A Morning Stroll

 

              

                            

                                                              

1           The warm sun with fresh morning breeze

    Tempted me to go on a stroll

    Once it was a jungle dense, this area whole

    But now hundreds of trees razed down with ease

    By monstrous machines to satisfy the greed

    Of landgrabbers and none cared to heed

    The layman’s complaint and what they need

    Is just to fill their coffers with speed;

    The jungle is gone and not a trace

    The multi-storied buildings usurped that place.

 

2          A green mini-forest as they say is seen

   A park in place of spacious jungle as they say

   A poor substitute for Nature’s display

   Amidst this concrete jungle dry without a touch of green

   As custodians of Nature, they proudly thought;

   Can they create Nature once lost?

   Can they bring back the freedom of wild forms?

   Can they bring back the stunning colors of scenic charms?

   The merry cries of birds and bursting roar of beasts?

   With everchanging hues, the jungle seemed a visual feast. 

 

3          Man has become a ruthless predator indeed

   Usurping everything by brutal might

   His perverted mind thinks what he did is right;

   Just to widen roads and build mansions

   He felled millions of trees without conscience;

   In the name of progress, he creates chaotic domain

   He snuffed out lives of creatures with disdain.

   Destroying Nature for his selfish gain.

 

4         As I took the morning stroll in the park

   I found hybrid bushes and thorny shrubs in rows

   All in dull dreary form; Fresh Nature’s look they lack

   No space for them as they wish to freely grow

   The lively abundance and dense thickness wild;

   The garden looked like a kid meek and mild

   Some bushes are trimmed in various shapes fine

   Controlled by rigid rules and standing in line

   The vital glow of life is missing and there is nil

   Like dull plastic figures the trees stood still.

 

5        Whatever man boasts of his knowledge great

  The refreshing breath of Nature he can’t re-instate

  To cover his heinous crime, he may prate;

  Freedom and beauty of woods he can’t re-create;

  Does civilization mean to go on killing spree?

  Murdering wild beasts, birds and bulky trees?

  Plundering Nature in the name of progress

  Risking his own existence beyond our guess?

  Let forests, hills and lakes kindly spare

  Protect Nature and your surroundings with care.

                  *******************

    11th June 2026               Somaseshu Gutala

 

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHO IS THE REAL DOER?

               

                                      

                   

         

1             His poems serve like clear crystal glass

Mirroring the problems of suffering mass;

The stamp of his verse lasts for long

His rhythm as sweet as a lyric song

His characters act and talk like living creatures

In brief his poems have universal features.

He deems himself as the greatest one

To compare with his genius there is none.

 

2           He breathes life in whatever he draws

His use of vibrant colors draws applause

Right from his childhood he did display

His painting skills and his exceptional way;

Another Raphael or Titian he thought

Of himself with his original art self-taught.

He stunned his viewers' hearts with colorful dreams

As a greatest painter he was held in esteem. 

 

3           Rocky boulders breathed life in his hand

He chiseled them into splendid statues grand

In every temple and palace his art is seen

Statues glistened with black, smooth polished sheen

Sturdy rocks turned soft by his matchless skill

Lively figures with lovely curves inspiring thrill.

Another Michael Angelo or Davinci himself he thought

Deemed himself as the creator of superb art.

 

4          His voice enchanted millions of souls

He thought he had reached his long, cherished goal

His melodious voice admired everywhere

Among his peers he has no equal, beyond compare

He used his voice to earn immense wealth and fame

He never thought from whom his talent came.

He did not consider singing glories of God

He sang only to admire his kings and lords.

 

5         He felt too much proud of his intellectual mind

      Creating inventions helpful to mankind

      To achieve his goal, he worked too hard

Making devices as others applaud

He was proud of conquering Nature

He was the greatest scientists of noble stature.

Who is the greatest scientist with fantastic art?

Who created this wonderful world he never thought. 

 

6     Being proud of  a ruler of mighty empire

He subjugated many kings and still aspires

To extend his sovereign rule with power immense

Without caring for loss of lives and huge expense;

He called himself as God and will not rest

He didn’t care others and did what he deems as best

He did not realize the source of his mighty power

To glorify himself he built many huge towers. 

