PARADOX

             

                         

 

                   

                                                           

     1)      We do not mean by what we act

              We do not act by what we mean, a fact

              Our conscience seems so innocent and clean

              Our acts divulge our minds cunning and mean.

    2)       Our cows—abodes of gods—we state

               So many stray cattle in starving state

               Who cares about their wretched state?

               With dirty plastic-food they fill their pates.

    3)       On serpent –stones milk we devoutly pour

              To ward off evils and ill-health from our door

               But kill the snakes that crawl through brier and bush

               Vile poisonous pests we ruthlessly crush.

                         

    4)        As holy goddesses we ever treat

               Our lakes and rivers filled with waters sweet

               We dump all dirt, garbage and sewage waste

               Degrading them to a most polluted state

    5)        True shelters of gods our trees we say

                Going around them we piously pray

                In lakhs we cut them down without remorse

                Ignoring future disasters and loss.  

    6)        Our greed for land destroyed jungles dense

                Resulting in famines and drought intense

                Wild animals and beasts perished a lot

                Nature’s rare gifts, alas, forever lost.

    7)        To compensate our countless sinful deeds

               To holy places we devoutly proceed

                Donating wealth in liberal measure

               To pacify gods and earn their pleasure.

    8)         In lakhs we give to monks and temples great

                But not for men in suffering state

                One omnipresent  God we rarely meet

                In fellow-beings and fairly treat.

    9)         Will our bosoms melt with pity to see

                Those kids toil out of dire necessity?

                Who cares to see those beggars and orphans poor?

                To wipe their tears and their poverty cure ?

       

   10)        We talk so big about our ancient culture

                Still murders and rapes rage like vultures

                Justice creeps too slow like a wounded snail

                 While criminals enjoy their stay in jail.

    11)        Our bureaucrats equipped with latest tools

                 Still treat their customers and public as fools

                 Till their purses are satisfied, they never mind

                 Their crooked tactics too abstruse to find.

    12)        What is the use of bragging glorious past

                  If the noble spirit behind them is not sought?

                  No deceptive acts can save us from fate

                  The fruits of our deeds we suffer soon or late. 

     13)       Our thoughts and words should match with our deeds

                 Give up violence and destructive creeds

                  Live up to the ideals you praise upright

                  If not, we will be called mere hypocrites.

                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

              Plastic-food --- food polluted with plastic material

    Note :         A paradox is a statement which appears to be

                      contradictory but is actually true in fact.

                           Eg:  I must be cruel to be kind.

                                  The child is father of the man.

                                  Truth is honey which is bitter.

                  

       13th October, 2018                            Somaseshu Gutala

                                                       

                                                   

                                                   

                                              

About Gali Anjaneya temple, Byatanarayanapura, Mysore Road, Bangalore

                             

                       

                           

                             

                           

 This temple is one of the oldest Anjaneya temples in the city. As it is located in the heart of the city on Mysore Road , many devotees visit this temple. The temple’s outer walls freshly painted with gilded towers attract everyone’s attention. The main deity is called Gali Anjaneya as the idol was found in an open space before the Saint Vyasaraya discovered the idol and constructed a temple in 1425 at the convergence of two rivers, Vrishabhavati and its tributary, Paschima Vahini. This is one of the 732 temples built by him in various regions. Now the river is not seen. The word “gali” in Kannada means “wind’. As Vayuputra the Lord here is called “Gali Anjaneya”.  The word “gali” also suggests the harmful evil spirits and the Lord here is the protector who wards off the effects of evil spirits. Many devotees bring their children to receive the protection and blessings of the Lord.

 The 75-foot tall Rajagopuram leads one to pass through an arched entrance where one can see tiny idols of Venu Gopala and Ganesha on either side of the corridor. The main presiding deity Anjaneya appears quite different from those of other Hanuman idols we see in other temples. The west-facing idol of Anjaneya faces directly the devotees (yathumukhi) with wide-open eyes and radiant sindur-coated body. He keeps His left hand on his hip and holds a flower in His right hand. A small knife is seen near His right hip. The Lord’s face looks quite benign and calm. So he is called Prasanna Anjaneya and a Shanta Gnana Swaroopi (an embodiment of wisdom and serenity). The moustache on his lip indicates the Lord’s valor and manliness. The tail has a lot of bends with a small bell tied at the end. The small bell attached at the end is a common feature seen in most of the idols installed by the great Hanuman Bhakth and philosopher, Sri Vysa Raja (1460-1539). 

