The Year That Was

2007 has been a memorable year for me.

I got to visit several new places, most of them of religious importance.
Changed jobs, met many new people.
Attended my dear friends' weddings.
Started writing this blog this September. This is my 53rd post. 70 something if I count the drafts.

It's said, growing old is inevitable but growing up is optional!
Inevitably, I have grown older.....

Me At One Of The Wonders Of The World!!

Jai Jogannath!

I had a great time during the Christmas weekend. We went to Bhuvaneshwar(the temple city), Puri and Konark. One needs a whole week to see some of the popular places in Orissa but we had only 3 days and they were mostly devoted to see Lord Jagannath (or 'Jogannath' as it's pronounced in that part of our country).

We went on an OTDC (Orissa Tourism) package tour for 1 day to Puri and Konark. The worst part of Puri are the 'Pandas' or brahmins who are a greedy, unscrupulous lot. There's no government control at the temple and only money speaks. The temple was pretty crowded. The panda for our group gave us a brief history of the temple and would say loudly 'Jai Jogannath'!!! First timers would be lost without such guides or pandas. It's not very pilgrim-friendly. There are not many signboards that tell what's what.

There was a panda who was giving 'thirtha' and most of the time, counting money. While waiting for my turn in the queue for darshan, I watched him demand money from most everyone who stretched their arms for 'thirtha' to him.
One such guy gave some coins to him which was apparently less than what this greedy guy expected that he actually went back and threw it over his shoulder, in protest!!!! He would grab some guys by their shoulder if they didn't deposit money at his table!!!

Inside the main temple, it's better not to get distracted by more such rogues and simply concentrate on the magnificent, wooden idols of Krishna, Subhadra and Balabhadra. They are really beautiful and captivating. The Balabhadra idol is white in colour and to our left. To our right, is the Lord of Universe, Jagannath's idol in black. It has big black eyes and a beautiful smile. In the middle is their little sister Subhadra's idol. It is smaller than the other two. All 3 idols were beautifully decorated. They are placed on the 'ratna peetha'. Supposedly there are 10,80,000 saligramas (black stones found in the Gandaki river, Nepal), underneath the 'ratna peetha'.

The ornate work on the outside of the temple, especially the shikara or gopura is worth seeing. It's truly beautiful.

We collected our prasad and boarded the bus to proceed to Konark. The Sun temple is beautiful, although no puja was ever done there due to a tragedy that took place soon after it was constructed. There are 24 'chakras' that were actually used as sun-dial to tell time.

On the second day we went on a tour around the city of Bhuvaneshwar. There are so many temples here!!! Then there are the caves called Udaygiri and Khandgiri. We also went to the 'Shanti Stupa' at Dhauli. This is the place where Ashoka developed dispassion after the Kalinga war and embraced Buddhism. I remember reading about this in school.

Overall, it was a great experience.

Ananda Villa

Yesterday I came across a house that was named 'Vijaya Villa'. In kannada those words mean there is no victory although the word 'villa' in english means 'residence'(Brit).

I remember my father telling me about usage of such words, for eg: a house that's named 'Ananda Villa' - which also means 'there's no joy'!!
We had named our house in Chennai, 'Ananda', but no villa...

I heard that a famous kannada actor's house is called 'Summane'. This has reference to the song by Purandaradasaru that says, 'Allide namma mane, illibande summane'...Very thoughtful!

My cousin said there is a bungalow in Dharwad that's called 'Eka Bilva'. Offering of a bilva leaf pleases Lord Shiva.

The most popular name for a house must be 'Anugraha'. Someone I know calls his house 'Santrupti'. That's very wise.

I think I will call my home 'Sukha-Samruddhi'

Memorable Quotes

"People say motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why it's recommended daily." - Zig Ziglar

"Never settle on being average, because being average means you are the best of the worst and worst of the best." - From a bulletin board at Anoka-Hennepin Vocational-Technical College, Brooklyn Park, Minn.

"I do not fear success or failure, because in success I learn control, and in failure I learn to try again." - Sylvia Brown, author

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit on it." - Pat Koppman

"Every day will only be as productive as you allow it to be; don't let the hurdles of life ruin your race to success!"

"What we do on some great occasion will depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline" - H.P. Liddon

He who makes no mistakes has never made anything." - Joseph Heller

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little." - Edmund Burke

Ups And Downs

I came across an interesting article in the newspaper about this game:
Long before Snakes and Ladders was invented, India had a similar board game called Vaikuntapaali or Paramapada Sopanam (the ladder to salvation). The game has an unwritten message — that life is full of ups (ladders) and downs (snakes), pleasure and pain. And that every human being has to go through success and failure, youth and old age and finally die only to be born again.
In this game every time a snake swallows a player he reaches the tail, which is death. He replays and goes up a ladder — this is life again. The play also has a moral — life is temporary just like happiness and sorrow. It passes away, therefore concentrate on the permanent — that is on God who lives in your own soul. The game board has132 squares arranged in a serial order from the bottom on your left. There are different pictures on each block. They denote a living creature — animals, birds and men and they stand as a symbol. For example, the picture of a rishi (hermit) in block No 30 stands for nishta (concentration). Some squares have human qualities like Ego (Square No. 75), infatuation (Moham No. 97). Once the victor reaches the 132nd square (the last), the right number has to fall to "reach God." Until he does so, he would be limping from one dwarapalak to another. Once he gets the right number to reach the Virat swaroopa, he wins the game!

