LIFE JOURNEY

BENGALURU TRIP 2025

2025-07-20T03:06:00.000-07:00

MY BENGALURU TRIP 2025

My trip to Bengaluru was a very unique, interesting and a new experience.

I have to attend a function at Bengaluru.

PLANNING

It was decided that I complete the trip in One day. , that is , go in the morning from Chennai and return on the same day.

I searched for the best mode of transport for both legs of the trip.

There was a convenient train at 6-00 am from MGR central station. This would reach by 10-30 am Bengaluru.

So booked Executive Chair car in Shatabti express for going to Bengaluru and return by indigo flight leaving Bengaluru by 6.30 PM. My daughter helped me do the bookings.

It would take 1 hr to reach the rail station from home which is 30 kms away from the station. So I booked a cab to pick me up at 4.45 am in the previous night itself to avoid any difficulties.

As I have to leave early, I could not sleep properly the previous night. But I used TM meditation to compensate my Sleep.

JOURNEY TO BENGALURU

I woke up at 3 am. Finished my morning rituals including bath and prayer and was ready by 4 am.

Cab came exactly at 4-15 am.

It took only 45 minutes to reach the station. The road trip to station was good and smooth.

On reaching station I slowly walked to the platform where the train was.

On the way I had coffee at Madras Coffee. It was a decoction coffee. Tasted good. Slowly walked towards the bogie of EXECUTIVE CHAIR CAR. This was 3 bogie from the End of the rack.

Though the compartment was set ready for passengers to board, there was no one inside. I hesitated from sometime. Then I decided to enter and sit and take some rest.

The seats were wide and comfortable. It was 2-2 seats on either side of the aisle. Newspapers English and Tamil were distributed for everyone.

Slowly one by one passengers started coming. The bogie was half empty.

The train departed exactly on the dot at 6-00 am. Once departed we were given welcome drink coffee and biscuit along with paper napkin.

This coffee is premixed powder of coffee, sugar and cream . The attendant poured only hot water. 😐

After some time breakfast was served. Less the said about the breakfast better. It was Not at all good. This was followed by hot drink; coffee/ tea as before.

Then they gave a fruit juice small.

The train was running at a good speed and noise level very low. The train had only 2 stops. From Central to Katpadi to Jolarpet to Bengaluru. No stops in between.

I reached the Bengaluru Central SBC station at 10 30 am.

As soon I alighted from the train I booked a cab to go to Prestige Monte carlo apartments. I choose pick up point as Bengaluru central.

On coming out the driver of the cab called and said he is at a different station. So I cancelled the ride and again booked a cab standing out side the station.

This time driver called and said he is at the back entrance of the station. 😕

He asked me to wait and said he will come to the front. It took about 45 minutes before I entered the Cab.

The driver was good. I explained why I am here and need to be at the place as soon as possible. He took only 40 minutes to reach the destination

I was ON TIME to the function.

I met all the people and the function went well. Had a good lunch served there.

Was talking to Daughter for some time.

RETURN JOURNEY

My flight time was 6.30 pm. I asked my daughter about how to collect the boarding pass. My Grand daughter had told me once that boarding pass can be made in the kiosk after you enter the terminal.

However my daughter made the Web checking the previous day itself and send me the E Boarding pass.

One of the relative of ANAND had told that there is an app called DIGIYATRA. In this if you register all your AIRLINE boarding passes will come.

The procedure to board is very very simple.

This is one the new experience for me as I am used to travelling before in the traditonal way; i.e. go the the check in counter, show your ticket and they check the computer and give the boarding pass.

downloaded the Digiyatra and registered. Then the boarding pass generated came into the app. Made an QR code of the pass and saved in WHATSAPP.

I booked a cab to come at 3.30 pm. It came on time.

It took me about 1 hr and 15 minutes to reach the Airport.

The airport was grand to look. Especially for me who has never seen an airport like this IN INDIA.

THE EXPERIENCE AT AIRPORT

The experience at the airport was simply superb. There is separate entry passengers from the outside itself. Here you only show your face and you are allowed to pass through. In case of doubt you have to show the QR code on the scanner.

Once entered you can straight go to the security. Here also you only show your face and proceed further.

After the security check procedure you enter lounge which looks awesome. I enjoyed wandering for sometime.

There are different types of restaurants besides shops of different kind. There are seats. In each seat there is QR code in the arms rest. You can scan the same and order food.

While I was sitting there near the gate where I have to board, my son called and asked me to purchase some souvenir from the airport. I again went strolling to the shop and checked for items. I purchased souvenir from there as a remembrance.

I waited for the call to Board. When announced again you have to just enter showing face or QR code.

The flight was full. It took only 40 minutes to reach Chennai.

AT CHENNAI AIRPORT

At Chennai airport, after alighting from the aircraft you are taken by a bus to the terminal. As soon as I reached terminal I booked for a cab.

The journey to the taxi where it is parked is a journey by itself.

You have to wall all the way to the exit. There will be a buggy to take you to to AERO BRIDGE where all cabs and cars are parked. This is free though.

Once there, you have to go the 2nd floor to the parking area. There are not many lifts. You have to search for the left and go to the 2nd floor.

I reached the parking area, located the taxi and started my way back home. There was heavy traffic on the road. It took about an hour to reach home

OVERALL THE TRIP was GOOD and ENJOYABLE .

AUSTRALIA 2025

2025-07-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

AUSTRALIA as seen through g daughter's eyes

Hello everyone.

We are too old to travel around the world. But we have insatiable desire to go around the world. We see the world through the travels of our Grand Daughter with her parents.

We were taken around the world by her narration of her experiences.

Let us start with their recent travel to AUSTRALIA in the summer of 2025.

Over to her words:

""PREPARATION OF THE TRAVEL PLAN

Our summer of 2025 was planned way ahead in consultation with the athai patti living in Australia. The itinerary was prepared by my parents. All ticket booking and travel booking were done by my mother along with father online.

FIRST LEG OF THE JOURNEY .

Chennai to Sydney with a switch plane at Singapore.

We were all excited to take the trip. We made purchases for the trip at pondy Bazaar. It was a hectic one week before the trip.

My schools closed for summer holidays on 8th May 2025.

After packing all things necessary for the trip in 3 suitcases we were waiting to start our journey.

On the day before we are to leave i.e 12th May 2025 my grand parents baghy patti and raja thatha along with rahul mama came home to wish us bon voyage.

I was so excited I could not sleep that night properly. My Mom and Dad were busy in making final plans before start of the trip.

CHENNAI TO SINGAPORE TRAVEL

On the 12th Morning our flight was at 3.30 pm. We have to leave by 1 pm.

We did our check in online as is the normal practice. it is called WEB CHECKIN

Our plane was indigo.

The cab came at around 1 pm. We loaded all our baggage into the car. It was a big car. We proceed with joy.

Unfortunately half way to the air port our car stopped. The driver checked and said the axle of the car broken. we called for another cab and continued our journey to airport. There was a little tense moment as the time was running out.

On arrival at air port we transported our baggage to the check in kiosk. In between it was sent through scanner. By mistake at the other side of scanner i took the bag of another person. Later returned with apology.

Then we went to the kiosk and entered our details to get the boarding pass. we obtained the boarding passes for both our Chennai-Singapore and Singapore-Sydney flights. Then we proceeded to immigration counter. At the counter the lady in the counter asked about our details such as where are we heading to and wished us BON VOYAGE.

After that we entered security check are. Here Ladies and gentlemen had separate queues. First they asked me to remove my overcoat. After that they said it is fine.

We then went to the entry gate and entered the air craft. We found the seats allotted to us was in a mess. That is we got 3 middle seats in three different rows. Dad discussed with the co travelers and adjusted the seats. We got two seats together and one behind.

We had a pleasant flight. We got something to eat.

We landed on CHANGI AIRPORT at Singapore at around 9 pm Local time. Since we are only transiting passengers no luggage to clear nor immigration to be done. We have to rush to the terminal where next QANTAS flight to SYDNEY.

We identified the gate no through the screen which was displaying flight no and gate no.

We need to take the sky train which is freely available to go the gate. Singapore airport was looking so beautiful and some of the displays were very attractive. Though we want to see them all and enjoy due to paucity of time we have to rush to the gate for boarding. We missed the first sky train and waited for the next one. We took that and reached the gate. There was a long queue.

We boarded the flight after checking the boarding pass after security check at the gate.

We got comfortable seats. They gave dinner and there was a movie going. But I was tired and slept till I reached SYDNEY.

Next leg of our tour follows>>>>>>"" Nandini

RASAMO RASAM

2020-03-09T22:02:00.001-07:00

The origin of the liquid dish called rasam is told from Mysore. Normally rasam is served before katti thayir/ butter milk serving in feasts after serving payasam. Though a large papad is served before sambar and parippu, either smaller ones or another large one is surely served just after rasam. Papad is the combination with rasam rice.

Some people like rasam and papad heated over fire called chuttappadam in Malayalam for night light meals along with porridge. Nothing more.

Probably the varieties of rasam like pepper rasam, ginger rasam, lemon rasam are later additions from different states, most probably pepper rasam from Kerala. Consuming small quantity of pepper rasam added in porridge and consuming is found effective during fever. Not too much.

Especially iyers consume more rasam, some like to have in tumbler ordinary rasam.

The addition of vadai socking in rasam and serving would have come later. Somehow rasa vadai has become a snack in many Tulu potti restaurants. Either thoordal vadai or black gram vadai are socked and served in large cups along with rasam. The vadai with absorbed rasam has special taste. Many take rasavadai and coffee as evening snack.

Either it has any truth or not, some say the thelivu (liquid rising up after boiling thoordal for sambar) is taken to prepare rasam rather than boiling thoordal separately during feasts. I am also told thoordal will not cook quickly if salt is added in the boiling time.

All people are not in favour of rasam. Some skip it and straight away go to curd and rice with side dish pickle

All said about dish rasam, there is a harmful metal in liquid form called Pada rasam (Mercury). Mercury should not be handled bare hand, should not be consumed even a drop. Mercury is used in Gold works and making mirrors. Other uses are also there. Why the word pada rasam is given to it in Malayalam is not clear to me.

The third rasam is by seeing, hearing and feeling. Anything beautiful to see attract people. Including calves, cute dogs and cats. Beautiful flowers, fruits, handsome people, well arranged things etc. Feeling created by good musical sounds is also a rasam

Itching can occur due to many reasons. But we get a feeling by scratching the itching area. If wounds are drying, we get itching. In spite of doctor’s advice most of us are uncontrollable and at least do limited scratch. Everybody knows on more scratching blood may ooze, still, while scratching starts, most people are uncontrollable.

Initially scratch items used to scratch itching on back was hand fans or rough walls of the home. Now with fine finishing of homes, for scratching itching, scratching hand has come in wood and plastic. It reaches to any area on back where hand cannot go.

Long back I read in kid’s health two uses of nails are for grip holding and scratching itching. Everybody is first tempted to scratch with hand nails - nature’s provision.

Most dreams give a pleasure feeling. Important, before it end, we wake up and whatever we try, we cannot continue the dream to continue the pleasure of that feeling.

The feelings of rasam can be felt by watching a movie scene, reading a well written novel, poem, story and even an article. An interesting story about young nampoothiri repeatedly watching a movie I have read long back.

Seeing a poster of a young lady about to take bath in a river, nampoothri went to see the movie. Just the lady entered in to the water, a moving train hiding the bath scene was shown passing slowly. The scene came after the train finished crossing river was the lady coming dressed in new cloths with wet cloths in hand.

Nampoothiri took ticket for next show also. Same thing repeated. Nampoothiri came to take ticket next day also for seeing the film.

