Have been making a rather serious and earnest enough attempt to read the Baghavad Gita for quite sometime now.In my attempt to get explanation for the Gita shlokas,one which truly caught my attention was talks by Swami Sandeep Chaitnaya.Thanks to the effort taken by a noble soul to put it all down for the benefit of all.
What impressed me most about the extract of these talks is that: here the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas is compared to the state of our minds.
So in this talk all the innumerable bad qualities in our mind is compared to Kauravas and the good qualities to Pandavas. The conflict that happens in our mind between these qualities is the war of Kurukshetra.
The Gita starts with the shloka:
Dhritrashtra uvaach:
"dharmakhshetre kurukhshetre samvetaa yu-yutsavah
maamakaah paandavaashchaiva kimkurvat sanjaya"
King Drithirashtra asks Sanjaya: In the Kurukshetra battle field known as the dharma bhumi or land of righteousness what are my people and the Pandavas doing??(It is amazing and believable to note here that Sanjaya, sitting right next to Drithirashtra, he could see the exact scene at the battlefield of Kurukshetra).Each one of us must pose this question to ourselves,to our mind:'within me in the land of righteousness did the good qualities in me,do against the bad ones within me??Seems a very relevant question, if only we took time to think I believe.
Swamiji goes on to say that Duryodahana is one who wastes his wealth on useless pursuits and Ducchasana is one who doles out wrong commands.It would be of interest to observe and question ourselves as to what the Pandava qualities in us interested in spiritual pursuits do against these kind of innumerable bad qualities within us?
We have all read and heard of Darwin's theory of evolution 'monkey to man'(vanara to nara).Through Drithirashtra's question Sage Vyasa expounds the complete version of Darwin's evolution theory.Sage Vyasa's philosophy deals with the evolution of 'man to god'(Nara to Narayana).This is indeed the metamorphosis of 'man to man-perfect' or 'Manava to Madhava'. In the evolution cycle Drithirashtra is the 'pupa' stage.Evolved through many many stages man finally reaches the 'butterfly' stage ie 'Sri Krishna'.
If we are to reach this stage we need to constantly observe our thoughts and question ourselves all the time.
Time to wear our thinking caps and start questioning ourselves maybe.......
More on the way....
Jai Guru Dev!!!
30/04/2009
25/04/2009
Akshaya Trithiyai Tomorrow!!
A great deal of importance is attached to Akshya Trithiya,but many of us know this day as a good day to buy Gold.
Curious to know the actual significance of the day,I googled and came up with a whole lot of amazing and wonderful information which I decided to share here.
Trithiyai is the third day after the new moon,Akshaya means growth and that which never diminishes.In the Tamil month of Chitrai,the Thrithiyai which falls in the 'shukla paksham'(the bright half or valar pirai)is called as Akshaya Trithiyai.
Trithiyai occurs every month but the one that occurs in Chitrai is celebrated specially, there are many great stories associated with 'Akshay Trithiyai'.
Let us first recollect the very famous and popular story of Sudama and Sri Krishna.
Sudama goes to visit his long term long term friend Sri Krishna with a handful of Poha tied in a small cloth.Sri Krishna takes the poha, has a mouthful and utters "Akshayam",and then Lo&behold!! Sudama's humble abode transforms into a palace and Sudama lives a prosperous life thereon.
Another important story that comes to my mind is Draupadi crying to Sri Krishna for help during 'Vastrabaharanam',Krishna is in the midst of a game of dice with Satyabhama at Dwaraka.No sooner than he hears Draupadi's cry he says "Akshayam"and there is constant flow of robe for Draupadi and she is saved.
Akshaya Thritiya is auspicious and holy as per Vedas because it was on this day that Lord Ganesha along with Veda Vyas started the scripting of the great epic Mahabharatam.
It is also said that Prasurama, the sixth avatara of Vishnu was born on this day.
According to Hindu mythology there are four yugas,Satyuga, Dwaparayuga, Tretayuga and Kaliyuga.The Treta Yuga is said to have started on this day and the river Ganges descended to earth on this auspicious day.Many Hindus believe it is very auspicious to take a dip in the ganges on this day.
