Technophilo

How to record and screencast video using YouTube

2017-07-11T10:41:00.000+05:30

At times it is necessary to give presentation virtually with screen sharing. Even though Microsoft provides recording option with Power Point slides it is not useful if you have created presentations in PDF using LaTeX. Screen cast refers to sharing our computer screen with audience with or without voice narration. In case of presentations, screen cast means the sharing of presentation slides on your computer with the audience. In such cases lifesaver is YouTube. Yes, one can create screen cast with simple steps in YouTube without any additional software. Only requirement is you should have a Gmail account and comparably good Internet connection.

Click on Get Started

Step 1: Go to DashBoard in your YouTube login. Click on Live Streaming. Go to get started and verify your Mobile Number by providing OTP. It is a must.

Provide mobile number and OTP to verify your account

Step 2: Then access the page “Events” under the tab Live Streaming and select Schedule a New Event.

Access the page Events and click Live Streaming

Click on Schedule a new event

Step 3: Here you can enter the Title you would like to have for the screen cast and a brief discussion. Importantly if you want the video to be private then select private before proceeding further and select the Type Quick (using Google Hangouts on Air). Click on Go live now that will open Google Hangouts page.

Enter the event details or the video details.

Step 4: Select the screen share option in the left tool bar, you will be asked to share your screen. Select either Your entire screen or application window if in case you are screencasting presentations.

Google Hangouts page from where one can screencast

Step 5: Click on Start Broadcast and you are live.

Once the screencasting is over, click on Stop Broadcast. You are done and your video with screencast will be ready to play. You can view and share your screencasted videos by accessing them at YouTube dashboard after you login similar to YouTube videos.

In addition, if you want you can enable webcam by which your face will appear in the corner of screencast. Similarly if you don’t want to record voice and just action, you can disable micro phone option in the Google Hangouts top tool bar.

A drawback of this is you require stable internet connection to do screencast video.

How to get Permanent Account Number (PRAN) for Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

2017-07-01T09:41:00.000+05:30

Central Government introduced Atal Pension Yojana (APY) in order to provide pension benefit for employees of unorganized sector. In the previous post the information on opening an Atal Pension Yojana (APY) account online in State Bank of India (SBI) was mentioned. The accounts opened in this scheme will also be maintained by the Central Record Keeping Agency under National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). In order to facilitate the users to know the status of APY account opened, one can check online through NSDL. To check the balance and other information first the users need to obtain Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) from NSDL website and take a copy of it for further communication such as upgrade or downgrade of pension amount, change of personal information etc. The PRAN e-copy will also have Full Name of the individual holding the account, Permanent Retirement Account (PRAN) Number, Date of Birth, Assured Pension (which is same as Premium Amount to be paid monthly) along with the Nominee name. Also, the pension start date will also be mentioned on the e-copy of PRAN. APY service provider will be respective bank or agency from which scheme is enrolled.

One can obtain the Permanent Account Number (PRAN) for Atal Pension Yojana (APY) as follows:

1. Open the link: https://npslite-nsdl.com/CRAlite/EPranAPYOnloadAction.do

2. Select the option Click to Search without PRAN and fill the following details:

a. Provide Subscriber Name

b. Bank Account Number where the APY account was linked while opening APY account

c. Date of Birth of Subscriber

Enter the details and captcha in order to continue

3. Select the option e-PRAN View and provide the CAPTCHA answer. Once you click Submit, your copy of e-PRAN will be available.

Copy of ePRAN opened in website

To print the e-PRAN details with background color while printing select the option Background Graphics. If you are using Google Chrome you can view this option of selecting Background Graphcis can be accessed from more settings in print dialogue box of Chrome. Alternatively you can save it as PDF also.

How to Open Atal Pension Yojana (APY) account online in SBI

2017-02-09T19:54:00.002+05:30

State Bank of India (SBI), one of the top public sector banks in India providing services to customers on with the leading private sector banks has recently come up with the option of opening Atal Pension Yojana (APY)Scheme online through their internet banking account. This is one more addition to the plethora of services offered by State Bank of India online in addition to the existing services at free of cost. In this post, we learn about opening Atal Pension Yojana (APY) account online. Atal Pension Yojana Account can be opened similar to other accounts like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

Atal Pension Yojana is the scheme introduced by Government of India for the benefit of employees of unorganized sectors who are not in regular service and won’t receive pension once they reach the age of 60. Based on the monthly premium paid by the customers, pension amount will be decided. Premium amount is decided on the factors of age of entry into the scheme and pension required per month after attaining the age of 60.

Customers need to have internet banking in State Bank of India to avail this facility. Follow these steps to open account online. You will receive confirmation SMS and email registered on successful registration. PRAN number will be generated and it will serve as reference number in future.

Select Social Security Schemes in 'My Accounts' section

Select Atal Pension Yojana (APY) from drop down menu and click submit

Fill the details online. Premium contribution will be automatically selected depending on your date of birth

One can enter details like Nominee, Permanent Address and Email id on which one need alerts. Select the pension amount based on which the contribution amount will be automatically selected based on age and pension amount required. Opt for SMS alert to receive details about amount contributed every month. Even option for Standing instruction will be automatically created for the balance transfer from your account to APY account every month.

Once online APY form is submitted, acknowledgment can be downloaded from Status Menu

PRAN number and further account of APY is maintained with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). As of now balance of APY account cannot be accessed online and can only be accessed through branch. Change of premium amount in contribution can also be made by filling up the form available online at the respective branch.

How to know Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Status

2015-10-03T13:22:00.002+05:30

Mobile Number Portability helps in keeping you same number in spite of you change your place or operator. You can keep same number across all states in India and you can switch to any operator depending on your convenience but how to check status of port request made by you to the new operator?

Considering the vast geographical area and large number of mobile phone users in India, department of Telecom has divided the number of states into two zones, zone 1 and zone 2. Zone 1 covers Northern and Western states of the country and Zone 2 cover the south and eastern states.

The license to provide portability technology in Zone 1 is given to Syniverse and in Zone 2 to Interconnection Telecom solutions.

The status of Zone 2 porting requests can be known through the website of Interconnection Telecom solutions.

Zone 2 includes the state of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkatta, Madhya Pradesh, North East, Orissa, Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Telangana and West Bengal.

