End of a project, another continues

Today the Ramayana came to an end. It has been a great experience re-reading the epic and retelling.

The vastness of Ramayana and Mahabharata can be easily compared - while the Ramayana is done, Mahabharata is just at the half way mark.

A year back - Tulsi

A year back I had got a tulsi plant. Today that plant is not there. Had a severe insect infestation. Then again I got a tulsi plant. That also died recently.
Incidentally, the second tulsi plant was healthy and I have many small tiny plants in pots.

Hopefully they will last.

A very auspicious day - 18th August 2016

Today, 18th August 2016 is a very auspicious Hindu day.

In the northern part of India, today is the day that is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan and the full moon day for the month of Hindu month of Shravana, thus caled Shrava Purnima.

This Shravana Purnima is also supposed to the birth day of the Goddess Gayatri.

This is also the day of Upakarma when the brahmans will be changing their sacred thread annually. This day is also considered to be the birthday of the God Hayagriva, a form of Vishnu, who has the head of a horse.

Today, is also celebrated as Sanskrit Day. 

Doctor Experience - 08 August

Yesterday evening 08 August , had a frustrating experience at a hospital. I had doctors' appointments for Dad. He reached the hospital around 6:30PM and saw one of the doctors that he was supposed to meet.
The second doctor was to come at 9PM.
I reached the hospital around 7PM, this being a short stroll away from my work place.
I saw Dad sitting in the reception. At 9PM, i asked the front desk when the doctor would come, they said - he is on his way.
Then at 9:20PM - same reply and the same at 9:40PM.

A hospital reception is not the best place to spend ones' time. Surrounded by patients in a dim room and a TV on mute, running News.

The doctor came at 9:45PM and I was done and back home by 10:20PM. It the doctor had come earlier, I would been home much earlier.

This morning Dad is back in the hospital, getting a checkup done.

Weird Connections and Stuffed Karelas

This is weird. Especially when you try to link things, when they are not co-related.

This is what happened. I was watching the Hanumana serial on television. The serial has Gagan Malik, an actor playing the role of Rama. When I saw it today, i remembered something. Four years ago, this actor has played Rama. This time for a serial on Ramayana on Zee TV in 2012. London Olympics were also on at that time.

Those days I was engrossed in phone calls with Guwahati. Listening to the person on the other hand, I thought I was happy, not knowing what was being told was not entirely true.

