MY VISIT TO TEMPLES IN U.S.

Sai Baba Temple, Kifer Road

                                                  

During my stay in U.S.I had the opportunity of visiting some temples in the neighborhood. When  I compared those religious centers with those in India, I did not find much difference except in matters like better organi zation,amenities and hygienic surroundings.For NRIs, these temples serve as places to recharge and sustain their interest in Indian tradition, culture and conventions.In spite of busy routine many people take off some time to visit temples to derive spiritual satisfaction and some relief from stress and strain. In many temples language classes, reciting hymns and Vedic mantras along with religious discourses and training programs are organized so that young people and children may learn about moral and ethical values that are not much taught in ordinary class rooms.Many people serve as volunteers and organize social service activities, festive celebrations bhajans and charity works.As these people are far away from their native land,they show more attention and care in participating in the activities of the temples.

I often used to go to Sai Baba Temple on Kaifer Road in Sunnyvale. which has been managed by Shirdi Sai Parivar since 2007.This non-profit volunteer-based organization is dedicated to spread of the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba and motivating the members to involve themselves in cultivating devotion to God and contributing their mite in helping the poor and needy. Bhajans,religious programs,aarti and distribution of prasadam (Food offered to God) are done with  devotion and discipline. Just six miles away from Sunnyvale, the same organization established another Sai Mandir with permanent constructed building in 2010. In both these  temples religious rites and ceremonies are performed as done in Shirdi. Special poojas are done on Thursdays and festival days.Apart from religious programs, charitable works like disribution of food to the poor and conducting health camps are organized by the volunteers.The volunteers themselves will do worship and we do not find any priest employed to do this religious duty.

Idols of Satyanarayana Swamy

                                                                                          

Another temple I visited two or three times is the "Milipitas Satyanarayana Swami Temple", quite near to Sai Baba Mandir. This temple was set up in the present building by VEDA(Vedic Education and Devotional Academy) in 2010.When I visited this temple,developmental works were going on. Now this temple is in full shape with sanctum and other rooms. Along with main presiding deity one can have darshan of other Hindu deities like Durga, Shiva, Vinayaka, Murugan, Hanuman and Saraswati.The priests in the temple are well-trained Vedic scholars and perform all kinds of ritual and poojas. On every full moonday Satyanarayana Vratham is performed by many devotees here.I had also the chance of listening to Swami China Jeeyar's lecture on the significance and spiritual implications behind idol worship. In this temple special classes are conducted to teach Pooja Vidhi (procedure of worshipping gods) and Vedic Suktas(hymns).

Baps Swaminarayan temple, milipitas

 Inner Sanctum

One more temple with a wider range of activities is the BAPS(Bochanvasi Shree Akshar Purushothamtham Samstha)Swami Narayan Temple in Milipitas.As you probably know systematic management and discipline are seen here as in other Swami Narayan Temples elsewhere. The idols of Radha and Krishna, Durga,Balaji,Sita Rama,Hanuman,Shiva Parvathi, Guru Parampara and that of Swami Narayana made of costly marble and decked in dazzling gold attract our attention.The main idea in establishing this temple is to popularize and sustain the ideals and preachings of Swami Narayana cult. This temple is managed by BAPS, a religious organisation started in Milipitas in 1990s. Shantilal,a devotee of Swami  Narayan and an immigrant from Kenya took keen interest and purchased the existing building with the co-operation of other devotees from Overseas Crusades Ministries in 1991.On the first floor of the building we can see the holy shrine,priests' quarters and dining hall.On the second floor library hall and rooms for conducting classes and for cultural activities and conferences are seen. In the gift store, many religious books,children's story books herbal products and items used in worship are seen.The BAPS Organization conducts many educational and social service programs here.This temple's activities are funded by the main temple headquarters based in New York.

Sahasra Ligam in Mahakaleshwara Mandir,
Santa Clara

Kalikambal Idol

The Mahakaleswara Temple in Santa Clara has the unique privilege of having the first huge and massive six  foot Sahasra Shiva Lingam (A Shiva Lingam with one thousand,one hundred and  sixteen lingams carved around it made of black granite and weighing about 300 lbs. Here you also see  the first Jyothirlingam set up in the whole  of the U.S. on 28th August,2010 by Swami Sathasivam , the Head Priest of Kalikambal Temple of Chennai from India. Along with Lord Shiva, the idol of Mahakali is also seen.  Abhishekam for Mahakali is done every Saturday and for Shiva on every Sunday respectively.In this temple free Yoga classes and free training in  Vedic chanting are conducted regularly. There is a separate medi-tation hall for devotees to sit and pray silently. This temple is managed by Sambasadashiva Vidya Peetham, a non-profit religious organization.