To check mobile number portability status visit MNP Status

Provide necessary details

Provide your mobile number, 8 digit unique id given by your service provider and captcha code, you will get the status of your mobile number portability.

you can get the status of your SIM card's port request

How to port:
1. To get unique porting ID send message as ‘PORT <mobile number> to 1900.

2. You will receive Unique porting ID with expiry date on your mobile as SMS. Your present operator may immediately call you to retain you on their network by providing some exclusive offers only for you.

3. Visit the new operator you wish to port to anytime within that expiry date along with ID proof, Address proof and a passport size photograph. Fill in the Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) and Porting form (Some operators have single form for both CAF and porting)

4. As a porting charge, operators charge a maximum of Rs. 19.

5. You will receive new SIM card from the new operator and you will receive the time and date when your new SIM will be activated on your present SIM card only. Based on that change your old SIM card. Porting may take 7 working days usually and for the mobile users of Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and North East it will take 15 working days.

FAQs of MNP:
Q1. Can prepaid customers switch to postpaid and vice versa?
A: Yes, as long as all the conditions are met, that you have paid your postpaid bill till recently and no dues. Similarly, no dues should be pending in your present prepaid SIM card.

Q2. Can porting request be cancelled?
A: Yes, it can be cancelled within 24 hours of request made to the new operator.

Q3. Can CDMA be ported to GSM and vice versa?
A: Yes it can be done provided your handset support GSM and CDMA. As all CDMA phones are not GSM compatible and vice versa.

Q4. What about talk time, data balance and other services if I port?
A: Make sure that there is no talk time and data balance before you port as those cannot be carried forward to new network and you need to subscribe to all services as a fresh according to your new operator.

Q5. What to do with my old SIM once it is ported to new SIM card?
A: You need not return that SIM card to old operator. You can take back up of contacts and SMS in SIM card and you can destroy it.

Q6. How will I know when I need to change SIM card to new one?
A: You will get a SMS from new operator on your present working SIM card (or old SIM card) when you need to change your SIM and you will get a service disruption of 4 hours. Usually this will be done during night.

Q7. I am changing the State and can I retain the same number?
A: You can retain the same number through National Mobile Portability as long as you are in any state of India.

How to Receive Payments Online in India using PayUMoney

2015-07-15T12:16:00.000+05:30

Are you running a website or blog or providing any service or collecting money for a cause or an event and looking for simple procedure to set up a payment gateway to receive payments via multiple payment options – debit cards, credit cards and net banking without any maintenance and setup charges?

payment button on this blog created with PayUMoney

PayUMoney is a simple way by which you can receive payments online by creating a payment button on your blog or website or by payment link. All you need to have is a PAN number in your name or in your business name to setup a merchant account on PayUMoney by which you can receive payments. Another advantage of using PayUMoney is you can setup payment gateway online itself and no documentation is required. Even you can create a web store online at free of cost to sell your products using free tools offered by PayUMoney.

complete the required details, as they are filled - on right side you can see a blue tick

You can register as a merchant on PayUMoney using this link. Provide details such as your name, email address and phone number. You will get a SMS and an email to verify and setup your account.

Create PayUButton to create HTML code with a link to your acocunt

Provide details on your business or your name, address and PAN number. Make sure that your name and PAN card name matches. Next, fill your account details such as IFSC, Account number, bank name etc., PayUMoney will deposit some money into your account to verify your account. Once you receive money in your account, you need to enter the transaction UTR number or the exact amount you received on PayUMoney website to verify your account details. You are done wait for a day and your account will be activated.

Login to your verified account, now you can get HTML code to create payment button associated to your account setup. Also, you can create an event and receive payments online.

paste the HTML code in your required website so that you can receive payments to your linked account

Go to PayUMoney tools and select PayUMoney button. Click on Create New Button. You can set fixed amount to receive or you can leave it open (so that donors can decide how much they would like to pay), fill payment details – payment name and description and set look of PayUButton you like to receive payments and then save PayUButton. Copy the HTML code of PayUButton and paste it on your website or blog using which your readers or customers can pay online. Only requirement payers or donors should have is PayUMoney buyer account which can be created in minutes and also it is helpful to track failures if any during transaction.

How to turn Windows 7 PC or desktop as WiFi hotspot using TP-Link TL-WN721N 150Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter

2015-07-03T16:38:00.000+05:30

With smart phones ruling the World, WiFi has become next important thing as data pack charges are increasing by mobile service providers. If you are looking for turning your Windows 7 Personal Computer or Desktop computer into wireless hotspot then TP-Link TL-WN721N 150Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter would be a better option. It quickly turns your desktop PC into WiFi hotspot and you can connect your other devices through WiFi sharing the LAN based or cable based internet connection. TP-Link TL-WN721N 150Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter has many advantages that it occupies less space, no need of external power to device; it can be used as adapter also to connect your desktop to available WiFi connections and also cost effective apart from its use as WiFi hotspot.

Set up is very simple, you can install its driver and wireless utility from the Compact Disc (CS) provided with the device or you can download it form this link (TP-Link TL-WN721N 150Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter driver) if in case CD disk is disabled on your computer.

TP link utility, turn on SoftAP mode ON

Open the utility by the short cut created on desktop and go to Advanced menu, by default SoftAP mode will be off and you need to turn it on in order to use it as WiFi hotspot to connect other devices. As SoftAP mode will be on, an icon SoftAP will appear next to Advanced in Menu bar. Go to SoftAP and in that select ‘Local Area Connection’ as Internet Connecting Share (ICS), it will automatically assign IP to route LAN or Internet connection of your system as WiFi.

Automatically broadcasting IP is selected, you can chose a name and password to network

You can set SSID, the name you would like to route the WiFi connection and also a password, so that only the ones having password can access your internet. Now you can search and connect WiFi devices to access WiFi internet.

NOTE: TP-Link TL-WN721N 150Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter cannot be used to route or turn your system running with Windows Xp as Wireless hotspot. TP-Link TL-WN721N 150Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter is not required if you are sharing your internet connection through Laptop running with Windows 7.

How to make your Blogger blog title appear at the end in search results

2015-07-01T14:57:00.000+05:30

Even though in blogging content is king, certain level of optimization (search engine optimization) is required for the search engines to make readers to land on your page. Google search results rank your webpage or blog higher if the searched word is matching with your title.

In blogger by default the blog title appears first in the search results which makes some keywords in title to miss and as a result your website or blog will be ranked slightly lower and sometimes if the blog title is lengthier then very good chances are there that your blog may not be ranked properly.