Parents Day '92

This is a card my brother and I made for Parents Day (1st Aug 1992) and presented it to our parents. I made the sketch (it's a vase with flowers in it) with colour pastels on black sand paper and stuck it on a 'chart paper'. Then searched for a quotation about parents. I chose, 'The joys of parents are secret. So are their griefs and sorrows' by Francis Bacon. I still don't get the meaning of it but wrote it nevertheless. 'Parents are special' 'Happy Father's and Mother's Day!' Signed, Sreedevi and Sameera.
I must thank my teacher (I don't remember who it was). She told the class that 1st Aug was Parents Day and all of you give your parents a gift. Most importantly thank them for everything.

Way Of Life

I read an article recently in the papers about how children these days know about Halloween and other Western superstitions (yes, they have them too!) but know little about our own culture. I am not being a culture-vulture here but I am wondering why our people turn to a westernised way of life.

There are many great things about our 'traditional Indian' way of life, the kinds of food we eat, the clothes we wear, the languages we speak, the practices we follow in our daily life and dare I say our samskara, samskruti and sampradaya.

Why are some of the few who do follow our 'Hindu' customs feel ashamed to say so? Why is it a matter of pride in giving them up or being ignorant of them.

I am reminded of the E-Mail forward about Lord Macualay's address in the British Parliament.

I agree today's fast-paced life doesn't allow us to live like the previous generation did. The least we can do is learn the good from them and try not to ridicule the traditions.

A Trip Of Many Firsts

Dulhe Ko Ghode Pe Kyun Bittaya Jatha Hai?
Usse akhri mauka diya jaatha hai bhag jaane ko!! ha ha ha

I came back last night after a nice trip to Agra. The reason for the visit was my best friend's wedding.

It was the first time I got to see a north Indian wedding. My first trip to the North. So, naturally first visit to the Taj and other monuments that I had only seen in the pictures. I remember making an album of Indian art and architecture during 10th standard, with pictures of Moghul monuments among others. I finally got to see them.

Above all, this trip also marked my first time in an aeroplane (Yay!!!!!!!!!) I returned to Bangalore by a Jetlite flight (#SC 322) from New Delhi. I must say it was very exciting and nice to be in the airport and in the air!!!!!

Im waiting for the pictures taken on a friend's camera. My camera let me down at the wrong times especially when we were at the Taj :(

The baraat arrived at the wedding hall with the dulha on a ghoda and guys dancing in the front. Later the ladies accompanying them also danced. It was very nice to see them dance with joy!!

The bride looked beautiful in a very expensive lehenga/choli and lots of make up. The couple are very much in love and looked very good together. Apparently in the north, they have a ceremony that goes on late in the night.

There was the ritual of Saath-phere and finally, the Bidaai when the bride is sent to her new home. After that we returned to our hotel rooms and prepared to return home.

Death - The Great Leveller

Death has been called the great leveller.

'When the game is over, the king and the pawn go into the same box', is very apt. It also brings about what is called 'Smashana vairagya' i.e. the feeling of dispassion when we see our loved ones die. We realise that everything is temporary and our perspective changes. But this lasts only for about 13 days after which we forget about it and return to our (sub)normal ways.

In the Mahabharata, the Yaksha King asks Yudhishtira what is the greatest wonder in the world. Yudhishtira replies that everyday we see people die, yet we live as if we are going to be here forever. This verily is the greatest wonder.

In the context of death, life finds true meaning. In Bhagavata, King Parikshitha learns of the curse that he will die within 7 days from a snake bite. Immediately he gives up his throne, summons the wise Sage Shukacharya and asks him, 'What is the most important thing that every dying person should know/do?' The king asked this question on behalf of every mortal as each of us is dying, only we don't know when.

The sage replies that the highest good that we can do during a human birth is Bhakti to the Lord. What follows in his sermon is the beautiful story of Krishna called Bhagavata.

Purandaradasaru has extolled, 'Maanava Janma dodaddu. Idannu haani madalibedi huchappagolira'. 'Human life is very precious, don't waste it'

Serving Lord Krishna is the best way to live.

Came Across A Nice Site

www.freerice.com

"FreeRice has two goals:

Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.
This is made possible by the sponsors who advertise on this site.
Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your vocabulary can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself.
Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide. Thank you."

Apparently I have already donated thousands of grains!

Vijayaraya

Today is the Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Vijayadasaru. He shines like a beacon in the world of Dasa Sahithya.

He was born as Purandara Dasa's son, Madhwapathi. In his next birth, he was born to the couple Srinvasappa and Koosamma at Cheekalparvi.

www.vijayadasaru.net has a lot of information about Dasaru and his works.

This is the picture of Chippagiri where Vijayadasara Katti is present and worshipped by thousands of his followers.

Old Memory

My brother and I made this 'card' on a glazed tile for our parent's wedding anniversary. I cut the flowers from old greeting cards and stuck them on the tile using foam and fevicol. Our cousin (much older then us) helped write the text with poster colours. The year is "1990".

Dusshera Gombi

I realise it's almost a month since Navaratri. I finally found time to upload the image of the Navaratri gombi placed at my home.

The central piece is white mud idols of Sri Rama, Sita and Hanuman. They belonged to my paternal grandmother. The idols are at least 65-70 years old. There is a pleasant smile on their faces and the red and gold colors on it are intact. Well, we take care not to smudge them. We wrap them in pieces of old silk cloth and place in a box safely in the attic.
In between the Rama and Sita idols, you can see the wooden dolls. I used gold and silver coloured paper to make 'ornaments' and 'clothes' for them.

Next to Hanuman idol and behind the 'Kalash', there are the wooden idols of Krishna, Subhadra and Balabhadra as it is seen in Puri (Jagannath). Only two of them are visible in this picture. It was gifted by my mother's friend who had been to Puri.