Just like that the counter man asked- why sir, you are continuously taking ticket 3^rd time now. Nampoothri replied- See last two times while bathing scene of heroine came, a train passed obstructing the bathing scene. I want to see at least this time, possibly train will not pass.

Counter man replied- Sir, it is film taken like that. All shows while the bath scene comes, train will be moving. Nampoothri said- Enna pinnae venta- Oru rasom illa. ( Then no interest – Ticket not required)

Though the story is about nampoothri, many youngsters watch movie for the beauty and appearance of actress/actor, conversation style , dress style, humour and jokes etc.

But many people watch films for the touching feeling of the story and action also of the films also which is another way of rasam.

Yesterday I was watching programme Rangoli in Doordarshan Malayalam. The different songs displayed gave me different feelings. Songs from film Ammayae kanan was first film I have seen with my teacher friends. Song from kannezhuthi pottum thottu reminded me keeping the dead in plantain leaf in North Malabar area. Songs from Ami made me to think of Madhavi kutti the poet and story writer. Different feelings created by song. A reference to MS Subbalakshmi and mention of the song Kurayethumillai kanna made me to wander my memories. I could not get sleep after seeing Rangoli because of the different feelings, some of them giving rasam on recollection.

OLD ADAGES

2020-03-07T18:11:00.005-08:00

AATU KITANNITATTHU POOTA KANUM.

There will be tiny hairs fallen down if a lamb has rested in a place for some time

This is a very important saying. There will be something left to identify if someone else has checked another person’s belongings for something and even carefully kept back everything –say anywhere in a home or almirah or table etc.

In an office, the arrangements set by a clerk, if moved by an inch in his absence by anybody, he can immediately note it.

In a house, the house wife knows how she keep the things weather it is neat or haphazard way she has kept. Any changes by husband or children can be noted by her. There will be some left out marks.

This type of unknowingly left out marks will be there where actions like theft /murder/ trying to get a document etc occur , The thieves leave some identification mark like leaving foot wear, forgetting cigarette pack, over coat etc in the place.

UPPOLUM AAVILLA UPPILITTATHU

(Pickle cannot be equal to salt)

Where salt has to be added pickle cannot be added, even though a lot of salt is added in the pickle.

The saying is used to mean, one thing cannot be used in place of another replacing it.

A teapoy is a teapoy and it cannot replace a table. A dining chair cannot replace a chair, though both are for sitting.

A sink though look similar to wash basin, either wash basin cannot replace sink or sink cannot replace wash basin.

In the human relations, also a chtthhappa is a chitthappa, periappa is a periappa. Periappa cannot be equal to mama. Chitthappa cannot be Athiambar. Though all are relations.

During some functions due to some temporary quarrels one man may not come, say a mama. In his absence a cousin mama may carry out the formalities of mama. But everybody will wonder about the absence of mama.

In personal relations an own brother cannot equal whatever be the relation, by a first cousin brother.

NEERKOLI KADICHALUM ATTHAZHAM MUDANGUM

(If water snake bites too, one cannot take supper).

We can find snakes in river at times. These water snakes are like long fishes and not considered poisonous like others. But rarely they too bite people when we are in water while bathing in 4-5 feet deep water and taking a dip etc.

But water snake will bite and go away. Others do not know what type of snake has bitten. So whatever the snake, food is not given to the person for 12 hours. After that if nothing problematic food can be given to him.

The saying means to say, certain people could be not very harmful but can be slightly problematic.

If we are preparing for a journey, and a person stops and talk of a possible problem, we will be hesitant to proceed further. In fact the problem would have already set right, which this person does not know.

CHAVUTTI VANNA PATIKAL MARAKKARATHU

(One should not forget the previous steps while climbing up in a ladder).

This is another saying generally about the life. As we flourish, we should not forget our past life and difficulties experienced. The thinking of the past life and on those account doing good deeds while flourishing will help us to flourish more and more.

In literal meaning also while climbing in a ladder, he should not forget the condition of loose steps, steps broken etc while getting down after climbing up for a work using the ladder. There may not be a step. While climbing up it is clearly seen and legs placed accordingly. But while coming down this could not be seen more visibly. Hence recollection is required.

THALA MARANNU ENNA THEIKKARUTHU

(Without knowing it is head one should not apply more oil)

Applying limited quantity oil on the head is good. But there is an upper limit of oil which can be applied. A small kid or bald headed may require less oil. People having good growth of hair too can apply slightly more oil to keep the hair soft.

More application of oil could lead to a lot of complications the person.

The saying means to say, for every action, there is an upper limit. A person can work for 8 hours. He can work with straining for 10 hours. If exceeded the work will not be perfect as he is tired and he may also not able to do work and even faint. The same with all types of activities. Daily bath is required, but for that purpose, if a person spend time in water like hippopotamus?

MOOKU

2020-03-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

MOOKKU

Mookku is also a vessel very much in use by caterers to serve jeera or dried ginger water, rasam, butter milk etc.

Now a day we have mookku in stainless steel in all vessels shops. Earlier days either tinned copper or tinned brass mooku were used. The speciality with mookku is it is equally used in Tamilnadu and Kerala.

Mookku has a flat base with conical sides to about 1.5 inches, a cylindrical body of about 6 inches and on top in one edge a nozzle (Mookku) through which well diluted items can be served to the required extent. It has got a semicircular handle firmly fixed. The nozzle has convenient position to serve holding the handle The nozzle will be bigger than that of the saucepan and like that of stainless steel jug. Height of the mookku may be about 7.5 inches and diameter about 6-6.5 inches.

In a wider use, it can be used to transfer anything to a smaller vessel liquid in nature filling 3/4^th to its capacity. Only thing on tilting it will overflow the nose.

For serving through the nose, the liquid item is kept well below the nozzle and tilted as required. When item is at the bottom more titling is done to serve the item.

Mookku is a beautiful vessel.

PANCHAMUKA ANJANEYAR

2020-01-08T02:43:00.000-08:00

Panchamukha (Devanagari: पञ्चमुख) (alternatively Panchamukhi) is a Sanskrit word meaning 'five-faced'. Most of the Hindu deities are shown as having several faces.

Origins of the Panchamukhi

The origin of Sri Panchamukhi Hanuman can be traced to a story in Ramayana. During the war between Lord Rama and Ravana, Ravana took help of Ahiravana, the king of Pathala. Lord Hanuman in order to protect Lord Rama and Lakshman formed a fortress with his tail. Ahiravana took the form of Vibhishana the noble brother of Ravana and took Lord Rama and Lakshman to Pathala loka..

Hanuman entered pathala loka in search of Rama and Lakshmana, He found that life of Ahiravana was hidden in the five lamps which were placed in different directions. He could be killed only by extinguishing all five lamps the same time. To accomplish this Hanuman had to take the form of Panchamukha Hanuman.

This form of Hanuman has five faces. Hayagriva, Narasimha, Garuda and Varaha are the four other faces along with Hanuman's face. Hanuman, using the five faces in different directions, blew out the lamps thereby killing Ahiravana.

According to Hanumath Prakaranam in Sri Vidyarnavatantram, Anjaneya has five faces (Pancha Mukha) and ten weapons. Hanuman is a great yogi (mystic) having transcended the five senses (Pancha Indriyas). In Kamba Ramayanam (in Tamil), the significance of number five is beautifully narrated as follows: The son of one of the five elements (son of wind - Pavana Thanaya) crossed one of the five elements (water – the ocean), through one of the five elements (sky), met daughter of one of the five elements (daughter of earth - Sita Devi) burnt down Lanka by one of the five elements (fire). Sundara Kanda highlights the heroic exploits of Lord Hanuman at Lanka.

By many, it is considered auspicious to circle the Hanuman idol 5 times, 14 times, 23 times, 32 times or any amount in which the digits of which add to five.

The pancha mukha hanuman is rare idol of Hanuman. There are many legends and interpretations of this. One of the legend is that Lord Hanuman appeared before Raghavendra Swami in a unique way amalgamating within him the avataras of "varaha, garuda, anjaneya, narasimha and hayagreeva", thus five-headed.

Panchamukhi, located on the south bank of river Tungabhadra near Manchala now known as Mantralayam is where Raghavendra Swami performed penance for 12 long years in a cave. In appreciation of his Yoga, Lord Panchamukhi Pranadevaru, Kollahpura Mahalakshmi, Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati and Kurmavathara gave him darshan. Then Raghavendra Swami left for Mantralaya where he entered into Samadhi. A temple, the Panchamukhi Anjaneyaswamy temple, was constructed on the spot where Raghavendra Swami performed penance.

Details of Panchamukaa

East facing Anjaneya to grant Ishta Siddhi to humanity. South facing Karala Ugraveera Narasimha to grant Abhista Siddhi to humanity. West facing Mahaveera Garuda to grant Sakala Sowbhagya to humanity. North facing Lakshmi Varaha to grant Dhana Prapthi to humanity. Urdhva Mukha being Hayagriva to grant Sarva Vidya Jaya Prapthi to humanity.

Interpretations of Panchamukaa-The Five Ways of Praying to the Lord

These five ways are known as Naman, Smaran, Keerthanam, Yachanam and Arpanam. The five faces of Panchamukaa are each a depiction of one these five forms of worship. Lord Hanuman always used to Naman, Smaran and Keerthanam of Lord Sri Rama. He totally surrendered (Arpanam) to his Master Sri Ram. He also begged (yachanam) Sri Rama to bless him with undivided love. From the Bhagavat Gita

In the Bhagavat Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjun, "He who acts for me, who is engrossed in me, who is my devotee, who is free from attachment, he reaches me". We find all these 5 qualities enshrined in Hanuman. Each of his faces represent these five divine qualifications. Maybe an artist thought over about this before making the Vigraham. There is a belief that one of the faces is that of Sri Vinayaka. Half Ganesha and half Hanuman The idol of Adyanta Maha Prabhu depicts a figure of half Anjaneya and half Vinayaka.

At Madya Kailas temple Adyar Madras, the idol is an amalgam of Sri Vigneshwara and Sri Anjaneya in the style of Ardhanareeswara (Siva and Parvati) and Sri Sankaranarayana (a combination of Siva and Narayana). The word Aadiyantha stands for "beginning to end" (Aadi = beginning & Antha = end).

There is a Tamil saying "Begin with Ganesa and end up with Anjaneya".

Many people visit the temple to receive a blessing of the "Twins" against the influence of Navagrahas. The importance of the idol is that Sri Vigneswara and Sri Anjaneya are the only two deities who are totally free from any influence over them whatsoever by the Navagrahas. It is believed that, the devotees can and do influence the Navagrahas themselves proportionate to the devoutness with which the devotees address themselves to Sri Aadiyanta Prabhu!

Panchmukhi of Basatiyawala

Panchmukhi Hanuman temple of Basatiyawala exists in Yamunanagar district of Haryana near Kalesar National Park.

As part of INR1200 crore Morni-Kalesar tourism development plan announced in January 2019, the Government of Haryana is developing this temple, along with Kalesar Mahadev temple, Kapal Mochan Tirth, Sharda Mata Temple of Chotta Trilokpur, Lohgarh fort capital of Banda Singh Bahadur.[1]

Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneyaswami Temple, Tiruvallur

Lord Hanuman is worshipped all over India with various names like Anjaneya, Hanumanji, Maruti, Bajrang Bali, Mahavir, Pavan Kumar. He was born to the Wind God and Anjana Devi. He is one of the seven chiranjeevis (immortal ones).

The Sun God Surya is considered as his Guru.

The Valmiki Ramayana has a seperate section called Sundara Kandam or Sundar kand, which describes in detail the leelas of Lord Hanuman is his search for Sita , across the sea.