Blog title Technophilo appearing first in search results

To make your blog title appear at last in search results for the blogger, replace code

<title><data:blog.pageTitle/></title>

with

<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "item"'>

<title><data:blog.pageName/> | <data:blog.title/></title>

<b:else/>

<title><data:blog.pageTitle/></title> </b:if>

old code <title><data:blog.pageTitle/></title>

old code replaced with the new code so that your blog title appears at last in search results

search results after replacing old code

Expand template if in case you are not able to find the searched old code

Code can be replaced by editing your blogger template, accessing it by Template -> Edit HTML -> Edit Template in interface.

How to make your Blogger blog Search Engine friendly with Structured Data

2015-06-29T11:30:00.000+05:30

Structured data helps search engines in understanding the content of your blog and in turn provides better indexing and ranking in search results.

Google has come up with live structured data testing tool to test whether your website or blog is having structured data. Upon testing I found few errors in my blog hosted on blogger that is showing structured data error concerned with image source (usually picasa for blogger blogs) that is image_url , postId and blogId as not recognized as part of the schema. But these errors can be rectified by editing blogger template and making your blogger blog compatible with Structured Data.

Errors showing up in Structured test data tool marked in red, image_url error has been rectified

In blogger, template can be edited by accessing it as follows: Template -> Edit HTML -> Edit Template.

1. Image_url error

It can be rectified by editing your template. In blogger usually images are uploaded in picasa and being used in blogs. Search for word ‘image_url’ using Ctrl + F in template HTML code if in case you are not able to find it then expand the template as sown, then you can search. Replace ‘image_url’ with ‘image’ and save the template. This rectifies ‘image_url’ error being appeared in structured data testing tool.

Expand Template and search for keywords

search for 'image_url'

'image_url' is replaced with 'image'

2. posteId error and blogId error:

It can be rectified by same way editing blogger template. Search for <meta expr:content='data:blog.blogId' itemprop='blogId'/> and <meta expr:content='data:post.id' itemprop='postId'/>. Those two lines will be together (don't confuse with and in between), select the lines and DELTE it. Save the template, this rectifies blogId and postId error and it will be not recognized as part of schema error.

Then again test for possible structured data error using Google structured data testing tool, you can find that error are rectified.

Errors are rectified with indication in green color

How to Update Mobile Number in AADHAR Card Online and Offline

2015-06-27T13:06:00.000+05:30

AADHAR card has been a first of its kind multi-modal biometric based identity card issued to citizens of India. Even though it has not been fully utilized, once implemented can help in many ways reducing corruption, identity card issues, authentication issues etc., Personal details like age, sex, address has been fed into system by a data entry operator and there are possibilities of human to err. UIDAI offers AADHAR self service update portal to handle the issues related to update and change of AADHAR information in case of any discrepancy.

Among all details usually mobile number being the common one changed frequently. To update mobile number or change mobile number or add mobile number, AADHAR self service portal offers following services:

1. If your mobile number is not yet registered

If your mobile number or any mobile number is not registered for your AADHAR card then you can do so directly using this link and entering your mobile AADHAR number and mobile number. You will be receiving One Time Password (OTP) on your number to add your mobile number.

2. To change your mobile number having your old number with you

If you have changed your mobile number recently and have old mobile number with you. You can update your mobile number as below using the AADHAR Self Service Update Portal

Enter your AADHAR number and captcha

a. Click link to generate OTP on your old mobile number by entering your AADHAR number and text shown

Enter the OTP received on your old number

b. Click continue and select mobile option as that you can update your mobile number in the next screen

Select Mobile number option to update your mobile number

Confirm your Mobile Number

Proceed for confirmation page

c. You need to select any of the BPO services to get your mobile number updated

Select any of the BPO services to update your Mobile Number

d. You will receive an Update Request Number (URN) and your number will be updated in a day or two.

Sometimes you may get update message on your mobile number and if not you can check using status link providing AADHAR and URN number.

Check update Status

Your Mobile number update status will be shown

3. To change your mobile number without having old number with you

Suppose if your mobile number is wrongly updated or you are no more able to access your old phone number then also you can update your mobile number by submitting this form along with an identity proof, address proof and DOB certificate as mentioned in Annexure -1. It is required so that someone cannot misuse your AADHAR card providing number change request form. You need to send the form to following address to update your mobile number.

UIDAI UIDAI

Post Box No. 10, Post Box No. 99,

Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh Banjara Hills, Hyderabad,

India – 480001 India – 500034

Link to Application form to change mobile number

Annexure - 1

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple and Trekking

2015-06-24T23:07:00.000+05:30

Sabarimala is the abode of Lord Ayyappa(sometimes spelled as Aiyappa also) located in midst of absolute greenery. Devotees all over the country visit sannidhanam wearing Ayyappa Maala – a vratam performed by devotees for a period of 41 days. Sabarimala temple attracts large number of devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana compared to any other state. Peak season at Sabarimala will be from November to January till Makara Sankrathi or Makara Sankramana day. Temple management with kerala police arranges all the facilities in order to provide hassle free darshan for devotees during peak season and other arrangements like virtual Queue. Temple will be open every month for mandala pooja apart from the regular pooja of the months of November, December and January and will be closed till sacred days of next month. Devotees are less during Mandala pooja time and one can have easy darshan of Lord Ayyappa.

Lord Ayyappa sannidhanam

Sabarimala can be reached from various places and nearest being the Chenganur called gateway of Sabarimla which is connected by road and railways. During Mandala pooja and regular pooja time Kerala road Transport Corporation arranges special buses plying from Chenganur to Pampa (also pronounced as Pamba) and back. Pamba bridge which has to be crossed to reach sabarimala is at a distance of 93 kms from Chenganur. It takes three hours for public transport to reach Pamba from Chenganur and same time for returning. Considering the travel time required, plan the travel accordingly.