 

7            Power and wealth pollute many in fact

         As very few for welfare righteously act

        We forget the real source of power within

And add credit to ourselves, an ignorant sin

Our efforts to immortalize ourselves is vain

Almighty Time wipes out all with disdain

Neither our power nor wealth last ever long

Before Almighty God, our powers strong. 

 

8                  Men are easily puffed up with ignorant pride

              Unaware of inner source who really guides

             Mistaking the shell for the egg we deem

             We think ourselves as doers as it seems;

             Who is the real doer who gives credit and fame

             To us though we exist only by name;

            The real subject, object and verb are all-in-one

             Without His omniscient presence we are none.

                   *****************

   5th June 2026                         Somaseshu Gutala

Note : "Acknowledge that you are the channel, not the ultimate cause of your actions."  ---- "Bhagavadgita ( 11th Chapter, verse 33).

Leonordo da vinci --- (1452-1519)15th century painter, scientist and inventor. He is primarily known for his paintings "Mona Lisa" and "The last Supper."     

Raphael  --- (1483-1520) 16th century Italian  painter. "The Sistine madonna" and "The Alba madonna" are his well-known paintings.

Michael Angelo -- (1475-1564) 15th century famous sculptor and painter. His frescoes on the Sistine Chapel " Creation of Adam" and  "The Last Judgement " are famous masterpieces.

Titian ---(1488-1576) 16th century Italian painter. The painting "Venus of urbino" is his most famous painting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On my visit to Kota Sattemma Temple, Nidadavolu (East Godavari Dist ) A.P.

 

Kota Sattemma Temple entrance

                               

                                  

Kota sattemma idol on the frieze

       

Way to the temple

                                              

Entrance Hall or Mukhamandapam

                                

  

                        

Kota Sattemma Idol in the sanctum

                                                      

Nangalamma idol near the Godavari canal

This temple was established by the eastern Chalukya king, Veerabhadra who married Kakatiya queen Rani Rudramadevi in Nidadavolu (Niravadyapuram). This Swaymbhu ten-feet high (self-manifested) idol was once seen in the king’s fort. This fort was a “Jaladurgam” of eastern Chalukya kings surrounded by water bodies. Once this town was the capital of Eastern Chalukya kings. King Veerabhadra ruled some parts of West Godavari district in 13^th century.  The Goddess was regarded as the protector of the fort. The Chalukya King Bhima, builder of Draksharama temple, won this region from Rashtrakutas.  Once there were more than one hundred Shiva temples in this region., Many of these temples were destroyed by Mohd bin Tuglk in 1323.Gradually the fort was gone. In 1934, a native of Thimmaraju Palem, Sri Devulapalli Rama Murty Shastri found this idol in his field. The goddess appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a temple. Shastri with the help of farmers constructed this temple. With the permission Rama Murty Shastri, this temple was once managed by Yadavas. Nidadavolu was developed prominent Arya Vaisyas. Timmaraju Palem is just three kms from Nidadavolu town.

The main idol is seen with four hands bearing a conch, dice, Abhayaa, Varada Mudras and bearing a Yagnopavita (the sacred thread). The conch in her hand represents power and sacred sound of “OM”. The dice in Her hand represents strategy and intelligence. She is also associated with (Hala) that is a plough since the idol was discovered by the plough while Krishna Sastri was ploughing the field. In 1992 the Endowments Department took charge of this temple. Nityannadanam (free meals) is done every day in the afternoon.

 Between 1976 and 1977, the temple was further expanded. In 2002 this temple was developed with a spacious premises. The opening hours of this temple are from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.  On Sundays and Tuesdays, the temple is open from 3.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Many unmarried people and couples desiring progeny offer prayers here. Even Muslims visit this place to get their desires fulfilled.  On Sundays and Tuesdays, many devotees come to this temple in large numbers from East and Godavari districts, Srikakulam and Vijayanagara districts also.

 Special poojas are done on auspicious festival days like Ugadi, Sri Rama Navami, Toli Ekadasi, Vara Lakshmi Vratam, Krishnashtami, Vinayaka Chaviti, Navaratri, radha Mukkoti Ekadashi, Sankranti, and Radhasaptami festival days. During Navaratri days, Chandi Homam is done. The nearby temples in Chinna Kashi Revu, like Golingeshwara Alayam, Anjaneya Alayam, Someshwara Alayam,Madana Gopala Swamy Alayam, and the temple of local Goddess Nangamma Alayam.  Nanagalamma temple is in Samisragudem.