Today, thinking back, I was wondering of those days.

~~~~~~~~~~

Weekend was nice. I got some plants. Hope they survive. If they do, then pictures will get posted. Of flowers blooming in my balcony. It was a aparajita plant. So hoping to see some nice blue flowers. And also an aloe vera plant, to be kept as an indoor plant.

I tried the stuffed karela recipe. Scraped the karelas and saved the scrapings. Cut the bitter gourds into two and then scooped the seeds out with a knife. In a wok,heated oil and  added diced onions, the scrapings, scooped out seeds, a little cumin powder and dried raw mango. Stuffed this back in the gourds, and then closed the ends with dry besan. On a flat tawa, these karelas were fried.

Had a tasty dish and also the karelas were out of the fridge.

Need to figure out a way to clean out the veggies from the fridge. Once they are out, the fridge can be fully cleaned up and then fresh stock of produce can be ordered.

Wengers Connaught Place - After many years 30 July 2016

Today I went to Wengers after many years. The succulent Shami Kababs and the crispy chicken patties are to die for.

Also a Metro ride to Rajiv Chowk after years.

Sad, remembering the old days.

This shop has been around since 1926 and till today, the old residents of Delhi can swear by their products. Over the years, their prices have shot up. A kabab cost me 70 rupees and so did the chicken patty but they cannot just be compared with any other place.

Years back, someone had told me that Flurys in Kolkata, but having eaten in both place, Wengers is way above.

http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/12/21/wengers-new-delhis-oldest-bakery/

Lunch with a friend - 29 July 2016

This was totally unplanned for. My friend, Ajay, kept telling me to come to his house, and I kept procrastinating.

Today morning, he called and said he had taken a day off. 

I was going out, so I told him I will call him when I was back home.

After finishing my work outside, I called him around noon. Lunch was not planned. He was at home alone, and wanted to order food in. His wife was adamant - Nothing from outside. So nice bengali lunch at home - shukto, torkari, dal, and two kinds of fishes - pabda and prawns.

My Dad and uncle at home had something while I went out and enjoyed my day out.

Happy Birthday 25th July 2016

Its a year since I started this Blog. It was the evening of 25th July 2015, when I started. A week after I had returned to Bangalore from Delhi.

Never realized that a year went by.

A whole lot has happened in this past year - have to take that as part of life and move on.

Happy Birthday

Happy Anniversary Ma

Its a year (as per the tithi) since you left us Ma on 06th July 2015.

Today, 24th July 2016, we had a batsorik puja for you. My school friends were there, talking about you and so were some of my other friends.

All of them miss you.

Travel and a bit more 23 July 2016

Yesterday, 23 July 2016, came to Delhi.

My Jet air flight was at 7 AM, which meant to be checked in by 6 AM, I had requested for the taxi to come at 3:45 AM. Whole night I was up, packing and then watching TV till 2:45. Then work up Dad. At 3:30, I got a call from the Meru Cab guy saying he would be there in 10 minutes. Fine.

At 3:45, I called the cab guy. He said was at a fuel station, for getting his tires checked for air.

At 3:55, he came. Luggage kept in the car when the guy realized he had a flat tire.

H asked me, You have some time in hand. I said - 10 minutes. He then struggled with the jack and in about 15 minutes, he managed to get the punctured tire replaced.

So around 4:10 or so we started. And around 5:10 we were at the airport.

Then the Jet Air counter. I asked for a wheel chair for Dad. Got one. And going with him, I went from the staff gate, so my security check in happened in 10 minutes. In a normal scenario, It would have taken at least an hour.

At 6:10 we boarded the flight.  The flight stewardess ( not sure if air hostess is still a politically correct term or not) came by. There was a time when these people were known for their beauty. And this lot was diametrically opposite of that.

Anyway, food was served - a nice breakfast and the flight was in, 10 minutes before time.

Was home by 11:30M.

Went and got chola bhatura and had that for lunch. Then a nap in the noon.

Evening had roasted corn and then dinner was the great tandoori roti and dal from the neighbouring dhaba.

Great day.

Dal Roti and Sambhar Masala - 19 July 2016

Dal Roti - A simple thing in North India. Having Dal with Roti. But making a single meal out of it?

I tried that last night and the outcome was nice.

I had some left over boiled moong dal . Added that in the wheat flour and kneaded that.
Chapatis were made out of that. I purposely left the oil out.

The outcome - these rotis did not puff up like the normal wheat chapatis do, but the outcome was tasty. Good to have with any other dish.

And then I wanted to have sambhar made out of the red lentils - masoor dal. But where was the sambhar powder? No worries. So a little jeera (cumin), coriander seeds, red chilly, black pepper, curry leaves were dry roasted, cooled and ground and added to the boiled dal. A little hing was added.

Sambhar powder also has dry roasted urad and chana dal in it, but I added what I had, and the outcome was lovely.

Dad was happy which meant it was good.

Happy Guru Purnima - July 19 2016

Today, July 19, is Guru Purnima. Believed to the birthday of Veda Vyasa, the author of Mahabharata, who is also have said to collected all the Vedic Hymns and consolidated them.

Today is also the day I wish all the people in this world that I have interacted - my humble offering of a pranam. All have taught me something or the other in life.

Happy Guru Purnima to all.

Chicken Weekend 16/17 July

Okay, I am not making desserts every weekend. Sometimes it could be something savory.

Yesterday, 16 th July, I was at a school to watch a badminton match which my office was playing. After two hours and many singles and doubles matches, I left the venue.

Took a bus to get my medical reports. The person asked me when I got my tests done and when I said 21st June, he was a bit stunned. After all, people were desperate for these. I could have at the least told him, I had seen the soft copies.

Anyway, from there, I walked. It was a good walk - probably 4 kilometers with a halt on the way for some chicken.

Got three chicken breasts and four whole legs.

The chicken breasts were washed and kept in the fridge.

The legs were cleans and marinated with ginger, garlic, yogurt, salt and chilly powder and kept in the fridge.

Evening, the breast was cut as small as possible, an egg, little cornflour, garlic, ginger, salt and soya sauce was added. Then balls were fried.

In a wok, some oil, onions, then capsicum, ginger, garlic, ketchup and soya sauce. When this was nice and thick, added some water and the fried chicken balls. Then little corn flour dissolved in water.

My version of chicken Manchurian.

Then today had homemade pizza (atta was kneaded with yeast, sugar and left aside overnight. Then rotis were made of this - this was the base) with cucumber, tomato, cheese and boiled egg. 220 degrees pre heated oven for 10 minutes. This was breakfast.

Lunch was the chicken legs. Roasted in the oven at 200 degrees pre heated oven for around 80 minutes.

Dinner?? - Will think of something.

Bipad Tarini Puja

Yesterday 12 July, was Bipad Tarini Puja.  I was not aware of it. My maid came early yesterday and said she needed to go home early as she was fasting the whole day.

This is the worship of Durga who is one takes away all troubles. As legends go, Narada had narrated to a king on the banks of the river Karatoya, that this was the Goddess who had relieved Shiva's pain, when he had consumed poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean.

This river is in prsent day Bangladesh, but reduced to a stream.

This was also supposed to the Goddess to whom Krishna prayed.

Then he talks about a queen who had asked for cooked beef, as a close maid of hers consumed that. Though the queen had ordered it secretly, the king heard of it and was about to kill the queen. The Queen asked the goddess to help her, and the beef changed to flowers.

I understand that this is a worship that is performed by women. 

Nice Evening with friends - 11 July 2016