Chenganur Bus stand

Chenganur Railway station - has clean waiting hall both for AC and non-AC reserved passengers

on the way to pampa from Chenganur

On the way to Pampa from Chenganur

Pampa bus stand

From river pampa, Ayyappa sannidhanam (sannidhanam refers to temple) is at a distance of 6 kms to be covered by walking. Initial two and half kilometers is steep and after that the road is normal suitable for regular walk. As a custom large number of devotees walk to sabarimala bare foot even though there is no strict rule on it.

way to Pampa

Pampa bridge to reach Sannidhanam

Shopping complex at Pampa

pampa

Trek to Ayyappa sannidhanam started with the dip in holy river Pampa which was clean due to heavy rain fall when we visited. Crossing river Pampa we need to proceed for Sabarimala Ayyappa darshan. After having darshan of Lord Ganapathy, Anjaneya, Rama and Goddess Parvathy, we started to starting point of trek which is backside of these temples.

Ganesha Temple at pampa

Way to Sannidhanam

Govt. Cardiology Center for devotees

On trek path - some times slippery

Trek path

Initial trekking path is steep and has steps. One can enjoy the nature and trek slowly taking little breaks. Be careful as it is slippery at some places. Street vendors selling water, fruits and other required things are common in trek path. Health center is also being set up in between for the devotees requiring emergency medical help.

Dolly service for the aged from Pampa to Sabarimala

Sabaripeedam

Sabaripeetam

In between Sabari peetam is present on the way where Sabari met lord Ayyappa and the name Sabarimala is due to her to the hill. Nearing Ayyappa sannidhanam we can see many shops and in the trek route tractors carrying construction material is normally seen. But other vehicles are not allowed to Sannidhanam from Pampa.

Tractors carrying construction material

View from Sabarimala

Since, it was Mandala pooja time we could have good darshan of lord Ayyappa twice and could take rest in reserved rooms before starting back. Also, we visited nearby deities and Vavar thara – a small temple built for sufi saint and friend of Lord Ayyappa. It was enriching experience to be in middle of greenery and see devotees coming from different places to have darshan of lord Ayyappa with a hope to relieve them from all their difficulties.

Temple Entrance with 18 steps allowed only for devotees with Irumudi

Alternate path for devotees without Irumudi

Vavaruswamy - friend of Lord Ayyappa

place in front of temple main gate to relax

Sabarimala

Heavy rain

serve good quality Coffee and Tea at Sabarimala

In return we took other path which is being used during peak time. The road is steep and requires careful stepping as railings are not present to hold and carefully descend. The roads are well-lit and can walk during night time also.

Alternate path to reach or come from Pampa

Petrol bunk at Pampa

Due to modernization, mobile networks with 3G connection and ATMs of many banks are available both in Sabarimala hill and Pampa also. A petrol pump or petrol bunk is present in Pampa for refueling if you are going by own vehicle. Accommodation can be booked online itself for accommodation at Sabarimala itself using their online reservation system (website link) which helps for a planned journey to God’s abode.

How to Pay MESCOM electricity bills online

2015-06-18T12:32:00.000+05:30

Finally Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM) has responded to the demand of public to introduce online payment and recently have set up the website and the payment gateway for the people to pay their electricity bills online using any of the paying options through BillDesk. MESCOM announcement says that the bill has to be paid three days in advance to the due date to avoid late payment charges.

One can pay the electricity bill quickly without registration too and also there is an option to register and pay the bills online. Users require the Account number provided in the electricity bill to pay the bill online or to register for creating account in MESCOM website. Advantage of registering for MESCOM account is one can get the detailed bill online in pdf format and can the detailed usage and billing even of previous months if paid online.

Presently MESCOM online payment is supported for the following RAPDRP Towns and will be extended to other towns. List of RAPDRP towns for which the online payment can be made are as follows: Bantwal, Bhadravathi, Chikmagalur, Kadur, Mangalore, Puttur, Sagar, Shikaripura, Shimoga, Tarikere and Udupi. To view the list of Towns for which online payment can be made can be visited here.

MESCOM bill can be paid from this link: MESCOM bill payment

Account number will be available as follows on bill using which MESCOM bill can be paid and the account can be created to login.

Account number to register online on BESCOM, image courtesy MESCOM website.

MESCOM bill. See the accountID in red rectangle ten digits

Account number of your account can be obtained from your electricity bill itself and no need to approach MESCOM office for obtaining the same. Confirm your details against your account details before payment.

provide your account id and Captcha image shown

Verify your details against your account id and make payment

Click on pay now to proceed to payment gateway of BillDesk

provide e-mail id to receive the payment details

Currently MESCOM is charging transaction charges as follows for the payment of electricity bill online.

charges as above for paying MESCOM bill online

you can view the bill online if you create account with MESCOM portal online

Recently PayTM has introduced MESCOM bill payment online along with the other Electricity companies state wise on their portal. But consumer number or Account ID is mandatory for paying the bill by retrieving the consumer details.

Net Neutrality Matters

2015-04-13T16:20:00.000+05:30

Net Neutrality is widely discussed on blogs, newspapers, and facebook user pages and on other sources all over the nation and even in World. This blog post is an attempt to understand net neutrality in common man’s perspective. I support Net Neutrality.

The whole concept of net neutrality debate started in many countries in the past and they have agreed for net neutrality with an opinion that Internet is must for growth of a country in various ways let it be economical or educational.

Net neutrality can be defined as unbiased, uncontrolled and unrestricted access to resources available online to a user with an internet connection. Net neutrality allows a user of internet to access any website or app or service without any restriction at their choice from any Internet Service Provider (ISPs) or Mobile Service Providers.

Recently in India debate on net neutrality started with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) interest in revising the norms for Indian Telecos providing Internet service to users. Telecos are the service providers providing Internet to the mobile users mainly and also others through data cards. To control the huge potential (of money) in the growing demand of internet usage especially mobile internet in India majority Telecos have come together with a request to stop net neutrality.

Telecos have come up with an argument in support of their demand of no net neutrality that they have invested huge sum (in thousands of crores) to build network infrastructure and providing hassle free service like phone, sms and high speed mobile data connection (3G or 4G). Because of On-The-Top (OTT) services like WhatsApp, Viber or Skype (to name a few are using network infrastructure built by Telecos and causing loss of their income as users are not using services like call or SMS and instead use OTT services. OTT services are threat to conventional calls and SMS and more people are moving towards such OTT services making Telecos to undergo huge loss as they have invested and investing on Network infrastructure and maintenance. The fruits of telecos investment are taken away by OTT service providers making huge profits with little or zero investment. So Telecos are proposing for no net neutrality and planning for new services similar to existing OTT services by themselves and don’t let other OTT service providers to take away their investment.

