TV - 9 The Gimmick Master

Chiranjeevi's younger daughter weds yesterday so what ???? ..... its a big news over a news channel ....
Agreed that she is Chiranjeevi's younger daughter and that she has created a flutter by marrying her lover on October 17 against the wishes of her parents and seeking police protection alleging threat from the actor's family..but does that mean it has to be relayed again and again every time to cause pain to the family and friends of both bride and bridegroom ???

In Andhra Pradesh we all live as a community & if someone's daughter makes a mistake,everyone treats her as their own daughter & do not make such a public fuss about it.

The way TV9 indirectly tries to instigate the public & fans has been crystal clear with this whole episode. TV9 whom we expect to be educated & learned people but realised that its just a cheap gimmick news channel. If TV9 really wants to help & provide security to the public there are many other issues you could get involved in.

Please respect what someone must be going through as a Father & also their family .Yes,I agree it may be ok to just report the incident & leave it there.

Please stop these kinds of telecasts and save some grace for yourself.

TV - 9 The Gimmick Master

Chiranjeevi's younger daughter weds yesterday so what ???? ..... its a big news over a news channel ....

Agreed that she is Chiranjeevi's younger daughter created a flutter by marrying her lover on October 17 against the wishes of her parents and seeking police protection alleging threat from the actor's family

It's strange

It was strange ..strange like strangers
That touch of you like ice
And you turned your face
My kiss returned to death
You did not hear silence of my eyes

Yes ..it was strange …
Like Autumn in the palms of Spring
Like pain with broken wing
Crosssing the river of fire
Clouds hugging the Sky
But who knows why

Yes ..it was strange …
When my open eyes could not see
The dreams of your closed eyes
Eternal love turned into eternal silence
Silence embraced another silence
Song of Soul slowly faded in silence

Yes ..it was strange….
You wrote words saying ‘ words not everything”
And music of Soul sounded nothing
Yellow moon singing the song of pain
Who knows will you ever come again
Dark night drinking all light

Yes ..it is strange
You never answer all what I ask
Replying to me difficult task
You don’t love me any more now
And don’t leave my soul,tell me how
Yes ..it is strange my love.

About Maddy !

A randomly wandering mind fleetingly stops on the memory of her,goodness and innocence are the fragrances that flow out of that tender green leafshe's truly a wonder,

My daily suprise,and my heart melts at the thought of her tears. Her intention, her thoughts, her difficulties, her dreams...I can think of nothing else.
The thought of her walk to work with the burden of unsettled thoughts...what can cause me more pain......surely desire is not the most powerful of forces, if it were, why are we not together?
Foolishness is perhaps more powreful but destiny is the most powerful......she's gods beautiful child and her truth begins where words end.
I have a heart that reaches out to her, with assurances, kindness and emptiness.
In that perfect silence, love and love dances and there is no me there is no she.
God bless you my dearest.

Chuck de ---- India ???

A leading newspaper wants to write on 'Career lessons from Chak De India'.
First of all, I haven't seen (Yeah yeah yeah. Did try to, twice, but could not get the tickets).Secondly, I am sure Chak de India contains all the usual lessons. Team work pays, underdog can win, every individual counts ... and so on and on ..... But nobody needs to tell you that, do you? we have seen that enought in all the movies earlier ...

However, there is a career lesson in Chak de India. It doesn't lie in the film, though. The lesson is: Look beyond MBA, Engineering, Journalism. Any career you choose today, you can make a difference.

Chak De India was inspired by a single column article in the sports page of a newspaper. But to actually get the flavours seen and enjoyed in the film, Jaideep the script writer hung out at national hockey training camps - pretending to be a student writing a PhD thesis.... now that is commitment right ?

Well the film is a big hit i heard .. off course not getting tickets to watch the movie is a proof ...
You know, 'pop' management fundas - they always sell and this time it did again ; )

Flyover collapse - Panjagutta

At least 2 persons were killed and 10 others injured when a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed near the busy commercial area of Punjagutta in Hyderabad on Sunday evening. This road is frequently used by many people and is jampacked all the time .

The flyover, which was being constructed with sophisticated construction technology of pre-stressed concrete moulds since September 2005, was due to be inaugurated in December this year and many people like me thought that the traffic woes on that road will be solved ... but i guess we got it wronged ... after watching TV yesterday i will probably fear to even get unto the flyover with the construction material and planning involved in it.
The blame game started yesterday evening .. what an irony ...

