After Many Years

             

         

   

                                     

 1.           The town looked same with same old squalid scenes

   The roads pitted with worn-out rough surface;  

   Like an aging lady devoid of vital sheen

   All greenery vanished like youthful grace;

   Roads more congested with wayside shops and stalls

   Noisy tumultuous place with crowded malls.

 

2.       The pristine silence polluted with raucous sounds.

   The black-topped roads turned rough and rude.

   The swelling population went out of bounds.

   The town expanded with corruption crude.

   With outer trappings feigned with tempting eyes

   No sanitation and no proper precautions wise.

 

3.      Swirling clouds of dust choked our breath

   Waters from narrow gutters gushed onto the streets;

   So many vehicles spouting fumes hazardous to health;

   Flouting rules raced as if engaged in intricate feats;

   For old, weak people, a risky challenge to walk

   Drivers, with tilted heads, through mobiles talk. 

 

4.      The bulky trees with dense leaves no more cheer

   A shelter for squirrels to leap and for birds to sing

   No chirping sounds and rustle of breezes we hear

   No leaping mirth of monkeys with merry swing;

   Small smoky stalls with wooden benches greet

   No place to rest with ease in fresh air sweet.

 

5.      The town seemed new, so suddenly grown

   No friendly faces seen; myself a stranger unknown;

   No old friend met, no response, I wandered all alone;

   I felt myself out of time; Nothing I felt my own.

   My quest for past turned out a wild goose chase

   We can’t get back the glories that time did erase.

 

6.       My fancy to re-capture the joyous past

    Like sunny domes of Xanadu dissolved at last;

    Time changes men and places too, I thought.

    Driven by greed Nature’s charms are forever lost.

    I glanced wistfully at places where I went.

    Recalling the days, and friends with whom I spent.

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

The sunny domes of Xanadu -- A mythical place in Mongolia where Kubla Khan built a beautiful palace with a pleasure-garden. Here it means an idyllic enchanting scenic spot. Samuel Coleridge wrote a poem "Kubla Khan" based on his dream experience in 1797 and published it in 1816.

     8th February 2023                         Somaseshu Gutala              

    

   

 

   

 

   

   

  

   

To my Dear Brother-in-law

                                     

          

1.    Too friendly you are

You treated everyone as if a part

Of yourself with a liberal heart;

The precious years with them, you cherished most

With self-same affection near or remote.

You never missed their letters or call

You enjoyed chatting with one and all.

2.    Too sincere you are

 In your duties and whatever you do

 With careful attention and perfection too;

 Consistent work you liked a lot

 Inspiring others with zeal you taught

 Others to prosper without losing their hearts

 Your life with so many achievements fraught.

3.    Too gentle you are

Never we saw you furious and wild

You tried to solve issues with approach mild

Never lost control over words and deeds

Never revealed any trace of anger and greed.

Convinced others with reason and tactful ways

No use of hasty mood , but patience pays.

4.    Too loving you are

With all your friends, relatives and kin;

To be liberal you deemed not a sin

To make all happy with selfless love you treat

Their needs and expectations you tried to meet

Their memories like precious gems in your bosom’s core

Even in dreams you loved to spend time with them more.

 

5.     Too liberal you are

 A natural streak in you I say

Your purpose meant to make us happy in every way

As fragrance pervading in a blooming rose

As pearls of rainy showers when western wind blows;

As natural as bunched grapes in summer hot

Expecting no gain in return you thought. 

6.    Too jovial you are

Cheering grandchildren with playful wit;

With vibrant words advising them to be fit

In knowledge and in character as well;

With winsome smile you cast a magic spell;

You infused hope in future and made them feel

The worth of family bonds with sympathetic zeal.

7.    Too careful you are

About your hard-earned wealth;

As well too cautious about your health;

On useless things you are reluctant to spend

Yet charity within your means you defend;

A simple, comfortable life you had

Welcoming changes without any fads.