Sri Krishna and Balarama  in the holy shrine

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Idol Of Srila Prabhu Pada

    

   

Sri Krishna Balarama temple at Reamwood Ave, Sunnyvale was established on 29th October, 2011 by Indian Heritage Foundation with the noble intention of spreading devotion to God and teaching great Indian religious classics like " the Bhagavat Gita"and" Srimad Bhagavatham." Based on the Vaishnavite philosophy of Sri A.C.Bhakti Vedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the most revered founder of Iskon Society. This temple organization is actively involved in catering to the spiritual and cultural needs of all the people  irrespective of race and creed. Situated in a spacious area near the vicinity of Sunnyvale many devotees visit this temple.The beautiful marble statues of Sri Krishna and His brother Sri Balaram , decked with ornaments  and colorful garlands and standing in graceful pose convey the message of brotherly love and affection. The pictures of Lord Balaji and Lord Narasimha reveal the benign and powerful aspects of the divine Lord. The statues of Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada reveal the greatness of Bhakti philosophy and the efficacy of chanting the name of God(Lord Sri Krishna), who promised His grace to all creatures who come to him with a sense of total surrender without bothering about the results of their karmas (deeds done in this mundane world). In this temple many activities like Bhajans, Kirtans, chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, Nagara Sankeerthana (moving around in streets singing Lord's names)  and conducting Sunday School for children and organizing feasts for all devotees and free distribution of religious books on every Saturday evening are done. The noble task of free distribution of religious and Vedic literature to all is to be emulated by other  other temples also since even highly educated people of modern times have lost touch with our noble heritage and religious classics. It is one of the ways of  imparting moral education and helps in gradual transformation of the individual.In collaboration with Big Animation Private Ltd. India Heritage Foundation also produced a series of Animation Video Stories about the life and adventures of divine child, Bala Krishna. In the gift store one can find many books concerned with philosophy and epics, pictures, photos, beautiful idols and Pooja material( items used in daily worship of God). 

Two temples a little distant from Sunnyvale are the famous Shiva-Vishnu Temple in Livermore(28 miles from Sunnyvale) and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple at Gilroy.(nearly forty two miles). The temple in Livermore is a very spacious temple with a regular round of rituals and religious activities.Constructed in South Indian style, this temple attracts a large number of devotees. One can see the atmosphere of a typical Indian temple here with crowded devotees and loud chanting of Vedic hymns. In clear contrast to this busy place, nestled in the sylvan valley of Mt. Maddonna hill, the Gilroy temple is a sight to visit with calm surroundings and hermitage-like simple structure. Far away from the city this temple along with small cottages and Yoga Training center and Ayurvedic College draws many tourists to spend some time here to experience the essence of true inner tranquility and rejuvenation of their physical and mental health This temple is managed by Hanuman Fellowship a religious organization based in California since 1974.

Before concluding  I would like to brief the main features of the temples I visited in U.S. which may set an example for other temples in India in providing and improving facilities.In most of the temples in U.S. parking facilities , shoes stand, cloak rooms and rest rooms are provided free of cost and maintained very neatly. In every temple a regular schedule is followed and the list of activities and services undertaken are clearly displayed on the notice board. Clear directions are marked on sign posts and volunteers are there to help the visitors. There is no scope for brokers and middlemen to exploit tourists by promising them quick darshan and special privileges. In every temple volunteers help in guiding the visitors,in decoration,in preparing prasadam and in distribution of food.Latest technology is used in temple offices and in administrative affairs. So there is no scope for committing any fraud or illegal management in financial matters. Every temple has a web site wherein all activities and photos and history of the temple are clearly shown along with E-mail address for getting suggestions and feedback. The priests are also familiar with use of gadgets like I-pad and smart phones. They are also able to communicate in English and Hindi with devotees without any difficulty. Apart from spiritual and religious services social service and charity works are undertaken with regular schedule and active participation of devotees. Library, gift shop, and conference hall and dining hall are other things that attracted my attention.The devotees mostly from India observed traditional rules with shradda (attention) and devotion. At the same time they maintained cleanliness in temple precincts and observed discipline following queue system without any rush or hurry.In Sai temples devotees themselves prepare food items and bring them to be offered to God and later to be distributed to devotees.In Livermore temple one can see various types of rituals and ceremonies done elaborately by learned priests and Vedic scholars. The sight of People coming in traditional dresses adds a pious religious touch and shows our own identity and value of our culture.So I think we should not be led into wrong notion that our traditional dress is a sign of outdated society or social backwardness. Likewise we should not feel shy or inferior to converse or use our native language if other people know that language. Many linguists have already warned the death of so many languages along with cultures which they carry along with them. Once in India temples served as centers of knowledge, medical service,education, culture and social service.Even in Middle Ages, monasteries in Europe did commendable service in all fields and the monks led a very simple and austere life. So let us try to bring back the noble status and recognition to our temples and thereby in transforming the society by their practical example rather than by mere verbal platitudes.

Dear readers, with this I conclude the series of articles written about my experiences in U.S. during my three-month long stay.The U.S. is a very vast domain with rich diversity and modern technology.What I wrote is very insignificant. There are so many things unexplored with a wide spectrum of great magnitude. So let me celebrate my journey with these few lines of Walt Whitman, one of my favourite American poets;

            " I hear America singing the varied carols I hear
               ***********************************
              Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else
              *******************************************
             The day what belongs to the day--at night the party of young fellows robust and friendly
             *******************************************************************
            Singing with open mouths their strong , melodious songs."

       ( I am very much thankful to my son Subash, a great blogger himself, who has helped me              in starting this literary and social platform to share my views and experiences with you.
     I would not have written these articles without my daughter-in-law, Nikhila's  help, who                 like a teacher and mentor taught me how to type on a computer, repeatedly explaining
    and clarifying my doubts with much patience.My hearty blessings to both of them.)


