On my Stay at “Temple View Restaurant", Shirdi

     

                              

Superior Room

                            

Deluxe Room

                                        

Suite Room

                

Family Room

Interconnecting Room

Quadruple Room

                         

Hotel Corridor

Sai Naivedhyam

                                

Sai Amruth

Temple View Entrance

This hotel is located just opposite the famous Shirdi Sai temple at two minutes’ walking distance (110 meters). This four-star hotel has forty-three rooms on two floors. This hotel established in 2014 has historical significance. This hotel is owned by the renowned Gondkar Group of Shirdi. Sai devotees, Late Sri Waman Dada Gondkar and his brother, sri Murlidhar Baba donated their land to Sai Sansthan. On this land known as Lendi Baug, Sri Sai baba cultivated a garden where now the famous samadhi mandir stands.

  The hotel has all amenities like lift, wifi, A.C. L.C.D. television, telephone, laundry, free parking space, 24x7 hot water supply, mini-frizz, locker facility, coffee/tea maker and complimentary breakfast and free bottled mineral water. Airport transfer is provided on payment. This hotel has rooms of different dimensions to meet the customers’ requirements. All rooms are spacious with a table, a cupboard, chairs or sofas and bathroom accessories. For an extra bed, one has pay one thousand rupees.

The superior Room (237 sq. ft) has one king bed. The suit room has one king bed. The deluxe Room is more spacious (301 Sq. ft) and has a king-size bed. The interconnecting room (366 sq. ft) has two king beds. It is connected to the adjacent room through a connecting passage and is convenient for two families. The family room (441 sq.ft) is meant for five people and comprises three beds. The Quadruple Room (431 sq. ft.) with two double beds and one single bed accommodates up to four persons. The corridors, rooms and the lobby room are clean and well-maintained. On the walls of the corridor paintings of famous musicians of Indian classical music are displayed. It would be better to display the paintings of Sri Sai baba and the important events in his life to show the importance of this famous holy place. The synthetic screen shield meant for shielding sunlight does not block bright illumination outside at night. So dark-colored curtains may be better provided to give better ambiance at night time. The room service is quite prompt and good. In this hotel pets are not allowed. Smoking and use of alcohol are not permitted. Non-veg and food from outside are not allowed.

 This hotel has a restaurant by name “Sai Naivedyam”, a multi-cuisine restaurant managed by the famous Hotel G Square. It is a vegetarian restaurant where one can find delicious dishes of South Indian, Asian, Chinese varieties of tiffin and meals.  “Sai Amruth” is another restaurant managed by the famous Shetty’s Swatik group. It is a multi-cuisine restaurant specializing in Maharashtrian, South Indian, North Indian, Gujarathi and Rajasthani cuisines. Apart from these there are many restaurants nearby such as Blue Coriander, The Tulip, Ahaan restaurant, Sri Sai Sagat food court, Sai Sagar Food Court, Madhuban Saatvic restaurant and Haldi Ram restaurant etc.

There are many worth-seeing places near this hotel such as Shirdi sai samadhi mandir, Sri Adinath Swetambarnath Jain Mandir, Kandoba mandir, Sambaji Park, Sai Teerth Spiritual Theme Park (1.4 kms), Sai Heritage Village (3.8 kms), Pachamukhi Vishnu Ganapati temple (5 kms) and Wet n Joy water park (1.4 kms). This hotel is in prime location and attracts many tourists due to its proximity to Shirdi Sai Mandir. It is 1.7 kms from Shirdi Bus stand, 15 kms from Shirdi International Airport, 2.8 kms away from Sainagar railway station.

The staff at reception desk are very courteous and helpful. The receptionist on request gave us print outs of our darshan tickets as mobiles are not allowed. At the time of leaving the hotel we received a beautiful idol of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba as a token of their hospitality. As our flight is late in the evening, we had to extend our stay by a few hours. We were charged nearly Rs.1200/ for staying beyond our check-out time. It would be better if stay-in period is of 24 hours duration as train and flight timings do not coincide with the fixed timings of check-in and check-out.  As most of the pilgrims go out in the early hours of morning, coffee/tea may be provided at least by 6.00 a.m. The Temple View Hotel is one of the most favored restaurants to tourists visiting this temple-town.

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

    9th February, 2024                    Somaseshu Gutala

The Village in Moonlight

                                      

        

                              

                  

 

                 1.           Before the sunset the hamlet

                 Withdraws from buzzing activities;

                 The birds nestled in cool, dense trees;

                 The village became calm as a rivulet;

                 The bustle of beating wings westward

                 The sound of crickets from the sward.