Laksmi Kubera Poojai is very important on Akshaya Trithiyai day and many observe fast on this day.
Donations, feeding the poor and needy and charity form an important part of Akshaya Trithiya and are said to yield unending good results.
In the Baghavad Gita Sri Krishna says;"The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace because he offers the result of all his activities to me,whereas a person who is not in union with the divine and is greedy for the fruits of his labour becomes entangled." This statement of Sri Krishna implies that implies that donating money to those who need it makes a person stronger from within and ultimately liberated, as he develops the power to detach himself from the material aspects of life.
The Chandan Yatra at Puri Jagannath started on this day too.Sandal paste is applied on the body of Lord Jagannath and the Idol is taken out on a procession.
It is no wonder then that Akshay Trithiyai is celebrated by Hindus all over the world and all auspicious activities like building a house, starting business, buying gold, conducting marriages are done on this day.
It is believed that the four Purushartas Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha, started on this day become non diminishing .
Jains too celebrate Akshya Trithiyai .There is a story of the first thrithankara as under:
Jainism is one of the oldest religions in India. Rshabhadeva alias Adinath is the first Tirthankara of the Jains.
Tirthankara Rshabhdeva was king of Ayodhya. He being enlightened gave up all earthly pleasures and chose to lead the life of an ascetic and become a Jain monk. Jain monks do not posses anything with them not even food. They do not even cook food for themselves. While hungry or thirsty, they go to people and ask for food or drinking water. Tirthankara Rshabhdeva also went to people and asked food. However, the people of that time did not know anything about the acts of monks, as he was the first monk in this era. People of Ayodhya offered gold, jewellery, gemstones, elephants, horses, expensive garments and even their daughters to honour their beloved king. Rshabhdeva was not in quest of all these. He wanted only food,and that no body offered him. No body at that time could guess that their king was asking for food. As there was no choice, he had to fast for long time until his grand son Shreyansha kumara understood his need. Shreyansha kumara, finally, offered him sugar cane juice and Rshabhdeva broke his fast with that juice. The incident happened on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. This is considered by the Jains as one of the best offerings. It is believed that bestowing upon religious gifts on Akshaya Tritiya becomes inexhaustible. Jains, even today, observe long term fast to commemorate their first Tirthankara Rshabhadeva and broke their fast on Akshaya Tritiya with sugar cane juice. Huge crowd of Jains assemble in Hastinapura and Palitana to celebrate the auspicious day.
Lakshmi Kubera Poojai is as I mentioned earlier a very important part of Akshaya Trithiyai's celebrations and here it is of equal importance to know the story of Kubera associated:
When Kubera went to Kailasam once to have a darshan of Lord Shiva, he found Him with Goddess Parvathi. Kubera was stunned to see the splendour and beauty of Goddess Parvathi. He felt sorry that he had not worshipped such a fine goddess for so long and one of his eyes shut itself.
Goddess Parvathi got angry that Kubera was winking at Her, and looking at Her with evil intention. She made his eye burst. Kubera lost sight in one eye and was also cursed that he would always look ugly. Lord Kubera pleaded with Lord Siva to forgive him and explained that he had not seen the Goddess with any evil intention. Lord Siva left the choice to His consort. Goddess Parvathi forgave Kubera and let the eye grow back, but it was smaller than the other one.
So one eye of Kubera is smaller than the other. Kubera was rewarded by Lord Siva with the post of being one of the guards of the eight directions - the North. The Goddess made him the lord of wealth and material.
As the God of wealth and material, his responsibilities are to distribute them while creating wealth is with Goddess Lakshmi. Performing pooja to Lord Kubera is believed to enrich one's life. To have a wealthy and comfortable life, one has to perform Sri Lakshmi Kubera Pooja. There are separate mantras and rituals for the pooja.
Akshaya Thritiyai is the most ideal day to do charity, help the physically challenged, do financial helps for higher studies for needy, deserving people as well.It is said that giving curd rice to others improves longevity of life. Distribution of sweets, helps to get over the obstacles in getting married. Distribution of grains and cereals, prevents accidents and untimely death. By giving cattle feed, prosperity will increase.
So, let us do good deeds on this auspicious day and pray for good things in life.
