Food, Music and Beyond..!!!!

Shiridi Sai baba Aarti Song

2011-02-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

Shiridi Sai Baba Aarti Song

PARENTS

2011-02-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

Beautiful letter written by a father to his son and daughter.
Use this in your teachings to your children - you too can learn something out of it
for sure.

Following is a letter to his son and daughter from a renown Hong Kong TV
broadcaster cum Child Psychologist. The words are actually applicable to
all of us, young or old, children or parents.!

I am writing this to you because of 3 reasons

1. Life, fortune and mishaps are unpredictable, nobody knows how long he
lives. Some words are better said early.

2. I am your father, and if I don't tell you these, no one else will.

3. What is written is my own personal bitter experiences that perhaps
could save you a lot of unnecessary heartaches.
Remember the following as you go through life

1. Do not bear grudge towards those who are not good to you. No one has
the responsibility of treating you well, except your mother and I. To
those who are good to you, you have to treasure it and be thankful, and
ALSO you have to be cautious, because, everyone has a motive for every
move. When a person is good to you, it does not mean he really likes
you. You have to be careful, don't hastily regard him as a real friend.

2. No one is indispensable, nothing in the world that you must possess.
Once you understand this idea, it would be easier for you to go through
life when people around you don't want you anymore, or when you lose
what/who you love most.

3. Life is short. When you waste your life today, tomorrow you would
find that life is leaving you. The earlier you treasure your life, the
better you enjoy life.

4. Love is but a transient feeling, and this feeling would fade with
time and with one's mood. If your so called loved one leaves you, be
patient, time will wash away your aches and sadness. Don't over
exaggerate the beauty and sweetness of love, and don't over exaggerate
the sadness of falling out of love.

5. A lot of successful people did not receive a good education, that
does not mean that you can be successful by not studying hard! Whatever
knowledge you gain is your weapon in life. One can go from rags to
riches, but one has to start from some rags!

6. I do not expect you to financially support me when I am old, either
would I financially support your whole life. My responsibility as a
supporter ends when you are grown up. After that, you decide whether you
want to travel in a public transport or in your limousine, whether rich
or poor.

7. You honour your words, but don't expect others to be so. You can be
good to people, but don't expect people to be good to you. If you don't
understand this, you would end up with unnecessary troubles.

8. I have bought lotteries for umpteen years, but I never strike any
prize. That shows if you want to be rich, you have to work hard! There
is no free lunch!

9. No matter how much time I have with you, let's treasure the time we
have together. We do not know if we would meet again in our next life.

Your Dad and Mum

THE 99 CLUB - Article

2011-01-30T23:04:00.000-08:00

The 99 Club

Once upon a time there lived a King, who despite his luxurious lifestyle, was neither happy nor content.

One day, the King came upon a servant who was singing happily while he worked.

This fascinated the King; why was he, the Supreme Ruler of the Land,

unhappy and gloomy, while a lowly servant had so much joy in his heart?

The King asked the servant, "Why are you so happy?"

The man replied, "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but my family and I don't need too much - just a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummies."

Later in the day, the King sought the advice of his most trusted advisor.

After hearing the King's woes and the servant's story, the advisor said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made part of The 99 Club."

"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired.

The advisor replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep."

When the servant saw the bag, he took it into his house. When he opened the bag, he let out a great shout of joy... so many gold coins!

He began to count them. After several counts, he was at last convinced that there were 99 coins.

He wondered, "What could've happened to that last gold coin? Surely, no one would leave 99 coins!"

He looked everywhere he could, but that final coin was elusive.

Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to earn that gold coin and complete his collection.

From that day, the servant's life was changed. He was overworked, horribly grumpy, and castigated his family for not helping him make that 100th gold coin.

He stopped singing while he worked.

Witnessing this drastic transformation, the King was puzzled.

When he sought his advisor's help, the advisor said, "Your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined The 99 Club."

He continued, "The 99 Club is a name given to those people who have enough to be happy but are never contented, because they're always yearning and striving for that extra 1 to round it out to 100!

MORAL OF THE STORY :

==================

"Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things."

Sri Swarna Gowri Vratha Vidhana - Sep 10, 2010

2010-09-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Swarna Gowri Vratha Vidhana:

16 Knots Thread Procedure :

A thread with 16 knots, dipped in turmeric, (Haldi) is kept on the betel leaf and worshipped with the idol of Gowri.

Dhorabandhana sthothra:

Bhakthu Priye Mahaadevi

Sarvaishwarya Pradhaayini

Soothramthu Dhaara Ishyaami

Mama Abheeshtam sadhaakuru !!

Shodasha granThiahitham

GuNai ShodaSha Bheeryutham

Haridraa Pushpasahitham

DhOram Samsthaapayaamithe !!

For each knot ( Dhora Grandhi), one naamaavaLi is recited ,

offering Gandha ,Pushpa

1. SwarNa Gowrai NAMAH

Prathama GrandhiM Poojayaami

2. Mahaa Goarai NAMAH

Dwiteeya GrandhiM Poojayaami

3. Kaatyaayinai NAMAH

Truteeya GrandhiM Poojayaami

4. Kaumaraai NAMAH

Chaturta GrandhiM Poojayaami

5. Bhadraai NAMAH

Panchamam GrandhiM Poojayaami

6. ViShNu Sodarai NAMAH

ShaShTha GrandhiM Poojayaami

7. ManagaLaDevatai NAMAH

Saptamam GrandhiM Poojayaami

8. Raakenduvadanaayai NAMAH

AShThama GrandhiM Poojayaami

9.Chandrashekharapatneai NAMAH

Navama GrandhiM Poojayaami

10.VishvEShwarapriyaai NAMAH

Dashama GrandhiM Poojayaami

11.DaakShayiNai NAMAH

Ekaadasha GrandhiM Poojayaami

12.KrishNavENai NAMAH

Dwaadasha GrandhiM Poojayaami

13.Bhavaanai NAMAH

TrayOdasha GrandhiM Poojayaami

14.Lolalochanaai NAMAH

Chaturdasha GrandhiM Poojayaami

15.Menakaatmajaai NAMAH

panchadasha GrandhiM Poojayaami

16.Sri SwarNa Gowrai NAMAH

ShODasha GrandhiM Poojayaami

After pooja , the custom is that they give “ maradha baagina” to suhaasinis.

Pooja Vidhana :

On this day, Hindu women and young girts are in new/grand traditional attire. They make either jalagauri or arishinadagauri (a symbolic idol of Gowri made of turmeric) and bestow her for Puja. These days ready-made beautifully painted and decorated clay idols of Goddess Gowri can be bought along with Ganesha statues, at the local market.