It started Sunday evening. There was a Whatsapp message from a school friend. He said he was in Bangalore for a day and would be returning back Tuesday.

So Sunday I was trying to workout a place where we could meet. I spoke to a friend who lives in Bangalore, and he said he would arrange something.

Yesterday morning, I was given the venue. Toit in Indiranagar. I had never heard of it and checking on the internet, I saw they brewed their own beer.

So finally yesterday evening, after work, went home, changed and then took a Uber to this place.
It took me an hour to reach. I was there for 10 minutes when the other two friends turned up.

It is nice to catch up with school friends over beer, gossip and snacks. Lovely evening spent.

Bigg Boss

Last night was the final of Colors Bangla Bigg Boss.
Its over finally.

I had seen a few episodes and I was appalled by the negativity there. Not sure if the Hindi ones are this bad. Maybe that is the format of the game.

Glad its over.

Also,  yesterday was the final of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on ZEE TV. The performers sang. I thought they would decide and declare the winner.

Not sure when that will come.

Tiler Naru 10 July 2016

I had never thought that I would be making naru at home. That too in Bangalore.
I had actually left off all the cooking to Mom and I was occasionally in the kitchen, when I felt like or when I was staying alone.

Now, times are different and kitchen has to be visited everyday.

The sesame seeds were lying in one corner. Undiscovered. My mom had probably got it from Delhi a few years back and they had been lying there since.

Yesterday was the day when I wanted to make this but forgot, what with the Rohu fish taking precedence.

Today, I made it a point to make it.

So the packet of 200 grams of sesame went into the wok to be roasted. Slightly browned them. Burnt sesame will be bitter.
Kept that aside.
Approximately one tablespoon of gur/ jaggery in the wok and some water. This was boiled till it became fudge like - sticky. Then added the sesame.

Formed balls while warm, and the tiler naru ready!!

A year gone - Life is still not the same

Remembering these  old bengali songs.

It is exactly a year back,  06th July, 2015,  when I was in a flight, flying to Delhi to see the lifeless body of my mother, for the last time.

People say time is a healer. Not sure. Will time make me forget. Everyday, when I think of something at home, I turn back and realize that she is not there.

Every evening there is a lump in the throat and eyes are moist.

Miss you Ma.

Jam Cake

Friday was Dad's birthday so wanted to do something. He was not too keen on stepping out and maybe I was lazy too, so finally did a few things.

1. Bought 4 kilos of Rohu on Saturday. Yes - here you need to buy a full fish, so had to buy the whole thing.
2. Had a Saturday lunch from KFC.
3. Evening is was Fish head with moong dal, fish roe pakoras and fish roe curry
4. Today, Sunday had a breakfast of popcorn (home made from corn kernels). This was in the microwave for 10 mins in a closed borosil bowl. My microwave is probably 20 years old,so thats why it took 10 mins. Some leftover chicken from KFC. And some soaked millets which were boiled. This had jowar, bajra, barley and ragi mixed. Soaked them for few hours and then boiled them.
5. Lunch was maggi made in microwave. With some millets. Added the maggi in a micro safe bowl, in which were some boiled millets. Added water which just about submerged the maggi. Want it soupy add more water. 4 mins om the micro. Then added the tastemaker and another 4 minutes.
AND
6. This was the best part. In a bowl I mixed some butter and sugar. Then added 4 eggs. Added 3-4 cups of flour and added 3 tablespoon of raspberry jam. Mixed well then added one egg.
Greased a bowl.
Set oven to heat at 170C.
Added the mixture in the greased bowl and put that in the oven for 50 mins.
After 25 mins, put a knife to see if it was done, I thought I saw some flour on the knife, so let it complete the cycle.
I let it sit in the oven for 5 mins after it was done.
Then took out the cake on to a dish and let it cool. It came out of the bowl easily.

First White Rose - 25 June 2016

This was yesterday afternoon - a full blown white rose.

Laddu at home

Tuesday evening I saw some coconut in the fridge. Wanted to use that up somehow.
Did not have any prawns else a malaikari of prawns could have happened.

Had to think of something. Dad said - make something sweet, but the quantity of the coconut by itself was too little.

Opened the pantry cupboard to see what else could be used. Found a few raisins, 2 cups of oats and some jaggery.

I had all that I needed.

I dry roasted the oats, till the moisture was gone but the color of the oats had not changed. Took that off the flame. In the pot, added some water. When the water had heated up, I put in the jaggery and let it dissolve. Once that had happened, added the coconut and let the coconut absorb the jaggery.

When a sticky mixture had formed, added the oats, raisins, 2 crushed green cardamoms and then turned off the heat.

After a few minutes, while the mixture was still hot, formed some balls and let that cool.

Oats Coconut ladoos ready.

Bloody Weekend 18/19 June 2016

Literally. Yesterday I cut my finger on a greasy sharp tin in the kitchen and then today I cut my left toe. Thank God for my Dettol bottle.

Brother came today. He will be here for a week. I plan to take 2 days off this week - to spend some time at home.

An anniversary

How does one define anniversary? A celebration? If so, this is not one.

A commemoration, yes - a remembrance.

Last week, 15th June. This was the date.

This was the last time I had seen my mother alive, when she had left Bangalore to go to Delhi for a month and a half. 

Life has molded itself somehow. I do not feel like going to Delhi any more The empty house is not something I want to see. What I want to see and I will never, so I am best placed, where I am. 

Lovely old songs - Jhilik Jhilik by Lata

Was humming the song and then wondered if I could find the lyrics of the song somewhere.

Searching the net came across this at https://banglasongslyrics.wordpress.com/2014/07/27/%E0%A6%9D%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9D%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9D%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%81%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AA/:

ঝিলিক ঝিলিক ঝিনুক খুঁজে পেলাম,
ঝিলিক ঝিলিক ঝিনুক খুঁজে পেলাম,
তোমায় তা দিলাম-
বললে তুমি মুক্তো কোথায়?
মুক্তো আমার চাই.
তাই, ছুঁড়ে ছুঁড়ে তারে ফেলে দিলাম।।

ঝিলিক ঝিলিক ঝিনুক খুঁজে পেলাম,
তোমায় তা দিলাম-
বললে তুমি মুক্তো কোথায়?
মুক্তো আমার চাই.
তাই, ছুঁড়ে ছুঁড়ে তারে ফেলে দিলাম।।

ঝিলিক ঝিলিক ঝিনুক খুঁজে পেলাম।

আর একদিন এক পাহাড় ঘেরা গাঁয়ে,
নাম না জানা ফুলে ফুলে গালিচা বিছায়-
তার কত না যে রঙের বাহার কত না আকার !
তার কত না যে রঙের বাহার কত না আকার !
রঙ্গিন রঙ্গিন মালা গেঁথে নিলাম,
রঙ্গিন রঙ্গিন মালা গেঁথে নিলাম,
তোমায় তা দিলাম-
বললে তুমি গোলাপ কোথায়?
গোলাপ আমার চাই-
তাই, ছুঁড়ে ছুঁড়ে তারে ফেলে দিলাম।।

ঝিলিক ঝিলিক ঝিনুক খুঁজে পেলাম।

আজ তুমি নাই, মুক্তো গোলাপ নাই,
ঝিলিক ঝিলিক ঝিনুক রঙ্গিন রঙ্গিন ফুলও নাই।
আজ যতদূরেই চাই যে দেখি পড়ে আছে ছাই,
আজ যতদূরেই চাই যে দেখি পড়ে আছে ছাই।
ভাবি বসে আবার যদি পেতাম,
ভাবি বসে আবার যদি পেতাম-
পুরনো সেই দিন।
ছোট হাসির ছোট খুশির ফেলে দেওয়া দিন-
আজ বুকে করে তারে তুলে নিতাম।

ঝিলিক ঝিলিক ঝিনুক খুঁজে পেলাম,
রঙ্গিন রঙ্গিন মালা গেঁথেছিলাম,
ভাবি বসে আবার যদি পেতাম।

Waiting for the results

Yesterday, I did not water my plants. I added what was sold as compost. It was black and grainy. So most plants got some.
Today I took a few grains of urea and dissolved that in a mug of water. Sprinkled that in most of the post. Most. as in, I left out the ones which had very small plants - like corriander.

Busy Day

Day started off with cleaning six ceiling fans.
Then I had five pots in which I had to mix and fill potting mixture/ fertilizer.
Then breakfast.

Afternoon Dad got home prawns, which had to be deveined.
Then mashing paneer with sugar.

Afternoon / Evening spraying plants with neem oil.
Evening made kalakand with the paneer.

Finally Chingri malai curry and rice.

Hope to catch up on some rest tomorrow.

Uttam Supriya - Non romantic

Was watching Chowringee, the 1968 B/W Bangla film.

Uttam Kumar and Supriya were in the movie but not paired against each other. I can think of Baag Bandir Khela and Jodi Jantem, where the two are starring in the movie, but not paired against each other.

