I was sipping my coffee , more comfortably seated on a chair by the side of the window and i was watching the very cute kids dressed in all colors laughing screaming and  playing on the road. I was very much involved in their actions.

I did sense that some one knocked at my home main door very mildly. I decided not to open until i hear them knocking real hard. Since i dint hear  any sound near the door again, i decided to check once. I opened the door. I was shocked. The guest entered my home without even taking my permission and also went directly into my kitchen. I decided to call some one for help. But in no time, the guest disappeared. I peeped outside the main door to clearly check if this uninvited guest had got few more. I decided i should now look for the guest inside my home before i call up some one for help. I went searching slowly and stealthily in each rooms and tried to lock them. But i was sure, this guest of mine would have been no where else than in kitchen.

Many questions were circling around my head like a hurricane..
1. How could one knock at my door?
2. How could one enter my kitchen directly?
3. How could one be so clever enough ?
4.  Did this guest know me?

I remained puzzled and found out that this rat was too clever and knew everything about my kitchen very well. I decided to get the trap from dollar tree and i did mount some delicious food on it to trap it. It was next morning, i went running to see if this was executed successfully. I did see something strange, the delicious food was gone but the rat was not caught.  I did the same thing again for next day, but just the food was missing . I had learn t by then, i decided to honor and to appreciate its talent by keeping  more delicious food in its trap.

I am still in search of this cute little guest !

For me, every morning seems to be more precious enough to hide myself inside the blanket. I get this feeling of wrapping myself in, sneaking deep inside the blanket, if I am woken up early in the morning by some alarm or a noisy storm. The portion of the sleep you get after the interruption from a deep sleep  is regarded as a sweet sleep [ According to ME ]. If I am not woken up by any such external distractions, believe me, then I would get up only by next evening 

This entire concept of setting the alarm has pitched in for many reasons. One amongst it, is to make sure I get up early in the morning and TRY.. TRY.. Try to do something to keep myself  healthy. As quoted earlier,  I had to struggle hard to help me widen my eyes really early in the mornings every day to execute my exercise plans. The exercise barely included brisk walking. It was one of the biggest exercises for me otherwise I would have hardly walked in the entire day. It was never a necessity then. To add on, I loved my bike.

So had a big reason to skip my walking practises.

Today I walk here in Poughkeespie for miles for it’s now a necessity and it’s my job to stay right in time at my office. I havvvvve to go to office everyday and hence I havvvvvvve to walk.  Its not something I cant lead a comfortable life here, it just means I have merged my exercise plans as a means to reach office. So I have no excuse left. For I have no other means to travel otherwise.

Poughkeepsie is a scenic place. Green everywhere. It appears you are walking inside a scenery.  You can walk many and any miles without feeling tired , for the green around you is so mesmerizing.

I have a reason to walk

I admire my parents for many reasons. I had seen my parents working real hard in getting us a respectful life. I had seen my parents spending sleepless nights just for our bright future. I know how the financial conditions were . I know, how difficult it was then.

Life had taught me the value of  money. Value of life. Value of wish.

After several years of struggle, i had decided to make my parents enjoy the portion of life which they had missed it then. I wanted to fulfill my Dad’s wish /desire to visit America , no matter how hard it was on me to withstand the financial crisis storms.

It was a day, when i proposed the idea of taking them along with me, Dad had tears in his eyes. His heart was heavy. I could understand his feelings. I had no words to say, my tears started rolling too ..  i just hugged him and said Pack up !

I feel really happy to have taken this step  in making his dream come true. The joy of accomplishment remains in me forever.  The joy in fulfilling others wish  is priceless.

As our boat cruise to the base of the American falls of Niagara , that is it.. your heart starts beating with the rhythms of  the Niagara falls. Your eyes just follows it and you are  being hypnotized by the mother nature. 

Then as you head towards the Horshoe falls , you will find your heart is racing  as you start experiencing the absolute exhilaration of confronting millions of gallons of water crashing like thunder into the rocks near by. You feel – you explored Niagara !

I would say , The rainbow adds to the beauty of the falls. Given a chance to visit America or Canada – never miss this spot.

Influenced by their Dashavataram play , i searched a bit more for the better understanding of Matsya avataram and here it goes !