Jai Guru Dev!!!!
Trithiyai is the third day after the new moon,Akshaya means growth and that which never diminishes.In the Tamil month of Chitrai,the Thrithiyai which falls in the 'shukla paksham'(the bright half or valar pirai)is called as Akshaya Trithiyai.
Trithiyai occurs every month but the one that occurs in Chitrai is celebrated specially, there are many great stories associated with 'Akshay Trithiyai'.
Let us first recollect the very famous and popular story of Sudama and Sri Krishna.
Sudama goes to visit his long term long term friend Sri Krishna with a handful of Poha tied in a small cloth.Sri Krishna takes the poha, has a mouthful and utters "Akshayam",and then Lo&behold!! Sudama's humble abode transforms into a palace and Sudama lives a prosperous life thereon.
Another important story that comes to my mind is Draupadi crying to Sri Krishna for help during 'Vastrabaharanam',Krishna is in the midst of a game of dice with Satyabhama at Dwaraka.No sooner than he hears Draupadi's cry he says "Akshayam"and there is constant flow of robe for Draupadi and she is saved.
Akshaya Thritiya is auspicious and holy as per Vedas because it was on this day that Lord Ganesha along with Veda Vyas started the scripting of the great epic Mahabharatam.
It is also said that Prasurama, the sixth avatara of Vishnu was born on this day.
According to Hindu mythology there are four yugas,Satyuga, Dwaparayuga, Tretayuga and Kaliyuga.The Treta Yuga is said to have started on this day and the river Ganges descended to earth on this auspicious day.Many Hindus believe it is very auspicious to take a dip in the ganges on this day.
Laksmi Kubera Poojai is very important on Akshaya Trithiyai day and many observe fast on this day.
Donations, feeding the poor and needy and charity form an important part of Akshaya Trithiya and are said to yield unending good results.
In the Baghavad Gita Sri Krishna says;"The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace because he offers the result of all his activities to me,whereas a person who is not in union with the divine and is greedy for the fruits of his labour becomes entangled." This statement of Sri Krishna implies that implies that donating money to those who need it makes a person stronger from within and ultimately liberated, as he develops the power to detach himself from the material aspects of life.
The Chandan Yatra at Puri Jagannath started on this day too.Sandal paste is applied on the body of Lord Jagannath and the Idol is taken out on a procession.
It is no wonder then that Akshay Trithiyai is celebrated by Hindus all over the world and all auspicious activities like building a house, starting business, buying gold, conducting marriages are done on this day.
It is believed that the four Purushartas Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha, started on this day become non diminishing .
Jains too celebrate Akshya Trithiyai .There is a story of the first thrithankara as under:
Jainism is one of the oldest religions in India. Rshabhadeva alias Adinath is the first Tirthankara of the Jains.
Tirthankara Rshabhdeva was king of Ayodhya. He being enlightened gave up all earthly pleasures and chose to lead the life of an ascetic and become a Jain monk. Jain monks do not posses anything with them not even food. They do not even cook food for themselves. While hungry or thirsty, they go to people and ask for food or drinking water. Tirthankara Rshabhdeva also went to people and asked food. However, the people of that time did not know anything about the acts of monks, as he was the first monk in this era. People of Ayodhya offered gold, jewellery, gemstones, elephants, horses, expensive garments and even their daughters to honour their beloved king. Rshabhdeva was not in quest of all these. He wanted only food,and that no body offered him. No body at that time could guess that their king was asking for food. As there was no choice, he had to fast for long time until his grand son Shreyansha kumara understood his need. Shreyansha kumara, finally, offered him sugar cane juice and Rshabhdeva broke his fast with that juice. The incident happened on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. This is considered by the Jains as one of the best offerings. It is believed that bestowing upon religious gifts on Akshaya Tritiya becomes inexhaustible. Jains, even today, observe long term fast to commemorate their first Tirthankara Rshabhadeva and broke their fast on Akshaya Tritiya with sugar cane juice. Huge crowd of Jains assemble in Hastinapura and Palitana to celebrate the auspicious day.
