Thursday, May 7, 2009

May 6 Pradosham Pancheshti Visit




Sri Natrajan Gurukkal








Ista Lingam and Rajamani Gurukkal


















































Yesterday was Pradosham,and we visited an ancient Shiva temple at Panchesti,30kms from Chennai Padi Junction.The temple is called Sri Anandavalli Sametha Agatheeshwarar tirukovil.Since sage Agastiar conducted five yagas here,the village is known as Pancheshti.This temple was built during the reign of the Vijayanagar empire,by the Chandragiri dynasty.The Goddess was decked in all her finery with kumkum filled on the durga yanthra in front of her.Her icon here has three eyes and is made of Maragadam(emerald stone).She has her left foot forward indicating destruction of evil forces.Lord Agastheeshwarar is a Swayambu Linga and is resting on a square base.

Doing Anna Dhanam here is considered very fruitful, because the great sage Agastya muni considered Anna Dhanam as one of the yagnas.It is beleived that Anna Dhanam done in this temple will mitigate the suffering and bring back lost possessions and positions.Very relevant during times of recession!.This will also facilitate the flow of good karma in this lifetime.There is also an Ista lingam in the Northern corner of the shrine and is considered a wish fulfilling one.I must thank Sri Rajamani Gurukkal and his father Sri Natrajan Gurukkal for explaining in detail the history of the temple.Sri Natrajan Gurukkal is 80 plus years old and has rendered 65 years of service to the temple.We took his blessings.It was indeed a memorable visit.Cant wait to go back.Can contact Sri P.N.Rajamani Gurukkal at 9444220780 for more details.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

MRI-NIRVANA

This morning went for an MRI scan of my back.It was such a lousy experience.For starters it was claustrophobic and it was so noisy.I had to stay still without moving.What an awful experience.That moment in the dungeon,I recalled the icon of Vaitheeshwaran linga,located at Poonamalee.I pushed my brain to convert the constant drone of the machine into sounding like ram ram.I recalled the icon of Veera Anjaneyar at Mylapore.These icons gave me the strength to pull through the tedium.So I guess faith and the externalization of faith the icons are there for us to tap our inner preserves of strength.Well,I know all I'm talking about is just an MRI,but I did not like it one bit.So thanx to all the icons my mind had to draw from to steady itself.

Monday, April 6, 2009

The Best Sapad in town












I would recommend Krishna Restaurant 's South Indian Thali.The sapad here is wholesome and economical and pure vegetarian.This afternoon's menu was eriseri,thair pachadi,dal,dhaniya rasam,sambar,malabar aviyal,potato curry,thick yogurt,pineapple halwa,pooris and rice.All this in unlimited quantity.They also just pour lots of ghee into the rice.The pickles and sundaka vetha kolambu is kept ready on the table to dig in.The thali is priced at Rs 72,which is quite affordable.The food tastes great just like home made meals.At the end of it all they also serve ice cream,which is made in house alongside beeda.There is absolutely no waiting period,once the thali is served.So for express yummy meals,check this place out. This is located at New Woodlands Hotel (P) Ltd72-75,Dr.Radhakrishnan Road,P.B No 626Mylapore, Chennai-India

Saturday, April 4, 2009

The Sisterhood award



I would like to give this award to Vidhya.She has been so encouraging to a newcomer like me in the blog world.Thank you so much.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Filter Coffee at Park Sheratons Dakshin







































The South Indian Filter Coffee at Dakshin is simply the best.I also love their banana dosa which they offer as part of the thali .The pictures here are of the kulfi,hot chocolate and the South Indian Filter Coffee served in a silver tumbler.

Celebration at Park Sheraton's Dakshin




22 March 2009 Wedding Anniversary Pics

















My dad got us the bouquet of flowers and the cakes the previous evening.Thanx Dad,so very thoughtful of you.