The Sundara Kandam comprises 2885 verses and the word Sundara means beautiful. The esoteric significance of the sundara kandam is important. The ocean represents the ocean of samsara. Lord Rama represents the paramatma and Sita Devi represents the jivatma. Hanuman represents the Guru or Divine teacher.

Origin of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman

The origin of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman can be traced to a story in the Ramayana. During the war between Lord Ram and Ravana, Ravana took the help of Mahiravana who was the king of pathala. Lord Hanuman in order to protect Lord Ram and Lakshman formed a fortress with his tail. But Mahiravana took the form of Vibeeshana and took Lord Ram and Lakshman to pathala loka.

Hanuman entered pathala loka in search of Rama and Lakshmana. He found out that to kill Mahiravana he had to extinguish 5 lamps at the same time. So he took the Panchamukha form with Hanuman, Hayagriva, Narasimha, Garuda and Varaha faces and extinguished the lamps. Mahiravana was killed immediately.

The story apart, Sri Panchamukha Hanuman was the upasana deity of Sri Ragavendra Tirtha, the saint of Mantralaya. The place where he meditated on Panchamukha Hanuman is now known as Panchamukhi, wherein a temple for Panchamukha Hanuman has been built.

There is also a shrine for Panchamukha Hanuman at Kumbakonam. This is taken as the reference for the sculpturing of the Swami Murti in our ashram.

The Mahapradishtai of 32 feet tall Sri Viswaroopa Panchmukha Anjaneyaswami at Periakuppam Village at Tiruvallur ( 45 kms from Chennai, enroute to Tirupathy ) was performed on the 6th June, 2004 with the blessings of Gurudev Poojyasri “Mantramurthy Dasan.” S. Venkatesa Bhattachariar Swamigal, Fonder Trustee of Sri Viswaroopa Panchmukha Anjaneyaswami Foundation, a registered trust.

This happened to be a unique event for the entire humanity. The uniqueness is due to the fact that this is the one and only Pradishtai in the entire world under the MANTRA SHASTRA.
The main objective behind this Mahapradishtai is Gurudev’s commitment to pass on, for the benefit of the entire humanity, the all powerful Moola Mantras of Sri Anjaneyaswami, Sri Narasimhaswami, Sri Mahaveera Garudaswami, Sri Lakshmivarahamurthi Swami and Sri. Hayagreevaswami which he inherited from his Guruji.

Gurudev was an exponent of Mantra Shastra and he had alleviated the miseries of so many individuals / institutions by conducting poojas/ homams by way of pariharams. He had the good fortune of having, as his Guru, Sri Rengaswami Bhattachar of Aanathandevapuram who was conferred with the tiltle of “Mantramurthy” by none other than the great Paramacharya of Kanch Mutt in recognition of his mastery of Mantra Shastra.

After the construction of the Mandapams, it is proposed to engrave the Moola Mantras on the walls facing each Mukha so that any one, without any discrimination whatsoever can chant the Moola Mantra in the prescribed manner and get their wishes fulfilled and prayers answered. The powerful Shakthi of Guru Parampara will make this happen.

Significance of the Five Faces

The face towards the East is “Sri Anjaneyaswami Mukha” which removes all blemishes of sin and confers purity of mind

The South facing mukha of “Sri Narasimhaswami” removes fear of enemies and confers victory
The West facing mukha of “Sri Mahaviragarudaswami” drives away evil spells, black magic influences and removes all poisonous effects in one’s body

The North facing mukha of “Sri Lakshmi Varahamurthyswami” wards off the troubles caused by bad influences of the planets and confers all prosperity Ashta Aishwarya

The face looking upwards of “Sri Hayagreevaswami” confers knowledge, victory, progeny and mukthi

Some Highlights of the Pradishtai

Tallest (32′) Sri Panchamukha Anjaneyswami in Viswaroopa form, magnificently sculpted out of a massive monolithic green granite stone (36′ X 20′ X 10′) transported from Hassan, Karnataka

The Only pradishtai in the whole under Mandra Shastra

The place of pradishtai was known as Rudhra Vanam in legendary times where great sages like Agasthya have done penance.

Objectives of the Foundation

Annadhanam

Establishment and running of Vedha Patashalas

Propagation of Mantra, Yantra and Tantra Shastras
Medical and Educational assistance to poor and needy

Establishment and maintenance of Ghoshala

Establishment and maintenance of old age homes / Orphanages

Location of Asramam

Tiruvallur is situated at 45 kms from Chennai on the Chennai – Tiruttani – Thirupati route and the famous Vaidhya Veera Raghavaswami Temple is situated here. The nearest Airport is Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is is also connected by rail. You need to get down at Tiruvallur railway station.

From Chennai, to reach the Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Ashram, take the road identified by a Ashram sign board from “oil mill junction” at Tiruvallur and be guided by sign boards placed at every intersection.

Temple Address :10, Devi Meenakshi Nagar, Rajajipuram Part – III, Periyakuppam, Tiruvallur – 602 001, Tamil Nadu.
Phone: 91-44-27600641 Website : www.panchamukha.org

My note- of forwarding- I read the above from Wikipedia and the ashram website and found informative and thought of forwarding.

PRATHYANGIRA DEVI TEMPLE

2020-01-08T02:41:00.001-08:00

Prathyangira Devi Temple, Shollinganallur

deepradhana is special on Tuesdays and Fridays and Matadipathi performs it. The following information are compiled from Wikipedia and temple website. I think the information could be interesting to members.

Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi Temple is located in the area of Sholinganallur, Chennai, India, adjacent to the beach of Bay of Bengal. The Temple sits on the banks of the Buckingham Canal.

This is a magnificent temple built for Goddess Prathyangira, in her incarnation of Shri Maha Prathyangira Devi. She is considered to be a powerful repellent of the influences generated by witchcraft, and is said to have the power to punish Adharma.

This is one of the few temples of Prathyangira and the only temple for Shri Maha Prathyangira Devi, the Shanta form.

The Temple

Other Gods who are also shrined in the renowned temple are Goddess Varahi, Goddess Neela Saraswathi, Lord Sarabheswara, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Panjamukha Anjaneya, Lord Agni, Goddess Kaalikaambal, Lord Ayyappa, Lord Saniswara, Lord Narasimha, Lords Rahu and Ketu, Lord (Guruvayoorappan) and Lord Shiva.

Timing: 8 am - 12 pm and 4 pm - 8 pm on weekdays, Sunday from 8 am - 1 pm and 4 pm to 8.30 pm.

Poojas offered

Abishegam and Archana are a regulation here. Special poojas are offered every Sundays.

Homas performed in the temple.

Homas are performed in the temple on special occasions only and it is conducted for free and any-one can participate, there is no agent or pre-booking for homam in this temple within India or in any other countries but there are scammers who pretend as agent for homams but they are no way related to this temple, homam are performed for public welfare and it is free to all.

Location

The temple is located close to the junction and halfway down the link road of East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road.

Official website

http://sholinganallurprathyangira.com

Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi Temple, is founded by Saktha Sri Prathyangira Swamy in 1998 and it is the one of the first temple to built solely for Mother Goddess Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi and only temple where the main deity is Mother Prathyangira.

It is one of the World's wonder since nobody has dared to nirman Atharvana Veda Kali Temple till 1998, Swamiji's came forward with unshaken mind to start the Maha Prathyangira Devi Temple in Sholinganallur, Chennai and Kumbabishekam was done on 22/8/1999.
Now the Temple is popular throughout the world. People from various countries fly to Chennai to pay multiple visits to the renowned temple in large numbers and that every first day of new year, about 1 lac people pay visit to the temple, as recorded by the Police officials.

Despite the inclement weather changes, he devoted his entire force and soul into the development of the temple. Following this hard work, the temple has taken everyone's mind in India and abroad.

To describe Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi's greatness, Swamiji has written four religious books on Sri Maha Ganapathy, Sri Maha Varahi, Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi Mahamatyam, Sholinganallur Ula and Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi..

Swamiji publishes ThiruKanidha Annual Panchagam in Tamil language from 2003 -2004 and from 2007 – 2016. It is well received among eminent astrologers.

Sri Prathyangira Devi Temple

Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi Temple is a temple dedicated to Mother Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi. The primary purpose of the temple to transform the material self-centred identity into a spiritual identity of unconditional love which is the base of all success in both material and spiritual world.

The temple is constructed in a certain way based on vastu shastra which will invoke Mother Prathyangira to shower blessings on all devotees who visit here with sincere bhakthi.

Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi Temple Entrance

The temple is open for Darshan between 8 am to 12 pm and again from 4 pm to 8 pm during week days and open from 8 am to 1 pm, and 4 pm to 8 pm on Sundays.

The temple has the following Sannadhis:

North Facing Entrance (Vadakku Vaasal) :

Mathurai Veeran & Sri Vedali

Sri Heramba Ganapathy (5 headed Ganesha)
Sri Garudazhvar
Sri Dhanvantri Bhagavan (God of Medicine)

Sri Mantra Varahi Devi A) Ashvaruda Varahi B) Mahisharuda VarahiC) Garuda Varahi

Rishi Easwarar (A Rishi who attained Moksha before million years in this sthalam)

Sri Nagaraja Karkodaga Swamy

Ashta Parivarars Nagas

A) Sri Vasuki B) Sri Ananthan C) Sri Adhisheshan

D) Sri Kuligan E) Sri Sangabalan F) Sri Pathuman

G) Sri Maha Pathuman H) Dakshan

Lakshmi Narasimhar
Garudan
Sri Swarna Agashrana Bhairavar
Sri Chamunda Badhra Kaali
Sri Aghora Veerabadhra Swamy
Sri Karupanna Swamy
Sri Agni Bhagavan
Sri Surya Bhagavan
Sri Durga Devi (Mahishasura mardini)
Agasha Saraba Lingeshwarar with Dwara Balagas
Yagna Mandabam (Sacrificial Fire)
Sri Guruvayurappan

A) Chakrathazhwar B) Bhaktha Anjanayar

Chandrashtama Ganapathy
Sri Viraja Kala Bhairavar
Naga Raja Dharbar with 108 Nagas
Sri Naga Raja & Sri Naga Yakshini
Sri Raaghu & Kethu

Sri Gayathri Devi Sri Indrakshi Devi
Bala Murugan
Panchamuga Hanuman Aishwarya Easwarar
Sri Sani Bhagawan Sri Ayyappan
Sri Uchishta Ganapathy Sri Neela Saraswathy
Sri Annapoorani Sri Maha Lakshmi
Sri Guru Dhakshinamoorthy
Sri Hayagrivar Sri Siva Sakthi

Maha Deepam

Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi Temple Onam Celebration-Posted Sept 15, 2016

Onam is an ancient festival which survives till date. It was celebrated on Sept 14, 2016. The events of Onam celebration includes: Attapookalam, Pattern on the floor made of different types of flowers is called Attapookalam. There are several patterns and colours. It is considered as the symbol of welcoming Mahabali, who was a vanquished king. Special Poojas were done to Guruvayurappa on this day.

Abhirami Samadhe Amirtha Kadeshwarar Kumbhabhiseka Vaibhavam Posted 15 Sept, 2016

We are delighted to inform that Abhirami Amirtha Kadeshwarar Kumbhabhiseka Vaibhavam has been performed and celebrated on 21st Aug, 2016. Yagna was performed on this day. Yagnas are sacred rituals to invoke and propitiate various deities (energies) using fire as a revered medium for the attainment of various boons and general well-being. Throughout time, fire has been venerated as a symbol of spirit. The first sloka in the Rig Veda is to Agni, to fire:

Agni mide purohitam yajnasya devam ritvijam; hotaram ratna dhatamam

"I offer my humble prayer to Agni, who is the Absolute Divine, the awakener of the inner energy and the giver of prosperity."