There are three buildings for devotees to stay here. There is also a shopping complex here to buy pooja material. All these temples are located beside the bank of Godavari canal.

                                   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

     30th May 2026                             Somaseshu Gutala

On my visit to Maha Pratyangira Kali temple, Hosur (Krishnagiri Dist), Tamilnadu

                     

Statue of Pratyangira Kali Devi on the tower

Raja Gopuram

                       

Sculptures on the main temple tower

               

                               

Pratyangira kali devi in the sanctum

                                               

Statue of Pratyangira Devi in the lion-mouthed cave

                                               

Statue of Shiva in the temple cave

                                                 

Lord sarabheshwara

                       

The holy trident

This temple is in Maranapalli, Hosur, and is in close proximity to SIPCOT Industrial Area. It is nearly 7.5 kms from Hosur bus stand.  The way to this surrounding temple seems very scenic with a rural landscape comprising fields, vegetable cultivation and mango orchards. According to legends, this temple was first established by Sage Durvasa to overcome his anger and obtain inner peace.

 On the Gopuram one can see the biggest Pratyangira Devi statue in the world. In this temple one can see the bright painted awe-inspiring statues of Pratyangira Devi, Sarabheshwara, Mariamman, Kali, Lord Narasimha and Bhagalamukhi. The entrance to see these statues is shaped like the mouth of a lion wide open. 

This temple is a Tantric-based temple, and devotees offer red chilies during Homas to destroy negative energy.  In the sanctum one can see a black stone-idol adorned with precious stones and jewelry. Pratyangira Devi is a fierce form of Shakti with the head of male lion and the body of a woman symbolizing ferocity and maternal grace. She protects her devotees from dark and evil forces and from black magic.  She was born from Shiva’s third eye to calm the intense anger of Lord Narasimha.  According to tantric texts, she is the wife of Lord Kala Bhairava or Lord Sarabheshwara.  In some legends she manifested herself emerging from Lord Narasimha’s body. She embraced Him to   calm His fury and restore peace. As Atharvana Bhadra Kali she is also the bestower of salvation and spiritual freedom and the destroyer of Karmic forces. Her lion -head represents courage, power neutralizing the bad effects of karma of negative forces.

 

In the main sanctum she is shown as seated with four arms, holding a trident, serpent, drum and another trident. There are sub-shrines where one can see the idols of Lord Narasimha, Sharbha, and Mariamman. In her other forms she is shown as having eight or more arms wielding weapons like sword, noose, shields, and skull bowls. Adorned with serpents around arms and a necklace, She represents mastery over fierce elements protecting her devotes from snake-related afflictions and Sarpa doshas. The lion beside her shows control over wild and demonic forces. She is closely associated with the Atharvaveda from which protective mantras are chanted to invoke her blessings.

 

Many devotees visit this place to seek relief from dark evil forces and overcome obstacles, evil effects of sorcery and black magic and achieve success and prosperity. They believe that worship of Pratyangira Bhadra Kali gives protection to them against evil effects of evil eye, health problems, legal disputes, obstacles, black magic, and from planetary doshas of Rahu and Ketu.

The temple timings are from 6.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Abhishekam is done daily at 7.00 a.m. and Maha Mangala Aarati is at 8.30 a.m. Special poojas are performed on Amavasya, Poornima, Ashtami Tithi and on Fridays and Tuesdays. Urad dal, red bananas, pomegranates, dates and jaggery Kheer are offered to this Goddess.

 Here Rahu kala Poojas are done on every Tuesday between 3.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. and on Friday between 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. The ritual to drive away evil eye is done every day. It costs only ten rupees for a lemon and ten rupees for tying a yellow thread around the wrist after chanting mantras. The devotees also tie yellow threads to a spear to help resolve family issues and delay in marriage. The nearby temples worth- visiting are Sri Laksmi Venkata Ramana temple, Dakshina Tirupati, and Ayyappan temple.