Just on the left side of the main shrine, there is a shrine for Sri Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita facing east. On the right side of the main shrine there is a shrine for Lord Satyanarayana On every full moon day, Satyanarayana Vratam is performed here. In the hall leading to exit door there is a shrine for Gopala Krishna. Here a sacred range-colored thread along with sindur is given as Prasad to devotees as a means of Lord’s protection and blessing. The temple is very much crowded during Tuesdays and Saturdays when special poojas are done. The car festival is being celebrated here in Chaitra month for the last 120 years. During Sankranthi season special poojas are performed for one month. 

The Gali Anjaneya Trust formed in 1985 looks after the temple activities. The temple is open from 7.00 to 2.00 p.m. in the morning and from 3.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. in the evening. Recently an idol of Anjaneya is found in the storm drain just near this temple. The idol is now under the care of the Archaeological Department.           
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    8th october, 2018                                              Somaseshu Gutala

     
       

About Ragigudda Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple, 9th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore

Entrance Arch to Anjaneya Temple

                         

Way to the temple ground floor

                                                                           Place for doing homams

Prasada section

Kitchen Section

                                              Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy in the main sanctum

Trimurthy Sannidhi

Main Temple Tower

This is one of the most popular and well-known temples in Bangalore. Though located on the road the spacious temple surroundings with lush greenery and beautiful structures attract everyone’s attention. The main temple of Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy is located on a hillock and one has to climb nearly 87 steps. Lift facility is available for old and disabled people. At the foot of the hillock there is a temple with three separate shrines for Navagrahas, Maha Ganapti and Raja Rajeshwari. 

As you enter the temple one finds a counter selling tickets for various sevas. Many people buy coupons for doing Annadanam. One can buy rice for any amount starting from ten rupees. If you buy a coupon for Rs.50/- and above, you will get a packet of Prasad at the entrance of the temple. Before the idol of Goddess Annapurna, the devotees drop rice into a big container. In Navagraha shrine one can see the nine Graha Devatas along with their consorts and vahanas. In shrine of Mahaganapati a very big idol of Ganapati is seen. The idol of Rajarajeswari is nicely decorated with garlands and ornaments.

 On the top of the hillock the main deity, Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy is seen bearing a mace in one hand and Mount Sanjeevani with the other hand. On the right side of this shrine the shrine for Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita are seen. The idols are quite big and well-sculpted. On the left side of the main shrine a big Marakatha Linga (made of green-colored stone) is seen. The main hall is very big and neatly maintained. In this temple there are two halls on the ground floor used for conducting ceremonies and marriages.

In the Prasad division there is a hall for dining. Just beside it there is a kitchen. From this Prasad division if you climb a few steps you can see the lofty figures of Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) engraved on huge rocks. It said that Trimurtis once visited this place and decided to stay here in these hilly and scenic surroundings. Thus their holy presence enhanced the sacred atmosphere of this temple. The hillock is called “Ragi Guddam” since this hillock was formed from a heap of Ragi millets. In 1969 a group of youth along with residents of this area set up a small Hanuman temple on the hillock. Later it has developed into a huge temple complex with many facilities in an area of five acres of land and was registered in 1972. The waterfall "Hanuman Dhara" along with temple pond adds much charm to the temple surroundings. 

The Ragigudda Trust undertook many charitable activities like providing free education, free medical care and conducting Yoga, music and Language classes in Kannada and Sanskrit. There is a library with many religious books and a shop for selling books also. There is a Goshala with thirty cows and milk from these cows is used in performing Abhishekam and in preparing Prasad. Every Saturday lunch is served to all devotees. Every year in December a twelve-day grand celebration is held on Hanuman Jayanthi when thousands of devotees visit this place. 

The temple timings are from 8.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays the temple is kept open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m to 9.00 p.m. On the road leading to the temple one can see many shops and restaurants. In the busy crowded city this place gives a sense of serenity and happiness not only to elders but to people of all ages.