Yajnas which are offered by those who expect no reward and believe firmly that it is their duty to offer the sacrifice are considered sattwic. Those offered in expectation of reward or for the sake of ego are classed as rajasic. Those in which food is not distributed, mantras are not properly chanted, gifts are not given and which lack faith are tamasic. According to the Bhagavad Gita the word yajna is not confined to the lighting of the sacrificial fire and making offerings of samagri. Many other forms of yajna are mentioned in the Gita:

Some yogis, who are devoted to karma yoga, offer their actions to the gods; while others, who are devoted to jnana yoga, and who have realized the Self, offer the Self in the fire of Brahman, just as one offers samagri to the sacred fire. (4:25)

Some again offer their ears and other sense organs into the fire of restraint, thus bringing their senses under control; others offer sound and other objects of perception into the fires of the senses. (4:26)

Others offer the functions of the senses and those of the breath (vital energy) in the fire of the yoga of self-restraint kindled by knowledge. (4:27)

Some offer their wealth for the welfare of the needy; some offer their austerities as sacrifice; some practise the eight limbs of raja yoga and offer this yoga (equanimity) as sacrifice; while others observe austere vows and offer study of the scriptures and knowledge as sacrifice. Thus sacrificial duties take many forms. (4:28)

The spirit of yajna is love, sacrifice and service. Yajna is a gift from the creator and a way to honour the creator. It is a symbol of life and all the processes of life. It is a symbol of creation and a method to honour creation. It is the esoteric science of life. The true meaning, value and spirit of yajna is the unity of God and humanity. This is what our life is all about - unity with the divine.

In the following Yajna photo, one can observe Agni taking the forms of divine mother, Lion Goddess. Miracles still do happen even in this age of Kali. Jai Prathyangira

Annadhanam-A Sacred Offering Of Food, Every Sundays

Every Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm, Annadhanam is provided to all devotees. 1500-3000 people are benefited from this every week.

Annadhanam is often called the best form of dhanam. Because without food life cease to exist. Also, this is one kind of charity where the receiver can say “Enough”. Try giving them money, they need more. Give them clothes, they want a different style or color. Irrespective of how much food one can offer, the receiver will stop at some point and say, Thank you – I am full.

Yearly Navratri Celebration-Navratri is an important festival for devotees, it is celebrated for nine nights and ten days.

During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or "Dussehra" (also spelled Dasera). I

It is celebrated by : Navratri Golu Classical dance
Carnatic Music

Other Important Events

On 2nd & 4th Sundays, Group Bajans by Vazhum Kalaigal (Art of Living)

Yearly Medical Camps for Devotees

Akshara Abhiyasam on Vijayadashmi day

Sin is the basis of suffering. Rituals such as homam, & yagnam are prescribed in the Vedas for expiation of sins and for the acquisition of merit/virtue. The general significance behind all these rituals is to seek the help of deities (divine beings) that are capable to deliver one from sins and to make one acquire punyam (merit) to fulfill one's material or spiritual desires.

Why fire?

Before understanding the significance of homam, it is important to know why only fire and water are used in homam, yagnam and tarpanam. The Vedas proclaim that the entire cosmos is made up of panchabhootas (five elements) in varying proportions. One the basis of the ability to retain and transmit energy, among these five elements, the earth is the heaviest and most concrete. As a medium it can retain energy but cannot transmit it. On the other hand, air and space elements are the lightest of all and are too abstract. They can transmit but cannot retain energy. So, the ancient sages have chosen the fire and water elements for their sadhana to give offerings to the divine beings because these two elements have the best ability to retain and transmit divine energy.

Significance of Homam and Agni

Just as the five elements exist in the cosmos in the world around us, they exist inside the human body too. Inside the being, Agni (fire) exists in two forms - as Jatara-agni (digestive fire in the physical body) and as Bhoota-agni (internal spiritual fire in the subtle body). In most humans, jatara-agni burns brightly and the bhoota-agni burns low merely as a flickering dim flame. A yogi with his spiritual practices converts the jatara-agni into bhoota-agni. Hence he feels very little/no hunger (due to lack or absence of digestive fire). Bhoota-agni, on the other hand, is spiritual in nature and is capable of sustaining divinity.

When a yogi performs the nama/japa/mantra/ offerings to a deity, the deity enters into the bhoota-agni and receives the offering directly. This is said so because a yogi's bhoota-agni burns so brightly inside his sookshma sarira (subtle body) that it can sustain within it, the divinity of a deity or any other divine being. Since, a normal human being's bhoota-agni burns poorly, he makes use of an external fire, to invoke the deity into the fire so that the deity may receive the offerings directly from the external fire. In return, the deity fulfills the righteous desire of the person who performs the homam.

Out of all the types of rituals prescribed, Homam is the quickest way to derive the deity's grace.

Ganapati Homam , Chandi Homam, Sudarshana Homam, Paashupata Homam, Mrityunjaya Homam, Ayush Homam - These are some of the well known homams performed by priests in temples and homes of India. The fire ritual immensely aids in Nadi-shuddi and in maintaining good health.

More often than not one feels very cleansed and rejuvenated after performing a fire ritual. The gases that come out of a homa-kunda revitalize the atmosphere and environment around us and promote well being. Many researches have been conducted about the environmental benefits of homam and yagnam. Even today, these results can be witnessed in many cases where rains from the sky drench the earth with showers immediately after the conclusion of a massive fire ritual. In the ancient days, people performed fire rituals everyday. Such people were called Nitya-Agnihotris. Rama was a Nitya Agnihotri too. He performed the worship with fire even during the time of exile in the forests. With the passage of time, lifestyles have changed and mankind lost most of the knowledge about the significance of such ancient rituals.

Poojas & Homams

Ashtami Homa to Bhairava and Varahi

Every month of Sankata-hara Sathurthi Homam to Uchista Ganapthy

High Powered and Pre-Eminent Amavasya homam with 108 herbes, fruits, shrubs, 33 sarees samarpanam

Sunday Raaghu Kala Pooja to Sarabeshwarar

Friday and Tuesday Raaghu kala Pooja to Raaghu-Ketu

Daily Milk Abhishekam to all deities

Pournami Pooja to Kaalima

LOCATION AND DETAILS

Sri Prathyangira Swamy Siddhar Peedham Trust (Regd.)

No.16A, Sri Prathyangira Kovil Road, Sholinganallur, Chennai 600119, Kanchipuram District.

Phone no. 044 24501404, 044 24501716. Mobile No. 9444691404.

To Participate in Homams, Poojas please contact Temple Office directly.

My end note-Prathyankara devi and manjal varahi are powerful Goddesses. Sincere prayer to them are fulfilled .

VAZHUKKAL AND VETALAI

2020-01-08T02:38:00.002-08:00

VAZHUKKAL AND VETALAI

ABOVE TENDER AND ABOUT RIPE COCONUTS

While asking for tender coconuts with road side vendors most ask for VAZHUKKAL type, that will have sweet water and inside the shell about 0.5 cm flush. This is swiped after drinking water cutting the coconut to two and put in one half. Most will give a handle too made of coconut skin from the same coconut.

Some may prefer only water, some more water, and some less water and more flesh. Depending on the requirement, the type of coconut will be selected by expert vendor. Skin is cut just above to the shell level with a sharp knife and pierced the top of the shell and given to the person, mostly with a straw. Skin is not removed to shell level which is tender.

During my boyhood days I have found light yellowish skin coconuts which gave fruits at very less height. It is called GOWRIPATHRAM, I could gather, and it gave more sweet water and the flush on ripe is more hard and not tasty.. I have drunk only water.

About 2 years back or so, I could see a TV documentary- after many research coconut trees developed will not go to much height and provide fruits. However the leaves were lengthy as usual and spreading to sides. One could pluck coconuts by sitting on the ground.

I have read in Lakshadweep islands the monkey’s are domesticated and used to pluck coconuts from trees, checking the ripeness too.
While I was in Calicut I could see a training centre where with some modern equipments climbing coconut trees made very easily by every one. Many are now trained with such equipments in Kerala I understand. In Tamil nadu I have not seen such equipments.

Tender, and above tender coconuts are brought down after cutting the bunch tying to a rope. They are not made to fall.

Incidentally the well frown coconuts for seedling are also brought down after cutting bunch with a rope. The top clamp is a must for seedling. With out following all these, my mother just dig a pit for one foot and a fallen dry coconut with clamp placed and covered. That too grew up as a coconut tree!!!

The tender coconut water is used for abhshekam in Siva temples. In this case the skin is removed cautiously and tender coconut with shell only is given to temple.

About ripe coconuts are called VETALA. After removing skin these types of coconuts are broken before Lord Ganapathi in Kerala. I can recollect at least 6-7 vendors always sitting with Vetala in jute bags or baskets before pazhavangadi temple in Trivandrum. Most sell at uniform rate. One can place foot ware near them, purchase and break coconut in the front stone with enclosure. The specialty at Pazhavangadi is that people break coconut at any time irrespective of the temple is closed or open or pooja is going on including night till the temple gate is closed. One small piece will be return by the collector of coconut as PRASADAM. Depend on the size of coconut some times the price may vary even with same vendor. Since most are sold in the same day, decayed ones does not come.

In Tamilnadu, there is no specialty for vedalai, we get ripen coconuts and they are broken. Vedalai is difficult to obtain. We may get fresh and just ripe coconuts.

KanyaKumari district is famous for coconuts. Coconuts from a place called EEATHAMOZHI used to be very large in size which cannot be hold in one hand after skin removed. Kerala has bigger size coconuts but nut will be small called THONDAN. Their skin is more preferred for making coir products.

For Neeranjanam and Thrimadhuram, just ripe coconuts are preferred. Coconuts skin removed, shells well wetted will break through middle and more easily. Wetting has the effect on easy breaking and breaking through middle. In Pazhavangadi many because of this wet the Vedala after washing feet, but through with force so that it breaks to pieces.

VEDANTHAANGAL . OLDEST AND BIGGEST BIRD SANTUARY

2019-12-26T18:37:00.000-08:00

27th December 2019

Vedanthangal.

This bird sanctuary is located about 80 kms from Chennai off NH35/42 in Chennai-Trichy Highway.

It is one of the old and biggest bird santuary.

Various Birds from different parts of the world visit this sanctuary between October and February to nest and hatch.

t is feast for the ORNITHOLOGIST. It is also excellent location for normal people to have day trip and enjoy the serenity and the words of the birds.

There are specific viewing spots created and guides to identify different species of the migratory birds.

It is well maintained and visited by lakhs of people every year.

Travelers should include this spot in their itinerary whenever they visit Chennai.

THE HYSTERIA FOR MONEY

2019-02-04T21:29:00.003-08:00

TheHysteria for Money

We have the stock market experts, who will predict, which share will greatly reduce the value of money, euphemism as price rise or the Bull Run. All shares are in the game of reducing the value of money or getting their prices increased.They are hunting money, the economic trawlers always trying for the maximum catch.The economic man is herded and put in the Rat’s Race. The football here is the hysterical emotion to grab as much as the right moment allows. The experts study the flow of the hysteria. In fact they manipulate and manufacture the hysteria.The hysteria is the foundation for the functioning of the economy.

The great days of barter when everyone strive to give as much as one can to the society,while the society gave what all he/she needed, the opportunity to give service being the income in terms of happiness are as dead as the Dodo. Grab what all one can in the hysterical tricks of making money. One’s tricks shall not be known.They are the secrets of strategy.

