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.

NO Glorious Goal

                                                                                                              

                                                                                                        

                                                                 No Glorious Goal

                                                In myths and legends do we often hear
                                                Of strong-willed demons who deeply aspire
                                                And pray to Thee for years to grant their desires:
                                                A long self-torturing ritual to draw Thee near:
                                                Were they happy, free from worries and fear?
                                                Did they arrive at the end of their desires?
                                                Did they conquer all enemies entire?
                                                Mute silence replies; not an easy task mere;

                                                Desires like fabled poisonous creatures entice
                                                You into their tempting weird embrace
                                                Tightening their grip around you, till your soul
                                                Is trapped and like a hapless victim lies
                                                Adding more woes-- an endless race 
                                                Root out all my desires, Oh Lord! -- no glorious goal.

                                                             *********************
                       Note:
                                  In epics and legends we hear of demons who are greedy,
                                  avaricious and adamant and strive their utmost to get
                                  miraculous occult powers; but they misuse them for their
                                  own self-aggrandizement and for vindictive purposes even
                                  rebelling against gods themselves, destroying and harming
                                  devout people and innocent persons. So mere acquisition of 
                                  power and knowledge will lead us astray unless our intentions
                                  are noble. Just high goals without wisdom are of no use.                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                         Somaseshu Gutala
                                  

My Uninvited Guest

                                                    

   
                    1)  Each day he comes, nay, every morning
                         Though not invited shouting loud
                         His looks too sharp and strutting proud;
                         Turning his neck as if looking for something
                         His usual seat, a ledge, near the steps before
                         The door, calling his friends galore.

               2)      What kind of visitor this dusky fellow
                         No charming red or glowing face
                         A coal-black creature with an awkward pace
                         His tone too harsh, not sweet and mellow
                         Like dark shining beads his tiny eyes gleam
                         As he turns aside with a raucous scream.

               3)      He shouts for his friends to come and share
                         His booty with a jolly blend of thrill
                         Unheeding our angry warnings shrill
                         Unperturbed they enjoy their daily fare
                         With harsh dissonant cacophony
                         With a close-knit feeling of harmony.

               4)      His raucous cry not appealing to me
                         His black, gaunt figure not pleasing to my eyes
                         His daily visits intrusive--what a surprise!
                         A part of our family, frank and free:
                         A sense of void we felt if we could not behold
                         His dark feathered form near our threshold.

               5)      Though common yet he seemed to fly
                         From darker worlds beyond our sight
                         Where ancestral souls reside after they die
                         Supposed to assume darker forms, not bright
                         Is he the daily guest from them among
                         My dearest kin I missed so long!

               6)      I stared at him confounded dumb with  craze
                         Who might be this black creature I can't discern
                         Fabled mount of dark dreadful Saturn stern!
                         Or messenger of death with a sinister gaze
                         With a bewitching spell like Stygian weeds
                         With dark eyes shining like magic beads!

               7)      Who ever may be this dark ominous bird
                         His daily presence moved my heart;
                         Though not a heavenly bird of fabled thought
                         A kindred touch in his harsh voice I heard;
                         No deceitful colored arrogant show
                         In blackest terms stark truths in his feelings flow.

               8)      Our daily guest, though uninvited , I say
                         Honoring guests , a noble act , indeed ;
                         We take our lunch only after we feed
                         Our dark mysterious visitor grey
                         His croaking call rings with friendly intimacy
                         His slanting gaze with merry smiles we see.

                                          ===         ====     ====
                                                                                                   Somaseshu Gutala
                   Note:

               1)  According to Indian legends a crow is associated with ancestral
                    spirits. The manes are supposed to assume the form of a crow to
                    take the food offered by the family in funeral rites and annual ceremonies.

              2)   A crow is the mount (vahana) of Lord Saturn, one of the most powerful
                    planets  whose glance is supposed to create many ordeals and troubles.
                                   
              3)  The crow is also considered as a dark creature associated with witches
                   and their dark spells of magic.
               
             4)   Grey here implies some thing unknown or unexciting

     
             5)   Stygian means dark like the river Styx flowing in the underworld.