The goddess’ idol is mounted in a plate, with a cereal (rice or wheat) in it. According to the Vrata, Asthis pooje is to be performed with 'suchi' (cleanliness) and 'shraddhe' (dedication). A mantapa, generally decorated with banana stem and mango leaves, is built around the idol. The Gauri is decorated with decorations made of cotton, vastra(silk cloth/saree), flowers garlands, and ladies get their 'gauridaara' (a sacred thread with 16 knots ) tied to their right wrists, as blessings of gauri and as part of the vratha. At least 5 baginas are prepared as part of the vratha.

Each baagina usually contains a packet of arshina (turmeric), kumkuma(vermilion) , black bangles, black beads (used in the mangalsutra), a comb, a small mirror, baLe bicchoLe, coconut, blouse piece, dhaanya (cereal), rice, tur dal, green dal, wheat or rava and jaggery cut in a cube form. The bagina is offered in a traditional mora (winnow painted with turmeric). One such bagina is offered to Goddess Gowri and set aside. The remaining Gowri baaginas are given to married women. -Karnataka.com

Refer to the link and perform the pooja :

Links: Swarna Gowri vratha Audio in Kannada

Varalakshmi Vratam Audio in Kannada and Telugu - Significance and Importance

2010-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Significance and importance :

The name Varalakshmi itself can be interpreted in two ways.In one meaning, Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Vara/Varam). In another, she is the Goddess who is invited into the home and honoured.One who performs this pooja with great devotion and bhakti is believed to be blessed with dhanam (money), dhanyam (grains or food), arogyam (health), sampath (property), sathsanthanam (virtuous offspring) and "dheerga saumangalyam" (longevity of the husband).

Performing the Varalakshmi puja is said to be equivalent to worshipping all the different forms of Lakshmi. Varalakshmi vratam is considered auspicious for a married women. This vratam is also known as sravana sukravaram vratam.

The legend behind Varalakshmi puja and the vratam is fascinating. It was a game of dice which caused a small tiff between Lord Shiva and Parvati as to who was the victor. An honest gana, Chitranemi, was asked to arbitrate and he decided in Shiva's favour. An angry Parvati cursed him to suffer from leprosy. When Shiva pleaded with her, she gave in and said the day women in the world observed Varalakshmi puja, Chitranemi would get deliverance. Chitranemi got relief when he observed some women performing the puja. Ever since then, this vratham has been observed.

For the katha (Story), Click the link below .
Varalaksmi Vratam Vidhanamu in Telugu

Varalaksmi Vratha Pooja Vidhana - Kannada Audio

One who don't have this vratham, can recite Lalitha Sahasranamam and Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam Link every friday in Sravana Masama

SHRAVANA MASAM CALENDAR 2010- AUG 11th - SEPTEMBER 8th

2010-08-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

In the year 2010, Shravana Masam starts from August 11 and ends on September 8th. Shravana masa is the most important month to perform Lakshmi pujas. This month is considered very auspicious and numerous festivals are held in this month.
I will be posting rituals related to these festivals here accordingly.
Mondays of Sravana Masam is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Mangala Gowri Vrata is observed on Tuesdays in the month of Sravana by women.
Fridays in Shravana sukravaram is dedicated to Goddess Lakshimi.
Saturdays are dedicated to Lord Shani and Lord Balaji.
The birthday of Lord Krishna is observed in the month and therefore many people consider the month highly auspicious and perform numerous functions like Grihpravesh etc.
Shravan Poornima is observed as Raksha Bandhan.
Below is the list of dates and festivals :
10th August 2010 -Bhimana Amavasya/Divasi Gowri Link
11 August 2010 - Shravana Shuklaa Masa Starts
13th August 2010 (Friday) - Shravana Masa Shukravara Lakshmi Pooja / Nagara Chaturthi
14th August 2010 – Nagara Panchami
17th August 2010 (Tuesday) - Mangala Gowri
20th August 2010 : Varalakshmi Vratham Link And Shravana Masa Shukravara Lakshmi Pooja / Ekadasi
23rd August 2010 – Rig Deva Upakarma / Raksha Bandhan / Rakhi Festival
24th August 2010 (Tuesday) – Mangala Gowri /Yajurveda Upakarma / Raksha Bandhan / Rakhi Festival
27th August 2010 (Friday )- Shravana Masa Shukravara Lakshmi Pooja
31st August 2010 (Tuesday) - Mangala Gowri
1st September 2010 – Sri Krishna Janmashtami/ Gokulashtami
3rd September 2010 (Friday) - Shravana Masa Shukravara Lakshmi Pooja
4th September 2010 - Ekadasi
7th September 2010 (Tuesday) - Mangala Gowri
8th September 2010 – Sravana Amavasya

Note: one can post slokas or any related information in the comment section , so that it will be useful for all of us to learn something new.

Aug10 2010 - bhimana Amavase - Divasi Gowri - Vratha/Pooja vidhana

2010-08-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

AUGUST 10 - 2010 - Bhimana Amavasya - Divasi Pooja - Jyoti Bheemeswara Vratha In Karnataka

This is my first pooja/Vrata after marriage, I came to know about this vrata from my Mother In Law. Before performing this pooja, I wanted to collect some information to be handy, such as stories and audio links, since books based on these poojas are not readily available in US. So, thinking that this info would be helpful to both me and my MIL, I have collected information about the significance of this pooja and katha (story) to be read on this day by sumangalis, along with the rituals, so that every year it wouldn't be a hassle to search for the procedure of this vrata.

This pooja can be done by married or unmarried woman. And a newly married woman should perform this pooja for nine years. At the end of 9th yr pooja, a pair of lamps should be gifted to her brother/ cousin.This pooja is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. It is also called “Pathi Sanjeevini Vratha “ and jyotibimeswara vrata

BHIMANA AMAVASE - DIVASI GOWRI POOJA - JYOTHI BHEEMESWARA AMAVASI

INTRODUCTION : (Reason behind the above mentioned names)

Bhimana Amavase known as gandana pooje or divasi gowri pooje or jyothi bheemeswara pooja is a very important festivals performed in karnataka. Its generally observed on Ammavasya, no moon day, in the month of Ashada (July – August). This time it is on Aug 10th 2010.

It is the last day of the month of Aashada.

Ashadaa Bahula 30th tithi is called Deevasi (Amavasye).

Since the importance of this festival is to mainly worship Lamps, its otherwise known as JyothiBheemeshwara amavasi.

It is believed that AshtA vidha Lakshmi seem to visit houses glittering with Lamps.