 

                 2.         The wavy breeze doth gently play

                Peace spread over all, no noisy sounds;

                Under the tree, the elders gather around

                To talk of crops, cattle and rainy days; 

                The smoke of cigars and cheroot uprose

                Through star-studded darkness in repose.

 

              3.           The song of boatman shoots through silence

              The sound of drums and cymbals heard

              In distant hut, a ritual proffered

             To some folk-deity with sweet incense;

             A drunken husband’s shout steals through

            The thickening night as dense as glue. 

 

          4.           Under the thatched roof is heard

          The tinkle of bells and sighs too slow

          From resting cattle in the faint dim glow

          Of fireflies beside the bleating herd;

          The hay- fresh smell doth makes them swoon

          Under the soothing light of the moon.

 

      5.              This pollution-free freshness soothes my mind

        Touched by soft motherly breeze so kind;

        I closed my eyes and merged with night

        In deepest slumber in cool moonlight;

       Even the belated gull’s cry moved me not;

       The village slept in moonlight, a heavenly spot.

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

   4th February, 2024           Somaseshu Gutala

        

A Note on "The Miracle garden" Dubai

Miracle garden, Dubai

                                  

Floral Archway

                                            

Umbrella Tunnel

                                   

Sunflower garden

                                            

Floral Castle

                                                  

Floating lady

                                               

Life-size A-380 Emirates Flight

                                        

Smurfs Village

                           

Floral elephants

                                                                        

Teddy Bear

         

                                                

Floral tea kettle with a cup

                

The Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the most popular tourist sites in Dubai which people should not miss. Grown over an area of 72,000 square meters, this garden attracts 1.5 million visitors every year with 50 million flowers and 250 million plants shaped in beautiful shapes and patterns showing the talents of florists who created a wonderful floral world amidst a desert region. This garden was launched on Valentine’s Day in 2013. It is the world’s largest natural flower garden. This garden was designed and created by Akar Landscaping and Agricultural Company led by Jordanian businessman Abdel Naser Rahhal. The entire project cost nearly forty million Dirhams or eleven million U.S.dollars. This garden is operated by City Land and Real Estate Development.  Most of the plants are south American flowers like Petunias. Sixty different varieties of flowers like petunias, geraniums, marigolds are seen. This garden is closed during summer, from June to September.

 This garden is watered by Dubai Municipality at night. Nearly two lakh gallons of treated waste water is supplied. There are many star attractions like the heart-shaped archways, grand floral castle, Umbrella tunnel, Smurf Village and characters of Disney Land, all done in floral form. The floral structures are changed every season to attract visitors to get a different experience. This garden has all facilities like Open parking, VIP parking, sitting areas, prayer room, battery cars, retail and commercial kiosks. There is an amphitheater for live performances and theatrical shows.

 This garden won international recognition by winning many prestigious awards. This garden has thirty restaurants, cafes, and kiosks like Starbucks, Gelato, Hardie, and Toyland. It has many toy shops and souvenir stalls. Gift items like souvenirs, mugs, keychains, magnets, post cards, toys, hats and Arabian clothes, accessories, handicraft items are sold in these shops. Adjacent to this garden there is a Butterfly Garden established in 2015. It is spread over 6,673 sq.mts with fifteen thousand free flying butterflies from twenty-six species in ten climate-controlled domes.

In 2013 the Miracle Garden was given Guinness World record for having the largest vertical garden. In April 2015, this garden received the prestigious award “Moselle Award” on the occasion of the International Garden Tourism Awards.  The super Jumbo Jet double-decker life-size model of Air Bus A-380 received the Guinness Book of world records title in 2016.

The floral arches at the entrance with bright colors appear as welcome arches inviting visitors to see a wonder world of flowers shaped in beautiful shapes. The umbrella Tunnel with a ceiling of upside-down umbrellas arranged in rings separated by bands of flowers matching the colors of each umbrella is an attractive spot with a medley of colored chairs for visitors to sit and relax. The umbrellas of various colors like blue, white, red, orange, green, pink, yellow and violet is a very beautiful spectacle. The green plants between the sections of ceiling appear like a rain forest. The floral castle made of red and green with pink and red towers and spires is an enchanted kingdom surrounded by  daisies and sunflowers. The fort with green and red hues is another worth-seeing site with magnificent spires and towers. The 15-meterp-floral sundial is another wondrous sight. The 3-D floral characters like the giant mushrooms, humanoid ants, flowered-powered cars and rose-laden swans surprise visitors very much.