       Dated: 18th July, 2013                                                             SOMA SESHU GUTALA











                 

My Trip to U.S. Part --Two

                                                                           

Purisma Red Creek

Purisma Red Creek Trail

Near Sunnyvale there are many scenic spots and gardens. Purisma Creek Redwoods is located on the   western slopes of the Santa Cruz mountain overlooking Half Moon Bay. One can watch the wild beauty of Nature with tall Redwood trees, ferns, flowers, shrubs,creeks and mountain brooks.Many people visit these woods to enjoy hiking and spend their time in peaceful and natural surroundings.There are many trails passing through wooded space consisting of creeks, and forest trees like redwood,huckleberry, hazelnut and tan oak trees.The All-access redwood trail is a three mile walk with all picnicking facilities like wooden tables and chairs.The North Ridge trail is 4.5 mile walk which passes through a grassy knoll with a wide view of open space and ocean. One can see fir, tan oak and huckleberry trees. The trail affords a very quiet and tranquil atmosphere without any disturbances from outside. The Bald Knob Trail provides a beautiful view of the rolling hills of western San Mateo hills. In these woods there is a very spacious (4,412 acres) open space preserve called Purisma Creek Canyon overlooking the Half Moon Bay. Nearly twenty one miles of mountain trails are developed passing through different directions for the hikers to view the woods and various flowers, birds and small wild animals.

Baylands Park, Sunnyvale.

 Bay Trail, Baylands Park

The next scenic spot is Sunnyvale Baylands Park.This park has seventy acres of developed parkland with  natural scenery and wild life. It is very near Sunnyvale Heritage Museum.The park has got many  recreational facilities and comforts like picnic tables, shaded canopies, grills and barbecue facilities.Adults as well as kids can enjoy here as there are many playgrounds and tracks for cycling and places for sports like kite flying. One can also walk along trails like Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail to watch mountain slopes, wild trees, birds, streams ans grassy lands.Children can watch the replicas of wild animals set up in the park premises. Beside this park there is Twin Creeks Sports Complex if you are a sports lover.

Winchester Mystery House, Santa Clara

Inner Chamber, Winchester House

If you are interested in seeing a weird and mysterious place, You may visit the famous Winchester Mystery House at San Jose. The house has nearly one hundred sixty rooms constructed over a period of thirty eight years,from 1884 to 1922.This Victorian mansion has six kitchens, forty-six bedrooms and  forty-seven stair ways with seven floors. A very awe-inspiring construction indeed! The owner of the house Sarah Winchester, who married a manufacturer of Winchester Rifles, shifted her residence from New Haven, Connecticut, after she had suffered the double loss in the death of her beloved daughter in 1866 and her husband in 1881. A psychic person from Boston told her that it was the curse of the spirits of the dead native Americans and Civil War soldiers who were killed by the Winchester rifles. So she was advised to shift her place of residence and go on building a mansion to pacify and to escape from the vengeance of the spirits. So in 1884 Sarah moved to Santa Clara and bought an eight-roomed house and  extended it to this vast size  sprawling over an area of six acres in 161 acres of farmland. You can also see the Winchester Rifle Museum  and electric elevator machinery.Of course her artistic tastes are clearly seen in designing the gardens and orchards with marble sculptures and fountains. She constructed the mansion with meandering and  abrupt openings as if she had wished to confound the spirits and escape from their influence  It was said that she used to sleep in different rooms to avoid the confrontation with spirits. Even now some visitors say that they have seen some apparitions when they entered her bedroom. Sarah died in 1922 and was buried in New Haven beside the grave of her husband.Now this palatial building is looked after by Union Trust Company of San Francisco.

Mountainview Library

Mountainview Public Library

Another place I visited is the Mountain View Public Library just five miles from Sunnyvale.This library is seen  in the peaceful surroundings with a spacious parking space surrounded by greenery and shady trees.Here we found many facilities given to the customers and public so that they can use the library services in a congenial atmosphere. Besides a large collection of books in various languages we also found video and audio C.Ds  with internet facility.It is said that there are more than two lakh books and four hundred periodicals and journals. I had the opportunity of watching more than thirty films during my stay in U.S.Another salient feature I noticed is that there is a collection of old books displayed neatly on the shelves  for any one interested to take them without any entry in the issue register.. They are called honor charge books. To my surprise I found books written by old writers which I think may be out of print and are not so easy to get in  the shops.I selected  some books as the prized possession to read them with much joy thanking the authorities  for their generous help. This practice is worth emulating in other countries as it gives an opportunity to share our books with others free of cost and avoiding to throw them as waste material in the garbage can. In U.K. I found books exhibited for sale on the pavement by the library authorities for nominal rates. This is also a good practice as the library will  get benefit to some extent without putting a large burden on people.This library also organizes various awareness programs for parents and entertainment programs   for children. There is also a mobile library service to help those who are not able to come to the library. Every year more than eight lakh people make use of the services of this library This library also gives  information to people's queries on various topics and subjects. This library was established in 1997.

CHOCOLATIER DESIREE

If you are a chocoholic you can visit "Chocolatier Desiree"in Sunnyvale where high quality Belgian Chocolates are hand-made with natural products without adding any chemicals and colorants.These chocolates are made by the famous Belgian Garter company that has more than fifty years of experience in this field.There you can see colorful and tasty truffles, milk chocolates and dark chocolates embellished with nuts and cream in more than forty flavors to gladden your taste buds.For diabetics there are sugar-free chocolates also.This company also accepts orders for big parties and functions.