8.    Too deft you are

With counting expenses and figures

So many hours you spent with tireless vigor;

Unfazed by mounting expenses you counted notes

Not missing even, a rupee as if by rote.

You planned your budget with attention discreet

You maintained your accounts spotless and neat. 

 

9.    Too decent you are

Never imposed by force your will

Gave sage advice with foresight and goodwill;

Those who listened to you thrived well in life

Those who defied faced risks and strife;

Yet forgiving their lapses you helped a lot

Wishing them welfare with a liberal heart.

 

10.    Too rational you are 

          Too much zeal in rituals you did not reveal;

          Faith in too rigid rules you did not feel

          A brief prayer with heart enough you thought;

          True religion in virtuous deeds you sought;

          So many pilgrimages you have done

          Helping others with true compassion.

11.   Too positive you are

         In spite of troubles and failing strength

         Noting minute details of health at length

        Arranging your medicines in order precise

        Taking all precautions with discretion wise;

        You ever remained in touch with one and all

        Though confined in room you made warm, friendly calls.

12    Too active you are

        With your daily works till the last minute

        Though a little uneasy, you seemed alert and fit;

        As if in a hurry to meet your mates, your soul did rise

        Left us shocked and sudden in a trice;

        Never can we forget your jovial and kind nature

        Never can we forget your wise words and noble stature.

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

       (Dedicated to Sri Y.V.Rao Garu, my dear Brother-in-law, 

         who passed away on 7th January, 2023)    

        

             

                                        

                                                   

      27th January, 2023                                         Somaseshu Gutala

         

On my Visit to Ratnalayam (Shamirpet, Hyderabad)

 

  

                                                    Entrance Gate

Main temple gopuram

      

The Fountain structure with Sacred Namam, Shanku and Chakram symbol

        

The Sculpture of Vishnu reclining on  Adi Sesha

The sculpture of Lord Krishna dancing on Kaliya serpent

Lord Ganesha

Lord Venkateshwara

                                              

Goddess Padmavati

Goddess Goda Devi (Andal)

               

Lord Hanuman shrine

For city people, “Ratnalayam temple” is a nearby sacred place of Lord Venkateshwara where one can see a model temple construction with beautiful surroundings, serene atmosphere, clean ambiance and modern facilities. This temple was constructed by T.R.Venkatesh just for family worship, but gradually expanded into a big temple. This temple was inaugurated by Swami Jayendra Saraswati on 19^th February, 2003 with blessings of Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.

 Just like Birla temple, this temple is a tourist attraction. Here many T.V. serials are shot showing the landscape and shady trees dotted with beautiful fountains and statues. This temple is located at Aliapur Cross Roads near Aliabad bus stop. From the temple arch, it is only 200 meters distant.  It is nearly 30 kms from Hyderabad. The famous Saraswati temple at Wargal is just 25 kms away from this place. So, one can plan to visit both places.

People of all ages including kids find this place quite interesting and delightful. The architecture of this temple and landscaped gardens is quite attractive and impressive. There is wide parking space with a beautiful garden at the entrance with water fountain structures in the form of Lord’s sacred Namam flanked by Shanku and Chakram. At another place one can see a fountain with figures of Lord Vishnu reclining on Adisesha with Lakshmi near His feet. The statue of Krishna dancing on the hoods of Kaliya amidst waters is another eye-catching spectacle. As one ascends the steps towards the main temple one can see the shrine of Lord Ganesha near the entrance. The statue in the main temple resembles the idol of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati. Lotus carvings in attractive colors are seen on the ceiling of the central hall. Poojas are done here as per Pancharatra Agama of Vaishanavite tradition.

On either side of the main sanctum there are sub-shrines for Goddess Padmavati and Goda Devi. The idols are made of black granite and look very beautiful decked with jewellery and floral decorations. These idols were sculptured by the famous sculptor Sri Ganapathy Sthapathy and were brought from Kanchipuram. Near the main hall or mukha mandapam, there is a counter for selling tickets for various poojas and for selling prasadam packets. While going down the stairs on the way, there is a shrine of Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari. There is also another shrine for Lord Hanuman. 