Any other movies like this?

Have Amitabh/ Jaya or Dharam/ Hema done movies where they were together , but not paired against each other? In Krodhi, Hema Malini just did a guest appearance, so not sure if that counts, and Andhaa Kanoon had Dharam as a truck driver (guest role).

Guddhi and Piya ka Ghar had Amitabh Bachhan and Jaya - both movies had Amitabh in Guest Appearance.

Mishti Doi

There are times when you want to have that bowl of mishti doi which does not have added vegetable fat to make it creamy, or colour to give it that brown tinge.

So what do you do? Make some at home. I had it last night for Dinner, having started the preparation on Saturday.

It is time consuming, but the efforts are nothing after you taste it.  You need plain yogurt , sugar and milk.

Boil the milk till it is thick and slightly brownish in colour - just that touch of brown about to come.
Add sugar and dissolve it. How much sugar, depends on how sweet you want it.

For extra colour, add some caramel - in a small non stick pan, heat some sugar till melts and bowns. Remove from heat and add some water.

Add this to the sweetened milk.

Now let the milk cool down, till it is slightly warm. Now mix the plain yogurt into the milk.

Preheat an oven to the minimum temperature. Once done, Put the covered bowl of yogurt milk/ mix in the oven, close the oven door and forget it for 8 hours at least.

Do not open the oven door in between to check.

After 8 hours/ overnight, check to see how the yogurt looks.

Mishti Doi is ready. Refrigerate it and have cold mishti doi .

Happy National Technology Day - May 11

May 11 is National Technology Day.

It was on this day that the first, indigenous aircraft “Hansa-3” was test flown at Bangalore. India also performed successful test firing of the Trishul missile on the same day, May 11 and executed three successful nuclear tests, carried out at Pokhran, in Rajasthan. This happened in 1999 and since then this day is celebrated as National Technology Day. 

Happy Birthday Mahabharat

Sounds strange - but today is Akshaya Tritiya and in 2016, it falls on 09th May.

This is the day when Vyasa started writing the Mahabharata so Happy Birthday to Mahabhatara.

Also, today is the day when Ganges is supposed to have started its descent towards the plains.

This is also the birthday of the sage Parashurama.

Today is the day when the chariot building for the Puri Rath Yatra starts.

This is a very auspicious day.

Happy Akshaya Tritiya everyone. 

Mother's Day

Do we need a special day to celebrate the love for our mothers? Every day is a mother's day.
Just because US has the second Sunday of May as mother's day, do we really need that?

I wish my mother was around - at least I could things around her - Hope she is happy wherever she is.

Rest in peace Ma

Happy Hanumana Jayanti

Happy Haumana Jayanti 22 April 2016

Home Made Ghee

Had milk cream collecting in the fridge for months. Had stopped collecting - after I had a pan full.
Today, a hurried effort and cream was put on the gas.

And Voila ... I have my first batch of home made ghee made here in Bangalore 

Annapurna Puja 2016

Today is Ashtami of Basanti Puja, the original Durga Puja which is still celebrated in parts of Bengal. This will end with Ram Navami, tomorrow, 15th April 2016 - which is also the birthday of Rama.

Interesting to note the connections between Rama and the two Durga Pujas. While the Autumn Puja is supposed to be the worship that was started by Rama, the Spring Puja ends with the birth of Rama.

The Ashtami of Basanti Puja is also celebrated as Annpurna Puja, where the holy mother is worshiped as Annapurna.

Once after a tiff with Shiva, Parvati vanished. Everything came to a stand still. There was no food. Seeing the suffering of the people, Parvati went to Kashi as Annapurna and started feeding people. Shiva went there with a bowl, and she happily fed Shiva.

Below is a translation of the Annapurna stotra.

Green Message

Home Stotras Bharatavarsha Pilgrimages Festivals Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ramana Sadhana Sanskrit Nature Others
Green Message
Green Message: The Evergreen Messages of Spirituality, Sanskrit and Nature

Home > Sanskrit Mantras & Slokas > Devi Annapoorna > Annapoorna Stotram: Nityananda Kari Varabhaya Kari - in sanskrit with meaning - Stotra on Devi Annapoorna
Annapoorna Stotram: Nityananda Kari Varabhaya Kari - in sanskrit with meaning - Stotra on Devi Annapoorna Stotra

- composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya

अन्नपूर्णा   स्तोत्रम् - नित्यानन्दकरी   वराभयकरी   सौन्दर्यरत्नाकरी
Annapoorna Stotram: Nityanandakari Varabhayakari Saundarya Ratnakari


नित्यानन्दकरी वराभयकरी सौन्दर्यरत्नाकरी
निर्धूताखिलघोरपावनकरी प्रत्यक्षमाहेश्वरी ।
प्रालेयाचलवंशपावनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥१॥
Nitya-[A]ananda-Karii Vara-Abhaya-Karii Saundarya-Ratna-[A]akarii
Nirdhuuta-Akhila-Ghora-Paavana-Karii Pratyakssa-Maaheshvarii |
Praaleya-Acala-Vamsha-Paavana-Karii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||1||

Meaning:
1.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Who always give Joy to Her Devotees, along with Boons and assurance of Fearlessness (under Her Motherly care); Who is a repository of great Beauty and makes their minds beautiful by the touch of the Gem of Her (inner) Beauty,
1.2: Who Purifies all the Poisons and Sufferings of their minds (by the touch of Her Compassion and Bliss), and Who is the Great Goddess manifested visibly in Kashi,
1.3: Who Sanctified the Lineage of the King of the Mountain of Himalayas (by taking birth as Devi Parvati); Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
1.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


नानारत्नविचित्रभूषणकरी हेमाम्बराडम्बरी
मुक्ताहारविलम्बमानविलसद्वक्षोजकुम्भान्तरी ।
काश्मीरागरुवासिताङ्गरुचिरे काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥२॥
Naanaa-Ratna-Vicitra-Bhuussanna-Karii Hema-Ambara-[A]addambarii
Muktaa-Haara-Vilambamaana-Vilasad-Vakssoja-Kumbha-Antarii |
Kaashmiira-Agaru-Vaasita-Angga-Rucire Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||2||

Meaning:
2.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Who is adorned with many Gems shining with various Colours, and with Garments striking with the shine of Gold (i.e. Golden Laced),
2.2: Who is decorated with a Garland of Pearls which is Hanging down and Shining within the middle of Her Bosom,
2.3: Whose Beautiful Body is Fragrant with Saffron and Agaru (Agarwood); Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
2.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


योगानन्दकरी रिपुक्षयकरी धर्मार्थनिष्ठाकरी
चन्द्रार्कानलभासमानलहरी त्रैलोक्यरक्षाकरी ।
सर्वैश्वर्यसमस्तवाञ्छितकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥३॥
Yoga-[A]ananda-Karii Ripu-Kssaya-Karii Dharma-Artha-Nisstthaa-Karii
Candra-Arka-Anala-Bhaasamaana-Laharii Trailokya-Rakssaa-Karii |
Sarva-[A]ishvarya-Samasta-Vaan.chita-Karii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||3||

Meaning:
3.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Who gives the Bliss of communion with God through Yoga, and Who destroys the attachment to the Senses (which are the enemies of Yogic communion); Who makes us devoted to Dharma and righteous effort to earn wealth (as a worship of God),
3.2: Who is like a great Wave shining with the Divine Energies of Moon, Sun and Fire which Protects the Three Worlds,
3.3: Who gives all Prosperity and fulfills all Wishes of the Devotees; Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
3.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


कैलासाचलकन्दरालयकरी गौरी उमा शङ्करी
कौमारी निगमार्थगोचरकरी ओङ्कारबीजाक्षरी ।
मोक्षद्वारकपाटपाटनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥४॥
Kailaasa-Acala-Kandara-[A]alaya-Karii Gaurii Umaa Shangkarii
Kaumaarii Nigama-Artha-Gocara-Karii Ongkaara-Biija-Akssarii |
Mokssa-Dvaara-Kapaatta-Paattana-Karii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||4||

Meaning:
4.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Who has made the Caves of Mount Kailasa Her Abode, and is known by various names like Gauri, Uma, Shankari, ...
4.2: ... and Kaumari; Who makes the deepest meaning of Nigamas (Vedas or Sacred Scriptures) perceptible in Her Divine Form which vibrates with the Seed Syllable Omkara,