Lakshmi Kubera Poojai is as I mentioned earlier a very important part of Akshaya Trithiyai's celebrations and here it is of equal importance to know the story of Kubera associated:
When Kubera went to Kailasam once to have a darshan of Lord Shiva, he found Him with Goddess Parvathi. Kubera was stunned to see the splendour and beauty of Goddess Parvathi. He felt sorry that he had not worshipped such a fine goddess for so long and one of his eyes shut itself.
Goddess Parvathi got angry that Kubera was winking at Her, and looking at Her with evil intention. She made his eye burst. Kubera lost sight in one eye and was also cursed that he would always look ugly. Lord Kubera pleaded with Lord Siva to forgive him and explained that he had not seen the Goddess with any evil intention. Lord Siva left the choice to His consort. Goddess Parvathi forgave Kubera and let the eye grow back, but it was smaller than the other one.
So one eye of Kubera is smaller than the other. Kubera was rewarded by Lord Siva with the post of being one of the guards of the eight directions - the North. The Goddess made him the lord of wealth and material.
As the God of wealth and material, his responsibilities are to distribute them while creating wealth is with Goddess Lakshmi. Performing pooja to Lord Kubera is believed to enrich one's life. To have a wealthy and comfortable life, one has to perform Sri Lakshmi Kubera Pooja. There are separate mantras and rituals for the pooja.
Akshaya Thritiyai is the most ideal day to do charity, help the physically challenged, do financial helps for higher studies for needy, deserving people as well.It is said that giving curd rice to others improves longevity of life. Distribution of sweets, helps to get over the obstacles in getting married. Distribution of grains and cereals, prevents accidents and untimely death. By giving cattle feed, prosperity will increase.
So, let us do good deeds on this auspicious day and pray for good things in life.
Jai Guru Dev!!!!
22/04/2009
The Grace Of Great ones!!!
Today I was listening to a discourse and heard a beautiful and touching true story which I thought I must put down here.
Kanchi Mahan was once on a long camp at Satara during the Chaturmasya poojai.
Everyday Mahaswamigal used to perform the daily poojais,and everyday there was a man who used to bring plenty of bilva for his poojai.The man made sure that he did not come in sight of mahaswamigal or any of his disciples around the camp.This went on as long as swamigal stayed at Satara.Finally it was time for Mahaswamigal to mleave Satara.The man who regularly brought the bilva leaves for Swamigal heard that Mahaswamigal was leaving and wanted to have darshan of Swamigal.So he hid behind a tree
at a distance and kept peeping from there.Mahaswamigal's glance fell on him and he sent his men to call him closer.The man refused to come saying he cannot come and face Swamigal.Mahaswamigal insisted on his coming in front and with shivering body the man came with tears flowing down his cheeks, and stood in front of Swamigal.Swamigal looked at him very lovingly and full of grace.He asked him what he wants from Swamigal.The man very humbly and with a meek and low voice tells him in the midst of tears,"give me Moksha".
Mahaswamigal blessed him and asked one of his men to take down his name and address and then they moved out of Satara.
About six months later,Mahaswamigal back in Kancheepuram,one day asks his men for the man's address,and then he tells his people to send a money order to this address.A couple of days later Mahaswamigal does something which surprises his disciples.He asks for some black til and water,they are left wondering as to why he a sanyasi needs this.Mahaswamigal clears their doubt and says,"Do you remember the man we met in Satara,he passed away,and he asked me for moksha do you remember??He asked me for moksha and having given him my blessings should I not grant him the Moksha he wanted??"
This is Grace for sure,I must say.Mahatmas are always full of grace&love for all.
