Ayodhya adventure

Got into Bangalore Indigo flight yesterday from Lucknow. Had a sandwich from Subway. Thought of having a coffee in the flight. As flight took off, an airhostess came. I asked for coffee. She said along with some tit bits it will come to ₹200. Just wanted coffee so politely refused though I did need a coffee badly. Just had a glass of water and started dozing off. Heard someone behind . It was an air hostess standing with a coffee glass. Asked her was it ₹200 she smiled and said It is from me. Pleasantly surprised to see it was a big glass full of coffee. Thanked her for her kindness. Posting about my adventure in Ayodhya. Had told Reena of my desire to visit Aayodhya. She said she will speak to Piyush and inform. Said distance is 2 kms. She informed that I can start early morning at 6.30 on 4th as going on 5th may not be safe as I had to catch my flight at 4.50 pm that day. Since it was a night wedding on 4th it would be the best time. Since it was a night wedding on 4th it would be the best time. Got a good friend, my room mate a close friend of Reena, Chennai based but settled in Chicago. She had just completed 50. She was having an upset stomach so quietly left her sleeping and went down at 6.30 am as Piyush had said he made all arrangements and informed the cab driver. Got a good friend, my room mate a close friend of Reena, Chennai based but settled in Chicago. She had just completed 50. She was having an upset stomach so quietly let he sleeping and went down at 6.30 am as Piyush had said he made all arrangements and informed the cab driver. Getting no call from cab driver I went down to reception and found a cab waiting outside. Went towards it and asked the driver. He just nodded his head. Had read that no big bags or mobile were allowed inside temple. So had taken a small purse and left all cards including my aadhar card. I kept on asking the driver if Piyush had given all information regarding temple visit. He kept silent. I was doubtful and asked his name. He said Arif. I panicked as the driver was supposed to be Raju. So I called Piyush and asked. He said no issue Arif will take you safely. So crossed my fingers and went along. He kept talking to a person. We reached Ayodhya in exactly 2 hrs. The person he was talking to was given direction to the place where we were standing. It was basement car park. The person came and was waiting across the road. Arif helped me cross the busy road. The person called Vijay turned out to be the guide. Arif helped me cross the busy road. The person called Vijay turned out to be the guide. He asked me whether I preferred an auto or his motor bike for the journey. He said if motor bike it is easy to navigate on narrow winding roads. So I opted for the bike. Not having sat on nike for a long time, I felt a bit dizzy. Noticing it Vinay asked me to hold the back handle with one hand and to place the other hand on his shoulder. So after getting the grip, it was easy to move on the bike. The narrow paths were full of stones with ups and downs. Luckily I was able to hold on to dear life thanks to Vijay's efficient manoeuvring. He took me to all the nooks and corners of the popular temples and mahals of Ayodhya. A huge hall connected to Chaitanya had beautiful idols of Shree Ram, Seetha. Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman. He said those who wrote Jai Shree Ram on books came and deposited the copies here. Went to a river called Ramji ka padi Or something. Then went towards River Sarayu. A beautiful river where people were bathing. Vijay told me to go and immerse my feet. I felt quite afraid going down on the muddy mounds. But Vijay helped me to immerse my feet and pay obeisance. I was quite uneasy not having carried my aadhar. With hope in my heart and prayers, I went through my saved photos on mobile. After a long search I found my aadhar photo. When we drove in near temple premises, Vijay said be tter take a wheel chair for quick and easy darshan. I said I can walk. He mentioned if you walk you have to stand in queue and it may take time. You may be late in returning. When we drove in near temple premises, Vijay said be tter take a wheel chair for quick and easy darshan. I said I can walk. He mentioned if you walk you have to stand in queue and it may take time. You may be late in returning. I went to the wheel chair counter and was asked for aadhar. So showed the aadhar I had on mobile. Payment for wheel chair was to be paid to the helper. I went to the wheel chair counter and was asked for aadhar. So showed the aadhar I had on mobile. Payment for wheel chair was to be paid to the helper. I was asked to deposit my mobile at counter. The mobile was kept under livk and key and the key given to me. Vijay told me to proceed and he will be waiting near counter. There were lots of seats. I sat on the wheel chair and the helper wheeled it in full force. He was speeding leaving behind the queue on the other side. Wheel chairs had a different path. He then stopped at a place took my slippers and put both his and mine in a bag and kept in place provided. He wheeled back and again in full force went thtough temple premises with winding paths where the inside were all marble with beautiful artwork on pillars all depicting scenes from The Ramayana. He said they were all hand sculpted. Truly masterpieces. He waited for other wheel chairs to move ahead. As usual I went to my world. Good thing I came back to my senses with a jerk and right in front some feet away stood the beautiful idol of Ram Lalla. With his mesmerizing smile and kind look I was captivated. Good thing I was able to get a good darshan. The helper too had not noticed I was in my world oblivious of everything. I did get to have a darshan in time before the wheel chair was wheeled way. What surprised me no security to chase you away. One can. stay and have a good darshan. I do feel fortunate and blessed. The young helper on the long way, the route to the temple was pretty long, went on narrating incidences from The Ramayana making the journey interesting. The paths were full of monkeys. There were monkeys on trees and buildings. So it was the journey back. The fare was 150 but paid him ₹300 for keeping me entertained. Again got back on bike to get to the car park. Vijay was a really good guide narrating all instances of Ramayana whichever place we went. So thanked him and got into the cab. It was around 2pm. As I was going with Vijay in the morning, I was happy when he said he had left home without nasta. I was also hungry and also wanted to use the washroom. We came to a really decent Udipi hotel. The washroom was very neat and clean. I ordered upma and Vijay wanted poha. So after breakfast and washing it down with a cup of masala chai the journey resumed. Was back in hotel by around 4. Enough time to dress and go for the wedding rituals. Forgot to mention journey to Hanuman gali. It was crowded. So Vijay asked me to just pray from outside. As I stood praying touts came saying pay 1100 and you can get darshan in 10 mins. As I stood wondering Vijay told all cheats and not to encourage. So I got on bike and we left the place. The whole of Ayodhya roads were full of monkeys. One literally came under the wheels of a car. Baby monkeys too were all over.