On other hand popular OTT services are ready to pay hefty amounts to Telcos and make sure that only their service are made available to users easily dominating the OTT service or App market. In such scenario only establishments ready to pay hefty amounts will win the race and others will definitely lose. Other side of the coin is users will be forced only to use such OTT sevices having good deal with Telecos.

Both Telecos and popular OTT services are making huge profits. But the actual losers are the end users, medium and low business establishments and entrepreneurs. Same scenario happened to the general public in case of Direct to Home (DTH) operators few years back. Users were forced to pay for separate packs and all packs were available only for substantially high price. Intelligently Telecos and popular OTTs are trying to bring similar situation even with Internet usage as it has huge potential making users not to have any choices except using the ones provided by Telecos and OTT service providers by paying extra money.

Some cons of No Net Neutrality:

Telecos can control the access speed of OTT services or App or websites which are not in deal with them and divert users to the ones having deal with them.
Telecos can charge for accessing OTT services based on their wish as it will be like offering extra service apart from regular Internet. Customer need to pay both for Internet and added service.
OTTs can influence Telecos by paying hefty amounts to Telecos and make sure only their services are provided for free and with high speed to users.
Telecos can come up with new OTT services as similar to the existing ones and user will be forced to use such services.
Medium or low level establishments or entrepreneurs may lose or give up in race as they cannot pay hefty amounts to have a deal with telecos or to sustain without customers.

Internet has become and becoming part and parcel of our day to day life. Starting from the time we wake up to sleep and beyond. We are dependent on it from paying bills online to reserving travel tickets and many more at our convenience thorough Neutral Internet or Net Neutrality. By no net neutrality the healthy ecosystem of internet usage which still at growing stage in India will be definitely spoiled. Telecos are arguing they are in loss but they are not providing Internet service for free and charging high prices for a single Giga Byte (GB) of data and users are increasing for day usage by paying money. So no question arises about the loss to Telecos.

Internet is becoming inevitable and days are not so far that it will be added to our fundamental rights not only in India but all over the World. Concerned authorities should take the decision and make sure internet is available in neutral form to end users without any bias, control and restriction.

Online Special Entry Ticket & Darshan at Tirumala Temple

2015-01-11T19:11:00.000+05:30

With the recent introduction of online e-special entry darshan at Tirupati Tirumala temple, devotees need to book tickets online from temple website TTD Website. Tickets can be booked in fourteen days advance. It is quite simple and easy to book the tickets online. Combined with planned accommodation one can easily have darshan of Lord Venkatehswara or Balaji or Edukondalavada without much hassle in crowd especially if you are accompanying aged or children. I could visit Tirumala temple and could complete the darshan with in one hour including the time taken to receive Laddu at Laddu counters outside the temple.

Entrance to Tirumala hill

If you have online account in TTD Website, you can login to see the availability of tickets with slots available for darshan and book tickets or else you can create an account in few steps. Keep scanned copy your passport size photo and make sure that the picture size is less than 20KB (as TTD Website only allows pics of size less than 20KB).

Select the slot you like to have darshan based on your arrival time to Tirumala, please note that reporting time at Q counter for darshan is one hour before your actual darshan slot timing. So plan accordingly. A maximum of 6 members can only be booked on one ticket.

select the number of people and slot

Select the slot you like to have darshan, fill the details such name, address and importantly your ID card with number (don’t forget to carry the same id card as you enter in website as other id cards will not be allowed) Make sure that you have entered all the details correctly and proceed to payment. Internet banking is not allowed, you can book tickets only through credit or debit cards using any of the payment gateways available.

fill the name and other details

all persons photos will appear, you can proceed with payments further

Once the payment is successful (per person Rs. 300), you can print the ticket for the special entry darshan and the tickets will have the photographs of all the persons you have booked for that particular ticket. For children below 12 years tickets are not necessary. Take two copies of it as you have to give one at initial verification counter and the other at Laddu counters to get two laddus at free of cost per person.

free bus facility to commute from one place to other at Tirumala

you can take bus from bus stand to Vaikuntam Q complex free of cost

information center

entrance of special darshan queue, it need not be same place. You can ask anyone present there, they will guide you.

Notice to wear traditional dress

Don’t forget to wear traditional dress as sometimes the security at Gate may demand you to come in traditional dresses. I have seen people coming in normal pant and shirt also. But be prepared to enter in traditional dress as at last minute you cannot rush for traditional dresses.

Some suggestions:

Be on time near the Q – complex
Be sure about travel dates and time as tickets can not be cancelled or transferred or prepones or postponed
Don’t keep any electronic gadgets or pen drive or similar things which are not allowed inside temple premise and multi level checking are there
Keep bags in luggage rooms well in advance as huge Q may be there to deposit bags
Wear traditional dress
Use Andhra bank payment gateway if you are using maestro debit/credit cards

WiFi Internet at Bangalore Railway Station

2014-11-30T12:06:00.001+05:30

Life seems to be miserable without internet now a day with all gadgets surrounding us. Also, we can’t deny the fact that internet makes the life easier in all day to day activities from mobile recharge to purchasing grocery. To bridge the gap of waiting time for trains and to entertain passengers, railways has come with launching WiFi internet connections at railway stations. Initially the connection will be at selected stations and later to be extended in all stations and on trains.

RailTel, a government of India enterprise is providing broadband services at Railway station and also it is providing broadband internet services to the masses under the banner RailWire.

Anyone can register through this link providing mobile number. Automatic login screen pops as soon as it is connected to RailTel. If not open any link from browser.

I could experience the WiFi connection at Bangalore railway station on my phone. Connection speed is good. Registration and usage is simple and after 30 minutes free usage, recharge scratch cards has to be purchased from the WiFi help desk/counters at the cost of Rs. 35 per hour and Rs. 25 for half an hour. Additional usage cards can be purchased online itself.

Username and password will be provided through SMS

continue using Internet without any hassle for next 30 minutes free of cost

How to Open & Operate PPF account online through SBI Internet Banking

2014-10-03T13:56:00.001+05:30

Public Provident Fund (PPF) account is the Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) and Income Tax exempted (under section 88 of IT Act) deposit scheme offered to general public. An individual in his/her own name or on behalf of a minor can open this account. Few nationalized banks, private sector banks and post office can open and maintain public provident fund accounts. But only few banks like State Bank of India (SBI) and ICICI banks offer facilities to open, maintain and operate PPF account through online banking. Don’t confuse Public Provident Fund (PPF) account with Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account, both are entirely different.