Another true story about Guru's Grace.Girish Chandra Ghosh (read more about him here),a very well known name as a dramatist.Girish Chandra Ghosh was a very well known and popular man for staging some great plays like "Chaitanya Lila".Girish Chandra Ghosh always lived an aristocratic life and lived a life of luxury and never at any point of time hide his drinking and other vices from anyone.Ramakrishna Paramahansa recognised the Ishwar amsa in Girish Chandra Ghosh and developed immediate Love for him.One day he came to Ramakrishna and said 'thakur you must change my life for and grace me'.Thakur asks who is his Ishta deivam?He says none other than you.Thakur tells him "I will do everything for you , but for that you need to give all your power to me,Girish was very relieved to hand over everything to Thakur,little did he realise that Thakur would occupy his mind and body wholly,and He was in his vision whatever he did.and wherever he was.One day Girsih comes in front of Ramakrishna in a drunken state.Thakur tells his people to go check his car and get more of the liquor stored there and made him drink in front of him.That was the last time Girish ever touched or even thought of liquor again.He became one of the closest and a great devotee of Thakur and totally surrendered to Thakur,Girish Chandra Ghosh once visited Ganges and went for a dip in the Ganges but came out without a dip, but went and took a dip again,When asked why he came out without the dip,he says, 'one has to take a dip in the Ganges only to cleanse oneself,I am clean with Thakur as my Guru and his grace, I no longer carry any impurities or sins in me,I took the dip later so that those who carry sins, when they take a dip in the Ganges be cleansed by the purity of my body."Sri Ramakrishna has taken full possession of my heart and bound it with His Love" "Such was his Guru Bhakti and devotion.
Jai Guru Dev!!!
Kanchi Mahan was once on a long camp at Satara during the Chaturmasya poojai.
Everyday Mahaswamigal used to perform the daily poojais,and everyday there was a man who used to bring plenty of bilva for his poojai.The man made sure that he did not come in sight of mahaswamigal or any of his disciples around the camp.This went on as long as swamigal stayed at Satara.Finally it was time for Mahaswamigal to mleave Satara.The man who regularly brought the bilva leaves for Swamigal heard that Mahaswamigal was leaving and wanted to have darshan of Swamigal.So he hid behind a tree
at a distance and kept peeping from there.Mahaswamigal's glance fell on him and he sent his men to call him closer.The man refused to come saying he cannot come and face Swamigal.Mahaswamigal insisted on his coming in front and with shivering body the man came with tears flowing down his cheeks, and stood in front of Swamigal.Swamigal looked at him very lovingly and full of grace.He asked him what he wants from Swamigal.The man very humbly and with a meek and low voice tells him in the midst of tears,"give me Moksha".
Mahaswamigal blessed him and asked one of his men to take down his name and address and then they moved out of Satara.
About six months later,Mahaswamigal back in Kancheepuram,one day asks his men for the man's address,and then he tells his people to send a money order to this address.A couple of days later Mahaswamigal does something which surprises his disciples.He asks for some black til and water,they are left wondering as to why he a sanyasi needs this.Mahaswamigal clears their doubt and says,"Do you remember the man we met in Satara,he passed away,and he asked me for moksha do you remember??He asked me for moksha and having given him my blessings should I not grant him the Moksha he wanted??"
This is Grace for sure,I must say.Mahatmas are always full of grace&love for all.
Another true story about Guru's Grace.Girish Chandra Ghosh (read more about him here),a very well known name as a dramatist.Girish Chandra Ghosh was a very well known and popular man for staging some great plays like "Chaitanya Lila".Girish Chandra Ghosh always lived an aristocratic life and lived a life of luxury and never at any point of time hide his drinking and other vices from anyone.Ramakrishna Paramahansa recognised the Ishwar amsa in Girish Chandra Ghosh and developed immediate Love for him.One day he came to Ramakrishna and said 'thakur you must change my life for and grace me'.Thakur asks who is his Ishta deivam?He says none other than you.Thakur tells him "I will do everything for you , but for that you need to give all your power to me,Girish was very relieved to hand over everything to Thakur,little did he realise that Thakur would occupy his mind and body wholly,and He was in his vision whatever he did.and wherever he was.One day Girsih comes in front of Ramakrishna in a drunken state.Thakur tells his people to go check his car and get more of the liquor stored there and made him drink in front of him.That was the last time Girish ever touched or even thought of liquor again.He became one of the closest and a great devotee of Thakur and totally surrendered to Thakur,Girish Chandra Ghosh once visited Ganges and went for a dip in the Ganges but came out without a dip, but went and took a dip again,When asked why he came out without the dip,he says, 'one has to take a dip in the Ganges only to cleanse oneself,I am clean with Thakur as my Guru and his grace, I no longer carry any impurities or sins in me,I took the dip later so that those who carry sins, when they take a dip in the Ganges be cleansed by the purity of my body."Sri Ramakrishna has taken full possession of my heart and bound it with His Love" "Such was his Guru Bhakti and devotion.