It is really a shame for any one to see the roads of Hyderabad. The concerned officials must be made to sit in an auto and force travel on some city roads like from Barkatpura to Hitech city between 10 a.m. and 12 noon and between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The city was excellent during Naidu's regime... i dont deny that there were some problems as well but not like this.

I hope they take the construction of the airport and the implementation of the governing rules there more seriously. Hyderabad doesn't have any more bandwidth to take any small untoward incident now!

God, somebody save this city!! My lovely city!!

Happy to be unhappy !! yes indeed !!

I talked to a good friend today who is going through a lot of crises right now; not the normal crises .... And he was telling me these things sort of matter-of-factly.
And I said, "I'm sorry things are hard for you right now. It sounds very sad." And he said, "I'm not any more sad than I ever have been in my life.
"It just made me consider the roles of sadness and contentedness in the human condition. I think sometimes it's just easier to stay unhappy than to consider what life might be like if you made some changes. This took me a long time to figure out, but I think it's not the happiness that scares people. I think it's just the change -- any change.
I mean, that you have to suffer, it's just a part of life. I understand that. "There's no more inherent value to your suffering." And you know, that makes sense to me too.

I guess I suffer at work to help make the paper better in my eyes. And I'm willing to do that. I'm willing to battle for what I think is right, and that certainly takes a toll on me.
But I can't see a reason to suffer in my personal life if it's something that I can change. Maybe I'm lucky, or naive, or forgetting something.
But that's what it looks like right this minute....Probably......

I can bowl as well !

Here's how it usually goes: I do something infrequently, like, say, bowling. I used to do it regularly while i was in US .. but after my relocation to India i seldom get time to do it .

But still I enjoy it, but more importantly, I have very limited success with it. In bowling, that means that I kissed the sweet side of three digits. I go about looking at bags, and shoes, and balls that are there in the bowling alleys dreaming to own them sometime in the near future . Sometimes I think maybe I'll need a special glove as proffessionals have them .

It gets pretty hard-core before it's completely forgotten. And then, maybe a year and a half later, I hit the lanes again and start all over again.

This time when i went to bowling i got 158 and 128 in the two games that i played ..Crazy right ?

One Night at the Call Center ----- My review

After buying the book and keeping it with me for over 8 months .. i finished reading the book on this rainy saturday ...
It keep raining the whole day and did not allow me to go out today .. and that was a nice way to catch up on the book. With Great difficulty i finished reading the book today .. the first in the 5 books that i purchased a couple of months back ...


The novel starts with the meeting of Chetan Bhagat and a young lady in a train and she tells him the story of a night at the call center in Delhi on the condition that it would be his next book. The story is viewed through Shyam, a call center agent and a tame team leader and it revolves on him, his colleagues Varun, Esha, Radhika, his girl friend Priyanka and an aged Military Uncle. Shyam suffers from the break up of his affair with Priyanka apart from the threat all of them face on the uncertainty of their future at the center.
The happenings of the night carry the romance and break up interludes of Shyam and Priyanka as flash back. Each character has a (sob) story to tell. But, the narration runs interestingly because it has the natural flow and the high sense of humor .
With all these the novel ends rather cinematically; a last minute heroism, change of mind, chase in the car and bike etc. Does Chetan expect the novel to inspire some Bollywood filmmaker to make it into a movie?

The novel makes me wonder on certain things. I was in America for many years and think now if the Americans are so dumb even to seek help over the phone on how to operate an oven, dishwasher or defrost a refrigerator? Even in India we now have fridges that do not need defrosting. Further, Americans have been using these gadgets even before Indians know about it. Do they still get doubts on these? Isn’t it odd and funny?

No job is an easy job; Chetan tries to tell the Call Center jobs are no better notwithstanding the attractive pay pack and cozy ambience. By the way, in which job, the youngsters can just keep gossiping, bitching, going out to an uppity night club for relaxation just because their computers are down? Everything in this world comes with a price tag.
If you want to really have a peep into the new generation, their jobs, life, attitude, values and their dreams please do not miss ‘One Night @ The Call Center.’.... i enjoyed reading it and sure you would as well !!!