                                  ********************

24th May 2026                                            Somaseshu Gutala

On my Visit to Sri Chandrachudeshwarar Temple, Hosur (Krishnagiri Dist)

 

  

Sri Chandrachudeshwarar temple Hosur

                                    

A view of Hosur from the hill- top

                   

Architecture on the temple tower

Main Entrance Tower

                                   

                                

Temple Pushkarini

                               

Chandrachudeshwarar and Maragadhambika

                                              

Sculptures on the walls

                                              

Sri Chandrachudeshwarar in the sanctum

                                               

Sri Maragadhambika Ammal

                                                   

Lord Ganapathy

                                          

Idol of Nandi 

                                        

Mahamandapa

                                        

A Pool seen on the way

Inscriptions on the stone 

                                                

Golden Chariot

This famous temple is located on a 250-feet high rocky hill in Hosur, Krishnagiri dist, Tamilnadu and one can have a scenic view of the entire city from this hill-top.  The name of Chandrachud means one who has a moon on his crown. Shiva with His spouse, Maragathambika is seen here. One has to climb 108 steps to reach this temple, or one can also reach this temple by car. The name of Hosur is mentioned in “Bhadragiri Mahatyam”, a part of “Brahmanda Puranam”.

 Though this temple was expanded by the Hoyasala king, Tirubhuvanamalla Parvatharaja Anthiyazhvhar in1260, this temple dates back to Chola era. The eleventh century Chola stone inscription here mentions the glory of Raja Raja Cholan and Kulottunga Cholan. The eleventh-century stone inscriptions in the temple also tell us about the contributions made by the Hoyasala kings who ruled Hosur around 1200 A.D.  In those days Hosur was known as “Murasu Nadu”. From sixteenth century onwards it came to be known as “Hosur.” Later it came under the rule of Vijayanagara kings.

The thirteenth century inscription found in Perumal temple and Bangalore Shiva temple, tell the detailed donations made to this temple by the Chola kings. This temple was renovated by Azakiya Perumal Aathimoolam. There are one hundred three carved sculptures in this temple.

This temple mainly built of soapstone has a seven-tiered Rajagopuram with intricate carvings. Both the shrines of Chandrachudeswara Lingam and Maragadhambika are east facing. Outside the sanctum around in niches are seen idols of traditional deities such as Dakshinamurty, Narthana Ganapthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durga. In the inner periphery are seen the idols of sixty-three Nayanmars, Kashi Vishweswara, Chandikeshwara, Agni, Vayu, Kala Bhairava and Veerabhadra. A special shrine features Vallabha Uchchista Ganapthy with goddess on His lap.  The Navagraha enclosure is seen near a well from which water is used for daily rituals. Outside the temple there is Vasantha Mandapam, a grand-pillared hall, used for special festivals.

The main entrance towers are painted in vibrant colors and can be seen even from several kms away. The Garuda Stambha in this temple depicts the history of royal guards who committed suicide upon their master’s death. At present this temple is maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Hosur.

The temple timings are from 6.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Special festive poojas for Pradosham, Mondays, Annabhishekam during Aippasi month (Oct-Nov), Arudra Darshanam, Maha Shiva Rathri, Nava Rathri, and the grand annual festival (Rahtosthavam) in March-April. Special Rahu-Kethu poojas are done daily for astrological relief. Devotees throw rock salt and pepper into the temple pond to get rid of physical ailments.

                                     *********************

12th May 2026                                     Somaseshu Gutala

             

On my visit to Sri Nageshwara Swamy Temple, Begur (Bangalore Urban)

 

                            

Shiva with Parvati and His Children

               

                                       

Carved Figures at the Gateway

                                                

Sculptured elephant at the entry way

                          

Sri Panchalingeshwara Swamy Board

                                             

Shrine of Ganesh with Serpent Goddess

               

                                        

Nandi Scuplture at the base of the pillar

   

                              

Nageshswara Temple

                                  

Nandi Mandapa

                           

Sri Kali Kamateshwara swamy

                                               

Sri Nagareswara swamy

            

Nandi Mandapa

                                   

Ganesha with Two hands

                                                 

Sri Karneshwara Swamy

                                     

                                               

Mukha Mandapa

                        

Carvings on outer temple wall

                                         

Hero-Stones in the temple compound

                                 

Hero-Stone depicting Bengalur War

This is a Panchalinga Kshetra (also called Nageshwara Swamy or Naganadeshwara Temple) just 15kms from Bengaluru, is situated in a small town within Bangalore urban District. This very ancient 1300-years old temple is about four kms from Begur road from the Bommanahalli junction on Hosur road. A 9th century inscription was discovered here with the earliest reference to Bengalur.