In this temple there is a hall for doing tonsuring (Kalyana katta), a lecure-hall, a hall for performing homams, a goshala(cattle-shed). Along with temple rituals one can also perform ceremonies like Aksharabhyasam, Anna Prashan, Namakaranam, Sayanarayana Vratam, Gopuja and Vahana Pooja. Special poojas and rituals are done on festive days like Vaikunta Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Dussehra, Diwali and Sankranti. There is a separate area with swings and slides for kids to play. There is a small canteen beside the garden. It is really a visual treat for city people to spend their time along with their kids in this temple located in serene and scenic surroundings. The temple timings are from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 P.M. and from 4.00 P.M. to 8.00 P.M.

           22nd January, 2023                                   Somaseshu Gutala

On my visit to Srisailam, (Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh)

 

Main Temple Tower of Mallikarjuna temple

Lord Mallikarjuna

Temple tower of Mallikarjuna temple

      

Carvings in Mallikarjuna temple

carvings on walls in Mallikarjuna Temple

 

Lord  Nandiswara

Sculp;tures in Bhramaramba temple

Goddess Bhramaramba

Goddess Bhramaramba sculpture

                         

Lord Veerabhadra near Mallikarjuna temple

Sakshi Ganapati

Paladhara-Panchdhara

Patalaganga Dam

       

 Srisailam is located at a distance of 240 kms from Hyderabad and 180 kms from Kurnool. The nearest railway station is Markapur railway station at a distance of 82kms. We started from Hyderabad and went through by-pass roads via Jedcherala, Dindi and Mallapur. The road from Hyderabad to Dindi is very smooth and one can travel comfortably well. Later the road becomes narrow within many curves and bends. One can see many small villages and dry lands. As one goes further the forest area comes before with many baboo bushes and bulky trees with wide spread-branches. Everywhere you see boards with figures of tiger to warn the passengers about wild animals. We did not see any wild animals on the road except hordes of monkeys playing on the branches of the trees. This ghat road is open from 6.00 a.m., to 9.00 p.m.  In small cottages we saw the tribal people called Chenchus who collect wild honey and make various products like mats, chairs and baskets with bamboo stems.  We stopped at Mrigavani, a restaurant located in Mannanur (75kms from Srisailam) in midst of forest, to have our buffet- lunch. This is the last place where one can get good food.

Just three kms before entering Srisailam, we had darshan of Sakshi Ganapati. Here the lord is believed to keep attendance of pilgrims who come here. He acts as Sakshi or witness. Lord Ganesha holds a book in the left hand and a pen in the right hand. In Srisailam, we were provided accommodation in Ganga Sadan. We went to the temple directly to have darshan. The temple is built on the top of the Nallamala Hills situated on the banks of River Krishna.  This hill is called Srigiri or Sriparvatham. References about this temple are seen in Mahabharata and Skanda Puranam. Mention about this temple is seen in Nasik inscription of Vasishtiputra Pulumavi of the first century. The IKshvakus ruled Srisailam from 200-300 A.D. Vishnukundin kings also were the devotees of Sri Mallikarjuma Swamy.

 The sanctum of Lord Mallikarjuna is considered the oldest in the temple dating back to seventh century. In 6^th century the Kadamba king Mayura Sharma described Srisailam as Sriparvatam. The Kakatiya king along with his wife visited Srisailam and performed Tulabhara. The Reddy rulers of the 13^th century developed Srisailam. Anavema Reddy built Veera Shiromandapam. In 1405 Katyavema Reddy laid steps to Srisailam and Pedakomati Vema Reddy laid steps to Patalaganga. Among Vijayanagara kings, Harihararaya II (1342-1404) constructed the main hall of the main temple and his wife Vitalamba laid steps to Patalaganga.

