THE TALE OF SHANKAR, THE SERVANT

                                                                                                                                                  

                          

                  

                 As an honest servant he earned good name

                 No scope for others his services to blame;

                 How to impress his masters he did know;
                 
                 He greets everyone with a respectful bow; 

                 Though not so strong he was too sharp and shrewd

                 His speech was soft and pleasing without being rude;

                 A lean figure with a sacred mark on his brow

                 With everyone he talked in a gentle voice low;

                 His polite manners, humble speech and style

                 Gave no suspicion to realize his guiles;

                 His prompt service  impressed his master much

                 A decent job he got and need not search;

                 Shankar profusely thanked his master too

                 Who was too strict to take rewards, he knew;

                 He gave his master’s children a pack of sweets

                 Tasty tit-bits in well-decked parcels neat;

                 He sang folk-songs and fairy tales he told with wit

                 With curious eyes the kids around him used to sit;

                 A few years passed and his master retired

                 A large family he had and so he required

                 Some source of means to sustain himself and his home;

                 He looked for a job and many places did he roam

                 He found no work that suits his age and skills

                 He met his friends and pursued his efforts still;

                Shankar prompted his master to purchase

                 A fertile strip of land and give him that on lease

                And promised his master a considerable gain

                Sitting at home without much toil and strain;

               The master felt his servant’s advice as right

                He put all his savings with trust and delight

                Shankar made much profits from his master’s farm

                For a few years he made his master happy and calm;

                By giving true accounts of profits he got

                An upright servant sent by God his master thought;

                 As time went on, Shankar’s ambition grew and grew

                 His master’s blind belief and trust in him he knew;

                 Citing some problems by and by he reduced the gains;

                 Much trust still in Shankar, his master did retain;

                  Shankar visited his master’s home every year

                  To show his gratitude with accounts clear;

                  Expressing regrets for dwindling income

                  Still promising prospects in years to come;

                  He regaled the kids with his gifts and sweets

                  He ever squatted on floor but never on a seat;

                  His humble manners made all trust his words and heart

                  An honest person he was, they always thought;

                  Years passed as Shankar grabbed gains more and more

                  Burdening his master with debts galore;

                  Far away from his farm his master did not know

                  His servant’s cunning hypocritical show;

                  Unable to pursue this failing enterprise

                  At last, he listened to his servant’s advice;

                  The rich fertile land did he sell with grief

                  To stop making more debts and get relief;

                   Shankar procured this farm at a throw-away price

                   Looting his lord he built a mansion nice;

                   He stopped his visits to his master’s door

                   Who lost his savings and became too poor;

                   The credulous master heard not others’ advice

                   Became a poor victim to his servant’s lies;

                   Shankar became a landlord with a rich estate

                   His master found himself in a fallen state.

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

                27th march, 2019                                Somaseshu Gutala
                      

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

              

 

My visit to Sri Nanjundeshwara Swamy Temple, Nanjangud (Karnataka)

Main Entrance Tower

Sculptures on the tower

large pillared mandapa

Shiva Statue outside the temple

Nandi Statue

Girija Kalyanam

Veerabhadra Murty

                     

Sankara Narayana Murty

Chandeeswara Prasanna Murty

Kiratarjuna Murty

Lord Ganapati

Tandaveswara Murty

River Kapila (Kabini)

River Gundal at Nanjangud

Nanjangud Old Bridge

Parasurama temple near Kabini River

 Most of the pilgrims visit Mysore to see the famous Chamundi temple on the hill. Another worthseeing temple is the thousand-year old Nanjundeshwara or Sri Kanteswara temple located in Nanjangud at a distance of 27kms from Mysore and is 162 kms from Bangalore.This temple has one of the tallest gopurams (192 feet) in Karnataka and is famous for its more than 120 beautiful sculptures and idols depicting the various manifestations of Lord Shiva. Nearly 65 Shiva Lingas of various sizes seen in the corridor will create an impression of Kailasha and hence this temple is meaningfully called “Dakshina Kailasha”. 

 On the left side of the Prakara, stone idols of Ganapati, several forms of Subramanya, Sapta Matrikas and Nayanmars are also seen along with the Idols of Tandaveshwara, Chandrasekhara Murti, Kiratarjuna Murti, Kalasamhara Murti, Andhakasura samhara Murti . These sculptures and idols are done during the reign of Sri Krishna Raja Wodeyar who was a staunch devotee of Lord Nanjundeshwara. In the temple premises the stone sculptures of Sri Krishna Raja Wodeyar along with his four wives is seen. The king also gifted two wooden chariots in 1819 along with vahanas (mounts) like a silver horse, an elephant and a Nandi. 

In the Inner sanctum Sri Kanteshwara is seen in the form of one-meter long greenish grey-colored Stone Shiva Linga. To the left of the main shrine the shrine of Lord Vishnu with Sri Devi and Bhudevi is seen. Behind this shrine Lord Chandikeshwara’s shrine is present. Parvathi’s shrine is seen in the northwestern side. The huge eight feet tall stone Nandi seen in the courtyard of the temple was installed by Dalavoy (Chief Commander) Vikramaraya in 1644.This east-facing temple is located on the right bank of the River Kapila (Kabini), a tributary of the river Cauvery. The bridge over the Kabini River is one of the oldest bridges in India. It has a railway line as well as a road over the bridge. It is 281 years old and is located at the entrance of the town. It was built in 1735 and is a heritage monument.