LIGHT OF LAMP, gives tejassu:Prosperity,Jnaana, Truth, Holiness (Pavitrate) which are good

characterstics.

Darkness symbolizes,Ajnaana,Ego,poverty,untruth, sorrow.

Lighening Lampsmeans the emission of SadguNa as Aradhana.

Pooja Vidhaana

On this day, the Sumanagalis :
1)Clean the pooja place, put rangoli, on which they place a wooden plank (Peeta/mane).
2)On this wooden plank, place a silver plate with raw rice and place 2 lamps (Mud lamps or silver lamps) along with divasi gowri or mangala gowri idol.
3) Near to it, keep 9 betel nuts, 9 betel leaves and a thread and 1 dry coconut.
4) For neivedyam, a special dish is prepared kucchida kadubu / steamed cakes(kannada) with wheat or rice flour.
5)Immerse the thread in the turmeric paste. Tie 9 knots on the thread with a flower and turmeric root in between and place this near deepa stambha
6)Perform aarti and chant this special prayer

Shalabaranam kala deepika - maadi; Naaru batti neeru ennai nerudhalu.

7) Finally a sacred thread is tied on their right hand wrist by another brahmin woman or by Mother in law.

They offer prayer to God that their house may glitter with happiness and prosperity, peace, like the Lamp.

PROCEDURE:

1. Mangala Snaanam

2. Hosthilu Pooje -(Draw a rangoli, apply turmeric and vermilion to the Hostilu/ gadapa)

3. Bheemana /Divasi Pooja : Pooja Vidhana and Vratha - Audio Link - Kannada (This covers the entire pooja with pooja vidhaana + Story narration - 1 hr pooja)

Pooja items as per the above audio link:

If one wishes to know the story in detail, its given below :

SIGNIFICANCE OF BHEEMANA AMAVAASYA:

One Haribhaktha has asked a question as to why ladies tie the 9 knot thread to their wrist

on Bheemana amavasya Day. And what is the story behind the festival.

Here is a small note on the “Significance of Bheemana Amavaasya”

It is also called “Pathi Sanjeevini Vratha “

A set of Saints (Rishis) were living in “Namishaaranya”. They were termed as “Shaunakaadhi Mahaa Muni”.

Once Sootha PuraaNika saint came to them as a guest. These rishis questioned him to tell them as to which type of Vratha should ladies perform so that they could get “ Dheerga Sunmangalithwa, happiness, wealth, good husband, etc.

Sootha puraaNik replied that they had asked a very good question and thus in answering , it

would be a great boon, apt, as well as in the interest of to the ladies to perform the Vratha.

That Vratha is called Bheemana Amaavaasya or

Pathi Sanjeevini Vratha , performed on Ashaada maasa Krishna Paksha Amaavasya day.

Saurashtra kingdom was ruled by Vajra Baahu. He was a great warrior,powerful and intelligent. He had a son called Jayasheel. He was handsome and had all the good qualities. But passed away at a young age.It was a great set back for the Raja.

He felt that by his death there would be no body to perform rituals to his ancestors. An idea stuck to him. He decided that by getting married a girl to his dead son, his

“pitrus” would get “ sadgathi”.

He sent word that anyone who would marry his dead son would be given lot of money ,wealth etc. A drummer used to go round cities with his drum , make sound loudly and announce the proclamation made by his king. People listened and nobody was prepared to accept the condition.

There was a poor man by name Madhawa. He had a wife who was very obedient to him. This poor man was also a pundit who was well versed in sanskrit, Veda Shaastra etc, He had 5 daughters and 9 sons. That was his great wealth’

Listening to the drum beat, he thought that he could give one of his daughter to the king. He was in a state of confusion and was thinking as to how open the discussion with his wife. He was walking up and down in the house.

Later he was courageous to tell his wife, about his decision to offer one of his daughter for this sake and to get rid of the poverty life lead by them . His wife agreeing to the

suggestion of her husband ,says that she would feel that one of her daughter had died, in agreeing to get her married to an impotent or, lame , or a blind or an aged person,

The two decided that they should go to the king offering their daughter and thus overcome over

the poverty they were experiencing. He offered his daughter and arranges

marriage with the dead Yuvaraaja for the sake of money. The Raja, felt happy that his wish came true. The poor man came to his village with a lakh of rupee and wealth.

After marriage, the King arranged to shift the dead body to the cremation ground and asked the

newly wed bride to light the pyre. She was decked with full jewels and was at

her height; so far Managakla Dravaya was concerned. With all devotion, offering

prayer to God, she lit the pyre.

Oh! It was a miracle.

Immediately rain came and puts of the fire. The sun disappeared in the west. . The rain was so furious that water gushed everywhere. Pitch darkness prevailed.

In such a situation the king left to his palace, leaving the dead body and the daughter in law in the hands of cruel animals, demons, witches.

Whereas, the “Saadhvi maNi” thought that she could stay there itself

without leaving the dead body on the pyre. She was afraid, to be alone in that place. She offered prayer to God.

She tells the God that Markandeya became Chiranjeevi, Chyavan got Dheeraga Ayush, Agni- Manmatha got Punar janma-Shwethavaahana got PooRNa Ayush,

By his blessings, Rathi Devi, Wife of Maarkandeya, the wives of Agni who are Swaahaa and

Swaadha devi became Sumanagalis and got children,.

She requests god as to why she should be punished for no fault of hers. She requests the almighty to protect her.

Then God, being pleased with her fervent prayer, appears before her with Parvathi and ask her

what she wants. She prays god to give her SauBhaagya samapaththu.

Then Girija Ramana (Shiva) narrates a story:

He tells that for

getting the SauBhaagya Sampath there is an auspicious Vratha.

In Ashada maasa Krishna Paksha Amavaasya day, the lady is supposed to have Managala Snaana. The Pooja room is decorated with mango Leaves, flowers and with Rangavalli.

Rice is spread on the Peeta or a plate.

To place on it Silver or a Bronze deepa Sthamba with flowers tied to it to Pour Ghee with a wick in it. Light the Vick. The Jyothi would come. Perform Awaahane thinking that

Lord Eshwar is there. He is present in that form.

Among Ashta murthy, his friend Chandra is also there. The Jothirmaya is named as BHEEMESHWARA.

The Deepasthamba is ESHWARA and the Jyothi Swaroopa is Chandra. Think these two are Mahaalinga Swaroop[a and with all devotion-Bhakthi Bhaava perform araadhana. You are keeping the two Idols made out of Mud on the rice.While performing peeta Pooja, it says Rathna Simhaayana

Maha. Thanmadhye Bheemeswara Swaaminenamaha,

Then a thread dipped in Turmeric with nine Knots is kept to the right side of the God. That is left side for us. It is called Navadhora Sthaapanam ( Nava means New- not nine)

For 9 years kadabus must be done and neivedya done to God. This could be done from rice Flour also. Danam is an important thing here. By so doing that his husband would come to life

This is the Pooja Vidhaana or Krama narrated by Eshwar and he disappears.