4.3: Who opens the Gate of Moksha (Liberation) within our (Spiritual) Heart by Her Grace; Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
4.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


दृश्यादृश्यविभूतिवाहनकरी ब्रह्माण्डभाण्डोदरी
लीलानाटकसूत्रभेदनकरी विज्ञानदीपाङ्कुरी ।
श्रीविश्वेशमनःप्रसादनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥५॥
Drshya-Adrshya-Vibhuuti-Vaahana-Karii Brahmaanndda-Bhaannddo[a-U]darii
Liilaa-Naattaka-Suutra-Bhedana-Karii Vijnyaana-Diipa-Angkurii |
Shrii-Vishvesha-Manah-Prasaadana-Karii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||5||

Meaning:
5.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Who bears within Her many Visible and Invisible Divine Attributes, and holds the whole Universe within Her,
5.2: Who (by Her special Grace) discloses the (Divine) Source of this Divine Play of Creation, thereby sprouting the Flame of the Lamp of (Divine) Knowledge within us,
5.3: Who makes the Meditative Mind (i.e. Meditative Absorption) of Sri Visweswara Gracious, i.e. make it flow down as Divine Grace to the World; Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
5.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


उर्वीसर्वजनेश्वरी भगवती मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी
वेणीनीलसमानकुन्तलहरी नित्यान्नदानेश्वरी ।
सर्वानन्दकरी सदा शुभकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥६॥
Urvii-Sarva-Jane[a-Ii]shvarii Bhagavatii Maata-Annapuurnneshvarii
Vennii-Niila-Samaana-Kunta-Laharii Nitya-Anna-Daane[a-Ii]shvarii |
Sarva-[A]ananda-Karii Sadaa Shubha-Karii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||6||

Meaning:
6.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Who is Mother Earth Herself and the Goddess of everyone, Whom the Devotees call as Bhagavati Mata Annapoorneswari,
6.2: Whose Dark Braids of Hair flow down like the Waves of Her Grace; Who (being Mother Earth Herself) is always devoted to bestowing Food to Her Children,
6.3: Who brings all Joys to the Devotees and Her presence always bring Good Fortunes in their lives; Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
6.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


आदिक्षान्तसमस्तवर्णनकरी शम्भोस्त्रिभावाकरी
काश्मीरात्रिजलेश्वरी त्रिलहरी नित्याङ्कुरा शर्वरी ।
कामाकाङ्क्षकरी जनोदयकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥७॥
Aadikssa-Anta-Samasta-Varnnana-Karii Shambhos-Tri-Bhaava-[A]akarii
Kaashmiiraa-Tri-Jale[a-Ii]shvarii Tri-Laharii Nitya-Angkuraa Sharvarii |
Kaama-[A]akaangkssa-Karii Jano[a-U]dayakarii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||7||

Meaning:
7.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Who makes all the Letters manifest from within Her, starting with "A" and ending in "Kssa", and is the repository of the Three Bhavas of Shambhu (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas leading to Creation, Preservation and Destruction of the Universe),
7.2: Who is Reddish in colour (signifying Shakti) and is the Goddess of the Three Waters (signifying the Three Shaktis) which flow as the Three Waves (of Iccha [Will], Jnana [Knowledge] and Kriya [Activity] Shaktis); thus always Sprouting creation with Her Feminine Power,
7.3: Who fulfills the various Wishes of the Devotees and Raises the lives of People (by providing Food and other essentials of worldly life); Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
7.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


देवी सर्वविचित्ररत्नरचिता दाक्षायणी सुन्दरी
वामं स्वादुपयोधरप्रियकरी सौभाग्यमाहेश्वरी ।
भक्ताभीष्टकरी सदा शुभकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥८॥
Devii Sarva-Vicitra-Ratna-Racitaa Daakssaayannii Sundarii
Vaamam Svaadu-Payo-Dhara-Priya-Karii Saubhaagya-Maahe[a-Ii]shvarii |
Bhakta-Abhiisstta-Karii Sadaa Shubha-Karii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||8||

Meaning:
8.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Who is studded with Gems of all Colours, and Who was the Beautiful Daughter of King Daksha,
8.2: Who holds a bowl of Sweet Milk (signifying Food) on Her Left which She endearingly distributes to Her Childen; Who is the Great Goddess Who brings Good Fortune to Her Devotees,
8.3: Who fulfills the Desires of the Devotees and always brings Good Blessings to them; Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
8.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


चन्द्रार्कानलकोटिकोटिसदृशा चन्द्रांशुबिम्बाधरी
चन्द्रार्काग्निसमानकुन्तलधरी चन्द्रार्कवर्णेश्वरी ।
मालापुस्तकपाशासाङ्कुशधरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥९॥
Candra-Arka-Anala-Kotti-Kotti-Sadrshaa Candra-Amshu-Bimba-Adharii
Candra-Arka-Agni-Samaana-Kuntala-Dharii Candra-Arka-Varnne[a-Ii]shvarii |
Maalaa-Pustaka-Paashaasa-Angkusha-Dharii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||9||

Meaning:
9.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Whose Divine Splendour is like Millions and Millions of Moons, Suns and Fire; Whose Face shines like the Moon, radiating the Cool Rays of Compassion, which is also reflected on Her Red Lips resembling the Bimba Fruit,
9.2: (Similarly) Whose Locks of Hair Shine with the Splendour of the Moon, Sun and the Fire; and Who, the great Goddess, also has the Complexion radiating the Splendour of the Moon and the Sun,
9.3: Who holds a Rosary (signifying Repetition of God's name), Book (signifying Divine Knowledge), Noose (signifying Divine Attraction) and Hook (signifying Divine Goading) in Her four Hands; Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
9.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.


क्षत्रत्राणकरी महाऽभयकरी माता कृपासागरी
साक्षान्मोक्षकरी सदा शिवकरी विश्वेश्वरश्रीधरी ।
दक्षाक्रन्दकरी निरामयकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी
भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥१०॥
Kssatra-Traanna-Karii Mahaa-[A]bhaya-Karii Maataa Krpaa-Saagarii
Saakssaan-Mokssa-Karii Sadaa Shiva-Karii Vishveshvara-Shrii-Dharii |
Dakssaa-Kranda-Karii Niraamaya-Karii Kaashii-Pura-Adhiishvarii
Bhikssaam Dehi Krpa-Avalambana-Karii Maata-Annapuurnne[a-Ii]shvarii ||10||

Meaning:
10.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) Whose Great Power Protects the Devotees and grants them Great Fearlessness; Who is the Great Mother and an Ocean of Compassion,
10.2: Whose Divine Form is a Visible bestower of Liberation and Whose presence always brings Auspicious blessings; Who is indeed the repository of the Sri (Prosperity, Welfare and Auspiciousness) of Visweswara (Shiva),
10.3: Who makes Daksha (symbol of ego) Cry and in that repentence makes him Pure; Who is the Ruling Mother of the city of Kasi,
10.4: O Mother Annapoorneswari, Please grant us the Alms of Your Grace; Your Grace which Support all the Worlds.



अन्नपूर्णे सदापूर्णे शङ्करप्राणवल्लभे ।
ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं भिक्षां देहि च पार्वति ॥११॥
Annapuurnne Sadaa-Puurnne Shangkara-Praanna-Vallabhe |
Jnyaana-Vairaagya-Siddhy[i]-Artham Bhikssaam Dehi Ca Paarvati ||11||

Meaning:
11.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) O Mother Annapoorna, You Who are always Full (with the gift of Food and Blessings), You Who are the Beloved of Shankara, ...
11.2: ... O Mother Parvati, Please grant me the Alms of Your Grace, to awaken within me Spiritual Knowledge and Freedom from all Worldly Desires.




माता च पार्वती देवी पिता देवो महेश्वरः ।
बान्धवाः शिवभक्ताश्च स्वदेशो भुवनत्रयम् ॥१२॥
Maataa Ca Paarvatii Devii Pitaa Devo Maheshvarah |
Baandhavaah Shiva-Bhaktaash-Ca Svadesho Bhuvana-Trayam ||12||

Meaning:
12.1: (Salutations to Mother Annapoorna) My Mother is Devi Parvati, and my Father is Deva Maheswara (Shiva),
12.2: My Friends are the devotees of Shiva, and my Country is all the Three Worlds (Whose Lord is Shiva-Parvati).

Shubho Nobo Borsho

Amlaki Ekadashi

Ekadashis have various names. Today. Saturday, 19th March 2016, is called Amlaki Ekadashi. There is an interesting tale told in the Brahmanda Purana. It is a conversation between king Mandhata and the sage Vasishta. The sage tells him about the greatness of the fast.

Amla or amlaki is a fruit which has many good qualities. It is said that consuming this fruit can cure many diseases.

The sage says fasting on this Ekadasi is more purifying than donating one thousand cows in charity to a pure brahmana.