To the right of the 'Kalash', there is a cow and calf (mud idol). To the left there is a porcelain Shiva and Nandi and a wooden Ganesha. Again to the right- A kitchen set!!!

Grass On The Other Side

They grumble when it rains, they grumble when it's cold and then they grumble when it's hot.

And I wonder why? The weather is not something we can control. It's got to be cold during winter, hot during summer and timely rains are actually a blessing. Complaining about the weather is not a smart thing to do.

Those in college can't wait to get out and start their career and those who are already employed yearn for their college days.

There is the famous hindi saying about shaadi ka laddu- 'Jo khaaye pachthaye, jo na khaaye lalchaye'.

Even the smaller things - There are those who have straight hair want to get it permed and those with nice curly hair spend lots of money to have it straightened.

One of my favorite anecdote is about the restaurant. Suppose we go to a restaurant with friends and each of us orders what we want. After we are served, somehow, what our friends have ordered always looks better than what is in front of us.

Why does this happen, I wonder? Why is it so hard for some of us to appreciate what we have? Why yearn for what's over or worse - what someone else has?

My Latest Wish

I came across this picture while googling images for 'Darjeeling'. Isn't it beautiful, awesome, amazing (add other superlatives)? I am so taken in by this scene that I want to go to Darjeeling, ride the 'Toy Train', catch a glimpse of the mighty Himalayas, breathe a lungful of fresh air...
(Sigh!)

One Of My Favorite Jokes

Read this somewhere

It's every man's dream :
To be as handsome as his mother thinks,
To be as rich as his child thinks,
And have as many affairs as his wife suspects!

My Blogging Type

Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate

You're a well liked, though underrated, blogger. You have a heart of gold, and are likely to blog for a cause. You're a peaceful blogger - no drama for you! A good listener and friend, you tend to leave thoughtful comments for others.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Obedience

"Obedience"- That's a word I haven't heard or read recently. Neither in the media nor from friends and relatives. I remember, when we had letter writing assignments in school in both hindi and english. We would be asked to write a letter to a parent, which would be signed, Your obedient son/daughter, aapka aagyakari beta/beti.

Has obedience become old- fashioned now? Have parents stopped giving aadesh because children don't listen anyway. 'Let me live my life and you live yours', seems to be the motto.

Forgive me for being old fashioned but I think parents need to tell their children, especially about our culture and traditions. There is no excuse for not carrying on some of our timeless practices (that would be another post). I imagine children telling their parents and grandparents - 'I love you' (but don't tell me what to do).

Whatever happened to "Maathru Devobhava, Pithru Devobhava, Guru Devobhava, Acharya Devobhava, Athithi Devobhava"?

My Solo Trip

The most adventurous trip I have ever gone to is the trip to Tirupati, alone.

After finishing my final year B.E. exams, I was quite anxious about my results. My brother was in Bangalore that time. At home in Chennai, I pestered my parents that we make a trip to Tirupati. Since they couldn’t come, I went alone.
The train was at 6.30am. I believe it was 6.28 when I reached the station as I had to run to get in and reached Tirupati at 9.30am.
After visiting the temple at Tirupati, I started the uphill journey by foot from Alipiri, alone!
Once uphill, I made my way to the Uttaradi Math for accommodation, remembering the way my brother showed when we had gone there 6months earlier.

I had packed only 1 blanket to keep my luggage light. What I didn’t know was that it was terribly cold there during November. In the middle of the night, I woke up, shivering and I saw a lady sleeping, had a shawl folded and spread on her pillow. I woke her asking, ‘Ajji, swalpa nim shawl kodee’. (Please give me your shawl). She did. Thank you Lady...

In the morning I had a refreshing (to mind, body and soul) bath at the famous Pushkarni and joined the looooong queue of Tirumala for the darshan of Lord Venkateshwara.

It was the moment I had waited for the last several months. The darshan is truly magical as anyone who has had will know. The Lord was dressed in silks and ornaments from head to toe. It takes a seasoned pilgrim not to be disturbed by the TTD people who push you and to concentrate only on Him.

In the laddu queue which was opposite the temple those days, I stood in the shade, that made a security person tell me ‘Po ma laddu teesko’ pointing to the counter meaning ‘Go and collect the laddu’. I thought to myself- there are at least 30 people waiting already; if I jumped the queue won’t they attack me?

Well what do you know just then trays of the much awaited laddus arrived and when that person told me again, I quickly rushed to the counter and collected my share of prasadam (yeah, out of turn)!!

It was about 4pm when I reached Tiruchanoor the abode of Padmavati, wife of Sri Venkateshwara. After Her darshan, I remembered (wrongly) that my train back to Chennai was at 5.30pm from Tirupati.
I rushed to the station only to find the train had left at its scheduled time of 5.25p.m. My watch showed 5.30. What difference a few minutes could make!

Anyway it ended well as I took a bus and reached Chennai bus stand by 10pm. It was 10.40pm when I reached home and I had exactly 10Rs. left in my purse. Truly, a memorable trip!

Calvin And Self - Esteem

Calvin: "The bad grade is lowering my self- esteem"
Mrs. Wormwood: "Work harder so you don't get a bad grade"
Calvin: "Your denial of my victimhood is lowering my self- esteem."

Sometimes, it's easy to slip into the 'victim' mindset.

It's tempting to blame parents, teachers, bosses and circumstances for things that have gone or are going wrong. I know people who have spent a major part of their lives pathetically blaming almost everyone around them for their state of affairs.