It is easy to open PPF account online through SBI Net banking. Once the application is made for PPF account online, visit the branch where you are having SB account with the printout of application of PPF account and a copy of identity proof and address proof as it is mandatory to have completed KYC for PPF accounts. Verifying documents bank will open the PPF account and issue separate passbook for PPF account.

from e-services tab, select New PPF account to get application form for PPF account. Default address of account will be taken same as your SB account address

take print out of submitted application form and submit it to the branch

you can view balance and other information of PPF account as you view other accounts

PPF account will be mapped in your SBI internet banking login within few hours. You can view and operate it online. You can transfer funds to PPF account using funds transfer to own account option from payments/transfer tab.

You can transfer money to PPF account using Funds transfer to Own account option

How to see who likes your Facebook page

2014-09-23T09:28:00.000+05:30

Having Facebook page for every event or brand is common now a days. But with the recent updates on Facebook page policy, it has become difficult to see who likes your Facebook page. It is not possible to easily see who likes your page from likes options as it only shows the count of number of people liking your people(as shown in picture).

Can't see who likes the page except the count of likes

To see who likes your page go to page likes on right side of screen you will see an option, Page Likes, click it and then select see all so that you can see all who likes your page.

Can see all who likes your Facebook page

Even by this you can’t see all people liking your page as few set their privacy settings such that what they like will not be visible to others. If they are friends to you and if you login to Facebook page then you can see all who likes your page.

Shri Vinayaka Temple, Idagunji, Honnavar

2014-09-08T18:58:00.001+05:30

Shree Vinayaka temple, Idagunji is one of the popular temples of Karnataka attracting devotees all over the world. The temple is in Idagunji village and the legend dates back to the pre historic times. Idagunji is situated at a distance of fifteen kilometers from Honnavar, a small coastal town on the banks of Arabian Sea. On the Honavar - Bhatkal national highway before Mavinakatte (around 17 kms from Honnavar), there is a turn on left side with an arch of Idagunji temple. From the arch the temple is four kilometers away.

Lord Vinayaka's picture taken from temple website

Necessary things for performing rituals are available at temple office in the temple premise and also in the outside shops. Temple also has lodging facility at a very nominal rate but rooms are few and for better lodging facilities one can stay at Honnavar or Murudeshwara. Idagunji also has a sabha bhavana where marriages and functions can be arranged. Temple has arranged for free meals in the Mayura Bhojanalaya building everyday at free of cost.

Many people visit Idagunji with a belief that the God Vinayaka solves all kind of problems. Almost all people of this region visits this temple before proceeding for any celebration like marriage, house warming ceremony etc. in their family to take the blessings of Lord Vinayaka.

Visit the website, www.idagunjidevaru.com giving more information on temple, maintained by one of the devotees of Lord Vinayaka staying in USA.

Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple

2014-08-07T12:04:00.000+05:30

Kanipakam Vinayaka temple or Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is in the vicinity of Chittoor city. Even though the temple is very old, it came into light in the recent time attracting devotees from many places. Many on the way back from Tirupati will visit Kanipakam to get blessings of Lord Ganesha. Kanipakam has Manikanteshwara temple and Sri Varada Raja Swami Temple.

Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple

Temple premises

Temple entrance

Temple legend says that Ganesha idol was first observed in a well and small in size. Over a period of time the size of idol is being increasing. The water of well is being given as theertham to the devotees and water in well overflows during rainy season. Temple timings is from morning 4:00AM to 9:30PM in the night, in between various special poojas can be performed by the devotees.

Temple Tank

Shiva in the adjacent park

different postures of Lord Ganesha

Temple tank in front of temple has Ganesha idol in middle and it adds beauty to the gopuram. The park adjacent to Manikanteshwara temple has Lord Shiva and different postures of Lord Ganesha. Frequent buses and shared auto rickshaws are available from Chittoor to Kanipakam.

New Way to get Quick Tatkal Ticket on IRCTC

2014-06-27T11:31:00.002+05:30

Tatkal tickets are quite difficult to get online and most of the time the ticket reservation will not be done even though the money will be deducted from our bank account. IRCTC has provided light version with few links not getting loaded during the Tatkal time but still getting ticket is difficult. I got the error page as soon as I gave user name and password.

error page I got on www.irctc.co.in

Here is the work around to get the Tatkal tickets quickly. Recently IRCTC has introduced the new generation ticketing system which gets loaded quickly and has new interface. Even though it is meant to book only the e-ticket (not i-ticket also), we can book Tatkal ticket also with little tricks. I thought of testing it during Tatkal time and it worked fine.

new login page using the new link

new interface of e-ticketing system

Use this link www.nget.irctc.co.in to open the new ticketing system interface providing user name, password and captcha image shown. Provide the source and destination stations and day of travel as next day as you are looking for Tatkal ticket. Search the trains and once the list is displayed, select Tatkal and click on the class of train you are looking for. You can easily proceed with the link and book the tickets. Only drawback is the net banking facility of few major banks are not available through the net banking facility link.

select Tatkal as shown in red box instead of default selected General

Tatkal tickets availability

payment system

I could easily login during Tatkal hours on Friday and could even book a ticket. Hope the site works with the same speed in future too!

Belur Math and Dakshineshwar Kali Temple

2014-06-26T12:14:00.000+05:30

We visited Belur math taking direct train from Howrah junction. The journey was of just twenty minutes and it is near to the entrance of Belur math. It is the main Monasetry of Ramakrsihna order It is really inspiring to see the museum nicely arranged museum, having collection of belongings and things used by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sharada Devi, Swami Vivekananda and other disciples. Apart from museum, Belur math campus is having temples of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sharada Devi and Swami Vivekananda.

Entrance of Belur Math

Sri Ramakrishna vidya mandir

Sri Sharada Devi Temple

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa temple

Even the campus has the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Quarters for the staff, Math office and also the guest houses. Museum will be closed on Mondays and few special days. Belur Math visiting hours is Morning 6:00AM to 11:30AM and evening 4:00PM to 7:00PM during the months of April to September and morning 6:30AM to 11:30AM and evening 3:30PM to 6:00PM during the months of October to March.