  This is one of the biggest temples in Karnataka with dimensions of 385”x165” feet with an area of 50,000 sq.ft. The tower at the main entrance with a seven-storeys and seven gold=-plated kalashas was erected in 1845 by the Queen Devajammami, wife of Sri Krishna Raja Wodeyar. The yellow stone structure with stone idols on various tiers looks very attractive and impressive.

This temple was constructed first by western Ganga kings in 9^th century and was later developed and extended by various kings of Chola, Hoyasala, Vijayanagara and Wodeyar dynasties. The small square Garbha Griha (Inner sanctum) with cylindrical pillars was built during Ganga period. The Mantapa in front of the original sanctum was done during Hoyasala period in 13^th century. The four stucco Sikharas (small towers on shrines) on Sri Kanteshwara, Vishnu, Parvathi and Chandikeshwara were built by Vijayanagara Kings.

According to legend Lord Shiva drank Poison that emerged when gods and demons churned the milky ocean to get Amrita using the Mandhara Mount as the churning rod. To save the universe Shiva drank the deadly poison and retained it in his neck which turned blue due to the effect of poison. So the lord became Neelakanta(blue-throated). In Kannada the word nanju means “poison’ and so the lord was named as “Nanjundeshwara’ or “Sree Kanteshwara”. Sage Gautama stayed here for some time and installed a Shiva Lingam. Later Parashurama came here and bathed in Kapila  river to free himself from the sin of behading his mother, Renuka. The confluence of rivers Kapila and Gundlu (Kaundinya) is called Parasurama Kshetra .

 There is a shrine for Parasurama here built in Mysore style. There is a newly built Maruti temple also at this place. Guru dattatreya temple is seen very close to the Chamundeshwari temple near the banks of Kapila River.  One can see the idols of Pratyangira devi and Sri Maha Sarabheswara also in Chamundeshwari’s temple. The waters and soil near the Kapila are river are said to have curative properties. Tipu Sultan’s royal elephant regained eyesight when its eyes were washed with holy water from the temple. The king developed strong faith in the Lord and called him “Hakim Nanjundeshwara’ and gifted a Shiva Linga made of jade and an emerald necklace as a token of gratitude.

             In this temple special poojas are held on Mondays, New Moon day and Full Moon day every month. Abhishekams are done every day six times at 6.30 a.m., 9.00 a.m., 11.00 a.m.,12.00 p.m., 6.30 p.m., and 8.00 p.m. respectively. In November, during Chikka Jatre the idols of various gods are taken in a procession in three chariots. In April during Dodda Jatre, (car festival or Rathostava) a grand celebration takes place for ten days and the idols are taken in a procession in five chariots. Special poojas are performed during Maha Shiva rathri and Nava Rathri days also. The 

opening hours of the temple are from 6.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Annadanam is performed every day from 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.

 Nanjangud is a town with a big industrial complex covering a huge area of 532 acres with thirty-six major industries, twelve medium industries and thirty-five small scale units. Most of these industries comprise textile, pharmaceutical, food processing and alcohol manufacturing units.The Ayurvedic Toothpowder and Ayurvedic products started by late B.V. Pandit are also very famous and are marketed all over the world. The Ayurvedic clinic “Sadvaidyasala” founded by him serves many people.  Nanjangud is also very popular for a special variety of Bananas called “Nanjnagud Rasabale”.

 The temple with beautiful sculptures will cast a lasting impression on the minds of pilgrims. The lighting in the corridors may be improved so that pilgrims will have an opportunity to see the idols and sculptures clearly. The outside premises may be beautified with a garden view. More shops and stalls giving information about this temple may be set up. 

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

           

      21st March, 2018                             Somaseshu Gutala

THE FESTIVAL OF DOLLS

                                                                      Ten Incarnations of Vishnu

Lord Krishna playing with milk-maids

Vllage Life

Marriage Procession

                                                    Pipers with decorated bull

              1)     A row of figures in gallery seen

                       Not just a shop where toys are sold

                       But in houses with painted colors bold

                        Adding mirth and colorful sheen

                        A festive display of pretty dolls

                        A happy occasion for one and all.

              2)       The Holy Trinity with spouses on topmost line

                        With golden jewels and crowns they shine;
                         
                        Gods of eight directions and planets nine; 

                         With various weapons and faces benign;

                         Ten incarnations of Vishnu add charm     
            

                         Lord Shiva on snowy hills with countenance calm.                         

             3)         Lord Rama’s coronation scene we find

                         With his beloved brothers and consort great;

                         Lord Krishna plays here with his dear soul mates

                         As they dance around with enraptured minds.

                         The seven sages here sat in deep penance

                         Lord Buddha preaching there Love immense.