Letter in the age of e-mail

I wrote a letter this weekend, the old-fashioned way. Pen to paper. I even dragged out an old box of Air Mail papers that had been gathering dust for over more than 10 years . The act was not spontaneous: the letter was requested by a friend who's at US right now . It felt good. I wrote three pages, and my handwriting was not as bad as I feared it might be. Letter writing in the age of e-mail, some say, is a lost art; they bemoan the loss of feeling as pen scratches away at paper or the dreamy stare into space as you compose your feelings into words. I'm not so sure. The greater pleasure may be felt by the one who receives. To open your mailbox and see -- in the thicket of bills, junk mail, and magazines -- an envelope addressed by hand bearing a familiar name, then tearing it open as you retreat into your home, the thrill is all there. It is that which I miss.

I enjoyed the feel of the envelope in my hand as I trudged down to the GPO mailbox in the afternoon.

I have boxes of old letters too. Sometimes I start going through them, planning to throw some away since they are not from my near and dear but I get side tracked reading them and usually end up stuffing them back in the old mail box. I used to write a lot of long letters during the 90's and then lots of long emails in the early 2000's but over the years it’s become a line or two instead of the pages it used to be. I write to fewer people, and those I write also write very short emails. One problem is that I will start getting phone calls in return instead of letters ......and maybe I’ll have to quit talking on the phone in order to make my friends write ....

A call...... just now 3:40 pm 30/08/07

The bell rings on my cell .. number is unknown to me ! was free hence picked it up ..
I: Hello.
A female voice.

Voice: Hello?
I: Yes, hello.
Voice: Hello? Yes?
I: Hello, hello. Can you hear me?
Voice: Yes.
I: OK. Whom do you want to talk to?
Voice: Who are you?
I: Sarat. Whom do you want to talk too ?
Voice: Sudharshan.. but that's fine .. we can talk..where do you work?
I: OK. That cannot be disclosed to women i dont know ..but why do you want to talk to me?
Voice: Coz you are male .. and i a female .. giggles and
Phone disconnected.

Hyderabad Blasts -- Questions to Ponder !!!!

There are certain aspects about the blasts that seem to be ignored in the media. Some of them are given below:First time children have been targeted (Lumbini Park is essentially a Children's Park). It has always been religious places or localities with large populace of particular communities that have been targeted. Presuming that terrorists are actually behind the blast what brings about this change in strategy?

Gokul is a very busy place. Gokul Chat Bhandar is a place always crowded with people. You would not find an inch of space to stand in the place. How could someone plant a bomb without anyone noticing? It should not be difficult to find out form the people about any suspicious objects placed at GokulHow was a ‘terror-hand’ unearthed within an hour of the blast?

What is the info that prompted the police to ‘declare’ terrorist intent behind the blast?Explosives found at 16 other places. What the heck are the police and indeed the political establishment doing? Intelligence agencies have warned time and again that Hyderabad had become a beehive for a lot of terrorist sleeper cells. Yet, no action or efforts were visible at the ground level of any efforts made to unearth the sleeper cells.

Why does no one ever get caught for such blasts?Why do such acts always happen in Congress regimes? This is no outlandish claim but perfectly verifiable fact (You could browse the net for a chronology of the incidents). Hyderabad was prone to communal riots and terror attacks before NTR became the chief Minister. While NTR was the CM hardly any incidents of this nature happened. However, once NTR lost power and the Congress came back, the incidents of communal and terror disturbances resumed again. They stopped when the TDP party of NTR came back to power. Hyderabad saw a long period of peace for 9 years under the TDP regime (Chandrababu Naidu replaced NTR as the Chief Minister after a year). Unfortunately, the TDP lost power again and guess what?

The communal disturbances and Bomb blasts have resumed again. Who is in power? The Congress Party.This comes as no surprise to the Hyderabadis for most of them know where the priorities of the Congress lie. The people here have a special phrase to describe the Congress regime – “Mana Rajyam” or ‘our government.’ The ‘our’ in this phrase, however is not the common man but the powerful businessman, leader, politician or a powerful goonda or a terrorist. These sections have great freedom to do what they want that is why they call it their government (‘Our Government’).

Let us pray for all those who lost their lives in the blast ........

Where are we Heading to --------------------?