Tribute to a Legend

Death knocked on the door of a saintly human being when least expected, and whisked him away to a place full of light and peace leaving humanity and institutions an orphan. A father figure to the rich as well as the poor, lending a helping hand to those who approached, His sole motto simple living and high thinking. The true jewel of India her Anmol Ratan.

Feel of Music

Music soothes the savage heart is a well known saying. Music has no barriers. Music lovers love music whether the lyrics are understood by them or not. A film without music may endear to people because of its strong storyline, but a movie with melodious music whether it is a hit or a flop, the viewers will certainly remember the songs with its enchanting music. A housewife can do her monotonous work with renewed energy with music on. Tiny tots love the nursery rhymes on audio or video combined with melodious music. People love going to classical music concerts especially in Chennai during the Margazhi masam when all auditoriams are fully booked for such concerts. Technology has made life musical, whether it is a mobile or a computer. There was an incident where a cow used to give more milk by listening to a particular song. Music has not only won over human beings but also animals. It is difficult to come across people who do not like music. Listening to devotional music soothes one's mind and soul A musician who became immortal with her devotion and contribution to Indian music is late Srimati MS Subhalakshmi reflecting the divinity of her soul.. Who can forget the nightingale Lata Mangeshkar? Olden days songs are still enjoyed and variations made by the young generation. Music in all languages can be enjoyed even if language is not known. The platform Indian Idol is a boost to the highly talented singers, even small children. Really feel sad for the talented street singers who in spite of their talent is not able to achieve recognition. My ardent desire is for them not to remain unsung heros. If a child is talented in singing, parents are to encourage and develop the child's talent. There are lucky singers as well as unlucky ones who have reached dizzy heights through sheer will power and perseverance. Indeed said -Music is manna from heaven.