Matsya avataram  – Matsya Avatar or the Fish Incarnation is the first of the ten Divine Incarnations or Dasavatars of  Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu is the Preserver of the Universe in the Holy Trinity or Trimurti of Brahma.  Vishnu and Shiva in Hinduism. Indeed, the renowned Maithali (a region of India) poet , and dedicated devotee of Shri Vishnu, celebrated the marvelous aura of Matsya Avatar, ” All glories to you, O Lord of the Universe, who took the form of a fish. When the sacred hyms of the Vedas were lost in the waters of universal devastation, you swam like a boat in that vast ocean to resue them.A Kalpa, meaning one cycle of existence, with a span of 4320 million years, in Hindu Mythology, is equal to one day of Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. On the verge of completion of each Kalpa, and one day of Brahma, Brahma falls asleep. When he does so all of Creation, dissolves into his sleep, signifying the end of Creation. Except, the Vedas are immutable and beyond destruction. Their habitat is inside Brahma. They contain the instructions for Creation, and are hence indispensable to resume the Divine Creational Process. Bhagvat Purana, reports, that once Brahma yawned and the precious Vedas, flowed out of his lips.

Meanwhile, Hayagriva, the Asura or demon, scheming to gain the desired immortality, a prerogative of the Devas or gods, was wandering nearby. He instantly stole the Vedas and devoured them. Such insidious intent of the Asura, precipitated a crisis. Vishnu, who feigned Nidra or Sleep, witnessed the entire offence. He was speculating on how to retrieve the treasured Vedas, when he located the pious King Satyavrata, offering prayers to Vishnu, with his waist deep down in water. Satyavrata is also called King Manu. Manu is the poto-Adam figure, and the progenitor of mankind. Manu and his wife were the first parents of the Kalpa.

Vishnu immediately assumed the shape of a tiny fish and swam into Satyavrata`s hands. Vishnu, in the disguise of a fish, entreated Manu, who is virtue personified, to save him from being engulfed by the big fish. The kind Manu put the small creature inside a vessel, full of water. Overnight, the fish outgrew on a surprising scale. Manu had to shift him from the vessel into a bigger tank. But the fish continued growing abnormally. It requested Manu for larger space to live, and Manu accordingly kept it in a pond. Manu, exhorted by the enlarging fish, then dropped it in the greater expanse of a large lake. However, the growth rate did not stop escalating. Finally, the bewildered Manu, impelled by the fervent appeal of the mammoth fish for enormous space, placed him in the ocean. But the fish urged Manu, not to leave him in the ocean. Otherwise, the gigantic ocean-beings would swallow him. It was then that the devout Satyavrata, already amazed by the extraordinary growth-speed of the magical fish, pledged it to disclose its actual identity.

Lord Vishnu made his Celestial Revelation before the awed Manu. Satyavrata, instantly bowed down before him and wished to know the reason behind the Lord`s appearance in the frame of a fish. The omniscient Lord, informed him about the forthcoming Pralaya or Destructive Forces that would vanquishing the Earth, with Great Deluge- “I have manifested for the protection of this universe and for the destruction of the wicked. Just a week from now, the ocean will rise and inundate the entire Universe. At that time you will see a spacious boat approaching you. Do collect all the seeds , plants and animals required for the next spell of creation and get into the boat and wait for me. Take Vasuki, the King of Snakes. The Sapta Rishi or the Seven Sages will also be with you.”

Matsya Avatar left to accomplish its mission. He tore apart the Asura Hayagriva, and collected the lost Vedas.

As had been predicted by the Divine Fish, an all-annihilating flood occurred. Meanwhile, a boat appeared where Satyavrata was waiting with the seeds, plants and animals, and the Sapta Rishi, to take refuge in the boat amidst death`s clutches. When everybody had boarded the huge boat, the boat was fastened to the Fish`s horn, with Vasuki serving as the rope. They sailed in the turbulent water, all through the night of Brahma`s single day. Vishnu thus, rescued life from ceasing. He also by giving shelter to all the creatures, maintained the flow of life that will perpetuate in the next Created Cosmos.

The Matsya Avatar of Vishnu focuses the perpetual love and concern of the benevolent Vishnu, for the entire Creation that had sprouted from Ishvara.