 This temple has four entrances with four towers or gopuras. The eastern entrance is the main dwaram. Among them, three towers were built by Vijayanagara Kings. The northern tower was constructed by Shivaji who visited this temple and worshipped the Goddess. The vimana over the sanctum was a gold-plated nine-tiered structure with a Poorna Kumbha and an eight-petalled lotus below it. Four Nandi statues are seen on the four corners below the superstructure.

The temple timings are from 4.30 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.  Luckily there was no rush. We have availed atiseeghra darshanam by paying 300/- per head. The timings for this are between 6.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and from 600 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. The Nandi mandapam looked impressive with a huge statue of Nandi just in front of the Veerasiro Mandapam. On the ceiling of Nandimandapa one can see the unique carving of Shiva and Parvati riding on a bull surrounded by Dikpalakas (Lords of eight directions) on their respective Vahanas.

The Veerasiro Mandapam was built by Reddy ruler Anavema reddy in 1378.  As per Veera Saiva tradition, the devotees used to offer their heads, hands and tongue as mark of their devotion in olden days. The Mukha Mandapam was constructed by the Vijayanagara King Harihara Raya in 1405. In the Garbhalaya, one can see the tiny Jyothirlingam of 25cms in height with a circular stone platform (panavattam) around.

Here the Lord is called Mallikarjuna as He was worshipped with jasmine flowers by a princess called Chandravati. Mallika is another name for Parvati while Arjuna means Shiva. Lord Shiva here is considered as one of the self-manifested twelve Jyotirlingams. One can do Abhishekam in person by Paying Rs.1500/-couple. Abhishekam timings are 6.00 a.m. to 8.0o0 a. m in the morning and from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. in the evening. For Sparsha Darshan, one has to book tickets priced at Rs.500/. Just before entering the sanctum, we can see Ratnagarbha Vinayaka made of red stone. The sculptures of two dwarapalakas are seen in the entrance hall or Antarala. Several forms of Shiva are carved one above the other on the pillars. This inner sanctum was constructed by the queen Mailamaba, Sister of Kakati Ganapatideva in 1220-1230 A.D.

 

Later we went to have darshan of the Goddess Bhramaramba, on the western side of the main temple.  This is the sixth Shaktipeetha where the neck of Sati devi fell. According to legends, Goddess Bhramaramba killed the demon Arunasura by sending thousands of bees. In entrance hall or Mukha Mandapa of this temple, there are many pillars with beautiful sculptures like hunting on elephants, dancing girls and musicians.  At the interior center of Mukha Mandapa, a stone Sree Chakram is seen installed by Sri Sankaracharya. In the inner sanctum, the Goddess Bhramaramba is seen gilded with silver plates. She is seen in a standing posture with eight hands with a trident in her right hand killing Mahishasura.  On the temple tower images of various forms of Shakti and lions are seen. In front of this temple there are many mandapas with an interior court yard below. We can see many forms of Shiva like Uma Maheshwara, Arthanarishwara, Rajarajeshwara, Nava Brahma Lingas, Virabhadra and Kumara Swamy in a row including Vriddha Mallikarjuna, the oldest Shiva Lingam Installed here. We can see the folds and wrinkles on this Shiva Lingam suggesting its primitive age.  Sahasralingam was installed here by Lord Sri Ram. Devotees are not allowed to exit from this way. They have to move all the way back to the temple of Bhramaramba, which seems very inconvenient. As there was a heavy downpour, we were all drenched while going back. This problem can be easily solved if temple authorities provide an exit from inner courtyard also. Elderly people may find it difficult to go in the long queue and climb the steps at various levels; so it would be better if a shorter route and easy access is provided to them just like in Tirumala temple.

 There are many other pilgrimage spots around this temple such as Hatakeshwaram, Pala Dhara-Pancha Dhara, Akka Mahadevi caves and Shikareshwaram. To reach Patala Ganga one has to go down nearly five hundred steps. Now ropeway facility is provided from Haritha hotel to reach Patala Ganga.  Chenchulakshmi Tribal Museum and Rajeev Gandhi Wild Life sanctuary are also other worthseeing places. Srisailam hydro-electric project or dam is nearly 15kms from the temple. There is bus facility to go there from Srisailam.  One can experience the scenic beauty of Nallamala forests and look at the beautiful sculptures of the temples and the gushing waters of the Krishna waters from the dam site as well.