This temple was built by Western ganga kings, Ereganga Nitimarga I (843-870) and Ereyappa Nitimarga II (907-921). On behalf of the Ganga Kings, Nagattara, the famous Jain Chieftain of Begur and Commander of the Western Ganga dynasty (which ruled present day Karnataka and Tamilnadu from 4^th century to 11^th century) constructed this temple in Begur. The remaining shrines were built by Chola, Hoyasala and Vijayanagara kings. The Panchalingas are:

1 Sri Nageswara with Parvati is the oldest temple. Worship of this Linga fulfills the desires of the devotees.

2.  The worship of Sri Choleshwara Swamy cures skin ailments.

3.  The worship of Sri Nagareswara Swamy solves business problems and court cases.

4. The worship of Kalikamateshewara swamy blesses devotees with children.

5.  The worship of Sri Karneshwara Swamy gives good health.

The temple timings of this historic temple are 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. in later times four new temple towers or Rajagopurams have been built on four sides. Special poojas are performed in this temple during Kartik Month (Nov), Mahashiva Ratri and Brhama Rathostva in the month of April.

 

According to the legends, Ravana after losing his Atma Linga in Gokarnam visited this temple during his return journey to Sri Lanka and worshipped Nageshwara Lingam here. The Nageshwara temple has a simple square sanctum with a Vestibule (Antarala). Next to Antarala, there is or Navaragna Artha Mandapa) which leads to an open hall or Agramandapa or Mukhamandapa.. This open hall has six unequally placed pillars. This leads to Nandi Mandapa with an idol of Nandi placed on a lotus platform (Padma Pitha). The Nandi Mandapa is supported by four white granite pillars. In the Navaragna or closed hall, the western Gangas set up eight panels in square grid shape around the ceiling with a beautiful sculpture of four-handed Uma Maheswara. Likewise in the open hall or Mukhamandapa there are sculptures of the seated sculptures of Shiva and Parvati, Mahishasuramardini, a unique two-handed Ganesha and Kalabhairava. Near the entrance door there are carvings of Shiva Ganas and loops of lotus flowers. At the top the entrance on the lintel is seen the figure of Gajalakshmi with elephants on either side. The shrine of Nagareshwara is another shrine built by Western Ganga kings. The other shrines of Choleshwara, Kali Kamteshwara and Karaneshwara are seen.

One can also see Kannada inscription dated 890 A.D. which refers to Bengaluru wars.  This is the earliest evidence of the existence of a place called Bengaluru. Besides there are many hero stones set up in memory of war heroes who died fighting in the war.

                         ***************************

 Note :

When Nolamba king, Vira Mahendra, attacked Gangas neat Tumkur at Tumbepadi or Tumbadi with elephant troops, Nagattara bravely encountered them and struck seven arrows on the head of the mighty royal elephant. But unfortunately, he was trampled by the elephant to death.  His successor Irugumaiah erected hero stones in memory of Nagaratta in Begur temple. Nagaratta’s daughter Tondayabbe performed the Jain vow of Sallekhana (fasting unto death) following the death of her husband in the war. In this battle of Bengaluru (890 A.D.) Nagattara’s son, Bhuttanpati or Perumadi, and many other relatives died. Twelve villages were given to Nagratta’s family of which Begur was the chief village. Nagaratta served under the Ganga king, Ereyappa Nitimarga II. Ultimately Gangas won the war. Gangas continued their rule till they were defeated by Rajendra Chola I. Begur, also called as Veppur or Bempuru, was once an important center of business, Vedic learning and administration of Ganga, Chola and other dynasties. At a short distance away from this temple is seen a broken circular mud fortress in which the Kashi Visveshwara temple is seen.

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  4th May 2026                        Somaseshu Gutala