From Belur Math one can take boat service to reach Dakshineshwar to visit Kali Mandir situated on the banks of Hooghly River.

way to boat service to Dakshineshwar

view of Belur Math from boat

view of Belur Math

Kali Mandir entrance

Kali Mandir building

Kali Mandir

Kali Mandir is famous for its association with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The temple premise has twelve identical Shivalinga and Radha-Krishna temple adjacent to Goddess Kali shrine.

Calcutta - Howrah and Victoria Memorial Hall

2014-05-06T10:55:00.000+05:30

It was my first visit to Kolkata (also known as Calcutta). Having heard a lot about it and its contribution to Science I was thinking to visit this place at least once. The first thing I noticed coming out of Howrah railway station is Howrah Bridge connecting Howrah and Calcutta.

Howrah Bridge connecting Kolkata and Howrah

Also went for a ferry ride from Howrah to Calcutta - Babughat. It was a nice trip seeing the side by buildings. Visited nearby market but being Sunday most of the shops were closed except street vendors.

By afternoon went to explore Victoria Memorial Hall built in memory of Queen Victoria. One can witness the huge collection of things belonging to Historic times. Also, the information about all the Vice Roys’ ruled India for almost two hundred years can be found there.

Victoria Memorial

Procession depicted in Bronze

Victoria Memorial

Interior of Victoria Memorial Hall

outside view from Victoria Memorial Hall

Without much time to explore anything returned back with Rasgulla, special milk made sweet of West Bengal.

Google AdSense Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for Indian Publishers

2014-04-30T20:29:00.000+05:30

Google recently started Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) for AdSense publishers in India. It is very easy and hassle free process of getting payments from Google. I was quite disappointed earlier as I couldn’t get physical cheque twice as once I was out of station even though the courier guy informed about it and other time the post man didn’t inform about the cheque arrival as I gave address where bluedart courier has no service. Google sends cheque through speed post in the places where bluedart courier doesn’t provide service. But with new system for Indian AdSense publishers can easily get their money in the bank accounts directly without any head ache of presenting the cheque for clearance and wait. Also, it is possible to get the payment from Google AdSense even though your bank branch doesn’t have a SWIFT code which is mandatory for foreign currency transfers.

Just follow these steps so that you can get your AdSense account upgraded to the new payment system and get payments easily.

Step 1: Get your AdSense account upgraded

AdSense earlier had opened the wire transfer for only few publishers as beta version and now it is available for all publishers. Anyone interested in getting money through EFT can upgrade accounts. Login to AdSense home page and in payments page select hold payments. You need not inform anyone about this. Your account will be upgraded automatically.

Step 2:

Keep calm and don’t worry till you receive email from AdSense informing you about the account update and new payment system. The schedule of updating accounts in India is not mentioned by Google AdSense and it will be surely upgraded on 16^th of any month provided you have put self-hold on your payment any time in between 17^th of previous month to 15^th of current month.

Step 3:

After you receive mail, login to your AdSense account again go to payment and select ‘Add a New form of Payment’, fill your account details, Name, Account Number, Branch IFSC code and SWIFT code. If your bank branch is not having a direct SWIFT code, you can give SWIFT code of any nearby branch or treasury branch having SWIFT code of same bank. You can get assistance from bank staff regarding SWIFT code. No need of adding Intermediate bank details. You will get a mail as soon as you save the details of account selecting it as primary form of payment.

Once the payments are made you will get a mail and amount will be credited to your bank account within ten working days excluding holidays. If your bank makes you calls regarding the purpose code of the transaction inform that it is ‘P1007’ provided by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for reporting Forex Transaction receipt purposes.

If you want to change the Account details you have provided you can’t do it directly by deleting the existing account details. Go to payments, again add a new form of payment and after providing details select it as primary form of payment. Later you can delete the old account details.

Maintaining Relation-Ships

2014-04-23T13:09:00.000+05:30

I don’t know much about the accidental or incidental comparison of relationship with ship. But both have similarity if no proper care is not taken both will sink. Observing my friends and their relationships being committed as natural with age, I could understand and analyze a little about relationships. With the time few relationships could survive and few vanished with major damage mentally and physically. The relationships started to spend time together and enjoy ended up hating each other with a resolve not to meet or contact for eternity.

Two chats happened between a guy and a girl at the beginning of their relationship and after the years sailing in relationship just to understand how the things turn up.

At the beginning:

Guy: How was your day?

Girl: It was good. Went out with friends. Had Dosa at Vidhyarthi Bhavan. How about you?

Guy: It was cool. Wish I could join you for Dosa

Girl: Sure. Next Time. What else?

Guy: Am going to sleep. Talk to you tomorrow. Bye

Girl: Sure. Bye. Tc

After few year(s) or so:

Guy: How was your day?

Girl: As usual routine. Nothing much.

Guy: It seems you had been to lunch outside. I saw your FB update (tagged by someone) Who are they? You never mentioned about them to me. I thought you will tell.

Girl: Yeah! It was planned all of a sudden.

Guy: Guess you are not interested to talk to me like earlier.

Girl: Nothing as such.

Guy: Then?

Girl: Nothing much. Am tired, talk to you tomorrow. Bye

Guy: I want answer for my question. You are ignoring me.

After ten minutes

Guy: Guess you don’t want to speak…

Guy: …

The relationship turned into fights and later with a break up. The above communication can happen exactly reverse between a Guy and a Girl.

If we observe closely there is no mistake of Guy and Girl. In the beginning of relationship both used to spend hours talking and sharing about nothing. But later when nothing is actually there to talk except the routine and if the other person is not in a position to explain the situation he or she is in. The irritation or the feeling of negligence or avoidance peeps in. A wonderful relationship kept for year(s) turns sore and seems unwanted.

What can be done to avoid sinking of relationships?

Better to discuss and know where the relationship is heading towards
Not to point out earlier fights or bad memories
Try to understand and respect others space and situation. Tomorrow you can be in such situation too
Understanding that each individual requires a private space even if they are in relationship

It takes years to grow and maintain relationship like building a ship but to sink it takes just minutes.