She took bath in the river and molded two lamps and rolled out fiber of a plant to form the wick for the lamps. She poured water into the lamps and also remembered bandara and instead of the wheat / rice steamed cakes, she made mud balls representing bandara.

Lord Shiva and Parvathi were watching all her activities and were extremely pleased with her devotion and blessed her with all their energy. The girl lighted the lamps with water and performed the pooja using wild flowers/grass as flowers and leaves. As she finished her pooja Lord Shiva and Parvathi appeared before her. Lord Shiva broke the mud balls / bandara/ Kadubu and asked her to ask for a boon. She requested them to bring her husband back to life, which was granted.

Immediately there was a change and she was encircled with a fort with many attendants around her. Her husband sleeping on a cot gets up as if he was waking from sleep. He listens to the story narrated by his wife. The king having heard this comes rushing and embracing his son and appreciating the perseverance and devotion of his daughter in law praises her and brings them to his kingdom and they live happily there afterwards.

This is the story told by Sootha PuraaNik to Shaunakaadis in Skaanda PuraaNa.

Ashadi Ekadashi - Significance and Procedure

2010-07-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ashadhi Ekadashi

Ashadi Ekadasi, also spelt as Ashadhi Ekadashi, is the most important Ekadasi vrata observed as first Ekadashi
This is the day of the huge "yatra" or pilgrimages to the god Vithoba of Pandharpur, a town in south Maharashtra, situated on the banks of the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna River.

Ashadhi Ekadashi is more of a religious procession festival and is celebrated during the months of June-July (Aashaadh Shukla paksha). People consider the two eleventh days, "Ekadashi", of every month to be of special importance. But the eleventh day (bright) of Ashadh is known as the great Ekadashi or Mahaekadashi. This Mahaekadashi is also known as Shayani Ekadashi, because on this day Vishnu falls asleep to wake up four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi in the Kartik month. This period is known as Chaturmas and coincides with the rainy season.

Ashadhi Ekadashi is the day of fast and on this day people go walking in huge processions to Pandharpur singing the Abhangas (chanting hymns) of Saint Tukaram and Saint Dnyaneshwar to see their God Vitthal. The yatra starts in Allandi and ends on Guru Poornima day at Pandharpur.

The feast of Ashadhi Ekadashi is celebrated with great solemnity at Pandharpur. Hundreds of thousands go in procession from different parts of Maharashtra, some carrying palanquins with the images of the great saints of Maharashtra. Dnaneshwar's image is carried from Alandi, Tukaram's from Dehu, Eknath's from Paithan, Nivruttinath's from Trimbakeshwar, Muktabai's from Edlabad, and Sopan's from Sasvad.

sourced: http://www.aryabhatt.com/fast_fair_festival/Festivals%2FAshadhi%20Ekadashi.htm

Significance and meaning of ekadashi

As per many legends associated with Ashadi Ekadasi, Lord Vishnu goes on to Yog nidra (cosmic meditation) on this day for four months. These four months holy period is observed as Chaturmas Puja. Sri Maha Vishnu opens his eyes and gets up from the cosmic sleep on Utthana Ekadasi (Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi) which is also popular as Kartik Ekadashi. In Pandharpur Vithoba Temple, Kartik Ekadasi Yatra is another important pilgrimage festival.

Unlike other vowed religious observances, an ekadashi need not be observed with a resolve (sankalpa) and ritual. It is the basic among all vowed religious observances and rituals.

The proportion of sattva, raja, tama components in every organism varies according to time/season (kal). On the eleventh day of each Hindu lunar fortnights, the sattva component is maximum in all living beings. Hence, if one does spiritual practice on an ekadashi, one benefits to a greater extent.

Method of observing Ashadhi ekadashi

If it is not possible to observe the eleventh day of each fortnight of the Hindu calendar, one can at least observe the eleventh day of the bright fortnight. Worship: On both the ekadashi of Ashadh, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Shridhar (one of the Names of Lord Vishnu). A lamp of clarified butter (ghee) is kept lit throughout the night of an Ashadhi ekadashi.

Intake: On any ekadashi, one's intake should be kept limited to only water, and a mixture of dried ginger (suntha) and sugar. However, if not possible to do so, one can eat foods allowed during Hindu fasts (upavas). These foods, being sattvik, do not reduce one's sattva component, detracting from focus on God (the very aim of a fast - upavas - is to be close to God),. A fast observed on an ekadashi is ended the following day.

The pilgrimage (vari) to the town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra, India: The vowed religious observance of going on a pilgrimage to Pandharpur, the seat of Lord Vitthal is commenced from the ekadashi of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha.

(sourced: http://www.sanatan.org/weekly/2002/131/festivals.htm)

Sabudana khichidi is generally taken in the evening.

Recipe for Sabudana Khichidi (Sago)

Amazing Creation by God & Mokshamu Galatha song

2010-07-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

I remembered one of my favorite songs..Mokshamu Galatha.when my friend uploaded a video that showed true creation of God...ie.,Babies !!!!
Also, it is said that when the baby is inside the womb, it goes through numerous pains, doesn't like the place and thinks that when it comes out, it will not do any sin so that it can attain Moksham / Moksha...( liberation from suffering) and never be born again .But by the time the baby comes out..it forgets all the pain it went through and forgets its promise about attaining moksham...with the impact of maya in the world!!!

Well, I don't know how true is the above story, because no body knows how it is inside :)
So, enjoy this beautiful soothing song -
Mokshamu Galatha - Carnatic music Fusion

Meaning:
Is salvation attainable by anyone in this world, who has not realised the Self? Are you not, Lord, ever ready to vouchsafe your vision to those intensely yearning for it? Is Beatitude attainable by anyone who has not experienced the profound ecstacy of devotional music?

The vital force praaNaa and anaala, fire, combine to generate praNava, the Omkaara (sound of Om). From that Omkaara, the seven musical notes emerge. To those who cannot intuitively perceive the mind of Shiva, who worships naada through the VeeNa, is salvation attainable

Composer: Tyaagaraaja
Language: Telugu

Pallavi

Mokshamu galadaa bhuvilo jeevan..
Muktulu gaani vaaralaku

Anupallavi

Saakshaatkaara nee sadbhakti
Sangitajnaana vihinulaku

CaraNam

Praanaanala samyogamu valla
Pranava naadamu sapta svaramulai paraga
Vinaa vaadana loludau Siva mano
Vidhamerugaru Thyaagaraaja vinuta.