The other forms taken by Lord Vishnu were :

Kurma Avataram
Mohini Avataram
varaha avataram
Narasimha Avataram
Vamana Avataram
Parashu Rama
Rama
Buddha
kalki

I finally made it to Belur, Thanks to all my friends who planned this trip and executed it so well.  The temple purely depicts the  Hoysala architecture. The Belur temples are  star shaped like in Somnathpur temples and famous for their exquisite carvings. The temple is squat, flat on the top and set on a platform. It does not have a spire. I really lack the words to explain the temples charm and beauty.

The presence of  Garuda Gamba in front of the temple – indicates the God in this temple is worshipped and prayers are offered and is functional. Deepa Gamba to spread the light around. This pillar has a square base , but standing at only 3 points. Perfectly balanced with equilibrium concept. One can slide a paper beneath it to verify the thin gap to the floor.

This temple construction was begun by king Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over Cholas , which was taken to  completion after 103 years by his grandson Veera Ballala.

Hoy Sala – Sala  saved his Guru by striking (Hoy) the tiger which was seen in the temple premises and hence obtained the name Hoy-Sala .

Hoysalara Lanchana

There were intricate sculptures of King Vishnuvardhana and his grand kids in the front facing wall of the temple. There are many scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana that are carved very neatly, one can quickly read the expression on the face. There are around 42 Shilabalika’s sculptures with different postures – positioned all around the temples and few inside the temple.

Of all , Darpana Sundari – The Balike holding the mirror in her hand,  blessed with the beauty – yet she appears very sad is depicted so well. This is compared with another carving of maid holding monkey in right hand and grapes in left hand. But not giving it to the monkey. Monkey seems very upset.  We truely need to appreciate the comparison.

Sculptor has engrossed himself so much in the carvings that he has taken care of every minute details in it, like the water droplets from the wet hair of a Shilabalike , the sharp teeth of a monkey holding the saree pallu , bangles moved behind when she has her hands raised and many more  .  There are many carvings resembling the saree borders, ear ring patterns , nut bolts.  He had even depicted the food chain in the carvings.

Jakanachari was truly a perfectionist.It was said that there was a frog in one of the Vishnu idol sculptured by him , for which he gave up his hands.

Most of the sculptures were vandalized by invaders .It was heard – the temples were covered by sand by the local people to prevent it from the intruders vandalizing  it.

Also, the sculptor had left a space in the pillar , with an intention that there could be other great sculptor whose  work  would deserved the slot than his. I really admire this very quality in him.

Lord Vishnu is worshipped in Mohini avataram, hence dressed like a goddess. The form,which he had taken  to destroy the evils and to protect the divinity.

We were there until evening . The temple  shined at its best in the twilight.

Given a chance, i would love to see Halebeedu also.

ನನ್ನ ಹೆತ್ತಾ ಮಾತೆ

ಹೊತ್ತು ಪೊರೆದ ದಾತೆ

ನನ್ನ ಪಾವನ ಚೆರಿತೆ ನನ್ನ ತಾಯಿ

ಅತ್ತಗಾ ಕಣ್ಣೊರಿಸಿ

ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಮಳೆ ಸುರಿಸಿ

ಹೊನಲಲಿ ಮೆರೆಸಿದಾಕೆ ನನ್ನ ತಾಯಿ

ದೆವರನು ಕ೦ಡಿಲ್ಲ

ಕಾಣಬೆಕೆ೦ಬಾ ಹಮ್ಬಲವು ಇಲ್ಲ.

ತಾಯಿ ಅ೦ತಹ ದೆವರಿರಲು

ಬೇರೆ ದೇವರನು ಹುಡುಕುವ ಮೂರ್ಖಿ ನಾನಲ್ಲ

I got one such opportunity to visit Thirupathi , all credits to my friend (for the open invitation ) who claimed to have had it planned very well. We were 5 and we started our journey to Thirupathi from Bangalore on Tuesday 16th novermber 2010 , at around 11 pm. It was yet another rainy day .The journey was slow and smooth ,we had a good time singing , teasing and exchanging informations together.

We were not too far from Bangalore, when We all decided to take a break , for the coffee and our interim destination was Coffee Day at Kolar. That is where, the expert Driver (claims) ran over the divider , making the front left wheel to  sink comfortably into the swamp. Many efforts to take the wheel spilled the slimy water all over  us.

It was 3 am then ,the very hardwork from the other two guys in collecting the pellets, fitting the jack , made the car to land back to the proper lane, the adventure ended for an hour . We then had a strong coffee and resumed our journey back.