This secrecy has become the much needed protection—ear plugs, nose filters, eyeglasses,condoms, cell phone to avoid conversation, speed away on a fast vehicle avoiding people to rush to some office to rush the work…,there is just no time to notice the tiny flower trampled upon or the puppy crushed under the vehicles.

Are we breathing at all in this hysterical anxiety? If I write, that once the Biosphere had a common language, the language of emotional exchange based on breathing, smelling, sensing,understanding,interacting,rupturing, singing,dancing, a hysteric will angrily demand the scientific or the 3D proof.

THEISM AND NATURE

2019-02-04T21:27:00.001-08:00

Theism and Nature

Theism is the effort to feel nature, as a part of nature and participate in the rhythm and flow of nature. One who lives in lush nature, automatically gets filled by the feelings flows of nature, develops emotions, develops only emotional or the smelling and sensing intelligence and lives life as feeling nature continuously. One tries to feel the forests,rivers, mountains, valleys,waterfall ls,rivers, lakes,all life forms, the sun,moon,stars, galaxies,…the universe and Multiverse. One develops the versatility of living in diverse feelings.

Understanding ultima tely is feeling. In lush nature continuous understanding is living. There definitions, scopes, limitations, assumptions, mathematical reductions,graphic l presentations are fetters. In fact every word becomes a song and poem or tune and just refuses to be limited to the meaning attributed to it in a dictionary.

Atheism on the other hand is continuous questioning, doubting, refusing to feel completely,reduce phenomena into mathematical representations and equations, mechanize perception into only mental analysis and live a life skepticism. Living is continuous doubting for an atheist. He/She cannot trust or feel nature. Every life form or feature of nature is only a lab sample, to be cut, heated,subjected to various temperature variations, be indifferent to the animal shrieking in pain as a lab sample, the entire effort being to prove the definition.Nature is just a huge collection of lab samples.

WHAT IS LIFE IN REALITY

2019-02-04T21:24:00.002-08:00

Whatis Life in Reality?

Lifeis the emotional participation in Gaia, as Gaia, feeling oneness in the living Gaia,feeling the growth of the emotional bond with Gaia as Gaia, by breathing,smelling, sensing, perceiving, understanding and continuously feeling thegrowth of diverse emotions, along with the emotional radiations of every otherorganism that constitutes the real Gaia. One must realize that one is part ofthe planet earth. The feeling of oneness with earth and living as earth isenabled by air. When a wind blows or a breeze touches gently, one feels as amacro body, with the flora and fauna as one’s own anatomy and breathingtransformi ng into emotions. The real life, is life as one in the Biosphere,with the Biosphere as one’s own anatomy.

Whenyou go into a thick forest or any gigantic feature of geography—a huge icecovered expanse, or a sandy desert, accepting yourself as part of that feature,then fear never enters you. As a part of that wonderful nature, you feeloverwhelmed with rapture. Rapture is the happy experience of feeling oneness,with no scope for any analysis. Imagine how it triggers the internal hormonalcommunicati on with happiness triggers, entering every cell in your 3D body or3D illusion.

Weneed to feel the dimensions of rapture in different climatic regions. There isa gigantic ocean of rapture in the troposphere. It continuously creates thepleasant rapture harmonic.

10 Common Habits That Damage Your Kidneys Very important Do not delete read again and again.

2018-10-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

Kidney disease is one of the costliest illnesses in the world and managing kidney disease is very expensive.

Each year, lots of people die of kidney disease all over the world, and the number of people suffering from chronic renal failure, and need dialysis or kidney transplantation to stay alive keep increasing.

Statistics have it that, worldwide, more than millions patients are waiting for kidney transplants, but only a few thousands will receive transplants because of shortage of suitable organ donors.

Patients usually felt surprised when they are diagnosed of Kidney Failure.
Experts have found the explanation from your daily life habits.

Here are the top habits which lead to your kidney failure:

Not emptying your bladder early

Maintaining a full bladder for a long time is a quick way of causing bladder damage.
That the urine stays in the bladder for a long time can cause the bacteria breeding in urine to multiply quickly.
Once the urine reflexes back to ureter and kidneys, the bacteria can result in kidney infections, then urinary tract infection, and then nephritis, even Uremia.
So, no matter how busy you are, remember to drink a lot of water and urinate regularly.
Once you form the habit of holding back urine, it will ultimately damage your kidneys.

Not drinking enough water:

The main functions of the kidneys are to regulate erythrocyte balances and eliminate metabolic wastes in urine.
If we do not drink enough water, the blood will be concentrated and the blood flow to the kidney will not be adequate,thus the function of eliminating toxins in from blood will be impaired.

Taking too much salt:

95% sodium we consume through food is metabolized by the kidneys.
Exceeding the salt intake will make the kidneys work harder to excrete the excess salt and can lead to decreased kidney function.
This excess sodium will cause water retention, causing oedema.
Oedema usually elevates blood pressure and increases the risk of developing kidney disease.
The daily salt intake should be controlled within 6 gm per day.

Not treating common infections quickly and properly.

Common infections, such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, common cold etc., usually trigger or aggravates kidney damage.
They do this by causing an acute attack of acute glomerulonephritis or chronic nephritis.
So, you will see that people who get kidney disease for the first time or whose illness condition becomes worse usually present in hospitals with a history of cold or sore throat.
If after having cold, symptoms like blood in urine, swelling, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite appear, you should consult your doctor immediately, to assess your kidney functions, and start treatment if compromised.

Eating too much meat

Eating too much meat and protein can increase the metabolic load of the kidney.
For those suffering from proteinuria, meat consumption too may aggravate protein leakage, worsening renal pathological lesion.
It is suggested that protein intake should be 0.8g/kg per day.
This means that a person with 50 kg should consume 40g of protein per day. Meat consumption per day should be limited within 300g.

Not eating enough

This is equally as dangerous as eating too much,
both of them will lead damages to your digestive organs where is full of mucosal tissues.
Mucosal tissues relates closely to your immune system.
This is why many kidney failure patients are diagnosed with "autoimmune kidney damages" .

Painkiller abuse

The use of analgesics for a prolonged duration may reduce the flow blood and greatly affect kidney function.
In addition, patients with analgesic-induced renal failure are more likely to suffer from bladder cancer.
Use analgesics only when it's absolutely necessary, learn to rest instead of taking to the bottles.
If you have been on pain killers for a long term, it's about time you had a test to access you renal function done.

Missing your drugs:

Hypertension and diabetes have been shown to precipitate or accelerate kidney damage,
so if you are diagnosed as having any of these diseases don't live your life in denial, USE YOUR DRUGS.
This will ultimately help control your condition while also helping to preserve your kidneys.

Drinking alcohol:

Drinking alcohol may cause the deposition of uric acid in renal tubules, causing tubular obstruction and increasing risks of kidney failure.

Not resting enough:

In our society, hypertension as a severe threat to life is largely due to stress.
A common symptom of stress is insomnia.
Blood pressure may increase by an average of 2-5mg/Hg because of insomnia.
Chronically elevated blood pressure can cause damage to kidney capillaries giving rise to kidney problems.
Thus, we need to develop a good attitude to life and strike a good balance between work and rest to protect your kidneys and live a healthy life.
At the early stage of kidney diseases, there are usually no the special symptoms, so lots of patients are not diagnosed until the acute attack appears or the illness condition develops into the late stage.
So you should endeavour to do kidney function test from time to time to assess how healthy your kidneys are.
Never ignore the soreness of waist, swelling of the feet, changes in urine colour or volume, increase in night urination, pallor, high blood pressure and other such symptoms.
Once found, you should go and see your doctor immediately.

MUSTARD- KATUKU

2016-01-12T22:52:00.002-08:00

MUSTARD-KATUKU

Once my late elder brother working in Railways after a Delhi trip brought mustard oil for my father in the native. He felt it is very good for his leg pain. At that time I had just joined Trivandrum Training centre. On my visit to native my father told- If you go to Delhi, get me mustard oil. Fortunately I had a fortnight course in Delhi in the next few days. On my return trip I got down in the railway station near to my native, handed him a big bottle of mustard oil and continued my journey after a few hours with him in the bus to Trivandrum. That bottle was sufficient to give to relatives and keep something for him in the small bottle brought by my elder brother. Quite unfortunate- He did not gave me another occasion to get a bottle of mustard oil. He was called up by the time.

There are many painkiller oils. Mustard is one among them. While staying in months long training courses in advanced technologies, I got accustomed to preparations in mustard oil.

During a training trip in 1976’s to Jabalpur, I first saw the mustard plants with yellow flowers in the vast paddy fields identified to me by a military man along with me- after Andhra Pradesh if I recollect. That was my first trip with hesitation to North area. I never knew such an item- Mustard oil.

The first legend about mustard comes to me is of a lady with a dead infant approaching Gowthama Buddha to make him alive. Gouthama Buddha told her- Surely I can make him live if I could get a handful of mustards from a home- No body would have died in that house. The lady left the infant and started searching for mustard from near by homes with full enthusiasm. She could understand in all houses death has occurred. She returned empty handed. Even before Gowthama Buddha could tell about death, She had understood- death is inevitable and she had to bear the cruelty to her by nature.

Mustard in small quantities gives smell to the preparation during seasoning. One has to be careful while mustard frying in oil. Some could fly. Mostly the curry leaves are added while the mustard frying giving noise and about to open avoiding flying. A sambar, a poriyal, a chutni, a koottu, none of them is tasty with out seasoning using mustard. The floating mustard oil in chutnies gives a special taste.

Mustard is considered for a small measurement – katuku maniyolam- Like a mustard seed, is often used to mean a small volume. Katuku mani poloru maruku- A birthmark in size of mustard.

Mango pickles proportionately added with mustard paste gives good taste. Some prepare chutnies added with mustard paste- a special taste and smell.

I have seen my mother and elder brother applying mustard paste on forehead for severe headache. Nothing else will suit to them. Even after having Amrutanjan strong with him, many times I have seen my elder brother applying mustard paste.

Mustard use has some regulations: -

1. Mustard should never spill. It will be very difficult to collect, on one side, another, if spilled quarrels will occur in the family. On account of this always mustards are kept in small tins or bottles with narrow lid. Only small quantity is taken for use. By chance they fall on ground. spilling will be very less. KATUKU CHINTHIYAL KALAHAM VARUM.

2, Mustard should not be used more. It should always be in reserve. Normally loan from next house is not taken.

A person in hot temper is told to be like the frying mustard. Any thing if given in smaller quantity is often compared to mustard- What is the purpose of giving this mustard size.

There is a saying relating to mustard- One will notice the leaking of mustard-but will not notice the leaking of coconut. KATUKU CHRUNNATHU KANUM, THENGA CHORUNNATHU KANILLA. Saying means large misappropriation goes un noticed, smaller ones are clearly noted.

An interesting legend told as back ground to this – UNDAKKI KATHA. (imaginative story)

Once a big feast was arranged in the contract of an iyer. A middle aged iyer. Cooking had just started. His assistants were taking things. A slightly muff assistant was taking mustard packed in conical shape using news paper tied with jute. Through the cone end a few mustards fell down while reaching near cooking area. As all of us know such people will be specific in taking such things- a law of nature. Iyer got angry and fired the boy to pick all spilled mustard and clean. After a little weeping he started the work and completed picking all spilled mustards and cleaned them with cloth.

At that time the variar was grating the coconut. A large quantity of coconuts and halved coconuts were kept near him. His wife with small son came there at that time. Just like that she entered in to conversation about the time of feast, items, what help from her by the side of variar etc. Iyer felt interested in the conversation.

The son asked- Shall I take one or two coconuts for home. With a smile variasar said- our swami will say OK I think and smiled at him. He too smiled as if not a big thing. Our muff assistant was noticing things.