Here is the awesome Genese video - Best medical animation video - Right Here Right Now

Lalitha Sahasranamam

2010-06-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

Lalitha Sahasranamam is recited during Sravana Masam and specially on Fridays ie. Sukravaram
The importance of Vratam or Vratas is during this season.

Varalakshmi Vratham is given more importance on Fridays.
One who does not have this vratam can always recite Lalitha sahasranamam and perform Lakshmi Pooja.

Below is a full version of Lalitha Sahasranamam..!!!

Lalitha Sahasranamam in English with meaning (Info given by Raji)
Lalitha Sahasranamam Lyrics - English + Meaning

Soldiers surprising their loved ones

2010-06-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Emotions are some kind of feeling that everybody possess. Even a tough person cannot handle to control it.

Did you ever wonder, how these soldiers might have controlled their emotions?

They just have many sleepless nights so that we can have good sleep !!!

I can be awake probably for a day or two...but not all the time. Till now, in my life I think I was awake for my Maths exam and that too because of the exam tension..hmm well this is called intrinsic ..i mean just for our own sake isn't it?

Well, my point is, we all have so many desires -wants n needs in our day to day life. We think we are struggling in life so much .We are not content with one thing - say job or with our profession , studies, home n specially money..etc,. And here there is another category of people - soldiers, who have to succumb all the above priorities and just have one desire. And that is to be alive and fight for the nation.

Salute to all the heroes who are serving their nation..!!!
God bless the soldiers and their loved ones!!!

Here is a very touching video - soldiers surprising their loved ones

When I saw this video , OMG, I could not stop crying. Tears just rolled on my cheeks.

Specially the song " Money is not a thing" adds life to the video !!!

Gr8 Jewelry Ad'

2010-06-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Today I came across this Ad' while I was just surfing on the internet. At first I was a bit hesitant to watch the video, but, since it being a jewelry Ad', I had to CLICK it..:)

IMP POINTS:
Have a look at this video, u will appreciate the Ad' director
Finally a best jewelry Ad' that really added value to the Gold ..lol

Jewelry that makes you want to marry ...what a caption..!!!

Parents are Precious

2010-06-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

This was narrated at a Seminar recently onHuman Relations :
Venkatesh Balasubramaniam (who works for IIT)
describes how his gesture of booking an air ticket
for his father, his maiden
flight, brought forth a rush of emotions and made
him (Venkatesh) realize that how much we all
take for granted when it comes to our
parents.

My parents left for our native place on Thursday

and we went to the airport to see them off. In fact,

my father had never

traveled by air before, so I just took this

opportunity to make him experience the same. In

spite of being asked to book tickets by train, I got

them tickets on xxx Airways. The moment I

handed over the tickets

to him, he was surprised to see that I had booked

them by air. The excitement was very apparent

on his face, waiting for the time of

travel. Just like a school boy, he was preparing

himself on that day and we all went to the airport,

right from using the trolley for his luggage, the

baggage check-in and asking for a window seat

and waiting

restlessly for the security check-in to happen. He

was thoroughly enjoying himself and I, too, was

overcome with joy watching him

experience all these things.

As they were about to go in for the security

check-in, he walked up to me with tears in his

eyes and thanked me. He became very

emotional and it was not as if I had done

something great but the fact that this meant a

great deal to him. When he said thanks, I told him

there was no need to thank me. But later,

thinking about the entire incident, I looked back at

my life. As a child, how many dreams our parents

have made come true. Without understanding the

financial situation, we ask for cricket bats,

dresses, toys, outings, etc. Irrespective of their

affordability, they have catered to all our needs.

Did we ever think about the sacrifices they had to

make to accommodate many of our wishes? Did

we ever say thanks for all that they have done for

us? Same way, today when it comes to our

children, we always think that we should put them

in a good school. Regardless of the amount of

donation, we will ensure that we will have t give

the child the best, theme parks, toys, etc. But we

tend to forget that our parents have sacrificed a lot

for our sake to see us happy, so it is our

responsibility to ensure that their dreams are

realized and what they failed to see when they

were young. It is our responsibility to ensure that

they experience all those and their life is

complete.

Many times, when my parents had asked me

some questions, I have actually answered back

without patience. When my daughter asks me

something, I have been very polite in answering.

Now I realize how they would have felt at those

moments. Let us realize that old age is a second

childhood and just as we take care of our

children, the same attention and same care

needs to be given to our parents and

elders.Quality time and politely answering them

with out making them wait is important. Now I

realise that I must look at their eyes and answer

them pleasantly and pretend to be reading papers

and answer in mono syllables. Rather than my

dad saying thank you to me, I would want to say

sorry for making him wait so long for this small

dream. I do realize how much he has sacrificed

for my sake and I will do my best to give the best

possible attention to all their wishes.

Just because they are old does not mean that

they will have to give up everything and keep

sacrificing for their grandchildren also. They have

wishes, too.

Take care of your parents!
THEY ARE PRECIOUS!
-

Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam - Lyrics and Audio

2010-05-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam ( Sloka chanted by Indra)

Mahalakshmi, who is the consort of Vishnu is worshipped as goddess of wealth by the Hindus. In the beginning of creation she took form from the left side of Vishnu and was later born again from the sea of milk, when the devas churned it for getting nectar. She resides on the chest of Maha Vishnu as Sri Vatsa. It was she who took birth as Seetha and Rukmani. This very simple prayer is very ancient and has been chanted by generations for solving all their problems

Audio

Lyrics with Meanings :

Namosthesthu Maha Maye,Sree peede, sura poojithe!!
Sanka, chakra, Gadha hasthe,Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 1

( Salutations and salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi*,Who is the great enchantress,Who lives in riches,Who is worshipped by Gods,And who has conch, wheel and mace in her hands.)

Namasthe garudarude,Kolasura bhayam kari,
Sarva papa hare, devi,Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 2

Salutations and salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi.Who rides on an eagle,Who created fear to Kolasura,And is the goddess who can destroy all sins.)

Sarvagne Sarva varadhe,Sarva dushta Bhayam karee!!
Sarva dukha hare, devi,Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 3

(Salutations and salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi.Who knows everything,Who can grant any thing,Who appears fearsome to bad people,And is the goddess who can destroy all sorrows.)

Sidhi budhi pradhe devi,Bhakthi mukthi pradayinee!!
Manthra moorthe, sada devi,Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 4

(Salutations and salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,Who grants intelligence and occult powers,Who grants devotion to God and salvation,Who can be personified by holy chants,And who is Goddess for ever.)