             4)        A pretty jungle scene in this line appears

                         With tiny trees, blue lakes and hills around

                         With spotted deer, monkeys and hares abound

                         The floating swans and ducks in waters clear;

                         While colorful birds on branches sit cool and calm

                         The toy-jungle attracts all with novel charm.

 

             5)         The sturdy elephant with slow, regal pace

                         The scaly crocodile in her marshy domain

                         The spotted leopard and spiky porcupine

                         A veritable forest in this tiny space;

                         A cute creation of the rural handicrafts

                         A lesson to protect wild life with humane hearts.

                                                                                                    

              6)       The harvest-festival’s charms re-created here

                        Children awake and see with curious eyes;

                        The soothsayer rattles his drum with rousing cheer

                         Blesses all men in his strange colorful guise;

                         The singing bard with his lute seen in early morn

                         With brass bowl on his crown for collecting corn.

              7)       The bull dressed in brocaded silks with painted horns

                        The piper sings at every residence

                        With festoons of mango leaves and flowers adorn

                        Makes his bull perform feats with intelligence; 

                             

                        The minstrel rings bells and chants loud Lord’s name

                        Blessing all with prosperity and fame.

             8)        The marriage procession in colorful show

                         With turbaned pipers and drummers in a line

                         With torch-bearers and dancers fine

                         With kith and kin all dressed in silks do glow

                         The blushing bride in palanquin – a joyous sight

                         The bridegroom responds with love and delight.

             9)         The toddy tapper with swelling brawn

                          Perched on the top of palm-tree seen

                          The cow-herd grazing his cattle on the green;

                          The peasant singing while threshing corn

                           The rustic women with pots near the well

                           Create a village scene with magic spell.

             10)         These pretty dolls revered as forms divine

                            Worshipped by all with flowers, fruits and incense

                            With prayers and hymns with devotion immense

                            A happy time to meet all near this shrine

                            These dolls about our gods and epics convey

                             Noble truths and ideals to all who pray.

   

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

   Note : The festival of dolls is celebrated in south India in January after the harvesting season is over. In some regions dolls are displayed during Navarathri festival. The houses are cleaned and decorated with festoons of green mango leaves and wreaths of marigold flowers. All people get together on this festival day. In many houses and even in temple premises dolls are exhibited with decorated flower garlands and jewels. The dolls are worshipped every day with flowers, fruits and sweet delicacies during the festive time. Many house wives show their creative skills in selecting and arranging the dolls. This is an occasion for children to know about the names of gods and goddesses and about various epic themes. Likewise dolls are chosen to give social messages about village life, conservation of wild life about patriotic leaders and philosophers.  Thus this is an occasion for beautifying homes with pretty dolls and for all to get together. Children enjoy this festival as all of them love to see various kinds of dolls and figurines done in an artistic manner.

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

           

                  12th March, 2019                                 Somaseshu Gutala

                            

         

THE TALE OF MERRY DAN

         1)          With entertaining talk he made us laugh

                       With dramatic gestures and vibrant wit

                       For hours together he made us sit

                       But never hurt others, mock at or scoff;

                       A perfect gentle, well-bred polished man

                       All fondly called him ‘Merry Dan”.

          2)         A man of learning and literary skills

                      He spoke with ease on any topic a lot

                      As a worthy scholar full praise he got;

                      To hear his talk infused a sense of thrill

                      Well-dressed with decent manners clean

                       A prolific,fast reader he had been.

          3)          Right from his boyhood days till present date

                       With meticulous details he did narrate

                        About his relatives and his classmates;

                        He excelled all in every event he states;

                        He wrote inspiring letters with ease

                        His jovial mirth with age doth not decrease.                          

                            
                   

           4)          A string of diplomas did he acquire

                        Within a short duration without much strain

                        So swift and dynamic his nimble brain

                        No topmost rank or fame did he aspire;

                        He managed all with a merry countenance

                        He never seemed perturbed or tense.

           5)          The same old jokes did he always repeat

                         But none felt bored but laughed with glee

                         His dramatic tone and apt gestures free;

                         With keen outlook and humor discreet

                         Took off the blues from every heart

                         His merry company everyone sought.

           6)           Though for duty he came from a distant place

                          Never had he showed an exhausted face;

                          He made his days an enjoyable race

                          With quick-witted smiling dynamic face;

                          For hours we sat in his favorite spot

                          A wayside stall to drink coffee and chat.

           7)            His wayward son disturbed his mind a lot

                           His mounting debts and gambling debts;

                           Dan bore his cares and never did he fret

                           In friendly company relief he sought;

                           His preaching skills in church mesmerized all

                           His pious and humble ways attracted all.

           8)            A gradual change came over as time went by

                           His careless son set right his erring ways;

                           Procured a job in a faraway place;

                           To get a better job his son did try

                           A tragic accident upset his goal

                           A terrible blow, too hard to console.

           9)            Depressed and dumb like a stone Dan sat alone

                          He lost his quick-witted talkative skills;

                          He stood silent beside the window sill

                          He mumbled in a slow melancholy tone;

                          He left this world without long-dragging disease

                          The happy memories we spent will never cease.

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

             5th March, 2019                                      Somaseshu Gutala