There was once a kingdom named Vaidisha, where all the brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras were equally endowed with Vedic knowledge. The whole kingdom was full of Vedic sounds, not a single person was atheistic, and no one sinned. The ruler of this kingdom was King Pashabinduka, a member of the dynasty of Soma, the moon. He was also known as Chitraratha and was very religious and truthful. It is said that King Chitraratha had the strength of ten thousand elephants and that he knew the Vedic wisdom perfectly.
  During his reign, not a single person in his kingdom attempted to practice another's duty. No one was poor and there was no drought or flood.The kingdom was free of disease, and everyone enjoyed good health. Twice a month everyone fasted on Ekadasi.

  Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the holy fast of Amalakii Ekadasi arrived, conjoined with Dvadasi. King Chitraratha realised that this particular fast would bestow especially great benefit, and thus he and all the citizens of Vaidisha observed this sacred Ekadasi very strictly, carefully following all the rules and regulations.

  After bathing in the river, the king and all his subjects went to the temple of  Vishnu, where an Amalaki tree grew. First the king and his leading sages offered the tree a pot filled with water, as well as a fine canopy, shoes, gold, diamonds, rubies, pearls, sapphires, and aromatic incense. Then they worshiped Lord Parashurama  and then they prayed to the Amalaki tree.

After their prayers, King Chitraratha and his subjects remained awake throughout the night, praying and worshiping according to the regulations governing a sacred Ekadasi fast. It was during this auspicious time of fasting and prayer that a very irreligious man approached the assembly, a man who maintained himself and his family by killing animals. Burdened with both fatigue and sin, the hunter saw the king and the citizens of Vaidisha observing Amalaki Ekadasi by performing an all-night vigil, fasting, and worshiping Lord Vishnu in the beautiful forest setting, which was brilliantly illuminated by many lamps. The hunter hid nearby, wondering what this extraordinary sight before him was.

The hunter wondered what was happening.  What he saw in that lovely forest beneath the holy Amalaki tree was the Deity of Lord Damodara being worshiped upon the Asana of a waterpot and he heard the devotees singing sacred songs describing Lord Krishna's transcendental forms and pastimes. Despite himself, that staunchly irreligious killer of innocent birds and animals spent the entire night in great amazement as he watched the Ekadasi celebration and listened to the glorification of the Lord.

  Soon after sunrise, the king and his royal retinue - including the court sages and all the citizens - completed their observance of Ekadasi and returned to the city of Vaidisha. The hunter returned to his hut and happily ate his meal. In due time the hunter died, but the merit he had gained by fasting on Amalaki Ekadasi and hearing the glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as well as by being forced to stay awake all night, made him eligible to be reborn as a great king endowed with may chariots, elephants, horses, and soldiers. His name was Vasuratha, the son of King Viduratha, and he ruled over the kingdom of Jayanti.

  King Vasuratha was strong and fearless  Very charitable and every truthful, King Vasuratha always rendered loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu. He therefore became very well versed in Vedic knowledge. Always active in the affairs of state, he enjoyed taking excellent care of his subjects, as though they were his own children. He disliked pride in anyone and would smash it when he saw it. He performed many kinds of sacrifices, and he always made certain that the needy in his kingdom received enough charity.

  One day, while hunting in the jungle, King Vasuratha strayed from the footpath and lost his way. Wandering for some time and eventually growing weary, he paused beneath a tree and, using his arms as a pillow, fell asleep. As he slept, some barbarian tribesmen came upon him and, remembering their long standing enmity toward the king, began discussing among themselves various ways to kill him.

They prepared to kill King Vasuratha with various weapons, including spears, swords, arrows, and mystic ropes. But none of these deadly weapons could even touch the sleeping king, and soon they became frightened. Their fear sapped their strength, and before long they lost what little intelligence they had and became almost unconscious with bewilderment and weakness. Suddenly a beautiful woman appeared from the king's body, startling them. Decorated with many ornaments, emitting a wonderful fragrance, wearing an excellent garland around her neck, her eyebrows drawn in a mood of fierce anger, and her fiery red eyes ablaze, she looked like death personified. With her blazing chakra discus she quickly killed all the tribal hunters, who had tried to slay the sleeping king.

  Just then the king awoke, and seeing all the dead tribesmen lying around him, he was astonished. He wondered who had slain them. At that very moment he heard a voice from the sky that he had been saved by Krishna.

  Upon hearing these words, King Vasuratha became over-whelmed with love for Krishna. He returned to his capital city and ruled there like a second lord Indra, without any obstacles at all.


Ending his tale, the sage said , anyone who observes this holy Amalaki Ekadasi will undoubtedly attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, so great is the religious merit earned from the observance of this most sacred fast day.

Petrichor

When I heard this term, I was amazed. I knew of petri being related to earth - from having heard and used a petridish, in school during biology practicals.
Chor by default relates in my mind to thief.
So a petrichor is a thief who steals petri :-)

It started raining this week after a very hot spell. And after the first rain, there is this fresh earthy smell that comes up, when the first drops of rain hit the land. Interestingly, this smell is call petrichor.

Interesting name for an aroma.

Bandel Cheese

Not wanting to sound cheesy, but there is a variety of cheese called the Bandel Cheese which is available probably in New Market , Kolkata only.

Bandel in Kolkata was a Portuguese settlement and they invented this kind of cheese. From far, it looks like dry mozzarella cheese rounds, but smaller - probably an inch in diameter.

Comes in two colors - white and brown. The cheese is made the way paneer is made from cow's milk. The cheese is then well salted, to help preserve it for long. The white one is plain cheese, while the brown one is a smoked variety, the smoking done with cow dung smoke.

Meena Sankranti - 14 March 2016

In Bengali they have a saying BARO MAASHE TERO PARBON - which translates to thirteen celebrations in the twelve months.

Every day is a cause to celebrate.

Today is actually an auspicious day - Meena Sankranti. Meena means fish and the sun is in the Pisces (fish) zodiac and is transitioning into Aries (Ram) zodiac.

The phases when the sun is transitioning is called a Sankranti.

Meena Sankranti has a significance as being the last sankranti in the Hindu Calendar.
This is very significant here in the south.

And in Bengali, as today is a sankranti as a wll as a sashti, it will be big celebration in the Bengali Hindu homes among the mothers.

Ramayana Posts - Then and Now

In 2000/ 2001 when I had started writing about the Bengali Ramayana, I had reached till the point where Manthara convinces Kaikeyi to send Rama to the forests.

Not sure why, but I had stopped writing about the Ramayana then. Maybe it was due to work pressures.

Feels nice to see I have reached that point in the Ramayana blog today and if all is well, will carry on.

Hot Day

Yesterday was hot. 37 degrees around 3PM and its still not summer.

Wonder what is to come next !

Leopard spotting

I was a bit surprised when I heard it the first time.

Leopards in the busy Whitefield area!!

The first leopard came inside a school on Sunday morning (07th Feb). No school so children were hurt. The people who tried to catch them were bitten and were hurt.

Tuesday evening two more leopards came. This time they were spotted near the school, and could not enter the school.

Yesterday the school was given a holiday.

The place where this happened is about 2 kilometers from my house.

Below is a link for that

Leopard in School