But the boy was not taking two, but above five which iyer missed to notice in the sweet conversation of variasar.
After a time variasar left with son to variam taking away the coconuts in the basket after taking some coffee or so promising to come later leaving the son in variam with elders.

Our muff assistant murmured in a slightly higher voice- Katuku chorunnathu kanum, thenga chorunnathu kanilla. Others could not control the smile. They laughed. Iyer came there and asked him what is the reason for laughing by all- He answered as he murmured- Katuju chorunnathu kanum, thenga chorunnathu kanilla. Now Iyer understood his folly.

Writer- R. Gopala Krishnan dated 12-1-2016.

CATARACT SURGERY

2015-11-18T21:05:00.002-08:00

CATARACT- A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE

I have done cataract surgery process in both my eyes.

About cataract:

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

From <https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts>

https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil.

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is the principal cause of blindness in the world. In fact, there are more cases of cataracts worldwide than there are of glaucoma,macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined, according to Prevent Blindness America (PBA)

From <http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm>

Causes

Cataract Symptoms and Signs

A cataract starts out small and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting.

Hazy, blurred vision may mean you have a cataract.

A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright or glaring. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.

The type of cataract you have will affect exactly which symptoms you experience and how soon they will occur. When a nuclear cataract first develops, it can bring about a temporary improvement in your near vision, called "second sight."

Unfortunately, the improved vision is short-lived and will disappear as the cataract worsens. On the other hand, a subcapsular cataract may not produce any symptoms until it's well-developed.

If you think you have a cataract, see an eye doctor for an exam to find out for sure.

What Causes Cataracts?

The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. It also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.

The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it.

But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

No one knows for sure why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. But researchers worldwide have identified factors that may cause cataracts or are associated with cataract development. Besides advancing age, cataract risk factors include:

Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources

Diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity

Smoking

Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol
Previous eye injury or inflammation
Previous eye surgery
Hormone replacement therapy
Significant alcohol consumption
High myopia
Family history

One theory of cataract formation that's gaining favor is that many cataracts are caused by oxidative changes in the human lens. This is supported by nutrition studies that show fruits and vegetables high inantioxidants may help prevent certain types of cataracts (see below).

From <http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm>

WHAT IS DONE IN CATARACT SURGERY?

The front portion of the original eye lens is disintegrated using a slit hole and sucked out. A new lens with the required power is inserted through the slit which then expands and sits in position.

The procedure per se takes not more than 5 minutes. However the preparation , pre operation checks do take time.

Post operative care is more important and it extends to one month. However one can start regular routine work after 3 days.

Immediately after the surgery one can go about normal life including watching TV, using computer etc of course taking care to see that dust and water do not enter the eye.

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

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataract-surgery.htm

Full details given here.

How to choose a IOL lens

pollo Hospitals on Aug 21, 2015 in blog, Cure & Remedies,Proactive Healthcare | 0 comments | 118 views

Intraocular Lenses How To Choose

Most of us must have seen our grandparents or great grandparents using thick unsightly glasses after having undergone cataract surgery. These glasses looked like big magnifying glasses. People needed to use these glasses to compensate for the loss of refractive power of the eye, which occurred because of removal of the natural lens during cataract surgery. It was an English ophthalmologist called Harold Ridley, who first suggested that a lens could be implanted inside the eye instead of using thick glasses post operatively.

It was as early as in 1949 that Ridley implanted the first intraocular lens (IOL), made of glass, in the eye. However, it took another four decades for the lens design and materials to be refined and perfected for intraocular use, and the IOLs became popular only in late eighties. Nevertheless, this idea did change the course of ophthalmology and the life of cataract patients forever. Now, implanting an IOL is commonplace and in fact an integral part of cataract surgery. As a result, patients no longer have to wear those thick ugly glasses after the surgery, and can see well with ordinary very low power glasses or without any glasses at all.

Currently there are many types of IOLs available. When you approach a surgeon ophthalmology and the life of cataract patients forever. Now, implanting an IOL is commonplace and in fact an integral part of cataract surgery. As a result, patients no longer have to wear those thick ugly glasses after the surgery, and can see well with ordinary very low power glasses or without any glasses at all. Currently there are many types of IOLs available. When you approach a surgeon for your cataract surgery, you will have to make an informed decision with the help of your surgeon, as to which type of IOL you will prefer. Although, sometimes if there is a specific need for a particular design or material for your eye, your surgeon may decide as to which IOL is to be used, but mostly the surgeon will give you the alternatives and will like to know about your preference about the type of IOL. Factors that you will have to consider in making a right choice of IOL for you:

What is the nature of your profession? Do you have an office job or an outdoor job? Do you have to do very fine work like
graphics, painting or carving, etc.?
What is your lifestyle and hobby? Are you an ‘indoor’ person, or do you have interest in outdoor activities, sports, swimming, mountaineering etc.?
Do you need excellent unaided vision as per the need of your profession, like pilots, drivers, etc?
How important is night vision or vision in dim light for you for your job or activities?
What is the nature of your refractive error: near-sightedness, or farsightedness? Do you have astigmatism or a cylindrical glass power?
Would you mind using glasses routinely after the surgery or would you rather not?
And last but not the least, if you are paying for the cost of your surgery from your pocket, what is your budget? The cost
of certain IOLs can be exorbitantly high. Types of IOLs It is important for you to know about various types of IOLs and their features. Let us see what different types of IOLs are available. IOLs come in different materials, designs and optical properties.
Material: Various materials that IOLs are made of include:
Poly methyl meth acrylate (PMMA)
Silicone
Acrylic hydrophilic
Acrylic hydrophobic

PMMA lenses are rigid lenses and can’t be folded, and therefore require a large incision (about five mm) to be inserted in the eye. These IOLs are very low cost. IOLs made of the other three materials are soft and are foldable, and hence can be inserted through a very small incision (up to one mm) by folding them into a small size. Once inside the eye, they open into their full size. Acrylic lenses are generally preferred over silicone as the latter can be problematic in certain situations. Out of the acrylic ones, hydrophobic material is thought to be friendlier to the eye as compared to the hydrophilic one; however, that issue is debatable. In any case, the decision regarding which material IOL to be used, will be usually taken by the surgeon.

Design/optical properties

There are a large variety of lens designs available, and the surgeon will usually like to know your preference as well as affordability for the IOL to be used.

Monofocal IOLs: These are the simplest type of IOLs available. These IOLs give you good distance vision, but you have to use reading glasses for near work or reading. These IOLs are relatively low cost. If you don’t want to spend too much and don’t mind wearing glasses after the surgery, you can opt for this IOL. Commonly available IOLs of this type include ACRYSOF, AKREOS SOFTPORT, ACRYFOLD, SPHERIS, CLARIFLEX, etc.
Multifocal IOLs: These IOLs not only give you good vision for distance, but give you good near vision as well; so one can manage most of the needs for distance and near vision with this lens without using glasses. However, one may still require glasses for reading very fine print like a telephone directory. Also, vision at middle distance may not be very good, e.g. looking at the computer monitor. Another drawback is that some patients complain of glare while driving at night, and so it is not suitable for people who routinely drive at night. Cost of these IOLs is high. So, if you don’t like to wear glasses, don’t drive much at night, and if you can afford its price, you can go for multifocal IOLs.
Accommodative IOLs: These lenses are designed in such a manner that they, likethe natural crystalline lens of the eye, can change and hence give good vision without glasses for all distances. These lenses, although in use currently, are extremely costly and their design has not been perfected yet. Sometimes, they fail to give the desired result and also their capacity for providing near vision can decrease with time. If you have a fad for the latest things and don’t mind the cost, you may go for it, keeping the possible shortcomings in mind.
Toric IOLs: These IOLs, unlike other IOLS, can also correct astigmatism or cylindrical power. So people who have cylindrical number in their glasses and want to get rid of their glasses can benefit with these IOLs. Sometimes these IOLs may need to be readjusted after the initial surgery and are quite costly. Also, you can get a multifocal IOL combined with a toric design, but again the cost is very high.
Aspheric IOLs: The lenses have a design, such as used in cameras and telescopes, which increases the quality of vision by removing or reducing the optical aberrations. These IOLs give a better quality or contrast sensitivity, particularly at night time. These IOLs cost more than the routine IOLs, but only marginally, so people who require better quality of vision like artists, drivers, pilots, graphic designers, etc, can opt for this IOL.
Blue light filtering IOLs: These lenses have a yellowish pigment impregnated, which cuts off blue light. Blue light is harmful for the sensitive part of the retina called the macula, and normally is cut off by the cataractous lens. However, the normal IOL doesn’t block it and hence the macula is at risk to be damaged by the blue light. So, people who have macular degeneration can opt for this IOL. Cost is similar to normal or aspheric IOLs

From <http://letstalkhealth.in/intraocular-lenses-how-to-choose/>

Comparison Chart of Presbyopia-correcting Lens Implants

INTRAOCULAR LENS (IOL) TYPE	BASIC MONOFOCAL LENS	ASTIGMATISM CORRECTING LENS	CRYSTALENS AO	RESTOR	TECNIS MULTIFOCAL LENS
PRESBYOPIA CORRECTION	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
ZONES OF BEST VISION WITHOUT GLASSES PROVIDED BY EACH LENS IMPLANT. THERE ARE 3 ZONES OF VISION: 1.) Far (TV, Driving), 2.) Mid-Range (computer, desk-work), 3) Near (reading documents up-close, sewing).	Far OR Near (not both). Vision may still be out of focus without glasses near and far because or residual uncorrected astigmatism.	Far OR Near (noth both) Generally clearer long-disctance vision without glasses than a basic lens.	Far and Mid-range	Far and Near	Far and Near
ASTIGMATISM CORRECTION WITH LENS	No	Yes	No	No	No
SUCCESS RATE ACHIEVING SPECTACLE INDEPENDENCE WITH LENSES IN BOTH EYES	5-10%	5-10%	Approx 50%	80% of patients “Never” need to wear glasses	Nearly 90% of patients do notrequire glasses
STRENGTHS AND BENEFITS OF THE LENS IMPLANT	Excellent vision through bifocal glasses. Many individuals see relatively well far away without glasses. Lens cost covered by medical insurance.	Excellent vision far away without glasses	Excellent night vision, far and computer vision. Very little night glare or haloes. Astigmatism corrected with the Lensx laser.	Excellent far and reading vision. Good computer vision (mid-range). Astigmatism corrected with the Lensx laser.	Excellent far and near vision. Ability to read small print in all lighting environments. Astigmatism corrected with the Lensx laser.
WEAKNESSES OR SIDE-EFFECTS OF THE LENS IMPLANT	Most patients (90% or more) will use glasses after surgery for most activities (Eg. Bifocals).Does not correct astigmatism.	No ability to refocus mid-range (computer) or near (reading printed documents). Patients will definitely use glasses to see computer and reading distances.	Most patients will need +1.50 over-the-counter reading glasses to read printed documents up-close. Most patients will need a “Yag capsulotomy procedure” within one year after implantation.	May need over-the-counter (+1.25) glasses to see the computer or mid-range. Some patients see a halo effect around lights at night. Reading in low light may require glasses. Lens reflection may be seen cosmetically at times.	May need over-the-counter (+1.25) glasses to see the computer or mid-range. Some patients see a halo effect around lights at night.
NIGHTTIMEGLARE AND HALO	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Moderate	Moderate
COST OF IOL COVERED BY MEDICAL INSURANCE AND/OR MEDICARE	Yes	No	No	No	No
METHOD OF CATARACT SURGERY REMOVAL	Manual surgery – bladed incisions	Laser cataract surgery	Laser cataract surgery	Laser cataract surgery	Laser cataract surgery

From <http://www.austineye.com/vision-correction/lens-compare/>

The whole process was a pleasant experience. I could come home in half an hour and be normal watching TV and computer.