Jai Guru Dev!!!
21/04/2009
Beautiful Sayings From Our Beloved Guruji!!!
I came across this extremely superb article this morning, and as I was reading I decided that I had to post this in my blog for the benefit of the few who follow my blog.This is so very beautiful indeed!!!
EVERY STONE IS PRECIOUS: A sculptor in a temple uses all types of stones.Certain stones he uses for the foundations. These never appear outside.From certain stones which are good to carve, the sculptor makes the walls and pillars of the Temple.From other stones he makes the steps.Certain stones become the tower of the Temple.Only those stones which are extremely suitable for carving will become the Deity and be installed in the Temple.When the stone become a part of the Temple, it no longer remains a stone, it becomes a sculpture, a piece of art, it becomes the Living Deity.In the same way many people come to the Master. According to the degree of their surrender they are installed by the Master. All are essential.If there were no steps, how could a person reach the Temple?If there were no foundation, how could the Temple be there at all?What can a tower do without pillars?For a sculptor, each stone is precious and valuable.
WHAT ENHANCES YOUR BEAUTY: When your mind is not complaining, responsible, courageous, confident and hollow and empty you are inexplicably beautiful. A person who cannot correct or act has no right to complain. And when a person can correct or act, he will never complain. Complaining is a sign of weakness. Complaining is the nature of utter ignorance where one does not know the Self. Complaint takes away the Beauty that is inborn in you. And it shows up more on the one who is on this path.Worldly mind is a complaining mind; Divine mind is a dancing mind. Just complaining without indicating the solution is irresponsibility. When the solutions are not workable, finding alternative solutions is Courage.For external beauty, you put on things; for real Beauty, you have to drop all the things. For external beauty you have to have Make-up; for your real Beauty you only have to realize that you are MADE-UP!
SIGHT AND VISION:To know and understand the world, you have to keep your eyes open; but to know and understand yourself; you have to keep your eyes closed.You may get information by keeping your eyes open, but you will get knowledge by keeping them closed.You may get outward enjoyment, through open eyes, but inward enlightenment comes through closed eyes.Remember that in reality you can never close or shut your eyes; they are always open....You can only open or close your eyelids.By opening the eyelids you see things and by closing them you can have a vision of things.You are very much used to open eyes, and it requires constant practice to keep eyelids closed and obtain a vision of yourself.
This is “Tapasya” , penance or meditation.
Jai Guru Dev!!!
EVERY STONE IS PRECIOUS: A sculptor in a temple uses all types of stones.Certain stones he uses for the foundations. These never appear outside.From certain stones which are good to carve, the sculptor makes the walls and pillars of the Temple.From other stones he makes the steps.Certain stones become the tower of the Temple.Only those stones which are extremely suitable for carving will become the Deity and be installed in the Temple.When the stone become a part of the Temple, it no longer remains a stone, it becomes a sculpture, a piece of art, it becomes the Living Deity.In the same way many people come to the Master. According to the degree of their surrender they are installed by the Master. All are essential.If there were no steps, how could a person reach the Temple?If there were no foundation, how could the Temple be there at all?What can a tower do without pillars?For a sculptor, each stone is precious and valuable.
WHAT ENHANCES YOUR BEAUTY: When your mind is not complaining, responsible, courageous, confident and hollow and empty you are inexplicably beautiful. A person who cannot correct or act has no right to complain. And when a person can correct or act, he will never complain. Complaining is a sign of weakness. Complaining is the nature of utter ignorance where one does not know the Self. Complaint takes away the Beauty that is inborn in you. And it shows up more on the one who is on this path.Worldly mind is a complaining mind; Divine mind is a dancing mind. Just complaining without indicating the solution is irresponsibility. When the solutions are not workable, finding alternative solutions is Courage.For external beauty, you put on things; for real Beauty, you have to drop all the things. For external beauty you have to have Make-up; for your real Beauty you only have to realize that you are MADE-UP!