I did not know there were leopards staying in my neighborhood. Tech Savvy leopards??

More on that

More leopards   and Schools closed again

Saraswati Puja February 12th 2016

Friday 12th February 2016 is Saraswati Puja.
This is a popular festival in the eastern part of India , more so among students who worship Saraswati, the Goddess of Education and Knowledge.

This falls on the fifth day after the new moon, in the Bengali month of Magha, on the day of Vasant Panchami hailing the coming of spring.

The color of this festival. Most people will be wearing yellow clothes, going to schools and colleges where the worship would be happening.

When Eastern India is celebrating Durga Puja, in Kerala and some places of Tamil Nadu,

As per the legends and mythology, according to Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Krishna talks about worshipping Saraswati. Krishna says Magha Shukla Panchami is an auspicious day for performing the worship for gaining knowledge. Humans are told perform this worship.

As per the Purana, Saraswati is to be invoked in a book or the pot or kalash. Ganesha, Surya, Agni, Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati are to be worshiped before worshiping Saraswati. A mix of butter, curd, milk, white sesame, sugarcane juice, jaggery, white rice and ghee is offered to the Goddess.

The deity is worshipped with white flowers, white sandal wood paste, white clothes, and white decorations. This should be then followed by Dhyana (Meditation), Kavacha, Mula Mantra and regular puja. The Dhyana would describe the Deity as having Shukla Varna (white complexion) of great beauty and smile, well dressed with white robes, with one hand carrying a Book, both the hands a Veena, adorned with jewelry and white flower garlands, with Brahma-Vishnu and Shiva nearby and surrounded by Gods and Rishis bowing down before the Goddess.

The sage Yagnavalkaya is supposed to have worshipped the Goddess and by doing so, he had regained his knowledge of the Vedas, which he had lost as he had displeased his Guru.

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A popular mantra that I remember reciting while worshiping the Goddess is below :

Om Saraswati Mahabhagey, Vidye Kamala Lochaney |
Viswarupey Vishalakshmi, Vidyam Dehi Namohastutey ||

O Devi Saraswati, the most Auspicious Goddess of Knowledge with Lotus-like Eyes,
An Embodiment of Knowledge with Large Eyes, Kindly Bless me with Knowledge. I Salute you.

Jaya Jaya Devi, Charachara Sharey, Kuchayuga Shobhita, Mukta Haarey |
Vina Ranjita, Pustaka Hastey, Bhagavati Bharati Devi Namohastutey ||


"May Goddess Saraswati,
who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon,
and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops;
who is adorned in radiant white attire,
on whose beautiful arm rests the veena,
and whose throne is a white lotus;
who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me.
May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance."


Goddess Saraswati rides on a white Swan. The swan is known for its peculiar characteristic of being capable of separating water from milk, indicating that we should possess discrimination in separating the bad from the good. The seat being a lotus or peacock implies that the teacher is well-established in the subjective experience of truth. When sitting on a peacock she reminds us that wisdom suppresses ego.


Saraswati literally means 'the flowing one'. In the Rigveda it is said she represents a river and the deity presiding over it. In the later mythology, Saraswati was identified with Vach or Speech. The `flowing one' in allegorical sense may mean speech also; perfect speech which denotes intelligence. On this Vasant Panchami day, Brahma is said to have created Saraswati and infused speech into her and bestowed the Vina in her hands. She was thus named as 'VeenaVandini (Veena player) and 'VaniDayyani' (giver of speech).

Getting warmer

Warmer days here now. Feels like summer - cool early mornings, hot afternoons and then cool evenings.

Palak Tofu

Last night was a Palak paneer day - but instead of paneer, tofu.

So palak was lightly boiled with green chilli, then in the mixie a puree was made.

In the wok, in hot oil, tomatoes, the palak mixture, tofu, coriander leaves - and a good tasting dish.

I love spinach in all forms and this was great.

Just In Time :-)

Made it just in time today. I had a 8:30 AM meeting and when I looked at the clock , at 8:10 I was home.
Then rush. 8:15 out of the door. Brisk walk and on the road by 8:22.
Then bus.
7 minutes later I was at the traffic signal. Then another 2 minutes - office.

Phew !!!

Made it 

Busy Days

The Last week just flew. From 8AM till 9PM with a day break in between (26 January) and then again from 27th till Saturday 30th Jan. Yes, was working Saturday.

Back to a Monday start.

Manihara - Movie

Saw this movie over the weekend. It was nice.

I had some reservations about redoing a classic - a classic short spooky story by Tagore. A story which was also the second film, Satyajit Ray's Teen Kanya.

Some changes had made been made to make the story modern. An industrialist's wife is missing when he comes home from a tour. The film has a detective (retd. CBI officer) investigating this. The investigating officer meets a person in a village where his car breaks down. In the conversation between the passenger and the investigating officer, the movie unfolds.

For people who know what happened in Manihara, there is not much of a suspense. Its a good thriller.

Some loose ends are there and too many characters. Biswanath is wasted, the comic relief was not really needed.

Overall a nice watch on a Saturday.

Busy Days

Having a busy time at work.

Have to ensure all appriasals are finished by tomorrow. Have to finish the write up for four of them and ensure a discussion happens today.

Have presentations to prepare.

Have client visits (from US) next week.

Have a freshers drive on 30th January.

Once January is over, some breathing time - maybe.

One of those days

Today I have a BIG load of work to do and I actually just do not feel like doing anything. Lets see if I can convince myself to get some work done.

Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda

Today is the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Was very pleased to see so many messages posted by Bengalis on Facebook, about Swamiji. 

Feeling Sad about my Ginger

I had a nice crop of Ginger growing in a pot. Someone yesterday came and broke the pot.

I was at work and Dad has no clue who did it and when.

Feeling bad about it. Six months of Ginger gone. And the people who broke the pot also ran away with the ginger roots. So I am wondering if this was planned or an accident. I am left with broken pot , scattered soil and memories.

The Biryani worked

Yes, finally it did work.
I moistened the Biryani with a mixture of water and yogurt and let it sit for an hour. Then I steamed it for 10 minutes.

It came out nice and moist.

Rakshasas, Asuras etc

These are terms that one comes across in the Hindu scriptures.

Rakshasa- unruly, very healthy, tall and bulky humans/demi-humans with hedonistic tendencies- mostly residing in jungles- often having congenital deformations or quaint features. Physically quite strong and often with some extra natural power. Any person with this type of personality and tendencies was termed a Rakshasas.

Pisaach- a type of after death life-  usually unsatisfied souls of dead persons.

Daitya- Children of Diti and Kashyap basically rulers of the nether world

Asuras- also children of sage Kashyap- was a distinct race of humans. very different from Daityas-

Devas and Asuras are born out of the same father sage Kashyapa.

Devas and Asuras can be equally bad and good. Similarly Yaksha,  Kinnara, Kimpurusha, Nagas etc all these beings can also be both good  and bad.

Prahalad, Mahabali, Vibhishana are good asuras.

Asuras live on dark hellish planets, regularly lose their leaders due to warfare (but not their guru Šukracharya), are only allowed to abuse and exploit human sinners, rely on desperate painful austerities and mechanical contraptions; they are generally descendants of Diti and Danu and envy God.

Raksahsas are a race, generally of demoniac character, but not always. Bhima's son, Ghatotkacha had divine disposition.

Experimenting ... Lets see