The hospital I was operated is a small one and managed by the Docter herself with her husband who is a ENT surgeon. The Doctor is well experienced and proficient. The support staff and nursing staff are pleasing and helpful. I was feeling quite at home during the whole process. There was Personalized care with each patient which is found wanting in any big hospital.

http://www.krishnaeyeandenthospitals.com/

SCIENTIFIC REASON FOR IMMERSION OF DIETIES IDOLS IN RIVER AFTER POOJA

2015-09-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

The celebratiions of GANESH CHATHURTHI and DURGA pooja are conducted after the monsoon season. During Monsoon due to heavy rains, the river bed sand would have eroded due to flowing water. Therefore water to the land is limited.
Our ancestors who were quite practical and intelligent, used the religious ceremony rituals to replenish the river bed with sand by immersing the idols of the deities made of clay in the river. They also made it important to do pooja for 4 to 9 days because the clay if wet will not settle in river bed, as the dry clay.
This way they made it possible for the rain water to settle into the earth and become potable for the human beings to drink.
How intelligent they are than the modern educated people like us. Instead we use Non-biodegradable materials and synthetic paints for making these idol with detrimental effect to environment.
http://pelagiaresearchlibrary.com/advances-in-applied-science/vol3-iss4/aasr-2012-3-4-1905-1909.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Chaturthi
http://www.academia.edu/8892657/Effects_of_idol_immersion_in_Indian_water_bodies

விநாயகர் சிலைகளை ஏன் ஆற்றில் கரைக்கிறார்கள் என்ற அறிவியல் பூர்வமான உண்மையை தெரியப்படுத்துங்கள்
நம் முன்னோர்கள் சில செயல்களை நமக்குப் புரியாமலே சொல்லிவிட்டு சென்று விட்டார்கள். ஆடிப்பெருக்கில் வெள்ளம் வந்து ஆற்றில் உள்ள மணல்களை கரைத்துக் கொண்டு போய் இருக்கும் அதனால் அங்கே நீா் நிலத்தல் இறங்காமல் ஓடிக் கடலை அடையும். ஆனால் களிமண் உள்ள இடத்தில் நீா் கீழே பூமியில் இறங்கும். அதனால் விநாயகர் சதுார்த்தி அன்று சிலைகளை களிமண்ணால் செய்து ஆற்றில் கரைக்கச் செய்தார்கள். அதை ஏன் 3 அல்லது 5 நாட்கள் கழித்து ஆற்றில் போட வேண்டும் ?
ஈரக்களிமண் சீக்கிரம் கரைந்து நீரின் வேகத்தோடு சென்று விடும். சற்று காய்ந்த களிமண் அதே இடத்தில் படிந்து விடும். இதனால் ஆற்றில் வரும் நீரானது பூமியில் நிலத்தடி நீராக மாறி நமக்கான குடிநீா் பிரச்சனையைத் தீர்க்கும். ஆற்றில் மட்டும் கரைக்க வேண்டும்.
இந்து மதத்தை அழிக்க நினைப்பது...
மனிதனே மனித இனத்தை அழிப்பதற்குச் சமமாகும்...
சில படித்த முட்டாள்களுக்கே இது புரியவில்லை என்றால் படிக்காதவர்களுக்கு எப்படி புரியும்?
அனைவருக்கும் தெரியப்படுத்த அதிகம் பகிருங்கள்

HOW CUSTOMERS / PUBLIC EXPLOITED

2014-08-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

How this Lady paid Rs 25,000 in pay-order charges for claiming her PPF maturity amount

Posted: 05 Aug 2014 10:07 PM PDT

Is your PPF account going to mature very soon ? You are excited to finally redeem your years of saved money in PPF account. But do you know that some banks are playing with some investors ignorance and charging them hefty amount in the name of DD charges or Pay-order charges to give bank the Public Provident Fund account matured amount. Let me unearth this no so known or talked about thing today.
Read this incident below to understand what I am talking about

My neighbor (a very old working woman) had a PPF A/c in SBI, on 31st of March 2010 it completed its 15 year term and hence the same was eligible for withdrawl, she duly filled up the redemption form and asked the bank to redeem the amount. On 14th of April 2010, the bank issued a pay order but deducted bank charges (as the savings account is with another bank), SBI has nearly deducted bank charges of about 25000/- from her. My neighbor didnt have a bank account in SBI, her account is in IDBI and SBI has deducted the charges for preparing a pay order. Here no service is being rendered but rather its bank obligation to make the payment. Please help. It would be good if we can help her.
(Source)

Some Banks not allowing PPF Maturity Redemption directly to saving bank account

When your PPF account matures, and you want to redeem the money, there are several options you can get the money. You can either take it directly in your saving bank account, or get a DD created or a pay-order. However a lot of banks fool customers and never share with them that the money can be directly credited to the saving bank account and force them to make the Demand Draft or Payorder, because that involves charges and it adds to the bank revenues. And most of the times, the helpless customers fall for it because the charges at times are in range of few hundred and they do not want to pursue the matter and complicate it.
In the example above, you can clearly see that the person was forced to get the money through pay-order and such a heavy charges for that was applied. This whole mis-guiding worsens, when the person does not have the saving bank account in the same bank, the officials incharge tell that its mandatory to have a saving bank account in the bank if you want to get the redemption amount in your saving bank account, else you will have to get it through DD or payorder, which is completely wrong. There is no rule like that. One should be able to get the money through NEFT or RTGS or direct bank transfer if they wish to and the PPF redemption form gives that option clearly. Have a look

You can clearly see that there is an option of crediting your PPF maturity amount to any saving bank account.

Some real life Incidents of Banks Asking for heavy charges at the time of PPF maturity payment

Mr. Naresh was asked by Bank of Maharashtra for DD Charges for PPF maturity Payments

Bank of Maharashtra charged me DD charges of Rs 5050/ while making maturity payment of my Public Provident Fund account money. I had asked them to transfer money by cheque or NEFT, but they refused and issued me DD. Is there anything I can do?

Mr. Premji was charged payorder charges of Rs 900 by State bank of Hydrabad

State bank of Hyderabad recovered about Rs.900/- for issuing their banker’s cheque (pay order) for PPF part withdrawal. I am told that as per the PPF rules, the bank cannot recover any charges for issue of Banker’s cheque or pay order for PPF withdrawals. However I am unable to find out such rule in print. What is the correct status regarding the above issue? Which authority will give a authenticated clarification?

Where to complain for these kind of issues?

A lot of people are not even aware that banks are taking them for granted and trying to levy charges which are unethical. Customers do not resist at times, because they dont want to get into the mess and waste their time for small charges (like Rs 500-Rs 1000) . At times they are excited to receive the big amount from their Public Provident Fund account and cant wait for it. At times there are emergency situations which dont allow them to fight back. But incase you want to fight back. Make sure you follow these following steps

Make sure you meet the Bank Manager and tell him clearly that you know the rules and there is no such rule that you have to pay DD or Payorder charges to get back your own money
Ask them in writing for charges and also insist that they show you the rule book.
If nothing works, file an RTI to RBI asking about the bank action and if there is any such rule. You can also file a RTI to Post Office (which handles PPF finally) about this rule.

Have you ever come across this situation in life ? If not , great ! .. you are now informed what to do when you face this situation

DELECTABLE DAHI BATH

2014-08-15T23:41:00.002-07:00

DELECTABLE DAHI BATH ( THAYIR SADAM OR CURD RICE)

Thayir sadam presides over the lunches and dinners of brahminical homes for ages. Thayir sadam is identified with Brahmins so much so that brahmincal youths often become the butt end of wit by being referred to endearingly as ‘thayir sadam’.

In the south, no lunch or dinner is complete without thayir sadam at the end. While we travel to the remotest corners of the globe, when we sight even half a plateful thayir sadam, we feel as excited, as Archimedes was, when he shouted “Eureka, Eureka”.

Thayir sadam essentially consists of cooked rice mixed with curd and salted a little to appeal to our palate. Many dress it up with finely cut pieces of green chillies, ginger (or rather its dried variety sukku ), slightly fried mustard. During travel, to enhance its shelf life more and to prevent it from turning sour, a little milk is also added. In those days, for train journeys, a dubba full of molagapodi spread idlies, packed thayir sadam ensured to be free from becoming sour, a kooja full of hot coffee supplemented by a flask full and tickets (card tickets and no E ticket) in that order were essential requisites.

Simplicity thy name is thayir sadam. When we have butterflies in our stomach or when we have absolutely no appetite, thayir sadam would act as a palliative. Don’t go to bed, without having atleast a mouthful of thayir sadam, our anxious grandmothers would admonish us. If one cannot afford a three course lunch or dinner, a mouthful of thayir sadam, two times a day, would sustain us.

By nature, thayir sadam is gregarious. It cannot suffer loneliness. Pickles, particularly aavakkai, mavadu or vadu mangai ( kaduku mangai)and thayir sadam are made for each other. A spoonful of manga kari ( raw finely cut mangoes, mixed with salt and chilly powder), when fresh (not more than 2 days old) adds Thayir sadam an extra taste incomparable to any sensuous pleasure in the world. Thayir sadam also gets along well with narthangai, nellikkai and limbu. Those whose Cholesterol level is normal can also go for fried moremilagai, chundakkai and marthankali or thamaraikizhanku. I know people who take thayir sadam along with sediments of rasam. Light heartedly, one could say that if thayir sadam had been available during lunch at Lords, a Srikant would have crossed the boundaries more often or a Venkat Raghavan, turned his off- spinners a little more sharp at Oval. It is quality thayir sadam that has added to the assertiveness if not arrogance, of some of the cricket officials.

During marriage eve dinners, when the contractors provide North Indian or Western dishes along with chat and Chinese items, thayir sadam finds a pride of place among strangers. Would any one need a proof of its popularity?

The solid version of thayir sadam is reverentially addressed as ‘daddhi annam’ by the Vaishnavaites whereas its diluted form bears the name baghala bath’. A well dressed thayhir sadam charm us and lead us like the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Thayir sadam is also distributed as prasadam in Vishnu temples. Once when we were at Govindapuram ( near Kumbakonam) a little later than

Lunch hour and as lunch had been exhausted we were served thayir sadam with lime pickles instead. What a Divine Grace! Gavasdkar’s glorious Century at Old Trafford, Jim Laker’s 19 for 90 again at Old Trafford, Maradona’s dribblings with the ball, all pale into insignificance before that Thayir sadam.

Those unfamiliar with their kitchen or young daughter-in –laws fresh from colleges, untrained by their mothers in culinary art, find solace and satiety in thayir sadam.

Even though an essential part of lunches and dinners or serving as a standard alone item, thayir sadam is asked to stand out from our breakfast tables. To have taken thayir sadam for breakfast means one has committed an unforgivable sin and is beyond redemption.

All the efforts in preparing thayir sadam remain unappreciated. I could pack only thayir sadam today in my child’s lunch box, a young mother would say with a tone full of sin. Her preparation of even thayir sadam is a curse, a mother in law would lament about her daughter in law’s inadequacies. Ambi, modalla thayir sadam panna padichukko, appuram adupu kitta wa, a senior cook would admonish the young recruit who struggles with stirring the sambar.

North Indians take dahi aplenty without making thayir sadam out of it. Even among communities in our own Kerala, other than Brahmins do not have much fancy for dahi bath. However, in Tamil Nadu, all communities comfortably settle for thayir sadam. In western countries, Yoghurt, as curd is called, takes shape in different flavours and serves as a desert. In fact, some of the Airlines serve flavoured yoghurt in cups.