 Thus in this city you can enjoy the modern luxuries along with natural sight seeing with so many resources to enrich your experiences and enthuse you very much.


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

   
DATE: 3rd JULY, 2013                                                              SOMA SESHU GUTALA

My Trip to U.S. (Part--ONE)

Sunnyvale city

Sunnyvale view from above

We left for Sans Francisco from Heathrow in the morning flying mainly over the Atlantic without any trace of land in view. On the map I saw that our plane flew over Scottish cities like Aberdeen and New Castle-on-the-Tyne. After many hours I saw on the map that our plane was flying over the Hudson Bay entering the Canadian cities like Montreal and Toronto.As we neared San Francisco,we saw a wide expanse of the Pacific gently rippling in the bay area. As we travelled through California,I felt as if I had entered a new world with tall buildings, wide roads, tall pillars and office complexes. No rustic touch of wild nature with dense trees and bushes; no small British homes with a tiny garden with flowering plants. All around I saw barren grey colored hills with autumnal brown tufts of dry grass here and there.I saw tall pines and conifers and neatly trimmed gardens lending a touch of urbanity and sophistication.A long retinue of cars moved to and fro in the hot climate of October,quite different from the cold weather of bleak London skies. Americans seem to relish everything big in size and proportion. Even in the houses I have seen, the ceiling is as high as eighteen feet and the streetlight poles are also very high.Even in departmental and grocery stores, the provisions are packed in large covers and cans as if to proclaim their abundance of availability and lavish show  of their opulence. Unlike in England where I saw mostly white people except in some places densely populated by Asians and Africans, here in California I found many people of China and India along with Mexicans and Africans-in brief a mixed population of various countries and races. Of course my exposure to this new country is very much limited. I have not seen the American countryside and the diverse climates of so many other places which vary not only in location but in their time schedule as well.

During my stay I could not see many places owing to my inability to move freely due to some physical ailment for which I found final cure only after returning to India. My stay in Sunnyvale gave me ample scope to visit nearby tourist sites and temples in spite of my condition of restricted mobility. Sunnyvale is a city located in Santa Clara County and is the principal city in the Silicon valley. Many companies like Yahoo, Net App,Maxim Integrated Products, Broad Com etc are established here. Of course the famous Google, the tempting star and destination of so many I.T.aspirants is also not so far. Just near this city  goes the scenic California Highway 101 leading up to Los Angeles.The temperature here is very much like that of India  without any extremes and other natural calamities like tornadoes and freezing snow.There are many museums like Sunnyvale Heritage Museum,Computer History Museum, Lace Museum and Hendy Ironwork. In the Sunnyvale Heritage Museum there is a replica of the original Murphy Family. Martin Murphy came from Maine in 1850 and settled here  and built the first frame house here. Later the house was donated to the city of Sunnyvale in 1950. Martin Murphy Jr. founded Sunnyvale and brought railroad through his property. He also helped in founding Santa Clara College. In 1961 this house  was destroyed in fire.The Sunnyvale Historical Society re-created the historical house and turned it as a museum. Here one can also see antique items, paintings, artifacts, historical documents and furniture.

The Lace Museum was founded in 1981.An outstanding collection of lace and lace tools are  displayed. Another worth seeing museum is Hendy Iron Works Museum where a variety of mechanical tools and heavy    machinery are exhibited. Joshua Hendy migrated from Cornwall,England to California in 1849 He established California's first redwood lumber mill(now called Hendy Woods State Park).He founded Joshua Hendy Iron Works in San Francisco in 1856 to supply equipment to mining industry and shipping companies.Many of his innovations  like hydraulic giant monitor,hydraulic gravel elevator and hydraulic crusher had been in use till 1970's. At present Hendy's industries are managed by Northrop Grumman Marine Systems.

Intel Museum Inside

Intel Museum view from outside

The Intel Museum in Santa Clara shows a graphic history and development of Intel as a major industry.Intel's headquarters is in Santa Clara.This museum was first started in 1992 and later expanded in 1999. Spread over an area of 10,000 sq.ft.this museum shows the evolution of computer,production of silicon chips and various digital products with interactive techniques.A showroom is also there where one can buy various products.  Another museum showing development of computers is the"Computer History Museum" in Mountainview established in 1996.With twenty galleries and four mini-theaters, this museum displays several thousands of computer related items, documents and photos showing the evolution of computers right from Difference Computers Engine No.2 built in 1991 based on the hypothetical model of Charles Babbage to latest models of computers with most accurate and precise technology.One can also watch Google Earth,  maps and Street View pictures.