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

            23rd December,2022                  Somaseshu Gutala

  

On my visit to Ganesh Food Court, Srisailam

  

 

                        

      

                      

    

This food court is located on the Patalaganaga main road and is quite near to the main temple. It is quite spacious and well-maintained. Around the main hall you can see various food counters with labels showing various items of food available there such as South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, fast food, chat, beverages etc.,

Many items like sandwiches, pizzas, fruit juices, masala dosa and Manchuria fried rice are available here at reasonable fare. The ambiance is good and neatly maintained. But here self-service is available. For kids there are some sports equipment within the hotel. The items are delicious and tasty. There is further scope to improve the neatness and prompt delivery of food items to customers in this food court. If serving facility is provided it would be more convenient for elderly people and family members. The opening hours are from 7.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. One can get breakfast, lunch and dinner here. One can feel relaxed and refresh oneself with various food items here. Drive-in, take-away and delivery facilities are available here.

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

             16th December, 2022                         Somaseshu Gutala

On my visit to Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh)

         

Star-shaped Sai baba mandir

                                            

Lord Dattatreya's  shrine

        

Shrine for Nava Avadhutha idols

   

View of the Tungabahdra River from Sai baba mandir

                   

Sri Bala Sai Baba Mandir facade

Sri Bala Sai Baba life-size marble statue

                                         

Sri Bala Sai Samadhi

Statue of Lakshmi Ganapati 

This temple is considered as the oldest Sai Baba Temple in the world. In Shirdi the marble idol of Sai Baba was installed by Shirdi Sai Sansthan on 7^th October, 1954. Till then only a painting done by Shyam Rao Jayakar was seen in the Samadhi Mandir. In Kurnool the pristine marble statue of Sai Baba was installed on 10th November (Vijaya Dashami Day) in 1951.  The foundation stone for this temple was laid by K. Veera Swamy Naidu in 1947.This star-shaped temple was built beside the banks of Tungabhadra River in an area of one and a half acres.  Tall trees and a beautiful garden give a sense of serenity to the surroundings. In the central hall one can see the sculptures which depict the life history of Sai Baba life and his divine miracles. There are many pillars with carvings which add beauty to this temple. There are separate shrines for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Hanuman. There is a spacious hall to conduct meetings and meditation. In the temple premises there is a shrine for Lord Dattatreya. There is a neem tree coupled with Aswatha Tree which is deemed to be very sacred. There is a unique shrine with nine Avadhuta statues.  Just like in Shirdi, there is also Sai Dhuni (Sacred fire place) where devotees do pradakshinam. On the temple tower one can see many statues of various gods and goddesses with a Poorna Kumbha with a saffron flag on the top. The tomb of Sri Veera Swamy Naidu is also seen in the temple premises. We heard the loud singing of devotional songs. The volume of the sound was too loud. It would be better to reduce the volume so that devotees can pray with more attention. In this temple four aartis are done every day.  Special celebrations and poojas are done on festival days like Guru Poornima, Dasara Navarathri, and Datta Poornima. Annadanam or ditributiomn of food to devotees is done.  The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. This temple is located in Chthambarao street, Kotha Pet.

 Just before entering the way to the Sai baba temple, one can see Bala Sai Baba temple. In this temple also there are many beautiful statues of various gods near the entrance. In the central hall there is the life-like statue of Bala Sai Baba seated on a throne. Just before that shrine there is samadhi of Sri Bala Sai baba (1960-2018) and sacred padukas or sandals. There are many rooms on the upper floors to provide accommodation to devotees coming over here. The temple is open from 7.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. in the morning, and from 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. in the evening.

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

    13th December, 2022                       Somaseshu Gutala