Sweetu's best friend Pratista’s mother suggested that we could buy paav and make bajji at home along with some snacks and juice. Pratista’s elder sister Tara happily agreed to make cake for the party. My friend Soumya said she would come early to help me make baaji. My friends, Bhagya and Shilpa declared that they would bring paav in spite of me objecting vociferously. Sushma, Saumya and Arpitha said they would bring snacks and insisted me not to buy any. At the end the food was a splendid treat from all my friends to us.

It's Party time!!!

Neither of us could sleep well on Saturday. Me, thinking about preparing baaji for 30 people having never cooked for so many in the 10 years of married life. And Sweetu, too excited to close her eyes.

I was a bit tensed, but Sweetu got up early the next morning, took bath and got ready so quickly that she actually surprised us all at home. We had never seen her getting ready by herself (without some form of poking and prodding) and in less than 20 minutes!!!! She wore her new Butterfly painted, lacy, off-white top and a red capri pant and tied her lovely long hair into a high ponytail. She powdered her face, put on a tiny bindi and applied strawberry lipbalm.

She looked so sweet. All decked up like a doll, she yelled at me “Mamma you are still not ready!!!!! U must finish cooking and help me decorate. Give a reminder call to all the friends. So much more to do and you are still sipping coffee?????”

I gave her my 'don’t worry' smile and told her that the party was at 3 pm and it was only 7.30 am now. We still had time. In response, she just sat on the sofa making a long face as if to say "It is too long a wait!"

Soumya, as promised, promptly arrived at 12 pm and walked in with a broad smile and two huge bags of vegetables. She took over the kitchen completely and forbid me from helping out, saying "See to the other things."

The Yummy Cake

Ah!!! What bliss to have such friends. I happily let her do all the hard work and started arranging other stuff. We changed bedsheets in Sweetu‘s room. A new bedsheet with colourful butterflies painted on it. By 2pm, Tara and Bujju (Pratista) walked in with a huge tray covered with a towel: The Buddy’s day cake !!! A very beautifully decorated yummy looking pink and blue cake!

The hype around the cake 

For the next 2 hours Tara , Bujju, Saanvi and Sweetu decorated the home as all her other friends trickled in slowly. Finally, we started the party at 5 pm with Sweetu's welcome speech and badge distribution. While we ladies got busy talking and gossiping, Sweetu conducted the quiz. We had allocated 30 minutes for that but, it lasted more than an hour. By 6.30, the kids were hungry and we decided to cut the cake. We all sang "Happy Buddy's Day to you" and cut the cake. Thanking Tara for such a delicious cake, we then served Paav Baaji to all in steel plates and cold drinks in steel tumblers (No disposable cutlery!) Aaah!!! Baaji tasted so good and all of us enjoyed it. Including little Chinku (Ananya) who was just 4 years old. Honestly, if not for Soumya, I don’t know what Baaji I would have made. Anyway, it became quite late by the time we finished up with the food and we had to skip art and activity.

Friends at the party

The Floral Badges

Since kids were all in a playful mood, Sweetu engaged them in games. Then, she distributed the gifts and kids selected their book marks. After all the fun the grand finale of the party, the Concert began. Sweetu started singing by dedicating all the songs to her friends. As she sang, two of her friends joined in the song from the movie Frozen. It was lots of fun.

After the concert, all Sweetu's cards sold like hot cakes, raking in Rs.100 which she kept aside for the orphanage. It was almost 8 by then and we had to wrap up the party.

Donations for the orphanage

What left Sweetu and me in high spirits were the hearty appreciation from our friends. Sweetu's dream of Buddy's Day party had come to an end (well... According to her, the Buddy's Day party had just been born). Without the tremendous support from our friends, it would not have been so successful and cherishable.

The Gossipy Ladies Club

Three cheers to all the Buddy's Day party participants for making it a grand success! Thanks to my mother and father (for bearing and cleaning all the mess we made at home), and specially to my brother Vasista and Aarabhi (SIL) who, though abroad, managed to convince me to write this blog.