Google Office Premises

Bike Culture in Google

Cafeteria  in Google

Office Room In Google

I also had the opportunity of visiting the much acclaimed Internet Giant company Google at Mountainview. The Office called"GooglePlex"is a vast conglomeration of buildings spread over two million square feet.This office was shifted to Mountainview in 2006. More than twenty thousand employees work here.Google Inc. provided all facilities that one can imagine in an eco-friendly environment catering to all the aspects of its workforce-- I mean for an integral development and motivation of the personnel not only in terms of working conditions but also in terms of their physical,artistic and technical aspects. That is why so many young people dream of joining this mammoth organisation. There is a big park here called Charleston Park spread over an area of five acres. The whole complex blends the technical official outlook with equally important aspect of creative and tension-free amusing aspect of life. There is a spacious parking space for nearly 2000 cars underground. Wherever you go, gyms, swimming pools, cafes, sport courts, food courts, laundry rooms, fitness centers, and reading rooms along with bicycles and scooters speak of the the company's immense concern and care for its employees.Transport facilities are provided through shuttle services from neighboring areas like San Francisco, East Bay and South Bay for employees. I learnt that there are more than eighteen cafes with diverse menu with dishes prepared with organic and hygienic diet. When I entered the cafe I found a large line of people with dishes at various stalls selecting the food of their choice. We had Mexican bread along with salad, chocolate and doughnuts. Providing food free of cost to thousands of employees and other guests and customers shows their meticulous planning and vision. But one should make use of these services in a proper manner without being tempted by gastronomic luxuries and should not waste the preparations. It is the human tendency to overlook or take for granted anything given gratis.The Google also has set a good example by providing bicycles and scooters for their employees to move from one place to place without use of cars that will create pollution. This will benefit the employees in one way as they will find sometime for physical exercise . The solar panels over the rooftops of some offices also shows their innovative approach to utilization of power without causing pollution by other means.I had the pleasure of sitting in the massage chair where you feel quite comfortable as the machine massages your body with gentle pressure and soft jerks.

 Lloyd Bridges, the famous American Actor

                                         

Mr. Jacques Yves Cousteau. famous Oeanographer
and environmentalist 

                                                                               

Dr.Sylvia A.Earle, the Ocean Pioneer

The work culture in the Google Complex is quite interesting and reveals a very humane and logical approach. Employees are given utmost freedom with congenial surroundings that will motivate them to work at their own pace. A very informal and flexible attitude is seen with mutual concern and good rapport between the management and the employees. I saw staff sitting with lap tops on chairs in the lawn or in the cafeteria or in any open place. They are not tied to their chairs or confined to a rigid cubicle.Free perks and incentives with bonus will further make them work with zeal and personal involvement. Some people were seen playing or listening to music while browsing on their laptops. Of course their performance will be assessed and they will get benefits based on their work and creative efforts. Most of the recruits are highly qualified people from eminent universities with excellent qualifications in their respective fields. Many conferences and symposiums are organised to further extend their frontiers of knowledge and make them acquainted with latest developments and innovations. In the premises we saw a group of statues sculpted in white stone on the green lawn.

I was inquisitive to know about their significance. I tried hard to get some information through internet. Then I found how difficult it is to communicate with a machine in spite of its vast knowledge potential.I went on  changing my query in different ways to get the required information but in vain. Later I was able to know from  my son that all these statues did have nothing to do with I.T. field . They were great celebrities in their own fields. Sir Jaques Yves Cousteau did commendable service as an oceanographer and as an environmentalist in saving and preserving ocean life. Dr.Sylvia A.Earle was an eminent ocean pioneer. Lloyd Bridges was a famous American actor who acted in many movies and was well-known for his role as Mike Nelson in Sea Hunt T.V. series broadcast during 1958-1961.These statues added a noble view and attitude to the organisation which shows due appreciation and honor to great people who dedicated their lives for the  progress and well-being of mankind. Later in the Google Store we saw many gift items like T-shirts, labels, pens and digital products. I bought a pair of T-shirts, a few stickers and a set of Google pens to give as gifts. My trip to GooglePlex gave me some idea of a big organisation with good maintenance and orderly arrangement providing all facilities beyond expectation to their staff in green surroundings.

The noble ambition of Larry Page and Sergey Brin( Founders of Google in 1998) revolutionized the world of computer technology and information.The world will never forget their invaluable contribution to progress of knowledge.My hearty kudos to them!

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

            Dated: 18th June,2013                                                                Somaseshu Gutala                                                                                
  
 
 
      

A Long Drive on Highway No.1 (Part Two)

Cachuma Lake 

   
   

Cachuma Lake banks

 


 We continued our journey passing through small towns which seemed very peaceful far away from noise and bustle of the overcrowded cities. On the way we happened to see a very big lake called Cachuma Lake (means "sign" spelled in Spanish as 'Aquitsum', the name of a Chumash village) located in the Santa Ynez Valley and is nearly twelve miles east of Solwang. It is an artificial lake built on the Santa Ynez river and covers an area of nearly 3,100 acres. This Lake Reservoir was created by the construction of Bradbury Dam by the U.S.Govt. in 1953. There are many camp sites here for enjoying boating trips, hiking and fishing. Los Padres National Forest came into our view with densely grown trees on huge slopes of Santa Ynez mountains. This forest covers 7890 sq. kms. in area and contains many mountains like Santa Lucia, La Panza Range and San Rafael Mountains etc. Many rivers in Southern and Central California originate from Los Padres National Forest such as Caramel,Salinas,Santa Ynez and Piru. In this forest many kinds of trees such as redwood, fir and pine trees are seen. This forest is adjacent to the Angeles National Forest which is in Los Angeles County in Southern California.