Adhyantha rahithe, devi,Adhi Shakthi maheswari!!
Yogaje yoga sambhoothe,Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 5

(Salutations and salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi.Who neither has an end nor beginning,Who is the primeval power,Who is the greates Goddess,Who is born out of hard penance,And who can be personified by meditation.)

Sthoola Sukshma maha roudhre,Maha Shakthi Maho dhare!!
Maha papa hare devi,Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 6

(Salutations and salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,Who is micro and also gross,Who is most fearsome,Who is the greatest strength,Who within her holds the worlds,And is the Goddess who can destroy sins.)

Padmasana sthithe, devi,Para brahma swaroopini!!
Para mesi, jagan matha,Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 7

(Salutations and salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,Who is the goddess who has the seat of Lotus,Who is the personification of the ultimate truth,Who is Goddess of all,And who is the mother of all the worlds.)

Swethambara dhare, devi,Nanalankara bhooshithe!!
Jagat sthithe, jagan matha,Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 8

Salutations and salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,Who wears white cloth,Who wears variety of ornaments,Who is everywhere in the world,And who is the mother of all the worlds.)

Phala SruthiMaha lakmyashtakam stotram,
Ya padeth Bhakthiman nara,
Sarva sidhi mavapnothi,
Rajyam prapnothi sarvadha.

(Those men who read this octet praising Mahalakshmi,With devotion and discipline,Would make all powers as his own,And also would attain the kingdom for ever.)

Yeka kale paden nithyam, maha papa vinasanam,
Dwi kale paden nithyam Dana dhanya samanvitha,
Tri kalam paden nithyam Maha shathru vinasanam,
Maha Lakshmir Bhaven nithyam Prasanna, varada Shubha.

(If this is read daily once, great sins committed would be destroyed,If this is read twice daily, you would be blessed with wealth and grains,If this is read thrice daily, your great enemies would be destroyed,And the goddess Maha Lakshmi would be with you,With happiness, with blessings and with good tidings.

Whoever with devotion recite this hymn to SriMahaa Laxmi, composed in eight stanzas, attains all success through the Grace of Mahaa Laxmi Devi.

Take flowers or unbroken grains of rice in yourhands. Meditate upon the goddess, saying:

YA SA PADMA SANASTHA VIPULA KATI TATI PADMA PATRAYAT AKSI

GAM BHIRA VARTANA BHISTANA BHARANA MITA SUBHRA VASTROTTARIYA

YA LAKSMIR DIVYA RUPA IRMANI GANA KHA CITAIH SNA PITAHEMA KUMBH AIH

SA NITYAM PADMA HASTA MAMA VASATU GRHE SARVA MANGALYAYUKTA SWAHA

Laksmi who is seated on a lotus, has eyes as wideas lotus petals, massive hips, deep navel, and heave breasts, wears white upperand lower garments, wears jewelry, is bathed from a golden pitcher, carries alotus in her hand, and is associated with every auspicious sign, let her residein my house.
Drop the flowers and the rice at the feet of the goddess

-Devotionalonly

A Strong Woman Vs a Woman of Strength

2010-05-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

Today I came across this beautiful article on net while I was searching for some health related info. Got inspired by reading this poem and thought of sharing it with women everywhere . I am sure one who reads this poem will be surely inspired.
Enjoy reading....!!!

A strong Woman versus a woman of strength

A strong woman works out every day

to keep her body in shape

but a woman of strength looks deep inside

to keep her soul in shape

A strong woman isn’t afraid

of anything

but a woman of strength shows courage

in the midst of her fear

A strong woman won’t let anyone

get the best of her

but a woman of strength gives the best

of her to everyone

A strong woman makes mistakes

and avoids the same in the future

but a woman of strength realizes life’s mistakes

can also be blessings and capitalizes on them

A strong woman walks

sure footedly

but a woman of strength knows

when to ask for help

A strong woman wears the look

of confidence on her face

but a woman of strength

wears grace

A strong woman has faith

that she is strong enough for the journey

but a woman of strength has faith

that it is in the journey that she will become strong

~Dee Cheeks

Journey Of Baba from Patri to Shiridi

2010-05-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

Did any one wonder who were the parents of Shiridi Sai Baba?...where was He actually born?
Well I am sure everybody would have...specially those who have read the books on baba have these question in their minds.

Today we went to a temple in Fremont, where Baba's Prana pratishta was going on and there came an ardent devotee of Baba named vishwanathan from Texas, who narrated the birth and journey of Baba from Patri ( a small village in Maharashtra) to Shiridi and how Baba was born to Ganga Bhavajya and Devagri Amma in Patri with the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Also that Baba is none other than Lord Shiva himself in the human form.

I was so moved by the story and thought of narrating a summary of Baba's journey from Patri to Shiridi in my blog today. I have taken some info from net to describe the story.

So blessed were the couple with three children. The third child being Lord Shiva himself.
The child was left in a forest under a banyan tree, as Ganga Bavajya wanted to see Lord Shiva in his true form by performing penance. Devagri Amma, did not know whether to follow her husband or to take care of the child, decided not to leave her husband and took his path with full of tears leaving the child in the forest.

The child was raised by a Fakri (mendicant) named Roshan sha and he called him by the name Majida. In those days there were clashes between Hindus and Muslims. Under such conditions, the behavior of this boy used to be peculiar. He would suddenly enter into a temple one day and start yelling, "Rama is God, Shiva is Allah". Both Hindus and Muslims used to admonish and punish him. On seeing this, Roshan Sha’s wife used to suffer a lot. Finally, unable to withstand the complaints against the boy, she decided to hand over the boy to a Sadhu by name Venkusa in a nearby village.Venkusa was a devotee of Lord Venkateshwara. He used to visit temples, Masjids and also Gurudwara. he had no discrimination in terms of cast and creed.
(Example : Raised Baba with the name Majida only)

One day when he visited a temple Sawaghahi Dargah in Ahmedabad, he heard the following words coming from there : "Salaam alekum Maharaj! You are born with a purpose. A hundred miles from Selu Village, there is a another village by name Manwat. There Allah, who is born for setting this world right, is being brought up in a fakir’s house. After you go back to Selu from your pilgrimage, the boy will be brought to you. You must accept this boy as your pupil and teach him . This is God’s work . The boy will be grown up in your care and will become ‘Guru’ for the entire world."