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           28th September, 2018                         Somaseshu Gutala

 

THE TALE OF A HUMBLE SCRIBE

                                 

             

                             He looked quite simple, quiet and old

                           In the corner of the office threshold

                           He sat down with a pair of pens and pad

                           The only possessions that all he had;

                           Noting details from his customers there

                           Nodding and smiling in his handwriting fair

                           A glow of satisfaction there he found

                           He did his work in earnest as if duty bound;

                           He took whatever his customers gave

                           With a complaining look he did never crave

                           Though he seemed a learned man, none dared to ask

                           Why he did choose this work, a simple task;

                           His manners signified his breeding fine

                           Perhaps destined he was, not yet to shine

                           Once very rich, he lost his flourishing trade

                           Too naïve in trusting his cunning comrade

                           Steeped at once in huge enormous debt

                           None helped him in need whomever he met;

                           Deserted by his friends and closest kin

                           His family’s help he did never win;

                           He found himself alone on pavement bare

                           In busy crowded town none seemed to care;

                           Nothing remained with him to pledge or sell

                           In the shade of a tree he used to dwell;

                           His old age barred him from strenuous deeds

                           Detesting a wandering beggar’s life to lead

                           He sat in a pensive mood near the threshold

                           Of an office with his knapsack and garments old

                           A rustic came in and begged him to write

                           A form in proper way with details right

                           The humble scribe though sad, took his pen and file

                           And wrote the form in neat and effective style;

                           The rustic did thank him with a hearty smile

                           And gifted two pens with a handshake agile;

                           The scribe then felt a ray of hope in heart

                           He can survive in spite of his bitter lot;

                           The bench near office became his sole work-place

                           He helped others in writing with a smiling face;

                           The tea-stall owner became his constant friend

                           Gave him some food and some money to spend;

                           Whatever he got, he did never complain

                           To stand on his own legs, his objective main;

                           A few friends and sympathizers he got

                           A simple contented life he sought

                           When any friend praised his calligraphy great

                           He smiled and said “oh, not so fair, my fate.”

                  

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             21st September, 2018                  Somaseshu Gutala

                 

                       

                                 

About Rajarajeshwari Temple, R.R.Nagar, Bangalore

Main Gopuram

Sreechakram Shrine

                     

Statues of lions and elephants facing Sreechakram Shrine

                       

Gopuram at inner entrance

Lotus Well

Idol of Ganesh in the main hall

Main Hall (Mukha Mandapa)

Rajarajeshwari Statue in the inner sanctum

                             

Lion Statue on the temple tower

Mukha Mandapa with sculptured pillars

Sculptures on the temple tower

 

This famous temple is located in the southwest corner of the city on the banks of Vrishabhavati River which has now become almost a drain due to industrial pollutants released into it.  Previously this area was called Kenchanagiri or Champakavana or Kenchanahalli. Later it has been named after the famous temple as Rajarajeshwarinagar established here in early 1960’s. Sri Tiruchi Swamigal (formerly called Sri Sivaratnapuri Swamiji) set up Kailash Ashram Samsthanam when he was directed by his guru, Sri Sivapuri Baba, to go towards South India where he would do good work to the society. Accordingly he came to this place where it was said that Sage Atri and his spouse Anasuya lived and did penance. He established his Ashram and Rajarajeshwari temple which rapidly developed later into a complex with a free school for Vedic studies and also a Goshala for protecting cows. Sri Tiruchi Swami laid the foundation stone for this temple on 3^rd April, 1960 in the morning time between 5.30 a.m. and 6.15 a.m. In “Tantra Chudamani “this place was mentioned as one of the Shakti Peethams where Devi’s ear was fallen (Karna Bhaga). The Shakti Peetha of this place is also called “Jaya Peetha”.

 The temple was built in Dravidian style with five gopurams decorated with colorful figurines on the towers.  After passing through Rajagopuram a row of holy serpent stones (Naga Devatas ) are seen. Many devotees worship them with kumkum, turmeric and flowers. A little distance away a huge statue of a stone elephant with two couching lions are visible.The shrine for Sree Chakra is seen just in front of these statues. This is very unique since one cannot see a separate shrine for Sree Chakra Yantra anywhere else. The Sree Chakra Yantra is carved on a huge black shining granite stone and one can make pradakshinam around this sacred shrine. There is another gopuram leading to Mukha mandapam with many decorated figures and lotus –bud shaped cornices and pillars. Just near the entrance of inner gopuram two lion figures in sitting posture are seen.