Isn't time too precious to be spent in playing the blame game? So much energy is wasted in ruminating and wishing 'If only...' Parents always do their best with the available resources at that time.

I've always wondered why is it so hard for some of us to let go of the past, knowing fully well that it can't be undone. Why doesn't acceptance happen sooner?

Invisible Calvin

Reminds you of Emperor’s new clothes doesn’t it? That was some story!!

There’s a saying in kannada when translated means, ‘The cat closes it’s eyes while drinking milk stealthily and thinks no one is watching it.’

"I am Looking For A Girl..." - Part 7

'We are a combination of orthodox and present day requirements.'
(this guy's been in IT for too long!)

"My family love family values, and they love to live together. "
(ah, the ideal family)

"My younger Brother is a Business man, he is doing High level business. His qualification is MA., MCA., doing MBA and Ph.d.(computer).He haave a car , he earned multicrore valuable assets. He haave 3 elder sisters and one elder Brother,all are married and well settled . Myself take care of him. He is clean habit , poius,We are seeking a Fair bride with clean habit well educated and well settled, height-5.0" to 5.7" , weight -47 kg to 60 kg.in any FC/ BC in any community ,any religion with in INDIA."
(thats a lot of varied degrees!)

"i have good charecter i have very good family baground
About My Family :we have orthodox family. About My Partner: fair and good girle"
(seriously, spellcheck?)

"LET ME TELL ON MYSELF I HAVE DONE BE IN MECHANICAL FROM BANGALORE INST TECHNOLOGY BANGALORE
INTRESTS:SWIMMING,WELL
Family: elder sister married in BOMBAY. elder brother married. i am last"
(im not telling anything!)

The Biggest Disease Is The Feeling Of Being Unwanted

“Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make me feel important.’ Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life.” Mary Kay

"The biggest disease is the feeling of being unwanted." Mother Teresa

How true are these lines! Isn't that an important need?

Although I wonder how important each of us is. I mean there is what's called "V.I.P" but does anything stop because one person is not there? Is anyone indispensable? How long will anyone mourn should we die?
It's not who we are but what we have - the knowledge, looks, power, youth or money. But minus all of them isn't each person still worth something?

KT

In Mahabharata, Lord Krishna says 'When a person dies, what we really lose is the knowledge and experience that the person takes away with him or her'. That's why when Bheeshmacharya was on his death bed (of arrows), Krishna gets Yudhishtira and his brothers to listen to Acharya's sermon. This forms an important parva in Mahabharata.

Even in the corporate world we hear terms like, 'Years of experience', 'Knowledge sharing sessions' and 'Lesson Learnt'. Before leaving the organisation give all the information to the next person!

I wonder why sometimes we don't learn from those who have more 'experience' in life than us. The older people in our family or friends circle who have gained a wealth of knowledge by living, making mistakes and having learnt from them.

I am glad I spent 4 years in my ajji's house during my college days. Initially I used to fight and argue with her over many things but then I learnt to see the wisdom in what she had to say. Some of her many advices were, "Trust in God, obey your elders and work very hard", "Learn to be grateful for what you have and don't grumble".

My father's favorite advice was, "When money is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When character is lost, everything is lost". Now that neither of them are around, their memories and words are my treasure.

Although their advice doesn't sound pleasant, in the long run they are proved right.

Importance Of Punctuation

A profile on blogspot.

Age: 15
Gender: Male
Zodiac Year: Monkey
Occupation: I'm studying guys.
Location: India

A Memorable Visit To Udupi

A long cherished dream came true last weekend. I visited Udupi for the first time with my mum and brother. 3 days of great food, scenic locations, darshan and most of all some QUIET!

After reaching Udupi on sunday afternoon, we had a (great) lunch first and darshan next! As per custom, we first visited the Chandramouleeshwara, Anantheshwara and then Krishna at the Krishna Math. He is 'Muddhu Krishna' no doubt. He is so endearing!



In the evening we went to Paajaka, the birthplace of Madhwacharya (above pic). Durga Betta - as the name suggests, is a temple for Durga on a hill top. Both places are calm, serene and full of positive vibrations. In Paajaka, we could see the spots related to the events in Acharya's childhood. Like where he started his 'aksharabhyasa', the tamarind tree where he repaid his father's debt through tamarind seeds which turned to gold in the hands of the creditor.

On monday afternoon, after a great lunch at Udupi Math, we hired a taxi to visit the nearby places: First stop: Anegudde Vinayaka at Kumbhasi. The name Kumbhasi rang a bell with my mother and I and we enquired if this place had anything to do with Saint Sri Vadiraja. It did. Hoovinakere which is only 4kms from Kumbhasi is the birthplace of the saint. On the way to Hoovinakere there are paddy fields on either side and the greenery was a relief to our tired eyes! We saw the field 'Gowri gaddhe' (above pic) where Sri Vadiraja was born. There is a small idol of the saint within the field. This visit was unexpected and we were happier for it.

Next stop: Hattiangadi Siddhi Vinayaka. Then Kollur Mookambika. The road to Kollur has thick forests on either side. After darshan we left for Sringeri. Night stay.After darshan the next morning of Sringeri Sharadamba and the other sannidhi (below pic), we knew one thing - we have to come back again to this serene ashram. The place has such a calming effect.

Next stop: Dharmasthala. Greenery again and it had started to drizzle! 'Beautiful' is the word I could think of as we approached the place. The Manjunatheshwara linga is consecrated by Sri Vadiraja. The most crowded of all the temples we saw so far. Judging by the number of people, I guess this could be one of the richest temples in South India.