Ahobilam Temples and Trekking

2014-04-04T12:23:00.000+05:30

Visiting Ahobilam is an enriching experience. It not only requires devotion but also the strength to visit all the nine Narasimha temples spread across lower and upper Ahobilam. Visiting all these temples in a day is quite difficult and two days are sufficient to see all temples including Ugrasthambham leisurely. Planning in advance for staying at Ahobilam is necessary as days of Swathi Nakshatra and Brahmotsavam attract huge crowd. Lower Ahobilam has guest house maintained by Ahobilam mutt and as well as private ones. Upper Ahobilam has a small guest house maintained by some community. Lunch is provided for all by this community Anna sathram at free of cost. Ahobilam can be reached from Allagadda, it takes forty minutes to reach Ahobilam and first bus starts at 5:00 AM. The last bus to Allagadda from Ahobilam is at 8:30PM.

Upper Ahobilam Narasimha Swami Temple

view from Upper Ahobilam

Bhairava cave

Upper Ahobilam has Ahobila Narasimha Swami, Varaha or Kroda or Krodakara Narasimha Swami, Malola Narasimha Swami, Jwala Narasimha Swami and Paavana Narasimha Swami Temples. Upper Ahobilam also has Ugrasthambham and Prahlada Gudi which are not counted in the nine Narasimha temples. Ugrasthambham is the place where Lord Narasimha is believed to come out of the pillar to kill demon Hiranyakashyapu as described in Hindu mythology. Lower Ahobilam has Yogananda Narasimha Swami, Chatravata Narasimha Swami and Bhargava Narasimha Swami Temples. On the way to Lower Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam Karanja Narasimha Swami temple is present next to main road. Distance from Lower Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam is eight kilometers.

back side entrance of Ahobilam temple, closed always

way to other temples at Upper Ahobilam

It is better to start early in the morning as rocks gets heat by noon making it bit difficult to trek. Most of the path is with rocks and steep at few places making it necessary to climb with the help of rocks. Make sure that you carry enough water as there is no source of water from Varaha Narasimha Swami temple to Jwala Narasimha Swami temple. Also, there is no water source at Ugrasthambham which takes two hours of moderate to difficult trek. From Ugrasthambham once can take the same path to come back to the starting point of trek or can take alternate path. Alternate path is not much steep and it is a simple trek of six kilometers.

near the junction to take left or right path

entire route map of Ahobilam both Upper and Lower Ahobilam

Kroda Narasimha Swami

We started our trek from Upper Ahobilam Narasimha Swami temple. Just next to the temple there is a path for going to other temples at Upper Ahobilam. Crossing small bridge made of wooden pieces and walking a little we will get a junction with way to left and right. Take the left one to visit Kroda Narasimha Swami, Malola Narasimha Swami, Jwala Narasimha Swami temples and Ugrasthambham. Take right one with steps to visit Paavana Narasimha Swami Temple.

on the way to Jwala Narasimha Swami

on the way to Jwala Narasimha Swami, this bridge also takes to Malola Narasimha Swami temple

just spot the bridge seen in two pics above

We took the left path reached Kroda Narasimha Swami temple and started to Jwala Narasimha Swami temple as we were planning to visit Malola Narasimha Swami temple while coming back taking the alternate path. It took around two hours to reach Jwala Narasimha Swami Temple from Kroda Narasimha Swami temple and two more hours to reach Ugrasthambham from Jwala Narasimha Swami temple. Don’t plan to stay uphill as there is no possibility with narrow paths and no plane surface.

Jwala Narasimha Swami Temple

Jwala Narasimha

tasty water on the top of hill near Jwala Narasimha temple

Malola Narasimha Swami Temple

We visited Malola Narasimha Swami temple on the way back and on the trek we experienced many scenic places. It was almost 4’0 clock by the time we came back to Ahobilam, the place we started. Had nice lunch at Sathram and relaxed for the day going to lower Ahobilam.

way to Ugrasthambham

Ugrasthambham

Next day we started early to Upper Ahobilam and from there to Paavana Narasimha Swami temple. Except the initial seven hundred odd steps climbing, the trek was simple and took almost two hours to reach temple. We also visited Chenchu Lakshmi temple just near to Paavana Narasimha Swami temple. We started back and reached Ahobilam starting point by lunch time. Having lunch at Sathram we started to other temples visiting Karanja Narasimha Swami temple on the way to Lower Ahobilam as other temples are in Lower Ahobilam itself.

We visited other Narasimha swami temples at lower Ahobilam hiring an Auto rickshaw. We could return with pleasure and satisfaction of having darshan of all Nava Narasimha temples. Later we visited Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple at Lower Ahobilam, it is not included in the list of nine Narasimha temples.

view of Ahobila temple from alternate path

On first day, we visited Ahobila Narasimha Swami, Varaha Narasimha Swami, Malola Narasimha Swami, Jwala Narasimha Swami and Ugrasthambham all at Upper Ahobilam.

One second day, we visited Paavana Narasimha Swami at Upper Ahobilam, Karanja Narasimha Swami on the way to Lower Ahobilam from Upper Ahobilam. Yogananda Narasimha Swami, Chatravata Narasimha Swami and Bhargava Narasimha Swami Temples at Lower Ahobilam.

Paavana Narasimha Swami Temple

Karanja Narasimha Swami Temple

Yogananda Narasimha Swami

Chatravata Narasimha Swami Temple

Bhargava Narasimha Swami Temple

Temple at Lower Ahobilam

It is up to you to hire a guide or not. It is not necessary to hire a guide we felt as path is not much confusing. We can take help from temple priests. Only place where we may feel little confused is near the small bridge (blue in color) on the way to Jwala Narasimha Swami temple from Kroda Narasimha Swami temple. If you take the bridge you will reach Malola Narasimha Swami, if you are coming back the same way we can take the bridge to reach Malola Narasimha Swami temple instead of going till Kroda Narasimha Swami temple. Paavana Narasimha temple can be reached by road by hiring a jeep from Lower Ahobilam itself.

Three years of Blogging: 249 posts and 2,00,000 Visitors

2014-03-31T11:57:00.000+05:30

Days are just passing, only to be realized by approaching the milestones. This time it is one of such mile stones making this blog a year older than before. I couldn't update the blog frequently in the last year but could post only a few travelogues.

Visitors to the blog have increased three folds compared to the last year. Last year visitors count was 51,000 (that was at the end of second year). Now it has crossed 200,000 visitors. It was possible only because of you. I am happy that I have written something useful so that you are visiting my site.

Writing has just become a dream for me as I can’t write as much as I want to write with day to day activities taking much of the time. I wish I could write on a regular basis here after!

Thank you very much or your visit and I look forward for your valuable suggestions.