SIGHT AND VISION:To know and understand the world, you have to keep your eyes open; but to know and understand yourself; you have to keep your eyes closed.You may get information by keeping your eyes open, but you will get knowledge by keeping them closed.You may get outward enjoyment, through open eyes, but inward enlightenment comes through closed eyes.Remember that in reality you can never close or shut your eyes; they are always open....You can only open or close your eyelids.By opening the eyelids you see things and by closing them you can have a vision of things.You are very much used to open eyes, and it requires constant practice to keep eyelids closed and obtain a vision of yourself.
This is “Tapasya” , penance or meditation.
Jai Guru Dev!!!
20/04/2009
Break ke baad!!!
Back after a rather hectic and enjoyable break.It was indeed nice to spend time with family and friends and also enjoy Pune.
Well,nothing like sitting out in the terrace with
a super cup(rather ,davara tumbler) of filter coffee made in chitale cow's milk(Rao mix coffee powder from Kumaradhara),and watch the brisk morning walkers and jogger's,not to forget those walking their dog's and the hustle,bustle of kids waiting for their school buses to pick them up,and young mom's sitting with their kids,trying to see if all the homework is done and all books are in place.
I too used to be among the regular morning walkers prior to shifting base to AbuDhabi.Here in this part of the world I do for sure miss all these things specially the filter coffee,and for sure the bright and colourful morning walkers& joggers.The early morning chill breeze,and birds merrily chirping away is certainly a treat,and sure makes my day.
I did get to enjoy all this for a short period during my recent visit to Pune.My DD was here on vacation for about three weeks.After relaxing and unwinding here for about ten days we all went to Pune via mumbai,and not to miss out on the vada pav and special chai we had en route.I always wondered how they make such good tea.Mine never is that good for sure.
The main purpose of the visit was DH 's 60th birthday.
DD & myself made all the plans and how to make life easier and comfortable right from day one.We reached home around 10pm on 29th march and a very dear friend had dinner ready for us.So after a nice & homely dinner we went to the provision shop and gave him the list and he assured he would deliver them first thing in the morning.Feeling rather proud at our organisation skills we returned home and slept like babies I must say.
Sorted out a lot of things early morning itself and waited and waited and waited for the fellow to deliver the provision which he finally did only by mid day.Made lunch after that only.Evening in laws arrived and were for sure extremely happy to be with their son after a long time.Next morning my mother arrived too from Hyderabad,slowly the house was getting the festive atmosphere and I must of course thank my dear maid servant who is always there when I need her most and certainly makes life so much more easier for me.
In the midst of arranging for the big day which was 7th April we had lined up a series of visits to the doctor,but I for one had surely not imagined that out of the 11 days I was in Pune I would spend 9 days meeting doctors and running around for one test or the other,leaving my poor DD to manage the house.I am sure her vacation went for a toss from the time we landed at Pune,though I do believe taking care of grandparents is a wonderful seva, and makes them so very happy and proud of their grand daughter for sure.
7th April the function was planned as a small family function only.Ganapati homam, nakshatra homam and navagraha homam were scheduled, and were all performed very earnestly and sincerely by our very dear Vishwanatha sastrigal and enjoyed by all.
The sumptuous meal(courtsey Akhila caterers) too was enjoyed by everyone.Post lunch we had an excellent session of singing by my dear cousin's son.Some superb singing and a wonderfully melodious voice.After a rather strong cup of chai everyone dispersed and we spent a quiet evening lazing here and there.
10th April was the cake cutting birthday(the first time in 60 years) that my DH ever cut a cake.Once again we had a family get together.DD had a couple of surprises for her dad.First she bought him an excellent churidhar Kurta set,along with the stole and a diamond ring too.There was a surprise for me too,she bought me too a lovely saree. Daughters are always so dear and sweet for sure!!!The cake was egg less mango cake so that the elders could eat too,I am glad that all of them really really enjoyed the cake.We had decided on authentic maharashtrian meal for lunch which was puri, batatyachi bhaji, aamras and of course for a south Indian meal is never complete without the famous thair sadam.We had a lip smacking lunch,yum yum!!