Anyway, after a good lunch we left for Kukke Subrahmanya.The road was covered with thick forest on either sides (again!). It was a treat for my eyes that only looks at the computer monitor otherwise. There were many streams along the way and I asked the car to be stopped to take pictures.

Kukke Subrahmanya is frequented by those who have Kalasarpa dosha in their horoscopes. The river here is called 'Kumaradhara' and the main deity is Subrahmanya or Karthikeya who killed the demon-snake Tarakasura. There is also a Samputa- Narasimha temple built by Madhvacharya and the idol is worshipped by the Saint of Subrahmanya Math. It is such a quaint and quiet place. We stayed on there as our bus to Bangalore was at 9.30 P.M.

It was the best trip I have had in a looong time. The next long weekend is during Christmas....

It Irks Me

It irks me to see people wear inappropriate clothes to a place of worship. I am a temple regular and I always wear a salwar kameez and a dupatta.
Saree would be ideal for women but salwar kameezes are accepted almost everywhere (recently, even in Guruvayur, Kerala). I don't see why girls should come dressed in jeans, capris and tight, short tops to a temple.
If that's what they are wearing while travelling and only 'dropped by' at a temple, I still think it's not ok. Would they go to a party with oiled hair and old clothes? Why this indifference to temples? Do they want attention or are they trying to break a tradition and feeling good about it?
It's etiquette to follow dress code whether it's a place of worship or place of work.

'I am Looking For A Girl...' - Part 6

"WITH KNOWLEDGE OF KANNADA ,AND SHE MUST BE RESPECT FOR PARENTS AND RELIGION.IN ONE WORD I WISH MY PARTNER SHOULD BE MODERN BY LOOK AND RELIGIOUS BY HEART.. MY FAMILY CONSISTS OF ONE YOUNGER BROTHER HAVING HIS OWN IDEAS,MOTHER IS HOUSE WIFE AND FATHER IS STATE GOVT EMPLOYEE. "
(In one word- really?)

"I am putup from Challakere in Chitradurga Dist. My father is retaired Master. I have cool minded and having knowledge in acting, script writing, composing, editting,etc. I am working in Management college as Asst. Librarian. Staying alone, want to be a Mane Aliya in future Honestly. Looking for: self respected, homely. religious and community respectable. lovable to all, good looking, always cheering attitude, working in any field My Family: My all parents, brother and relatives are in my native place with own house "
(Aliya Mane Tholiya)

"I AM BRAD MINDED, ALSO GOOD NATURE, GENTALE MAN BEHAVIER, I AM ASLO WORKING AS COMPUTER OPERATOR.Looking for: GOOD LOVING NATURE, BRAD MINDED. "
(Looking for Angelina?)

"I am a Adjustable person. Does not talk much. but not reserved. Like to listen what others say. Soft hearted and simple person. Like to listen to music and watch movies. Love to travel and calm, scenic places. I am pursuing AMIE and MBA. My Family: Father is also in engineering buisness. His ancestors are from udipi. Mother is a home maker. she is from kasargod. Brother is an ICWA, working as AGM in MNC. Living seperately. His wife is a housewife. Sister MCOm, Former railway player, working in Railways now in bombay. "
(Your father's ancestors are not yours?)

"HI HAVING CYBER CAFE'S , Simple lifestyle. I'M THIN SHAPED BODY,ENJOY AND MY FAMILY MOTHER, SISTER & HER BABY GIRL NAME CHAYA SIRI. MY CYBERCAFE IS TO BE IN THE TOP THREE OF WORLD . It is growing bit faster. WITHIN A YEAR 3 TO 8 SYSTEM IM PLANNING TO TAKE A BIG PLACE WERE I CAN PUT ATLEST 30 TO 40 SYSTEM Looking for: GOOD IN NATURE UNDERSTANDING & FRIENDLY WHO IS ABLE TO ADIVES & PLAN TO IMPRU OUR FAMILY STATUS. My Family: I'm having 1 sister who is married at presently she is living with us due to illness and her baby chayasiri who is such girl with friendly natureMy bother in law who is ass pro in bio-chemistry in centrals collage bangalore. "
(thanks for making me laugh)

My First Homepage

I created my first Homepage about 6 years ago, at the following URL: http://geocities.com/ag_sreedevi/ I had the photo scanned (didn't have a digital camera those days). Edited the text several times and was quite proud when I finally posted it online!
My homepage is not about me. I didn't know that a homepage was a place for us to write about ourselves!!! Anyway, I didn't have much to write then.

Promise Or Convenience?

The dictionary defines promise as, 'A verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future'

In the days gone by, it was apparently very important to keep one's word, promise or commitment. It was not to be taken lightly. A promise was not to be broken. It was almost a crime to let down those who depend on you.

How important is it in today's world, I wonder. Whether it is the commitment of marriage or a promise to meet a friend. Plans maybe cancelled if someone or something better comes along.

Is it all about convenience?

What's In A Name?

'The sweetest word for anyone is his or her name' - said someone and rightly so.

From when I was a child until recently, I was always a little embarrassed about my name. Why 'Sreedevi', I asked my parents. Couldn't you have come up with something nicer, less-religious sounding name? Always misspelt by everyone, I found myself correcting them.

In school, I was asked if I was named after the film actress. I blushed before saying 'No'. It's not a common name and I definitely didn't like it. Cousins would tease me with film songs that have the word 'Sreedevi' in it. And when I was in college, I dabbled with numerology and concluded that my name is the reason for my apparent bad luck.