So we can say Venkusa is the Samardha Sadguru of Sai baba. He taught him all the shastras, vedas and gave him all the powers. The boy who was just completing 16 years of age appeared fully mature, with divine powers.Venkusa told the boy that he had done his duty as per God’s decision and the day was not far off when they would be separated

Venkusa wanted to give the boy all the valuable ornaments he was wearing but the boy declined to have them. Instead he requested Venkusa to give him the brick which had hit him on his forehead while saving him (boy) from the murderous attack. Overwhelmed by his request and with tears rolling down from his eyes, Venkusa gave him the brick with his blessings. He wished that the brick alway’s be the boy’s companion and life partner. The boy also requested Guru Venkusa to give him the piece of cloth drenched with blood while cleaning his injury.

Moved emotionally by such a request Venkusa tied the cloth piece around the forehead of the boy and declared that it would protect the boy at all times. He told him to proceed along the banks of river Godavari and the place where he found complete peace would be abode. He also advised him to keep away from women and wealth .

After walking for three days along the banks of River Godavari, the boy reached a place called Kopargaon in the year 1854, Margashira month on the third day after full moon. After taking rest for a day, he again proceeded and reached the village of Shirdi by evening. Not willing to approach anyone for shelter, he began to live under the shade of a big neem tree.

This is the journey of Baba from Patri to Shiridi.
I was very happy to know this story as I was not aware of the life history of Baba and wanted to share this today, so that many would be aware of this.

-----------------Om Sri Dwarakamayi---------------------------

Quick Cravings - Pani puries

2010-05-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

My craving for Pani Puries....always

Who does not like pani puri? and specially when u r in US ...its a craving to have it if u just see a pani puri recipe or read about pani puries.

It was weekend and we went to the grocery store ...saw the pani puri packet there...and I couldn't resist to take one packet. Eventhough we get pani puries here...Hyderabadi pani puri cannot beat any of them here :)

I remembered my cousin Shalu who prepared pani while I was in bangalore. It was so very delicious and tempting ofcourse ...so iI asked her how to make it and she gave me a ready made quick recipe.

Simple and easy - not much fuss about it.

Ingredients:

For the Pani:

Green chillies - 4

Mint - 1 cup

Pani puri masala - 2 tbsp

For the Stuffing:
Boiled chana - 1/2 cup

Boiled potato - 1

Onion - 1

Coriander- handful

pani puri masala - 1 tsp

Method:

1. Make a paste of green chillies and mint. Add it to 4 glasses of water with required amount of black salt (or normal salt) and 2 tbsp pani puri masala.

2. for the stuffing : mix all the above mentioned ingredients, and add pinch of salt. Mix gently.

Enjoy the pani puris..!!!!

Double Century - Our WeDsite

2010-05-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

I was going through our wedding pics and found our marriage website. Was very excited to know that we completed 200+ days of our marriage....I pinged Mahesh on gtalk and showed him our marriage wedsite....We totally forgot about this...and were happy to see our site again.

Dipika-Mahesh wedsite.com

Andhra Cauliflower Pickle - Crispy and Tangy

2010-05-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Andhra pickles always taste spicy and lip smacking . No wonder that there are 100's of variations and varieties in pickles.

I first heard about cauliflower pickle in Hyderabad
When I made this pickle at home, Mahesh loved it extremely and finished one large bottle in just 1 week. Even today he insists me to do cauliflower pickle, when I say that I would try other pickle this time :)

The aroma of ginger- garlic enhances the taste of the pickle. Goes well with parathas and hot rice :)

This pickle was taught to me by my friend Kavita. Later we all gathered at one of my friends place at our apartment and made this pickle . We took step by step clicks, to publish in my blog.

I told them I would be posting it pretty soon but I took very long time, as my other posts were in queue :(
So today its the Cauliflower pickle turn.

Ingredients:
Cauliflower - 1
Red Chilli powder - 1/2 cup
Salt - Little less than 1/2 cup
Garlic cloves - 8 - 10
Ginger 1 " - 4 -5
turmeric - 1 tsp
Lime - 1 (small - 2)

(To be roasted slightly and powdered)
Mustard seeds - 2 Tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp

For Seasoning:
Oil - 5 tbsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tbsp
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Dried red chillies - 5 -6

Method:
1) Separate the florets into small pieces , wash them properly and allow it to dry on a clean napkin cloth and put them in a large dry bowl.

2) Roast the above mentioned ingredients (mustard, cumin and fenugreek seeds) and powder them. Grind ginger garlic to a coarse paste.

3) In a bowl mix all the dry ingredients. This helps to taste the mix and modify salt- chilli mixture according to your taste.
4) Add this mix to the florets.

5) Finally prepare the tempering and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Add this to the mixture , Squeeze lime juice and keep aside for a day.

6) The pickle leaves the juice and florets shrink a bit. Crispy, tangy and finger licking pickel will be ready .
Transfer this in an air tight jar and refrigerate it. Stays for about 1-2 weeks.

Marble In The Spoon- Chetan Bhagat

2010-05-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

A very inspiring article by Chetan Bhagat :- A very talented Indian Author, who studied at IIT Delhi and then at IIM-A. I like the way he narrates his stories. I have read all his books and my all time favorite book is "Five Point Someone - What not do at IIT
Here is a wonderful speech given by Chetan @ symbiosis, pune : Marble in the spoon

Nature designed with a random set of genes and circumstances in which we were born. To be happy, we have to accept it and make the most of nature’s design. Are you? Goals will help you do that. I must add, don’t just have career or academic goals. Set goals to give you a balanced, successful life. I use the word balanced before successful. Balanced means ensuring your health, relationships, mental peace are all in good order.

There is no point of getting a promotion on the day of your breakup. There is no fun in driving a car if your back hurts. Shopping is not enjoyable if your mind is full of tensions.

You must have read some quotes – Life is a tough race, it is a marathon or whatever. No, from what I have seen so far, life is one of those races in nursery school, where you have to run with a marble in a spoon kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same with life, where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life. Else, you may achieve the success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited and alive, will start to die.

One last thing about nurturing the spark – don’t take life seriously.Life is not to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up?

It’s ok, bunk a few classes, goof up a few interviews, fall in love. We are people, not programmed devices.

Dont be serious , be sincere

One can read his entire speech at : http://itsfine.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/chetan-bhagats-speech-at-symbiosis/

Foods That Shrink The Stomach

2010-05-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was going through some health related diet plans on net and found this article very interesting. It was about Foods that shrink your stomach :)
And Who doesn't want to reduce the belly fat?

This is a very common problem observed now a days. Many of my friends asked me to post a diet plan related to stomach shrink. So before I could post something on diet menu, I thought of posting first on foods that harm and heal the stomach.

The reason for the belly bulge could be the bloat not the fat. Beat the bloat with a new easy menu.