Yesterday made some chicken biryani. I used the microwave for the final steaming and some how the meat and the rice have dried up.

Today I need to do something to freshen it up. Otherwise it tastes good.

A picture from the friends meet - Wednesday

So here is a picture of the meet that I had my my friends in the city, on Wednesday.

This was a selfie.

Nice Evening Spent yesterday

Yesterday met two school friends in Bangalore. We were in touch over phone and email. Yesterday one of the friends, who happens to be in Canada came over to Bangalore, so it was nice to meet up and catch up after years.

Went to MG Road and sat there and talked away, about friends and teachers.

Great to catch up

Forms of Marriage

Reading about Shakuntala, brought me to the topic on Hindu marriages. Dushyanta tells Shakuntala about eight different marriage systems, of which Gandharva form of marriage is a recognized form.

Thanks to the Wiki page  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_wedding#Eight_types_of_marriage) , I was able to find the details.

Brahma marriage - considered the religiously most appropriate marriage, where the father finds an educated man, proposes the marriage of his daughter to him. The groom, bride and families willingly concur with the proposal. The two families and relatives meet, the girl is ceremoniously decorated, the father gifts away his daughter in betrothal, and a vedic marriage ceremony is conducted. This type of wedding is now most prevalent among Hindus in modern India.

Daiva marriage - in this type of marriage, the father gives away his daughter along with ornaments to a priest as a sacrificial fee. This form of marriage occurred in ancient times when yajna sacrifices were prevalent.

Arsha marriage - in this type of marriage, the groom gives a cow and a bull to the father of the bride and the father exchanges his daughter in marriage. The groom took a vow to fulfill his obligations to the bride and family life (Grihasthashram).

Prajapatya marriage - in this type of marriage, a couple agree to get married by exchanging some Sanskrit mantras (vows to each other). This form of marriage was akin to a civil ceremony.


Gandharva marriage - in this type of marriage, the couple simply live together out of love, by mutual consent, consensually consummating their relationship. This marriage is entered into without religious ceremonies, and was akin to the Western concept of Common-law marriage. Kama Sutra, as well as Rishi Kanva - the foster-father of Shakuntala - in the Mahabharata, claimed this kind of marriage to be an ideal one.

Asura marriage - in this type of marriage, the groom offered a dowry to the father of the bride and the bride, both accepted the dowry out of free will, and he received the bride in exchange. This was akin to marrying off a daughter for money. This marriage was considered inappropriate by Hindu Smriti-writers because greed, not what is best for the girl, can corrupt the selection process.

Gandharva and Asura marriages were not only inappropriate, but religiously forbidden (the children, if any, from these forbidden types of consummation were considered legitimate, nevertheless).

Rakshasa marriage - where the groom forcibly abducted the girl against her and her family's will.

Paishacha marriage - where the man forces himself on a woman when she is insentient, that is drugged or drunken or unconscious.

Rakshasa and Paishacha forms were forbidden yet recognized in ancient Hindu societies, not to encourage these acts, but to provide the woman and any children with legal protection in the society.

Poet's creativity

I was reading the story of Shakuntala in Mahabharata. It is a simple story.
A king comes and see a girl in the forest. He is driven by passion and makes love to her, promising to send for her. The king goes back and forgets her.
Shakuntala gives birth to a boy and takes him to his father. The king refuses to acknowledge them and a voice from the heavens says this is your son, and the king accepts them.

When Kalidasa read this, he made this into a very romantic tale.
The king sees some girls being chased by bees. The king rescues them and is attracted to one of them, who is Shakuntala.
They marry and the king gives her a ring, saying whenever she produces the ring, he will recognize her.
The king goes away and after a few months Shakuntala realizes she is pregnant. She goes to the king, and in the way looses the ring.
Without the ring the king does not know who she is.
The ring had been lost in a pond and a fish had swallowed that.
One day a fisherman catches that fish, cuts it open and finds the king's ring. He shows it to the king, who remembers Shakuntala.

He goes out in search of her, and meets a brave boy who is counting the teeth of lions. He meets the boy's mother and recognizes her to be his Shakuntala. He is united with his wife and son.

A beautiful piece of poetry by a great poet, Abhijñānaśākuntalam

Frequency of Ramayana and Mahabharata posting

Starting this week, work will be on full swing.
I will try and post there as and when I can, but in case I am not able to, will keep that for the weekends.

Home Woes

So problems with domestic help carries on at home. The maid has vanished. Literally. Stopped calling on her cellphone.
Looking for a maid is tough. Tough for me.
I mean, if I ask around, I will get maids coming in, looking for work.
The issue is, the talking and interviewing will have to be done by Dad. And he is not up to it, He says he does not know what to ask and wants me to be there.

I did speak to a maid here that I know. She has had a death in her family and said she will join back in the middle of the month. So, maybe will have to wait till then.

Weekend I just used the broom to sweep the house. May have to manage like that till I get someone to clean up.

Happy Kalpataru Diwas

Today, 01st January has an importance in Dakshineshwar and Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's life.

The event commemorates the day on January 1, 1886 when Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is said to have revealed himself to be an Avatar on earth. It is held each January 1. The most significant celebration takes place at Cossipore Garden House or Udyanbati where Ramakrishna spent last days of his life. It is classified as one of the "Lord's special festivals" by followers of Ramakrishna.

Ramakrishna was suffering from throat cancer at that time, and his health was declining. He and his closest followers had moved to a garden house in the northern Calcutta neighbourhood of Cossipore. January 1 was a relatively good day for him, and he took a walk in the garden. There, he asked one of his followers, Girish, a question he had often asked before, "Who do you say that I am?" Girish responded that he believed that Ramakrishna was "God incarnate, come to Earth out of mercy for humankind".Ramakrishna replied, "What more shall I say? May you be awakened." Ramakrishna then entered an "ecstatic state" and began touching all of his followers. Those he touched reported experiencing a variety of new states of consciousness, including vivid visions. For one, Vaikuntha, the visions persisted and interfered with daily life, so that he feared that he might be going insane.

One disciple, Ramachandra Dutta, explained that Ramakrishna had, in effect become Kalpataru (also called Kalpavriksha), the "wish-fulfilling tree" of Sanskrit literature and Hindu mythology. Dutta named the commemoration of this mystical event "Kalpataru Day" as a result. This event "carried meanings and memories of cosmic import for the disciples" and also prepared them for Ramakrishna's death", which occurred only a few months later, on August 16, 1886.

It is interesting to note that none of Ramakrishna's monastic disciples were present during this event.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalpataru_Day

Happy New Year 2016

New Year. Somewhere in the 16th century, in the Christian world, this celebration started, of 01  January as New Years Day.
This is a celebration, which is part of the Gregorian Calendar; Pope Gregory XIII, introduced it in 1582.

31 December was traditionally a religious feast, but since the 1900s has also become an occasion to celebrate the night of December 31, called New Year's Eve.


Whatever you do or dream you can do — begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it

Happy New Year to all