My mother told me that it's one of the many names of Goddess Lakshmi, who has 3 forms - Sri, Bhu and Durga representing Sattvik, Rajas and Tamas respectively. Well, my parents did put some thought behind it.

Now, I am ok with it. It's actually a beautiful name when pronounced right. And amateur numerology is not to be taken seriously.

Chak De India

In the light of India's big victory at the World Cup, I think it's appropriate to say 'Chak De India'!!! Watched only the last over of the match.... edge of the seat excitement, would be an understatement! I like the part where Dhoni takes off his shirt and hands it to a young fan ;)

I am not a huge fan of SRK, but I enjoyed watching the film, Chak De India last weekend. Thanks Poornima :)

I'd like to know what 'Chak de' really means.....

Wow!

It's almost as if Bill Watterson read my thoughts and used them here for Calvin :)

I Have My Sarcastic Moments

You Have Your Sarcastic Moments

While you're not sarcastic at all times, you definitely have a cynical edge. In your opinion, not all people are annoying. Some are dead! And although you do have your genuine moments, you can't help getting your zingers in. Some people might be a little hurt by your sarcasm, but it's more likely they think you're hilarious.

How Sarcastic Are You?

I am Not Spoiled...No Surprises Here

You Are 16% Spoiled

You are definitely not spoiled. You've worked hard for what you have. Down to earth and grounded, you don't need a lot to make you happy.

Are You Spoiled?

'Aadadella Olithe Aayithu'

'Aadadella Olithe Ayithu', wrote the Pitamaha of Carnatic Music, Sri PurandaraDasa in Kannada. This was apparently the first among his compositions which number 4,25,000 approx.
This is one of my favourites.

Translated, the first line means, 'All that happened, has happened well'.

Mastermind

I remember playing Mastermind, the board game with my brother when we were much younger. It was one of the several board games we played at home.

The game consists of several large plastic pegs of 6 colors and a board. One player fixes a code of 4 pegs (which is hidden). The objective is for the other player to decode it. There are hints in the form of small black and white pegs placed at the sides. 4 small black pegs means success!

Tired of playing Tetris, I was excited to find the online version of mastermind recently. Have even added to my igoogle. I must say I am good at it :)

Here's one of the many links for playing Mastermind online.

http://www.cyberbee.com/games/mastermind.html

The Best Things Come.....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=N_vssdys8lk&mode=related&search=

Click on the above link to watch a really good ketchup commercial. I like it because- Matt le Blanc is cute and because of the last line of the commercial....

Skill Set

In Chennai, it's common for children to learn something related to Carnatic - singing, playing a musical instrument or Bharatnatyam. I am disappointed at not having learnt any of them nor mastered any of the 'traditional' skills that most girls learn before completing college - like rangoli, embroidery, crafts, cookery etc.

I never saw the rangoli being drawn in front of my house as Mayil (our dear old maid) would draw it at sunrise. I have only learnt one simple pattern in it. Place 6x6 dots, draw lines to make it look like 4 lamps.

Once while travelling by bus, I observed this flower seller who had a bagful of jasmine flowers, knotting and tying them together swiftly to a long thread. In no time, she had made a long garland. I was always fascinated by how they do that. Later, I learnt that from my aunt. But of course, this has little use in everyday life.

Anyway, my retirement plans are to learn sanskrit, play the veena and some more rangoli patterns. Too bad, cooking can't wait that long :)

'I am Looking For A Girl...' - Part 5

This one is my favorites, a guy who’s scared of commitment himself but advises others to marry soon

"hi, i wish to explore the possibility of a live in relationship [which should ideally frutify into marriage] i feel there is no reverse gear in this [marriage aspect]better be careful before you really take the plunge than feel sorry later.......................................................................i just want to have fun in life and if anyody is capable of convincing to marry me i shall surrender to them completely.............................. wishing you all the best in search [please don’t waste about 5 - 6 years in searching get married soon] wish you all the best"

'I am Looking For A Girl...' - Part 4

"i am looking smart girl for my life parter like u and i am working as a accountant at vidhya nikethan matric hr.sec school,Rasipuram you may be contact me
india is very good country"
(here’s a message personalized for everyone!)

"My partner should be following both traditional as well as should be social also. Should be a graduate (preferred is B.A, B.Com, B.Sc), home living (no job going) and good supporting partner"
(no job going)

"I am working Temple .I am intrested in Chating.i am watching T.v."
(no comments)

"Thanking u for small attention on this profile.Iam from bhramin, working in reputed MNC company posted in andhra(hyderabad).
Iam a simple,friendly,mature,caring,homorous,& fun loving without any bad habits person"
(is this your humor?)

"only son; simple living self; good(self proclaimed) carnatic vocalist; though trained in veena for more than past 12 yrs, yet to realise if I play it or play with it! looking for a WIFE! a friendly, traditional yet cool with willingness to accept an extended family."
(Wow!)