We reached Thirupathi by around 7 in the morning, got ready and reached the temple premises by around 10 am. I was  amazed to see this never ending queue.  I had heard from many about the value/(mahime) of this holy place. I said to myself, it may be soo true and hence this crowd. We made ourselves comfortable in the special entry queue costing us 300 Rs per head. This special entry queue was no longer  a special queue, but equally crowded to that of normal 50 Rs queue.

It was 17th nov 2010, the Ekadashi day. Ekadashi is considered as one of the auspicious day to visit Thirupathi.Even more auspicious if you get to visit Thirupathi on Vaikunta ekadashi, the vaikunta dwaram i.e. often referred as “Door to the Heaven” will be open and any pilgrim who visits it on this particular day is assumed to achieve the salvation.

I have heard ” Thirupati temple is one of the richest temples in the world “, hence has got an entry in the guinness book of records. We stood in the queue until 7 pm (for about 10 hours) – just to get the glimpse/glance of the diety. I was getting exhausted as had not taken lunch. But managed to get a cup of milk that they serve it for free for all the pilgrims and few pop corns (tasted like a plain thermocole). I regained my energy back and we all continued moving forward with the rest of pilgrims.

Finally we made a round about to the temple, went in to the golden shrine where Lord Venkateshwara resides. Got just couple of seconds only to see him, we were all pushed towards the exit. For having waited for about 10 hours, we were never allowed to stay there for not more than couple of seconds too.
But this one glimpse did make a unforgettable print , deep in my mind and heart . Thanks to everyone for making this trip more memobrable.

- Regards
Priyanka

I always love to be with the family and/or with my friends. Never like to stay alone or to isolate myself from the rest.  I have visited most of the places with friends. Any trip to any place or just meet up in some place or in some one’s home – is more than enough if I am with this Elite. It will ever be so much fun.

If I am asked to select the best falls of Niagara and Hebbe,  I would not opine for long but would definitely say Hebbe is the best . It was an unforgettable trip and the experiences i had all the way will ever be cherished. Hebbe falls – appeared to me as a festoon to the entire Mother Nature.

Let me pen down my experiences here.

We had to park our car at the junction of Hebbe and  Kemmangundi, near a  small dabha. A small petty shop but it offers the best of puliogre and omlette.  We got our food packed in polythenes and the water in phials to have it later there – after we land at the falls.

Hebbe falls was about 10 kms away from this junction. We started off our journey from this junction in a sturdy and tough Mahindra and Mahindra to reach the heavenly falls. No other vehicles could have served this purpose. It was an open jeep and we stood at the back, grasping the supporting rods of the jeep. The scenery had ever mesmerized all the tourists and we were not spared to. It was drizzling then, with scanty mist around, with droplets from the branches and the leaves, totally giving us the best of greenery ocular. The weather was too supportive for us to enjoy and to explore its beauty to the fullest. The roads were muddy, slimy and definitely slippery and to add to the reality we were over the hilly tracks, with all pits and bumps, which would never appear to be easy for even the perfectionist of drivers too. The driver did his job at his best and made us very comfortable. All the way through to the destination we had the very awesome breeze, very romantic and made us so immersed in to nature, that we were never baffled.  My hair were all disheveled, i did not even bother about it in the photos we captured. We really had the best of the times and this trip was indefatigable. We had to get down from the jeep and had to walk further crossing the 3 awesome, very cold and worth watching streams to finally land ourselves to see the most awaiting falls, the Hebbe. It appeared as if the whole pure milk was falling from the heaven in countless liters just in order to satisfy the thirst of the earth dwellers. It was superfluous, esteemed, impeccable, conning, vantage, a respite for us from the busiest of life.  I leapt into it and enjoyed playing in it. The place was really a land of tranquillest and it just made me exhilarate. The experiences are still green and haunting.

We had spent more time, could say that only by seeing the watch, but for me it appeared that had reached just few minutes ago!. It was getting darker and we had to return back, for that would have been the last trip offered to us by the jeep driver to land us safe back to the point where we were picked up. We enjoyed all the way back to the starting place too, we then started having our packed meals, which was supposed to be lunch, became our snacks.

Dogs followed our jeep, all the way .. “ Where ever you go.. the network follows !!!” for  we had the best puliogre and omlette with us…