 The huge 12-meter-high floral teddy bear made of green, red, white flowers with a yellow nose is another wonderful floral art. The sunflower area beside the sitting area around the lake park presents relaxing views of fountains and flowers. The floating lady figure dressed in pink and green lies in the air with outstretched arms with her long hair dangling to the ground. She is seen floating above a field of pink and white petunia flowers, as if feeling heavenly bliss.  As per the licensing deal between the Dubai Miracle Garden and the Walt Disney Company, a topiary of Mickey Mouse was unveiled in 2018. Floral figures of other Disney characters like Minni Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy duck, Goofy, Huey, Dewey, and Louie were installed later that year.

Likewise for children, the Smurf Village presents a very comic and amusing world of Smurfs in various postures. Smurfs are small blue creatures who live in mushroom-shaped houses. The depiction of Smurfs world is based on Belgian comics and T.V. Smurf stories. The magical skills and talent of floral artists and topiary artists are seen in shaping plants and flowers in various shapes like floral teddy bear, villas, horse, elephant and pea-cock figures, villas, the floating lady, the tea kettle with a cup, the floral heart tunnel and the floral castle.  

The heart tunnel features a dozen heart-shaped structures made of thousands of flowers in green, red, violet, pink and yellow arches functions as a passage way throughout the garden. The hill-top point of the garden gives a beautiful view of the entire garden. The Miracle Garden is indeed the city’s gift with a message that Nature should be protected, and sustainability of surroundings is the prime need of the whole world.

It is described as a “Little Piece of Eden”, “a floral extravaganza of unmatched proportions”. It is the largest natural garden in the world. It won the Guiness World Record three times. Its Disney Avenue has the biggest and tallest topiary in the world. Its Airbus A-380 is the largest floral installation. It includes the largest butterfly garden in the world.

Paradoxically this garden is grown in the heart of a desert. The Miracle Garden also stands as a good example of the efficient use of water and energy. It also figured in many popular movies. To know the wonders of Nature everyone should visit this garden at least once in a lifetime.

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

    29th January, 2024                       Somaseshu Gutala

 

One year gone, still

                  

                                                          

                                               ( I )

            One year gone, still

            Your fond memories fill

            Our bosoms with deep, painful loss;

            Still, we recall your happy smiles

            Your jovial tales, your witty remarks

            Your close intimacy with one and all;

            Like a sparkling flash you vanished

            Leaving a sense of void within;

           We feel as if we lost our prime support

           Who nourished our hopes and mutual rapport. 

                                  ( II )

          One year gone, still

          Your fond memories fill

          Your friends’ bosoms with gratitude;

          Still, they remember your help and wise guidance;

          You expected nothing in return

          A friendly smile enough you felt;

          Though some turned indifferent and cold

          Cordial relations with all you tried to hold; 

                          ( I I I )

          One year gone, still

         Your neighbours feel thy absence;

         Still, they acknowledge your liberal help;

         Your encouraging words that gave them

         A new hope of their bright future.

         With thy wise knowledge and mature outlook

         You helped them a lot to set right their ways

         They ever recall your positive thought and grace.

                                      (I V)

         One year gone still

         We can’t forget your gentle and kind words

         Your wisdom and caring nature

         Your desire for perfection in whatever you tried;

         Never were you proud of your status and rank;

         Never we forget your liberal and helpful deeds

         Never forget though time moves fast;

         Your noble words and kind deeds forever last

         Inspiring our efforts and thoughts

        Time can’t erase your memories from our hearts.

             

                   (Dedicated to my dear brother-in-law)

20th January, 2024.                                    Somaseshu Gutala

                                                  

 

       

 

 

 

        

 

 

A City Tour

 

                                        

                              

                     

                                 

                           

 

                   

       

1.    The guide was a learned person and a friendly one

A polyglot he was with a gentle sense of fun;

He seemed to know the history and stories

Of great rulers and spoke with effortless ease;   

He spoke greatly of kings and their ancestral line

Who were noble, kind-hearted and fine;

They made their country rich and reforms wrought

Without changing basic culture and thought;

 

2.    They owned rich mansions and palaces huge

With crystal pillars inlaid with gems and gold

And year by year their wealth grew manifold;

So many people came there to find jobs and refuge

Obeying rigid rules and hard, working hours

Building luxurious mansions and towers

The kings, though strict, put their wealth to good use;

Noble values and discipline they did infuse.