'I am Looking For A Girl...' - Part 3

"i am a good looking man,deecent and handsom.i am software engineer with modern attitude,bearing no bad habits.have good behivour,more language knowing.softheated,beliving indian cultures.good family conditions."
(if only he could learn some english)

"i am b.e. graduate in industrial production. i would like to marry only brahmin girls who must be well qualified & having decent family background. I am very interesting person in life. I want to enjoy each and everything in the life. Atmost i think marriage means not just wedding, it is combination of two different opinions with no objection"
(must be interesting with all the brahmin girls he is going to marry)

"Eating Habits : Non Vegetarian Horoscope Match : Doesn't matter
Smoking habits : Regular Smoker Drinking habits : Light / Social Drinker
Hey !! I am a college dropout.I have been my creative instincts for the last 17 years and have been quite succesfull at acheiving what i intended to. I have been a lighting designer in theatre and a filmaker.i am a na absent minded and am not all that homnest person but commitment and sincerity has been my religion for I dont belive in a god and these two are my religion.
rest when we keep it going
till then bye"
(no comments)

"Hmm more abt me!!! Well....I believe marriges are made heaven. do u? why then this site registration???? well everything in our life is our LUCK and its predetermined. But it doesnot mean we would not do anything, and things will come on ur way as it would be in our luck. Nop, we should also do ur best so that we could get something better than what we could. so this is just my effort to meet my LOVE.
Since i m staying quite far of my parents so i would like to meet someone (LOVE) who will love me as to her life. and i want to be loved by my LOVE like a child, friend,brother, sister..... every realtion whtever c can thnk of. She should be a MUSIC lover. and she should be very jolly, caring and last but not the least Very fair & beautiful in heart. she should touch to my heart. And she should be workiing (doctor or s/w engg, professor....some professional) and very much carrier oriented."
(Again, no comments)

"I come from an educated family background with traditional, but liberal values" (contradiction?)

'I am Looking For A Girl...' - Part 2

"About me
Looking for Gentle Lovable Lifepartner interested in living life without tensions come what may. Should be Broad minded Understanding,Responsible, Respecting elders,& Our Culture and Traditions. Blend of all, modesty,dignity and modernity.
TO BE my wife expect 1) TO MARRY A GUY WITH NOTHING TO OFFER BUT HIS DREAMS, 2)TO BELIEVE IN ME WHATEVER THE MATTER.3)TO JOIN ME IN MY AIMS, GOALS AND STAND BY ME AT ALL TIMES "
(wow!)

"A fun loving guy. Likes driving his car around on holidays and buying branded clothes. Fond of music Owns a car a motor cycle and a flat "
(different from usual responsible, hardworking guys)

"Hello,I like a simple and descent living. Contact for further details"
(contact for a 'descent' living)

"Am Single love to be alone most of the time..with kittens..spend time with my little geni Vaio. chating n cooking my Favorites. I am NOT what they say "Down 2 Earth",no movies, no shoping, no back seater, no long rides. prefer to live on my OWN - n 'am ...I love cooking Thai veggie.(my Fav)."

"Nothing in particular to mention would deatil once we meet in person. I belive spoken words reveal more about an indivisual than typing it here."
(please type no further)

'I am Looking For A Girl.....'

These are some ads that I came across in a popular matrimonial website. My comments are in brackets.

"Fun loving person with an infections smile and jest for life. a perfect person for all those who know him."
(probably meant 'infectious' and 'zest')

"Our family bears the distinctness of both traditional , logical and ethical outlook towards life."
(does both mean 3?)

"I am looking for a girl who has committed lead a happy life, And even i am committed for that:). Rest all the things we can communicate/disucss due the course of time to realize our dreams and lead happy life:) "
(lucky girl)

"I AM OPEN MINDED, REQURIED GOOD PATNER WHO CAN TAKE OF MY PARENTS AND MYSELF.SHE SHOULD VERY KINDLY PERSON WITH GOOD NATURE AND SHOULD BELIVE IN LOVE" (Florence Nightingale?)

"i am sincere to offer fun and joy to make my partner and life happy.Mother,father,sisters and me we are all employees.we are well settled with enough financial support.we are happy living.We are traditional as well as modern living."
(happy living...)

"I compleated my BE Mech in 2000 in Hulkoti and an Bramhain and & very strong belife & very much found in my religion and in search of same kind of girl. "
(Spellcheck?)

"I'm a simpleton with lofty ambitions." (How?)

"Pride is important than anything else. Need a partner who has similar passions and values family and love."
(here's a proud person)

"Hello, I am a patient..no..no..i am very patient, fun loving, caring person. I have lot of self confidence and generally face the difficulty with a cool head. "
(poor guy sounds confused)

"i am a descent guy with lots of intentions in my life and i like to be a named person always and everywhere...... "

"My name is Guru
But My friends Call Me as Rahul
Hi TO every cute and Naugthy girls
Be good to urself do harm to any one,
live and let live in this beautiful world and every one as there own life of living love u all bye "
(you are a GURU)

Requirements

My uncle strongly recommended this guy to me. 'He is good looking, works in the Navy and his father is quite rich.' Ok, let me see, I said.
The guy's requirement was, 'See, I expect my wife to be home, when I get back in the evening from work.' Hmm, I thought.
Plus, he gave me free advice, 'You can't marry someone because you like their face.'

Yeah, I know people who have regretted their decisions taken on face value.

Sunday Activity

There was this really cute guy who came to meet us, with his dad and sis. Very practical guy, had ony 1 question to ask me - 'Adige barutha?'. I blushed before mumbling something, thinking of my less than perfect culinary skills.

One of my favorites is meeting this boy's parents at Bangalore as the boy was away in Chennai. After the initial introduction, the couple started 'waxing eloquent' about their 'boy'. They proudly showed his photos, some of them taken at his workplace with his team. 'He is so good at what he does. His manager is very happy with him. He has received performance awards in his organisation. Although he only has a B.Sc degree, even an M.Tech cannot stand in front of him. His knowledge is too good. He is very good person, good at heart, God fearing ............'
Then, his mother, beaming 'His company has given him a laptop, so even during weekends, he is working...............He has been to US twice. Have you been outside the country?', she asked me. I mumbled a 'No'.
This went on for an hour and Iam quoting their actual words.