 In the inner sanctum the beautiful statue of Rajarajeshwari is seen in sitting position. Her right leg is in folded and placed across the seat while her left leg is stretched below with her foot resting on a lotus in full bloom (Padma Peetham). The six-foot black granite idol is decorated with many ornaments and shining gems. One can see various incarnations of Rajarajeswari all around the circamabulatory path or pradakshina marga.  Gold-coated idols of Vinayaka, Dandapani, Lakshmi and Sarswati are seen along with other deities on a raised platform with separate enclosures. On the wall one can also see beautiful picture frames showing the various incarnations of Devi known as Dasa  Mahavidyas with various weapons and mounts like Matangi, Bhuvaneswari Devi, Tara, Kamala, Kali, Chinnamastha, Mohini etc.  In another adjoining room one can see Navagrahas on an elevated platform. In this temple worship is done as per Shaivagama tradition. Special poojas are done Tuesdays, Fridays and during Navaratri festiva amnd during Brahmostsava time. Chandi Homams are performed on these special occasions. On 27^th March every year the Sun's rays fall on the main idol at sunrise in a miraculous way.

 This temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the morning and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.in the evening. In this  temple persons wearing jeans, shorts, Berumudas, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops and short T-shirts are not allowed. Men should wear a dhoti or full pants and shirts. Ladies should wear saris, churidars with duppatas. Girls below the age of 18 should wear full-length gowns. Ladies should not let their hair hang loose. They should bind their hair with a clip or hair band.

At the main entrance a shoe stand and a bookstall are seen. Parking space is also available.Inside the temple there is a shop where prasadam is sold.In R.R.Nagar there are many other temples to see.The nearby temples are Nimishamba Temple (2kms)., Shringagiri Shanmukha Temple (4kms), Kalabhairava Temple (3kms.) and  Omkar Hills (4kms.)

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       15th September, 2018                                        Somaseshu Gutala
           

About Nimishamba Temple, R.R.nagar, Bangalore

                       

                                 

                              

This temple is located quite near to Sri Rajarajeshwari temple (850 m) in 12th cross,I Phase, Rajarajeshwari Nagar.The temple was built in Kerala style with a gabled roof with two big halls in the basement. One hall is used for meditation and another for performing vratams and homams.

The meaning of “Nimishamba”is that the prayers of devotees are fulfilled within a minute. This temple was constructed in 2006 by Sri Somavamsa Arya kshatriya Committee members. This temple was built with special red laterite stone. In the sanctum a Srichakra Yantra is seen in front of the presiding deity. Around the temple one can see shrines for other gods like Sri Siddhi Vinayaka, Sri Lakshmi Narayana, Sri Moukthikeshwara and Sri Saraswati. Nitya Chandika Homam and Nitya Annadaanam are done here. 

As per Varna Vybhava Kanda of SrimadBrahmanda Purana, Shri Nimishamba appeared to Mukta Rishi and helped his son, Shashi Bindu, to kill the most powerfulto kill the most powerful demon called Janumandala, grandson of Vrithrasura. Her incarnation took place on Vaishaka Suddha Dashami and on this day “Nimishamba Jayanti” is celebrated by Somavamsha Arya Kshatriyas in a grand manner. Special poojas are done here on Mondays, Fridays and on every Full Moon day. AmavasyaHomam is done on every New Moon Day. Apart from many homams, Sri Satyanarayana Vratam is performed here on every Full Moon Day.  In the meditation hall the idol of Sri Dakshinamurti and Sri Padukas are seen. The temple looks quite neat and clean and one can experience a serene and peaceful atmosphere here. This temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. in the evening.Temples for Nimishamba are seen in Ganjam Village, just two kilometers from Sri Rangapattana and in Akkipet on OTC Road in Bengaluru also.

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         12th September, 2018                               Somaseshu Gutala