Thayir sadam has therapeutic value. Endowed with bacteria that fight the ones causing us diseases, thayir sadam helps us in digestion, cleanses our colons and ensures smooth disposal of wastages from our system. A handful of thayir sadam three times a day is equivalent to eight grandmas around us, an unmarried youth, surviving on thayir sadam alone, in a remote corner in Europe, sings its glory.

Though virtues galore, thayir sadam suffers from a serious set back. One has to be free from thayir sadam, when one is suffering from a high temperature or has a running nose. On such occasions, milagu rasam ( pepper rasam) is prescribed instead. If during their dating days, one of the duo indicates his/her preference for thayir sadam, would run the risk of ruining the relationship.

It is not merely IITs and other engineering colleges that have contributed towards the development of Silicon Valley. Thayir Sadam that sustained software engineers in Indian Soil, if not in San Francisco, has also contributed in equal measure in the mission. Like Intel Inside, if an indication that “Thayir Sadam Inside”, is available, that would announce to the world that best of operations is at hand.

8 mistakes parents make to teach discipline

2014-08-15T23:37:00.002-07:00

Eight mistakes parents make to teach discipline

Instead of showering love and affection, most parents do not bring up their children properly due to whatever reasons they imagine. But the end result is very bad for the entire family and by the time this is realized the years fly off and the future of the family bonding suffers and it is a lose-lose situation for all.

So as grown up persons, it is our duty and responsibility to bring up our children very well and ensure a win-win situation in our family life.

- SIVA

A child is gift of GOD and it is our duty to secure this gift and let them flourish. Though the parents have deep affection and love for their children, yet, in today’s stressful life, they find themselves at the losing end, because, sometimes under mental pressure of their day to day life, their behaviour towards their children gets off tracked and it develops communication gap. Most of the parents feel that there are many things to learn for good parenting. In Utopian world, parents are thought to be super heroes who have flexibility, energy and patience beyond limit. But, as we know, perfection itself is abnormality and none is perfect. Therefore, one must have a wide variety of practicality and try to avoid some mistakes when one is in the process of making one’s child disciplined. Some of the common disciplinary mistakes the parents make are:--

1.Yelling and Nagging

Parents, sometimes, keep yelling at their children when they find them hard to be controlled. This way the parents simply vent their frustration. But it is of no avail because the children, with the time passing by, learn to deal with these “habitual yellers”.

Nagging is another mistake the parents keep doing. They don’t want to make their children angry so that they keep asking them constantly if they do this or that.

2.Lecturing and Advice Giving

Lecturing is just a monologue and involving no interaction with the audience. A child who is unable to keep pace with the class in completing the homework, the lecturing has no effect on his mentality. Likewise advice giving is also an action which generally falls in deaf ears.

These are painstaking exercises having no results.

3.Shaming and Belittling

Parents, sometimes, strangely behave in the way which cause their children feel inadequate and smaller. This is the grave mistake and the parents should keep themselves off from such type of behaviour

4.Physical punishment and Coercion

A child can never be disciplined by the physical force and coercion. These types of behaviour are only helpful in creating rebellious attitude in a child. Try and talk to your child to help him understand where what exactly his problem is.

5.Every child is unique

One should always keep in mind that every child is unique and behave accordingly. Do not compare your child with others. There might be something in your neighbour’s son or daughter that your child doesn't have but similarly your child also has some qualities which their child does not have.

6.Imposing excessive guilt

One has to be careful of the behaviour not to make one’s child guilt conscious. Do not exaggerate any matter. Children are very sensitive and this would make your sensitive child guilt conscious leading him to depression.

7.Don’t expect too much

Treat the child as a child not as an adult and don’t overstretch his limits. Give him/her their own space and let them take their own decisions. This will make them happy and develop a strong bond between you both.

8.Be a role model

A child is always following the footsteps of his parents, so be a role model. Do not do anything you don’t want to see your child doing like smoking, drinking using wrong words etc. Children have the tendency to follow their parents and you may unknowingly lead your child in the wrong direction.

These are some common mistakes the parents must be aware of.

RAMAYANA MASAM

2014-08-15T23:19:00.001-07:00

BREAK YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM

2014-08-15T22:47:00.002-07:00

Allow Wealth coming into your life by breaking your Belief System

Posted: 14 Aug 2014 05:44 AM PDT

Most of the TV channels help in selling products like – Lal Kitab, Suraksha Kavach, Shri Yantra . They do this day and night and according to these advertisements, these products helps people in becoming prosperous. Most of the news channels have at least one show on Palmistry too, which solves people financial problems. Some believe in it and some choose to call it superstition.

Superstition or Beliefs

Here is an old story to learn something from about superstition or beliefs

When the spiritual teacher and his disciples began their evening meditation, the cat who lived in the monastery made such noise, that it distracted them. So the teacher ordered that the cat be tied up during the evening practice. Years later, when the teacher died, the cat continued to be tied up during the meditation session. And when the cat eventually died, another cat was brought to the monastery and tied up.
Centuries later, learned descendants of the spiritual teacher wrote scholarly treatises about the religious significance of tying up a cat for meditation practice. Now how is this related to financial life ? Many such cats are present in your financial life, which you might not even be aware about, you believe in few things as if they are truth without questioning them and thinking about it.

Let’s look at some real life examples

“Advisor: Sir, gold prices have gone up because of festive season I think you should wait for some time? Mr. Shah: No no, We buy gold only during Diwali. No matter what gold prices are – we would like to go ahead.

Real estate agent: Sirji, one very good property is available at a very competitive price. The property is main road touch and it is difficult to get such property at this rate. Mr. Singh: Oye No no. it’s House number 13. It is an unlucky number we can’t go ahead with this property. Show us some other property.

Insurance agent: Sir I have a traditional plan, where you get high returns and your money is absolutely safe Half of india: Yes, my parents taught me the same. I believe in LIC, I know LIC is safe and best investment. I am ready. tell me where to sign?

Whats your Belief System

Now look at your belief system. Look at what did you hear on TV or read something on blog or magazines, that became part of your belief system. From time to time question your thoughts and beliefs, as questioning will help you grow.
Break your belief system,

AMAZING FROZEN LEMONS

2014-07-13T06:32:00.002-07:00

AMAZING FROZEN LEMONS

Place the washed lemon in the freezer.

Once frozen, get your grater, and shred the whole lemon (no need to peel it) and sprinkle it on top of your foods!

On vegetables, salad, ice cream, soup, cereals, noodles, spaghetti sauce,

rice, sushi, fish dishes, ... the list is endless.

All the foods will get an unexpected wonderful taste!

Most likely, you only think of lemon juice as vitamin C??

Not anymore!

What's the major advantage of using the whole lemon other than preventing waste and

adding new taste to your dishes?

Lemon peels contain as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the

lemon juice itself. And that's what you've been wasting!

Lemon peels are health rejuvenators in eradicating toxic

elements in the body.

The surprising benefits of lemon is the miraculous ability to kill cancer cells! It is 10,000 times stronger

than chemotherapy!!

Why do we not know about that?

Because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits.

You can now help a friend in need by letting him/her know that lemon juice is beneficial

in preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and it does not produce the horrific

effects of chemotherapy.

How many people will die while this closely guarded secret is kept, so as not to jeopardize the multimillionaires large corporations?

This plant is a proven remedy against cancers of all types.

It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms,

it regulates blood pressure

and an antidepressant, combats stress and nervous disorders.

The source of this information is fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug

manufacturers in the world, says that after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970,

the extracts revealed that It destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including

colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas... The compounds of this tree showed 10,000 times better effect than the product Adriamycin,

a drug normally used chemotherapeutic in the world, slowing the growth of cancer cells.

And what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells. .

So, give those lemons a good wash, freeze them and grate them. Your whole body will love you for it!!

VALLAM

2014-06-29T04:20:00.002-07:00

Vallam is a container wider in appearance of about 3 feet in diameter and about one foot in height. Normally it is made using braided coconut leaves or medium quality bamboo split and made thin and braided loosely. The top holder will be strong. Vallam is carried keeping on head holding the top with both hands.

It is used to keep or carry very light weight items like grass, fodder etc. Normally those who domesticate cows keep vallum to give grass to cows. Grass is also collected in vallam. Rather than giving loosely giving in a container.

Vallam is considered as a measure of grass fed to cows. For calves there will be small vallams. Fodder will not be lost. Probably the cows may also feel it as a measure for consuming.

On those days grass was collected by house holds together from the compound and filled in the vallam. Sugar cane leaves, plantain cut leaves were all offered in vallam making it as a measure.

Vallam is also used for keeping and collecting flowers. Normally variar family may keep vallam to store flowers for different occasions.. Thin bamboo braided baskets some what similar to vallam differed in appearance- Basket used to be conical with less circumference at bottom. They were strengthier and used to distribute pappadam in feasts. On those days mud pots were carried in such baskets.

There is a place by name vallam in Tamilnadu in Tanjavur district. A number of Engineering colleges are there.

There is a place by name Tiruvallam near Trivandrum is famous for the Parasurama temple and for vavubali.

Vallam can be seen in villages still keeping flowers during onam season and in houses where cow housing (Erutthu) is there

THE GOAT AND THE HORSE

2014-06-29T04:10:00.001-07:00

There was a farmer who had a horse and a goat.

One day, the horse became ill and he called the veterinarian, who said:
Well, your horse has a virus. He must take this medicine for three days.
I'll come back on the 3rd day and if he's not better, we're going to have
to put him down.

Nearby, the goat listened closely to their conversation.

The next day, they gave him the medicine and left.

The goat approached the horse and said: Be strong, my friend. Get up or
else they're going to put you to sleep!

On the second day, they gave him the medicine and left.

The goat came back and said: Come on buddy, get up or else you're going to
die! Come on, I'll help you get up. Let's go! One, two, three...

On the third day, they came to give him the medicine and the vet said:
Unfortunately, we're going to have to put him down tomorrow. Otherwise, the
virus might spread and infect the other horses.

After they left, the goat approached the horse and said: Listen pal, it's
now or never! Get up, come on! Have courage! Come on! Get up! Get up!
That's it, slowly! Great! Come on, one, two, three... Good, good. Now
faster, come on... Fantastic! Run, run more!

Yes! Yay! Yes! You did it, you're a champion!!!

All of a sudden, the owner came back, saw the horse running in the field
and began shouting: It's a miracle! My horse is cured. We must have a grand
party. Let's Cook the goat!!!!

Lesson: Management never knows which employee actually deserves the
appraisal.

--

WHO SAID HISTORY WAS BORING

2014-06-29T03:57:00.000-07:00

Origin of phrases

Don't remember this post when you see a damsel with a flower bouquet!

The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s:

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odour. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The
man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don' t throw the baby out with the bath water."

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath.It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs,cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof.
When it rained, it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying "It' s raining cats and dogs."

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house.
This posed real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could really mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection.
That's
how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt.Hence the saying "dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet,so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing.As the winter wore on, they kept adding more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping
Sometimes they could obtain pork,which made them feel quite special.
When visitors came over,they would hang up their bacon to show off.
It was a sign of wealth that a man "could bring home the bacon."
They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat."

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high
acid content caused some of the lead to leach
onto the food, causing lead poisoning and death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf,the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust."

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock them out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.
They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up.Hence the custom of holding a "wake."

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people.So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a "bone-house&qu ot; and reuse
the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and
they realized they had been burying people alive. So they thought they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the "graveyard shift") to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be "saved by the bell" or was considered a "dead ringer."

And that's the truth...

Now,whoever said that History was boring!