First let's see which food causes the bloat.

Common salt makes you retain the water, puffing up the belly. Most of us are addicted to salt and an average person consumes double the recommended level. Go easy on salt, shake away the salt shaker.

aerated cool drinks, candy, soda, gum etc. are the foods to be avoided. Once the air reaches the digestive system, it is experienced as gas resulting in bloated belly.

Our stomach does not totally digest the artificial sweeteners found in foods like soft drinks, chewing gum, cereals, candy, cakes etc Bacteria in the large intestine ferment them causing gas and even diarrhea.

High volume foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, though healthy take up more room in your stomach. It is not a good habit to consume them in large portions. Distribute the consumption over the day.

Constipation makes the belly bloat. Eat the food rich in fiber such as lady's finger, cabbage, cucumber, potato, sprouts, leafy vegetables, broccoli, peas, carrot, cauliflower and fruits such as oranges, grapes, guava, pear, figs, peach, plum etc... Start the day with a breakfast cereal rich in fiber, which gets the digestive system moving.

Foods such as bananas, papaya, tomato sauce, orange, cooked spinach and potatoes rich in Potassium helps the body to flush excess water, reducing the belly bloat.

The imbalance of the bacteria in the digestive tract can cause the digestive system to slow down resulting in bloated belly. Yogurt which contains live bacteria balances the digestive tract, speeds up the digestion.

To shrink the stomach drink more fluids. Women who do not drink sufficient water can get the blown-up belly feeling.

Distribute the consumption of food evenly over the day. Kick the habit of having three meals per day, start eating little quantities every 2 - 3 hours. In this way the food consumed gets digested quick and easy, does not result in belly bulge.

Olive oil helps to burn the fat, lowers the cholesterol.

Instant oatmeal helps in burning the belly fat.

A Tribute To Mothers - Happy mothers Day

2010-05-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

What is a Mother?
A mother is someone who guides and inspires.
She helps us to attain our dreams and desires.
Wisdom and insight are part of her way,
and her faith in her children brightens their days.

All mothers are rich when they love their children. There are no poor mothers, no ugly ones, no old ones. Their love is always the most beautiful of joys.

—Maurice Maeterlinck (1862-1949)

What a mother can do …

My mother said to me, "If you become a soldier, you'll be a general; if you become a monk, you'll end up as the pope." Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.

The boy's mother read the note and said, "My son Tom isn't 'too stupid to learn.' I'll teach him myself." And so she did.
When Tom died many years later, the people of the United States of America paid tribute to him by turning off the nation's lights for one full minute. You see, this Tom had invented the light bulb—and not only that, but motion pictures and the record player. In all, Thomas Edison had more than one thousand patents to his credit.
A partially deaf boy came home from school one day carrying a note from officials at the school. The note suggested that the parents take the boy out of school, claiming that he was "too stupid to learn."

My mother was the making of me.

—Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931)

This is a beautiful telugu song on mother, which I dedicate it to my Mom.
Happy mother's day Amma...

Truly Inspirational : No arms, no limbs and no worries

2010-05-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Nick Vujicic - No arms, no limbs , no worries ..and yet he is happy...!!!!
Loves the way he is and loves living his life to the fullest
- Life without limits says Nick.
No words - have a look at this video

Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma Song + Lyrics

2010-05-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma is a beautiful Kannada devotional song, composed by Shri Purandara Dasa on Goddess Lakshmi.
You will find this song in every house during Lakshmi pooja...
I have loaded two songs: sung by Bhimsen Joshi and other by MS Subbalakshmi.

Lyrics :

Pallavi
Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma Nammamma Ni Sau

Caranam 1

Hejjaya Mele Hhejjeyanikkuta Gejje Kalgala Dhvaniya Toruta
Sajjana Sadhu Pujeya Velege Majjigeyolagina Benneyante

Caranam 2

Kanaka Vrstiya Kareyuta Bare Mana Kamanaya Siddhiya Tore
Dinakara Koti Tejadi Holeva Janakarayana Kumari Vedha

Caranam 3

Attittalagalade Bhaktara Maneyali Nitya Mahotsava Nitya Sumangala
Satyava Toruva Sadhu Sajjanara Cittadi Holeva Puttali Bombe

Caranam 4

Sankhye Illada Bhagyava Kottu Kankana Kaiya Tiruvuta Bare
Kunkumankite Pankaja Locane Venkataramanana Binkada Rani

Caranam 5

Sakkare Tuppada Kaluve Harisi Shukravaradha Pujaya Velage
Akkareyulla Alagiri Rangana Cokka Purandara Vithalana Rani

Types of fat and which is the best?

2010-05-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

These days I am spending my time on learning keyboard (Electric Piano)..n playing Tennis.

I love to explore a lot many things and try to learn new always....apart from just blogging...:P

So I kept my blog aside for 2 days and practiced two songs:Hrudayam ekkada unnadi and piyu bole on my own....with Mahesh's support.

Will be posting my Piano experiences soon..!!!

Meanwhile have a look at a few health tips..

Types of fat and which is the best?

1. Highly Recommended for Health:-

Olive Oil - The best of all oils. It does not absorb in our body.
Fish Oil - Omega 3 (contained in NI's Circulytes) haspoly-unsaturated fat. It's good for our brain cells.
Peanut Oil - It contains Vitamin E. A small dosage is recommended only.

2. Not Recommended for Health

Vegetable Fat - Palm oil is worst than coconut oil. It is high in cholesterol and highly unsaturated.
Coconut Oil - It has saturated fat.

Specific Food & Beverages

1 Egg when eaten too much can cause High Colon Cancer. Risk Ovary Cancer, Prostate Cancer.

2 Cabbage is highly recommended for health reason.

3 Tomato is best eaten raw with a bit of olive oil for better absorption. Other alternative is to take tomato sauce.

4 Coffee is good because it contains 2 anti-oxidants. Inhaling the coffee aroma for half each day is equivalent to eating two oranges a day. However, the residue of over-burned coffee is extremely bad for health. It can cause cancer.

5 Tea, as long as it is in its original tea leaves and not processed into BOH or Lipton packets, it is good for health. Tea contains 30 anti-oxidants. Recommended dosage is 4 cups a day

Exercise and be fit

Have a balanced lifestyle. Exercise regularly.

F : Frequency: 3 to 5 times a week.

I : Intensity: Exercise till we sweat and breath deeply.

T : Types of exercises: Find one that suits our age, lifestyle, etc.

Have regular check-up

Once we reach the age of 45 & above, it is recommended that we go for regular comprehensive health examination. Early detection may save lives.

So get set go....