As I sat there, I was reminded of young parents who ask their little one to maybe recite a poem to their friends. After the 'performance', how proud and happy the parents are !!!!!!

'Is Your Daughter Fair? Is She Slim? How Much Does She Make?'

They are common questions that my mother has got used to answering. Except for the slim part. I am putting on some weight lately :)

This happened about 4 years ago. One lady whom my mother contacted after getting the number from a marriage 'bureau' asked if I was working. My mother replied 'No, but she is searching for a job'. 'Ok, then call me after she gets a job', said the woman.

Earlier, when we were in Chennai, we contacted this person who asked how much does your daughter earn? My mother said she is a trainee at a small organisation and doesn't get paid yet. His reply was 'Then, no thanks!'

There is one eligible bachelor in Bangalore who is listed in most of the 'vara vadhu anveshan kendra'. The requirement column in his profile read '5 lacs p.a'. Usually salary is mentioned in the 'About me' column. I looked again and wondered if 5 lacs was his salary written in the wrong place. Well, no. He apparently makes 14 lacs p.a. and the requirement column stated clearly - "Fair, height above 5'4", working, salary 5 lacs p.a."

No comments.

Weekend Tour

Iam looking forward to the weekend. 'Cos I get to go to my favorite place with my favorite people. Going to Tirupati with my mum and brother tomorrow. Read in the papers that there was a record collection in the Tirumala temple hundi on one day- 2.36 crore INR!!!!

It's going to be our first visit to Kalahasti. Somehow we never went there inspite of visiting Tirupati so often.

There are few things I like more than visiting ancient temples. They are all so beautiful and there are always interesting stories about it.

Inside the Tirumala temple, there are statues of Krishnadevaraya and his consorts. I imagine how the place would have been in those times. What kind of clothes would people wear those days and most of all, how few people would have been there for darshan :)

I like the temple in Belur for its architectural beauty. The guide said that in front of the Chennakeshava statue where there is a large circular stage like thing, the queen would dance (nrityaseva) for the Lord. I so want to see that but too late!

And of course, the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. So huge and hoary......The Parthasarathy in Chennai, The Shiva temple at Arunachalam built by one of the Chola kings....the temple complex is so huge and the actual Shivalinga is so small!

My Temples Wishlist: Udupi, Dharmasthala, Kumbhakonam, Srirangam, Ahobilam, Guruvayur, Badari.......

Till Death Did Us Part - Miss You Pa

Oh, how I miss my father :(
On some days more than ever. Especially when I have to take an important decision or I want to share an incident, I wonder who will take his place in my life.

Sadly, no one can. Who will care for a person like a parent? Who else will use their wisdom and forethought to give the best advice?
Sometimes, I am terrified of making mistakes. I would postpone taking a decision for the fear of taking the wrong one. If was there, he would tell me what is right and wrong.

It has been 5 years now, I have learnt to live without him. It's hard but then I think there are some others who are worse off than I am.

Krishna Janmashtami

Lord Krishna is beyond birth and death. He is present at all times, at all places, within and without all beings, living and non living.

Krishna Janmashtami or Gokula Ashtami as it is also known, marks the day that He revealed his form to those on earth. Krishna avtar's purpose during the Dwaapara Yuga was to show that He is devoted to his true devotees and that He would destroy those who tread the path of adharma.

Krishna is the 8th avtar among the Dashavtar of Vishnu.

He is the 8th son born to Devaki and Vasudev.

He was born on the 8th day in the month of Shraavan.

He was 8 years old when He killed his evil uncle Kamsa and released His parents from prison.

He had 8 wives known as 'Ashta Mahishi' which included Rukmini, Satyabhama, Mitravinda and others.

Other than them he married 16100 women whom he released from an evil king's captivity. 1+6+1+0+0 adds up to 8 again!

Madhwacharya, during his avtar in Kaliyuga consecrated the Krishna's beautiful idol at Udupi and created 8 Mathas to perform pooja to Krishna in turns.

From what I heard, there are more '8's associated with the Krishna avtar but I can only recollect these many.

Interestingly, my father was named after Krishna as he was the 8th born child to his parents! Now, naming the 8th child...... That's something we may not see in our generation :)

'Ittange Iruveno Hariye'

My maternal grandmother was widowed at 38 with 4 school going children and a pension of twenty rupees a month.
When she succumbed to her 2nd heart attack last year, she was 80.

She had suffered poverty, pain, humiliation, separation at various stages of her life.
What I find remarkable in her is not one day did she say 'Why me?!' or 'If only!'
She did not cry over her fate nor curse the stars.
'Itt hange Iruvenu Hariye' was her favourite phrase. That's the first line of a song in kannada which means "Lord, I will accept what you have given and be satisfied".

She could accept life as it came and was stronger for it. Instead of brooding over the past, she would live in the present moment. I find that my mother is very similar to her. She was 17 when she took on the role of a breadwinner. I find the same kind of strength in her that was in her mother. Acceptance, courage, wisdom, patience and hardwork.

I end up wishing I am at least 10% of what my grandmother was and my mother is.

Buy, No-Buy?

I heard this a few months back,
' Earlier, when we were asked to buy few things, we would forget one or two on the list. But now the super-stores open up all their stuff for us in attractive display counters. So, we end up buying more than what we wanted to in the first place'

That's so true.
According to a major retailer the chances of a person wanting to buy only a loaf of bread and coming out of the store with ONLY that, is like one in a billion.

I thought I was immune to this consumerist culture because I am quite thrifty and don't use credit cards. But I have, quite a few times 'bought stuff that I really didn't need or use'. Must be careful the next time:)