Tirpathi Miracle

Another adventure. It was more than three years that I had pledged to donate my hair to Lord Balaji. My niece said there were senior citizen package where darshan is within 45 mins. Chanced to see a Balaji Tour package provided by Seabird Tourist. Called them and was informed that I was to book a month in advance.I was supposed to book on June 15 for July 15 trip. Requested on Whatsapp to remind me on June 15 since I may forget to contact. On June 14 I contacted the travels and wa shocked and surprised to get message that there was a seat for June 15. It was a miracle and I immediately made my booking. The boarding was at 10.30 pm. at Gandinagar quite far away from my place. Booked a cab at 7 feeling anxious about Bangalore traffic. The driver a very helpful man and told me the address was not proper and will take me to the address I said. Dropped me at the venue and left. It took only 1 and half hr to reach. Went to the office and showed my ticket. The receptionist looked at it and said my boarding was from a different branch. Luckily I was early. A staff arranged an auto for me with instructions. Got down at the venue. Showed by booking and was told bus is an hr late. I got the bus number. Walked into the waiting room welcmed by the sweet fragrance of insence. On a TV placed inside , there were images of Lord Balaji and his consort Goddess Padmavati being showed. It was a divine feeling. As it was time for dinner, placed my bag and went out in search of a hotel. Fortunately found one at a short diatance. Walked in and ordered a plate of vada. Was told no sambar, only chutney. I said OK. Took the token and gave at counter. Was surprised to see sambar served and thanked the staff at the counter. After washing down with a hot cup of coffee, I went back to the office. It was sometime later than the passangers started puring in and soon the whole room was houseful.There were also youngsters as well as sr citizens. Soon a family consisting of a young husband, his wife and baby with another person entered. Never knew the husband, wife and the other person were in fact angels sent to protect me. Lord Balaji's grace. Thet were also travelling by the same bus as it was the same bus number. Saw buses coming and going.Went to ask about my bus and was told will be coming soon.After a long wait at 12am the bus came. I sat on my alloted seat. The young husband came and asked if there was anyone sitting beside me. I said I was travelling alone.What he said warmed my heart. He said Don't worry I am your son and till you u reach Tirupathi and back to Bangalore, you are under my care. His wife too looked at me and smiled. I came to know he too was donating his hair as well as his 9 month year old baby's. I was very happy to know I was having company. It was a good hotel we were taken to. I had my own room to freshen up in one hour to have darshan. The bus though having started late was early. We had arrived at 5am. Aftr a suptuous complimentary breakfast, and leaving my bag in the luggage room, we went to board bus. Soon the people donating hair were seperated and made to travel by another vehicle. I stuck to my new friends. After donating hair and a warm head bath we got into the bus and had to have a securuty check. I could not see the family so went alone. The wife saw me and asked me where I had gone as they were all seraching for me.. After visiting Varaha temple which was jam packed, we walked to lord Balaji Shrine. The guide had given us instructions and a slip with number and venue to meet if anyone got lost. The young husband gave instructions to the other person (I came to know was his BIL) that he has to be with me and not let me go alone. Hewas my bodygaurd staying with me, even in the crowd, he used to keep an eye on me. Though it was quite a difficult darshan, i was blessed to have the darshan amidst the teeming crowd. When walking on the premises to the temple, the scorching path literaaly brought blisters under my feet. I was feeling heplpless jumping in pain holding on to mt angel's hand. The 50 rupees bottle of water bought for drinking I used to pour on my feet to cool it. It was getting late. Luckily Sr citizens were given laddus soon. When we came to the venue the wife looked panicky asking us why we were so late. The husband came and said he had already gone to the place 10 times in search of us. The reason was we had taken the wrong line and darshan was late. We were supposed to have a complimentary lunch. As no one had lunch . the driver said dinner was packed and kept on seats. We were all tired. As I got into my saet the young husband came inviting me to the back seat where they were having dinner. He said it will be easy to serve. So I went and sat with the. It was like family with the wife serving dinner and coaxing me to eat. I was supposed to get down at the boarding venue when Madhavan, the husband's name told me the last stop was IPTL. nevr heard of the name and was getting panicky as it would be late night. Madhavan was getting down at Indira Ngar. Seeing my woebegone face he went to the conducter to enquire. I saw him taliking to a passangar. He came to me and said the passanger with his wife too is going to electronic city and I can join them. It was God sent. But they too were getting down at Indira Nagar. Soon all of us got down at Indira Nagar. I had called up my son asking him to inform the security as it was an odd hr. Madhavan courteously invited us to his house as it was so late. But the other passanger refused politely. Soon an ola auto came. I told thhem to find out if the driver can drop me after dropping them,The driver was willing and said 400 extra.I said no problem. What shocked me was when the auto crossed electronic city and went all the way to my address and dropped me at my gate. I asked the couple they should not have bothered when the wife said it it late so a little help on their part. I thanked them and paid the driver. Was happy to see the gate open and the securuty all awake and waiting. It is because of such positive minded people that the world survives. Madavan was indeed Madhavan to me. All Lord Balaji's blessings.