 Santa Barbara 

 Road  leading to Santa Barbara

    

 We travelled through Santa Barbara situated between the steep mountains of Santa Ynez and the Pacific ocean giving us a beautiful view on either side.Santa Barbara is a thriving city with many financial,industrial and educational institutions with many downtown beaches and restaurants.There are many museums like  Santa Barbara Museum of Art,Museum of Natural History,Maritime Museum and Santa Barbara Zoo.It has a mixed population of White,African,Mexican,Native American and Asian people.

    

   

Malibu  

 Malibu Town View

                                           



  Malibu is a beachfront city in northwestern Los Angeles County. This town well-known for its    scenic beaches is the home of many Hollywood movie stars. There are many beaches like Surf-rider  Beach, Zuma Beach, Malibu State Beach, Dan Blocker Beach etc. The beaches are relatively clean    with white sand dunes and pebbles. You will find many seaside restaurants on the road. But we did    not find any sea-creatures or shells near the seashore.

Porto Marina Beach

Porto Marina Sea shore

                           









  The setting sun sinking on the western horizon reflected red and orange hues on the moving ripples   of  Pacific. The sky gradually turned purple and dark later. we stayed at Hampton Inn at Oxnard just twenty-eight miles from Malibu.Oxnard seems to be a big city with a big trade activity with many     showrooms departmental stores and industries. Oxnard is also an agricultural center well-known for strawberry food products, cucumbers, beans and beet sugar.Next morning we proceeded to see the famous temple of Lord Venkateswara in the city of Calabasas at a distance of thirty five miles from Malibu.

                           

Lord Venkateswara's Temple, Calabasas

   

This temple on the hills of Malibu was built in the traditional Hindu style on an elevated platform by the   Hindu Temple Society of Southern California in 1981. In the temple precincts on the ground level, there are small temples for other Indian deities like Vinayaka, Murugan, Shiva, Hanuman, and Rama. The day, being Saturday(an auspicious day for the presiding Lord), there was a huge gathering. The elaborate rituals by the priests shielding the Lord with silk curtains made us wait for hours. There was a frantic rush of devotees as soon as the curtains were removed. We struggled hard to get a momentary glimpse of  the Lord decked in shining jewels and ornaments.We came out a little bit frustrated and much exhausted. God, though merciful, is curtained off by man made barriers by elaborate rituals. In the dining hall, food consecrated by being offered to the Lord was given in plates for a nominal price of three dollars each. This is a good practice since devotees feel a sense of satisfaction for having Lord's sacred Prasadam,and the temple  authorities will not incur much expenditure  for preparing food and other items in such large quantities.In this temple many ceremonies, festive programs and cultural programs are organised throughout  the year.

Memorial Hall on the hill

Golden Archway 

 
      

 In the afternoon we went to see the calm and peaceful retreat  Lake Shrine Temple located in Pacific  Palisades.On the way we watched the beautiful beaches of the Pacific bay like Malibu State Lagoon Beach, Sunset Beach, and Santa Monica Beach.This Ashram was founded by Paramhamsa Yogananda on 20th August,1950 on a ten acre land embellished with gardens and a lake.You can see pretty white marble statues of gods and goddesses and spiritual masters of all religions. Apt sayings and and quotations are given on the pedestals of those statues which are very meaningful and impressive.Perched on the top of the hill a memorial hall was built for practicing meditation and for listening to religious discourses.Many awareness and training programs are organised by the Self-Realization Fellowship Organization.The cool shade of trees, the colorful blooms and the floating spectacle of swans and storks on the placid waters of the lake with windmill Church nearby provide a very peaceful and congenial atmosphere for all visitors to sit and meditate at least for a few moments. Really a picturesque re-creation of a holy hermitage with natural ambiance and scenery.  

Next morning we began our return trip.An enchanting drive again through wooded valleys flanked by hills and sea coast on either side.It was a cloudy morning with alternate spells of rain and sunshine.Throughout  our ride we saw fields of strawberry,cherry and grapevine. The raw green grapes mingled with rosy clusters of ripe ones gave a checkered view of Nature's beauty.At some places fields of black soil with lush green vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and lettuce were seen.A large number of horses within enclosures were visible meant for ploughing fields or for sporting purpose.The Cachuma Lake with her vast expanse of water greeted us again. How we feel like staying there in such tranquil places fully suffused with beauties of Nature without any noisy disturbances! Yet routine life has to go on with practical responsibilities and obligations.We felt as if we were thrown out from the fantastic world of imagination into the dull world of reality when we entered the town.Yet the memories of our scenic drive will remain fresh like happy dreams in our hearts and as one of the most pleasant events in our lives. 

 (My hearty best wishes and blessings to my son Subash who drove us all along the way and provided all amenities during our long drive. His insistence to take us on this trip at any cost gave us this rare opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the charms of the American landscape. My daughter-in-law, Nikhila, urged us to travel in spite of her delicate health at that time. So once again I wish them all the best for their support and help.) 