                                                 ++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                --------------------------------------
 
                       





                       

When Violets Bloomed

      

                                                                

                                       1)      When violets bloomed just near my door
                                                 Spreading sweet smell in morning breeze
                                                 A friendly whisper with soulful ease
                                                 Fresh awakened bliss up to the core.

                                      2)      Your cheerful greeting made me glad
                                                Wide-eyed blossoming hearty smiles
                                                Pure like infant's and free from guile
                                                A healing touch--from you I had

                                     3)       No reason dry can gauge thy heart
                                                Neck-deep in worldly woes we drag.
                                                Such care-free thrill we never brag
                                                Thy world of joy beyond our chart.

                                     4)       Unperturbed like a prudent soul
                                                You dance freely with rhythmic swing
                                                What unheard strains you merrily sing?
                                                What secret tales from Nature's scroll?

                                     5)      What elves and sprites with thee commune?
                                               What happy myths and legends meet?
                                               What passions pure, a sweet retreat?
                                               What unseen worlds as you gently swoon?

                                     6)     Perfumed jewels of Divinities great!
                                              Fit ornaments of godly grace!
                                              Untouched by our self-centred ways!
                                              Like stars you shine beyond our state!

                                                       ===*****===****===*****=====

                                             Note: Meet= proper
                                                         
                                                                                                           Somaseshu Gutala
                                                                                                  
      

The Pangs of Uncertainty

                                         



                      

                         1 )          The seas of uncertainty seem like the darkest night
                                        Unaware of what is to be--beyond my guess--
                                        What pitfalls or up rise--a confused mess---
                                        With my frail reason I rave -- nothing within my sight--
                                         I question Fate as if my fundamental right
                                        As if creation rests on me--no more or less--
                                        I shout at God to clarify and press
                                        To show my goal--an explanation staraight--
                                        A vast expanse of stubborn silence reigns
                                        So many centuries flew off--beyond compare--
                                        My fate--a most insignificant case
                                        My pains--nothing ere this unending timeless terrain
                                        So many born,grew up and died under Thy care
                                        Thou, all-encompassing Lord of Time and Space!

                           2)          How many sins done? I know not--I doubt
                                        Repentance--just a flash in the pan!
                                        Though I did pray and try to ban
                                        Vile temptations with musings devout;
                                        From my bosom true faith did not sprout
                                        A goalless journey meseems this life--no plan:
                                        So many scriptures came but none can scan
                                        Thee in true terms, or what's this world about;                                  
                                        Your mystic smile behind the invisible veil
                                        Your motives--too abstruse--a challenging task;
                                        Your silence spells feelings beyond our words
                                        Your subtle controlling skills, Time conceals;
                                        Nature appears your miraculous mask;
                                        Change unwinds within imperceptible worlds.

                           3)         I banged and shouted--with words I fought
                                       You maintained stony silence odd
                                       I called Thee indifferent and insensitive God--
                                       A soulless power without any conscience or heart;
                                       I cursed my lot with melancholy fraught;
                                       Thy saintly attributes an utter fraud--
                                       This world unchanging like a boulder hard
                                       A dreary routine dissolving in naught!
                                       I never asked Thee for favors again ;
                                       I took everything in stride--nothing to complain;
                                       Meanwhile you showered happy events unsought
                                       You slaked my gloomy soul with heavenly rain
                                       A state beyond this earthly suffering and strain
                                       Puzzled-- I stood-- Your ways so strange beyond my thought!

                           4)        People pray to Thee pouring immense praise
                                      A thousand names describing Thy glory
                                      Can their golden paeans satisfy Thee?
                                      Chanting Thy holy names in various ways?
                                      Can vain human tongues match the divine lays
                                      Of Ambrosial grace of heavenly glee?
                                      Dost Thou require our feeble flickering praise
                                      That can't fathom Thy mysterious maze?
                                      Our words can't grasp Thy mighty supreme state
                                      Beyond these earthly limits, Space and Time
                                      None can move Thee with empty vociferous power
                                      Let me strive to feel Thy ever watching power great
                                      To comprehend Thy intentions sublime
                                      And be Thy humble child for ever.