My very dear maid was there making hot pooris for all of us,without her I am sure I could not have managed all this.So my sincere heartfelt thanks to dear dear Savitha& god bless her and her children.
Post lunch was a gossip session which was fun filled and hialrious.
After the happy times it was now time for everyone to pack bags and leave.We too had to start our packing,the holiday was over already.
So looking back I am full of gratitude to one and all who shared the happy moments with us& God Bless!!!
Jai Guru Dev!!!
Well,nothing like sitting out in the terrace with
a super cup(rather ,davara tumbler) of filter coffee made in chitale cow's milk(Rao mix coffee powder from Kumaradhara),and watch the brisk morning walkers and jogger's,not to forget those walking their dog's and the hustle,bustle of kids waiting for their school buses to pick them up,and young mom's sitting with their kids,trying to see if all the homework is done and all books are in place.I too used to be among the regular morning walkers prior to shifting base to AbuDhabi.Here in this part of the world I do for sure miss all these things specially the filter coffee,and for sure the bright and colourful morning walkers& joggers.The early morning chill breeze,and birds merrily chirping away is certainly a treat,and sure makes my day.
I did get to enjoy all this for a short period during my recent visit to Pune.My DD was here on vacation for about three weeks.After relaxing and unwinding here for about ten days we all went to Pune via mumbai,and not to miss out on the vada pav and special chai we had en route.I always wondered how they make such good tea.Mine never is that good for sure.
The main purpose of the visit was DH 's 60th birthday.
DD & myself made all the plans and how to make life easier and comfortable right from day one.We reached home around 10pm on 29th march and a very dear friend had dinner ready for us.So after a nice & homely dinner we went to the provision shop and gave him the list and he assured he would deliver them first thing in the morning.Feeling rather proud at our organisation skills we returned home and slept like babies I must say.
Sorted out a lot of things early morning itself and waited and waited and waited for the fellow to deliver the provision which he finally did only by mid day.Made lunch after that only.Evening in laws arrived and were for sure extremely happy to be with their son after a long time.Next morning my mother arrived too from Hyderabad,slowly the house was getting the festive atmosphere and I must of course thank my dear maid servant who is always there when I need her most and certainly makes life so much more easier for me.
In the midst of arranging for the big day which was 7th April we had lined up a series of visits to the doctor,but I for one had surely not imagined that out of the 11 days I was in Pune I would spend 9 days meeting doctors and running around for one test or the other,leaving my poor DD to manage the house.I am sure her vacation went for a toss from the time we landed at Pune,though I do believe taking care of grandparents is a wonderful seva, and makes them so very happy and proud of their grand daughter for sure.
7th April the function was planned as a small family function only.Ganapati homam, nakshatra homam and navagraha homam were scheduled, and were all performed very earnestly and sincerely by our very dear Vishwanatha sastrigal and enjoyed by all.
The sumptuous meal(courtsey Akhila caterers) too was enjoyed by everyone.Post lunch we had an excellent session of singing by my dear cousin's son.Some superb singing and a wonderfully melodious voice.After a rather strong cup of chai everyone dispersed and we spent a quiet evening lazing here and there.
10th April was the cake cutting birthday(the first time in 60 years) that my DH ever cut a cake.Once again we had a family get together.DD had a couple of surprises for her dad.First she bought him an excellent churidhar Kurta set,along with the stole and a diamond ring too.There was a surprise for me too,she bought me too a lovely saree. Daughters are always so dear and sweet for sure!!!The cake was egg less mango cake so that the elders could eat too,I am glad that all of them really really enjoyed the cake.We had decided on authentic maharashtrian meal for lunch which was puri, batatyachi bhaji, aamras and of course for a south Indian meal is never complete without the famous thair sadam.We had a lip smacking lunch,yum yum!!
My very dear maid was there making hot pooris for all of us,without her I am sure I could not have managed all this.So my sincere heartfelt thanks to dear dear Savitha& god bless her and her children.
Post lunch was a gossip session which was fun filled and hialrious.
After the happy times it was now time for everyone to pack bags and leave.We too had to start our packing,the holiday was over already.
So looking back I am full of gratitude to one and all who shared the happy moments with us& God Bless!!!
Jai Guru Dev!!!
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