           

                                                                                                                      Somaseshu Gutala
                                                                                                                        May 25th 2013

          

                           

A Long Drive on Highway No.1(Part One)

Santa Lucia Mountains

             Most of the people in U.S. relax themselves by enjoying the scenic drive along the Pacific Coastal region surrounded by beautiful hills, forest areas and mountain streams with many flora and fauna.You might have already guessed what I meant : it is the much admired and travel led California Highway No.1. All along the way you will find captivating sea beaches on one side and mountain slopes on the other side with dense  greenery,tall imposing trees and woods aglow with changing seasonal colors and multi-colored birds. Far  away from urban congestion and bustle one can feel a fresh invigorating experience with a sense of tranquility without foregoing modern facilities- I mean,wayside restaurants and shelters. We started our three day trip to Malibu from Sunnyvale to cover nearly a distance of three hundred miles.We stayed for the night at Buellton, a small town , as ours is a leisurely journey without any worldly day-to-day distractions.
             
            As we started toward south, cherry and strawberry gardens appeared adding co lour and charm ,
 to the busy roads so smooth and comfortable to travel by. Most of the villages we passed by, bore names connected with sea like Marina, Sea View, Sand city and Sea Side etc.On the way we passed by the pastoral river valley called Caramel River Valley surrounded by towering grey Santa Lucia mountains.This  valley is one of the finest areas of viniculture(cultivating vine gardens for making wine). The Caramel River flows through green plains flanked by dark cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Many state protected parks are here.Andrew Molera State Park is the largest State Park located near the Big Sur river with sandy beaches, oak trees and vast meadows.

Big Sur River

The Big Sur River is located near the scenic highway nearly 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles from Los Angeles. It is flanked on one side by the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains and on the other side by the rocky Pacific coast. We halted at the Ripple-wood Resort, a restaurant with picturesque surroundings nestled in the valley surrounded by hills and greenery. It looked like a dwelling fit for Nature-lovers and artists.We passed  by Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park where hikers can walk eight miles and camp there. This park is spread over more than one thousand acres of forest comprising vast meadows and trees like redwood, maple,alder and oak trees. Small animals like deer, skunks, raccoons and grey squirrels are seen. The Big Sur River passes through the centre of the park surrounded by steep mountains. 

Los Padres National Forest

  

Andrew Molera State Park

Los Padres National Forest is another important place by which we passed.This forest is nearly 7890sq.kms in area and has many hills and is the place of origin for many rivers of Southern and central California.The Santa Barbara and Montery National Forest regions were merged in 1936 to form Los Padres National forest. On one side we saw the calm ripples of the Pacific with varying colors of blue, sea-green and silver-blue in the shimmering light of the warm sun.On the other side we saw high mountains with dense clumps of grass, brush- wood and tall trees with occasional sighting of birds and small wild creatures- two different fabulous charms  of Nature seen at one place. But at many places repair works were going on. So we had to travel at a speed less than thirty miles. At some places the roads were narrow with sharp curves and sharp turns.                                                            

Neptune Pool , Hearst  Castle

 We took diversion and went to see the famous Hearst Castle on the hill at Sam Simeon. A documentary film of about 45 minutes in duration was shown briefing the visitors about the life and achievements of William Randolph Hearst, who boldly undertook this Herculean task of building a huge mansion on a distant hill encompassing the features of a castle with precious artifacts and sculptures, spending millions of dollars and engaging a large number of workers and builders. Besides constructing this as a retreat, Mr.Hurst also created a favorable ambiance to preserve the surroundings in their pristine beauty and filled the woods with rare species of wild life enhancing the natural charm.
                                                                   

Hearst Castle

We were allowed to see only a few rooms in the castle which actually consists of 165 chambers Around the castle outside many marble sculptures and statues of Grecian and Roman art  were erected. The figures of nymphs, gods and goddesses in  graceful postures attract the attention of tourists very much.The audio-commentary given   while travelling by bus to and fro was quite impressive and informative.A visit to this castle makes us  realize how great people with a sense of dedication and  perseverance realize their dreams which seem to be too remote like stars at the beginning and how they finally                                                                                                touched them without going back.                                                                            .                                                                      

Santa Rosa Creek

After leaving the castle we passed through Cambria, a sea-side village six miles away south of Hearst Castle.   The village has many beautiful restaurants, art galleries and specialty shops. The blue sea on one side with small beaches and pine forests on the other side in the dim twilight, gave relief to our tired bodies. We passed by Santa Rosa Creek, a twenty-two mile long stream rising from the Hood Mountain.The river is flanked  by many rocky flats with dense vegetation and wild plants. We reached Buellton, a small town in Santa Ynez Valley County.We took our lodgings at Marriot, an  elegant restaurant with well-furnished rooms and facilities.Next morning we proceeded to Solvang (Danish word for sunny fields) , a small town near Santa Ynez.                                                                        

Danish houses at Solvang

  Windmill at Solvang

 This town is nearly ninety-two miles from Malibu and is considered as one of the most beautiful small towns in  the western U.S. This town with petty cottages, gift shops, restaurants, windmills and handicraft stalls gives us a pretty picture of a typical Danish town modeled in the style of displaying Danish culture and  tradition.This town was founded by the Danish immigrants in 1911. Many restaurants offer Danish cuisine with visitor friendly hosts. At Paule Pan Cake House we were served Danish pan cakes with sweet syrup. They looked like big Indian Dosas, but very soft melting in our mouths with creamy flavour. In this town there are three museums, many bakery shops, theatres and gift shops with many typical Danish items and artifacts  giving us a feel of their culture. The bust of Hans Christian Anderson., the famous Danish writer, is seen in the park. The replica of Copenhagen's round tower can be also seen there.