                                                        =========
                                                                                                        SOMA GUTALA
                             (Written on 22-12-2009, 23-12-2009,24-12-2009 and 11-01-2010)

           Note: In the above four poems an attempt has been made to present the spiritual crisis in a
           metaphysical vein. The poets of the later 16th and 17th centuries in England brought about
           innovative changes in style and approach by use of colloquial and dramatic style, dialecti-
           cal style, argument, unusual and striking comparisons, satire and abrupt shift in rhythm
           and   meter with passionate intensity. Especially in poems of John Donne( 1572--1631)
           and  George Herbert (1593-1633) and others these features are clearly noticeable. I hope
           you will find some of these features in these poems where the inner tension and struggle
           find ultimate resolution in gradual reconciliation and acceptance of one's own destiny and .
           providence.
                                 
                                   
                                     
                               
                             
                                     
                                     

                                     



                                       
                             
   

On Meeting Again

                  

                                                                                              

                                                                        On Meeting Again                          

                                                   The pathway wore a dry desert-like look

                                                       No colorful glory of wild flowers dense ;
                                                       Someone has razed them down to clean and cleanse
                                                       I missed my blooming friends in every nook.
                                                       Who cut these tender shoots with merciless hook?
                                                       Deprived of green -- What an awful difference!
                                                       These crowded dusty roofs appear like dens;
                                                       Sheer destructive delight of modern crooks!

                                                       As time went on to my surprise I found
                                                       Fine-clustered flowers peeping through grass
                                                       Revelling themselves in luxuriance sleek
                                                       As if by magic spreading all around ;
                                                       Unperturbed by selfish human feelings gross
                                                       Laughing at me in playful hide-and-seek.
                                                                   ==== ***    ====  ***     ====     
                                                                                                                           Somaseshu Gutala
                                                                                                                                   14-2-2013                                                    Note: Hook= A poetic term for sickle 
                                                               used for cutting grass.                                                                                                                        
                                               ( Even in wild flowers and species one can
                                                 find beauty untarnished by artificial methods)

                                               

In the Houseboat at Alleppey

                                                        

                      

                                                
                                              1)      Upon these calm backwaters here
                                                       Of calm Arabian sea so clear
                                                        So many colorful  house- boats glide
                                                        So many tourists thrilled by enchanting ride--
                                                        No stormy swing of roaring breakers seen
                                                        A stretch of sea dotted with islands green.

                                              2)      We stepped onto the boat , a little afraid
                                                        Never we spent much time by the ocean side
                                                        In fresh-painted colors like a beautiful bride
                                                        Our boat so spic and span with chambers wide
                                                       A floating wonder with all comforts found
                                                       My fears vanished anon as we left the ground.

                                             3)       Red juicy foaming welcome drink we had
                                                       Seated on cushioned chairs we felt so glad
                                                       Fresh sea-breeze touched our limbs with a sense of thrill
                                                       No dusty pollution our bosoms filled
                                                       With vibrant feeling we watched the scene
                                                       Of blue broad blue expanse with distant green.

                                           4)        With gentle swing and humming sound we drove;
                                                       Pretty islands with rows of coconut groves
                                                       And green bananas came into our view;
                                                       Pretty hamlets floating like emeralds amidst the waters blue
                                                       Rustic peasants and fisher men merrily greet
                                                       Offering fruits and fresh sea-food to eat.

                                          5)         Young lads raced in their boats with nimble strokes
                                                       Calling their mates loudly with sportive jokes:
                                                       In country boats the natives rowed along
                                                       Cheering each other with a merry song;
                                                       Hurling their fish-nets and patiently watch
                                                       Tugging  nets till they get their precious catch.

                                         6)          With effortless ease they rowed from place to place
                                                       Selling fruits, flowers and fish arranged in trays;
                                                       The pinch of poverty never dampened their hearts
                                                       They lived happily with whatever they got;
                                                       In them I found a close kinship with sea
                                                       Small kids too swimming like fish with merry glee.