The Great Train Adventure

My Trissur adventure. Great adventure again, my belief in God strengthened. Went to my friend Remani's house on way to station to board the Bangalore express. After having a lovely lunch and tea later, she called auto to drop me at the station. She assured me that she and the driver will help with the luggage if no porter around. luckily a porter was soon located. so Remani left. the porter told me to take the stairs as he will be crossing over to platform from the track. I came down and saw my luggage neatly piled on the luggage cart but no porter around. An elderly gentleman seeing me uneasy said not to worry and that he will come on time. I got up and began pacing up and down. Soon a lady came and sat beside me. We got chatting. Luggage too was more. My 3 months stay in Guruvayoor clothes plus things purchased and given by my relative. She lessened my tension saying her brothers in law will help if porter did not come. Luckily she too was travelling by the same AC coach. The train arrival was announced.I saw the train chugging into the station. My heart was beating fast. Then I saw the porter rushing, picked up my luggage and neatly placed them under the seat. He left. The TT came checked my ticket and announced that I was sitting in the wrong coach as my coach was B4 and I was in B3. I Was at a loss when the lady I met at the station told me to go to my coach and she will take care of my luggage. A couple, a witty Muslim husband with his charming Hndu wife assured me that my luggage will be safe. He would have helped to carry my luggage but his backache was bad. I asked if my luggage will be a problem. He told me no problem and if any precious. items inside. I told him lot of clothes that he can take. All were laughing. There was a charming young girl who said she too will be getting down at the last stn I was getting down. Truly, felt wonderful. The lady whom I befriended asked the girl to take my no. to contact. Along with a heavy bag kept on the berth I left for my coach. Realised I had forgotten my water bottle, so went to collect. As I came back an elderly man was looking for me. When he saw me he pointed to a mobile lying on the seat. I was shocked when I saw that it was mine. Now the problem was the direction. I had lost track of where B3 was. So kept asking all Tom, Dick and Harry where B3 was. Then asked a chai wala who brough this ware at 5 .30 am. Bought a cup and sat wondering if I should call Sheen , the girl whose no. was with me. The train was supposed to reach at 6.40 am. I thought I should not trouble Sheen so early. Did not want to carry my bag not knowing which direction to go. But when lights were on for passangers to get down at 5.30 am, I walked both direction looking under berths for my luggage. In my anxiety I thought my luggage was not anywhere. But a good morning walk I had. When it was 6.15, I called Sheen and she assured me that luggage was safe. I tried my luck and went to the direction shown and was very happy to see Sheen waiting to use the restroom. She had not seen me. Now sure about direction. I picked up my bag and proceeded to B3. Sheen saw me and smiled saying she will come soon. When I approached the berth I found my luggage all taken out from under the berth and placed in a way that it was easy for me to carry. Sheen and the husband and wife had gone out of their way to see that I did not have any problem. Their station came and as they were getting down. I thanked them and blessed them from the bottom of my heart. Sheen told me she will place my luggage near the door. I told her not to worry and leave. I was hoping against hope to get a porter. When stn came Sheet placed my box on the platform and was going to take the other box when a hand appeared and placed my luggage down. I looked at Sheen in surprise. She too looked surprised. I found my voice and asked him if he was a porter. He nodded his head. Sheen left. The porter placed two suitcases on his head and some bagss on this shoulder and began walking fast. I found it difficult to catch up with him. He climed up the stairs also in speed. I could locate him as the boxes could be seen. Soon we reached down. To my glee a cab driver asked me if I needed a cab. The cab driver and porter placed my luggage in the dicky. It was sheer pleasure to be safe in the car and to cool my heels. Soon we reached home. The driver drove into the driveway, parked the cab near the lift. He put down my luggage. Then proceeded to carry them and place near lift. I told him to leave but he waited for lift, placed my luggage inside and left. It is because of such positive minded people that the world survives.