 

3.    The lovely palaces with royal symbols and turrets fine

The leaping figures of steeds and polished pillars round

We glanced from distance from the palace ground

With so many rooms and terraces in pretty designs

We watched with wonder though not allowed inside;

We learnt a lot about royal glory from our guide;

The lovely creepers and flowers carved with intricate art

With gilded pillars and arches beautified this spot.

 

4.    We travelled through the winding lanes of the old town

Lined with rows of old houses muddy-brown

And most of them deserted like temples old

Left as exhibits for tourists to behold

Their simple structures seemed plain and gross

With faded colors, broken windows and walls.

Like visions in a dream, they take us back to past

When people tended their flocks in the desert vast.

 

5.    The streets flanked by shops and stalls that sold

Costly jewels, gems and diamonds set in gold

Showcased necklaces, girdles and stone-set rings

A sparkling world of wealth with beaded gems on strings.

Various items and spices were neatly arranged in rows

Sweet smelling perfumes of musk, saffron and rose.

Tourists tempted by heaps of saffron and spices sweet

As tokens of their visit bought a few, as vendors greet.

 

6.    Circling the beach grand luxurious hotels seen

A perfect blend of ambiance beside waters blue-green;

Surrounded by palms and lawns grown with superb skill

Five-star hotels and villas with fountains and rills;

Young people swim and glide with vibrant roar

As foaming waves compete caressing the sandy shore;

The spacious villas seem like visions in a dream

A wonder to look at built in unique ways supreme. 

 

7.    The new township with ultramodern designs

With steep skyscrapers illumined bright

In various geometrical designs made a pretty sight

Spurred by new technological innovations shine;

With branded cars plying on roads smooth and wide

A noisy, busy world filled with swelling tide

Of workers from various nations from different fields.

Enriching this rich state to grow with greater speed.

 

8.    Despite its changing modern look the city revealed

Her traditional culture and vision in various fields

Her spacious museums, industries and trade

The harmonious blend of past and present displayed

With wonderful monuments, towers and treasures

A gorgeous city fraught with luxurious pleasures

Kudos to rulers, innovators and workers great

For changing this desert region into a flourishing state.

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

17th January, 2024                  Somaseshu Gutala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ode to Burj Khalifa

     

              

                                  

 

                

Mosque of Samaara

                                     

Trajan's column depicting Roman fighters in Dacian Wars

Carved figures on Marcus Aurelius column

                          

                       

 1.    Thou, King of towers, beside the oil-rich shore

Holding thy bejeweled crown so high

Almost touching the dark star-spangled sky

The glorious man-made structure all adore

As if asserting the mighty power of man

Vying with Nature with his skills and plans;

A surprising monument of wonder thou art

Blending intricate systems and aesthetic art.

Blending hard work and indomitable will

A captivating spectacle of creative thrill.

 

2.    So many thousands’ collective industry and dream

So many billions spent to shape this scheme;

Shaped like a desert flower with a sturdy base

To withstand weather’s unpredictable ways.

Like a Titan majestic revealing man’s desire

To reach unreachable heavenly spires.

Like the mosque of Samaara with exquisite design

With reinforced solid strength you do shine;

Furnished with shops, restaurants, homes and pools

A vertical world with luxuries cosy and cool. 

 

3.    Though not so artistic like Trajan’s Tower

Depicting in details Roman victories and power

Or of Marcus great column with spiral relief

Asserting conquest of northern tribes in brief.

Though not flashy like Eiffel with romantic charm

You transcend all in height and glorious form.

An affluent image of knowledge and power

On this dry desert made a heavenly bower

A true symbol of man’s efforts to make this spot;

A living wonder with all heavenly pleasures brought.

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

 Mosque of Samaara: A mosque in Samaara, Iraq which was built between 848-851 by the Abassid Caliph. At the time of construction, it was the world's largest mosque (171 ft or 52 meters tall).

Trajan’s Tower: A Triumphal column in Rome, commemorating Trajan’s victory in Dacian (Romanian) wars depicting the scenes of war and daily life of ancient Rome. It was 125ft. tall and was built between 106-113 A.D.

Marcus great Column: A Roman victory column (97 ft tall) depicting the     victory of Marcus Aurelius over the North Germanic tribes. The construction of this column was begun in 176 A.D. and completed in 193 A.D.

Eiffel Tower: A wrought iron Observation and Broadcasting Tower in Paris. It was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889. It is 330 meters tall with 81 stories and is the tallest structure in Paris.

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

13th January 2023                                     Somaseshu Gutala