                                         7)          With silky curtains and smooth wooden floor
                                                       The cosy chambers with painted panels and doors
                                                       Fine pictures of rustic dames caught our gaze
                                                       Young lovers playing in voluptuous ways
                                                       Fisher women like mermaids swim and stroll
                                                       Young dames pushing the boat with bamboo pole;
                                                   
                                         8)          Dusky tribal women bearing loads on their heads
                                                      Returning home at sunset with a weary tread
                                                      With full-blown hair the pretty lass enjoyed her swing
                                                      The pretty floral designs and birds on wing ;
                                                      The throb of coastal life caught in picturesque form
                                                      Revealing hard ways of life yet blest with freedom

                                         9)          Though few the crew on boat did service great
                                                      So prompt and neat, I don't exaggerate;
                                                      They made us feel at home in every way
                                                      They gave us all for a comfortable stay;
                                                      They drove the boat, served tasty food and swept
                                                      The floor and set the beds in a beautiful state.

                                        10)         Their homely dishes we never forget
                                                      So tasty and delightful to our palate;
                                                      In spite of meager means they seemed care-free
                                                      Never yearning for lazy luxury;
                                                      In their hard work they found true pleasure
                                                      In playing and singing they spent their leisure;
                                                                                                                                                                                                             
                                        11)        Our boat anchored as the sun began to set
                                                     A dim-lit cool stillness for us to rest
                                                     A chance to feel the touch of grassy ground
                                                     To watch the tiny huts with flowery creepers crowned
                                                     Cut off from town this far-flung hamlet, just
                                                     Beside the lake far from fever and fret.

                                       12)         Just like aliens in another sphere
                                                     Under the star-studded dark sky so clear
                                                     Gazing at the full-swollen moon we spent
                                                     A heavenly night, indeed, God-sent
                                                     In deepest slumber felt never before
                                                     In cosy chambers of the boat beside the shore.
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                                      13)         Youthful couples enjoyed their honey-moon trip
                                                     Lying on cushions in mutual warmest grip
                                                     Gazing at each other in surroundings calm
                                                     Loveliest moments of unforgettable charm
                                                     Unaware of mundane affairs and men
                                                     Sipping elixir of love like gods in heaven.

                                      14)         The rising sun gilded the lapping waves at dawn
                                                    Green fields and trees in dew-fresh colors shone
                                                    Unfolding Nature's beauty in glowing hue
                                                    In dancing shades of gold sparkled the waters blue
                                                    As flocks of birds floated like garlands with delight
                                                    Whirling around blue waters sunny bright.

                                      15)          A rejuvenating journey for us indeed
                                                     To catch the glimpse of true joy far from greed
                                                     To feel the throb of life-- Pure Nature's gift,
                                                     Simple yet wondrous without any rift;
                                                     Of mutual jealousy and discontented strife
                                                     And maddening rush unleashed by modern life.

                                      16)         True joy resides in simple natural things
                                                    No bragging intellect or knowledge brings
                                                    We found the sacred touch of God in Nature here
                                                    Far from worldly worries with a conscience clear;
                                                    Not a simple boat-ride this journey seems
                                                    True peace and joy felt here beyond our dreams.

                                                                   *****************         Somaseshu Gutala
                                    Note:                                                                   January,2013

                                        The stay in the house-boat at Alleppey in Kerala gave us a novel
                                         experience of viewing the scenic landscape from a moving boat. The 
                                        blue horizon and waters in clear contrast to solid green slopes on land
                                        enhances the beauty of the landscape. The people staying in islands
                                        carried on their routine work just like people on land, but the only 
                                        difference is that they travel by passenger boats from place to place. A
                                        close intimacy with sea waters is seen as they bravely drive their own
                                        boats even in twilight. The crew on the boat deserve all praise . To say in
                                       poetry, " Our earnest thanks to such praiseworthy crew/ In this greedy
                                       world we find such men--though few." The crew members, only three
                                      in number did all sorts of work and never gave any scope for complaint.
                                      One person with three missing fingers worked with zeal without showing
                                      any signs of despair. In spite of his physical deformity he impressed us
                                      with his earnest and courteous demeanor. It would be better to enjoy   
                                      one's own time without being distracted by modern gadgets with blaring                                           sounds. Of course one can take photos to store these lovely and memorable                                       moments which others will surely watch and enjoy.  

                                                            *************************************                                              
                                   
                         2nd February, 2013                                                   SOMASESHU GUTALA