  (Replica of Copenhagen's Round Tower, Solvang )

                                                   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
                                                                                                                         Somaseshu Gutala
                       15th May, 2013.

My Visit to Gilroy Temple, California

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                             

A small temple located on the top of a hill surrounded by lush growth of woods with meandering, narrow path has become a very popular and attractive destination for Hanuman devotees and health-conscious tourists as well. From Sunnyvale we started towards Gilroy gardens.On the way we came across spacious nursery farms,orchards,vineyards and vegetable farms with loads of fresh vegetables and fruits displayed for sale.We also saw stables with wide space where horses are trained for races. The road towards Mount Madonna affords a scenic drive through wooded curved winding paths with tall redwood trees and mighty oaks.The road branches off at various spots creating confusion to new tourists.Even GPS is not of much use as it directs us into narrow dangerous forest routes. So one has to be very careful in taking the proper road.

As we approached the temple, we saw a big school, Mt.Madonna School, with many rooms, transport vehicles and all modern amenities at this remote place on the hill. As we went farther up the hill, we saw many institutions like Ayurvedic School, Yoga Training Institute and Cultural and Physical Fitness centres. A small temple with a flag was seen after climbing a few steps. Statues of Lord Hanuman and Monkey Leaders were seen in various yogic and gymnastic postures implying the need for physical and spiritual training in human life. As we entered the temple precincts, a white American priest clad in Indian dress appeared performing worship (pooja) to the saffron-coated idol of Hanuman who bore the Sanjeeva Mountain in one hand and a mace in the other hand.The American priest chanted Sanskrit slokas(hymns) blessed us and gave us sacred prsadam (food items offered to God). The calm place surrounded by Madonna Hills and the lake beside seemed a fit place for those who want to relax and spend their time in a devotional manner. Even for city dwellers this spot proved to be a scenic resort to find peace and enjoy the pure and hygienic weather far from urban rush and restlessness. In ancient times and even now sages and philosophers selected such retreats to meditate and do yoga without any outward disturbances. I sat for a while on the floor closing my eyes and trying to fix my attention on the Lord. Beside the temple we found some construction work was in progress. Stone idols of hooded serpents with forked tongues   around the pedestal were seen. Perhaps some idol is going to be installed in the middle.We  saw a small

idol of Lord Shiva in the form of Linga with his mount,a tiny bull facing the lord. Just adjoining the temple in the open space statues of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva sitting cross-legged in the act of meditation were seen.These idols though simple in form enhanced the religious feel in such calm surroundings.

    After coming down we went towards the restaurant where one could get hot tea and refreshments. On our right we saw a tiny statue of Buddha seated on a small pedestal . As the restaurant was not open we went a little bit farther and reached the summit of the cliff with railings around the edge. One could get a grand view of the scenery below with green massive trees and bluish peaks and winding paths.We found people residing in the wooden cottages near by.They might have come to learn yoga and meditation. Though the temple  seemed to be small with ascetic hermitage like surroundings, the place attracted many devotees. Regular Bhajans and discourses were conducted here. The presiding deity, Lord Hanuman, was named as Sankat Mochan which means liberator of troubles.Many devotees come here with deep faith and devotion.      

   This temple is located within three hundred and fifty five acres on the grounds of Mount Madonna

 Centre, a residential community dedicated to promotion of creative arts, culture and health sciences. 
 This temple is nearer to the city of Watsonville towards west of Gilroy. This temple was established    by the disciples of Swami Hari Dass in 1978.In 2001 they brought the idol of Hanuman and as per  the directions of Swami Hari Dass installed the idol here in 2003. Hanuman Fellowship, an  organisation based in California since 1974, manages the maintenance of the temple.  Swami Hari    Dass, a noble monk who has been observing the vow of silence since 1952 guides and gives counsel  in managing this temple. Born in Almora in 1923 he became a monk at a very young age and lived in  U.S.A. since 1971. He is a multi-faceted personality who is an Ayurvedic doctor, sculptor, yoga  teacher and author of many books on Ayurveda and yoga. He is available for Darshan on Tuesdays  and Saturdays in Mount Madonna Centre Community Building. Accomodation and other facilities  are provided for those interested in learning Yoga and meditation. Besides this organisation, many  others such as Kayakalpa Wellness Centre, Yoga Training Centre and Sri Ram Foundation  Ayurvedic Store also help and spread the message of service to society and integral development of  personality both physically and spiritually.   

  My visit to this temple made me realise that presence of God can be felt where one lives
 in harmonious relationship with Nature following a simple way of living and nourishing one's own
 mind with noble thoughts. The Gilroy Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a shining example of
 this truth. We feel the influence of serene surroundings and the sacred touch of God as well as    Nature.
                                                  ======           =======           ========                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                          Somaseshu Gutala

       ( I acknowledge thanks and convey my hearty blessings to my son Subash and my
        daughter-in-law, Nikhila, without whose help and planning I could not have had the fortune of 
        visiting this sacred place located on the top of the hill with breath-taking view of nature.)                                 

                                                                                                                
    Note: From Sunnyvale one has to travel through Hecker Pass/HW152 and along Pole Line
              Road and then onto the Summit Road. As one travels through Hecker Pass, One can enjoy
              the beautiful view of Montery and Santa Clara County.The distance is nearly 42 miles from
              Sunnyvale.