25th Terror attack in Hyderabad has shown an clear failure of the administration of the AP Government and was accepted by the Ruler himself as they are not in a position to handle the international threats.
Yes, when you are not in a position to secure the public and the business houses against the international threats, Why are you inviting foriegn companies to india? The government is just passing its Tenure of 5 years, nothing else!
There was an clear Analysis in the CNBC few days back that there wont be any damage to Indian Reforms and Economy if the government falls at the center and there are claiming that India is Progessing/Shining!
The ruler of AP says that they are controlling the communal harmony after the BombBlasts - he himself is making communal activists to roar!
The Ruler of AP blames the previous government that in their regime there attacks against a senior person and the Ex.Ruler - may be the present Ruler is not aware that the present Attack is on the common Man but not the VIPs how is not even in a position to Qoute an decent example.
I cordially request the Public to select an Ruler who can atleast Speak reasonably next time. This is a position where the AP public has to hold there Nerves as we dont know, what is going to happen where! So lets pray to God to have a better tomorrow forever not for a day or two.

NEED TO CHANGE OUR SYSTEM TO SAVE INDIA

Why do we close our eyes just after two three days after every terrorist's attack, why we can't take action as same as america n israel.

India is a rich,beautiful and always self dependent country and outsiders use to attack and take away whatever they use to get in past history. we are still on of richest country fully self dependent and above all fast growing country in every respect but not interested to be safest country as we dont seem to understand value of life.

Many countries are running their whole system b'coz of indians specially in us, uk and the gulf. the youth has to understand their key role and make polititian ,educational organisation,media and specially courts including police deptts.

To understand that we have to reorganise the system as per 21st century not 19th century. stop writing fir/judgements in 19th century style, i personally feel that courts to be more quick and strict for their judgements and stop putting fine of rs 500 and 2000 as per 1947 time.

Make such judgements where people think before doing any crime. you your self giving food and shelter even to terrorists even in jails why not hang them or shoot them in public.
Every one likes shortcuts that why corruption,murder and othercrime are growing so we need to punish them strictly physically.
bann such tv channels those who are themself inhuman and spreading adult masalas home to home for their own benefits. i was shocked when i saw a reporter asking a dieing person how you feel now? instead of taking him to hospital.

Sad State of Affairs after Hyd Bomb Blasts

Serial bomb blasts rocked Hyderabad on Saturday evening Aug 25th 2007 at the laser show auditorium in Lumbini park and at famous chat bazaar Gokul chat in the busy lanes of Koti.

It is yet another bomb blasts after Mecca Masjid attack in the month of May, this year even as the police are trying to untangle the plot behind.
The Lumbini park blast occurred at 7.40 pm followed by another blast at Gokul chat 15 minutes later. Apparently, the police suspect it is possibly a terror attack and it is opined that it is very meticulously planned and executed.
All the major political leaders have just condemned the attack and no red alert is sounded.

As many as 40 dead bodies were sent to Osmania hospital and the injured (around 50) were rushed to various hospitals for treatment. Even though a week-end not many were gathered at these spots, since it was raining heavlity in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Very brutal indeed ! Very inhumane act. This cannot be tolerated. Its all the more shocking to observe the State Govt. not interested in coming up with strict anti-terrorist acts to curb the rising terrrorism in this beautiful city, ... The Nizams and the City of Pearls as we call it ...

My Srisailam Trip 27/ 07/07

Our Stay : Pathaleswara Sadanam(A/C )
4wheelstravels.com - 22 Seater Bus - AP9Y 5994

Given below is the full information that i collected for out trip. Will try to upload more photos for clarity when i get some free time !!

Temple Visiting hours, From, To

4.30 AM, 5.00 AM Mangalavadyams.
5.00 AM, 5.15 AM Suprabhatam
5.15 AM 6.30 AM, Pratahkalapuja, Gopuja and Maha Mangala Harathi.
6.30 AM 1.00 PM Darshanam, Abhishekam and Archanas by the devotees.
1.00 PM 3.30 PM , Alankara Darshanam.
4.30 PM, 4.50 PM Mangalavadyams.
4.50 PM 5.20 PM Pradoshakalapuja.
5.20 PM 6.00 PM Susandhyam and Maha Mangala Harathi.
5.50 PM 6.20 PM Rajopachara puja (Parakulu) to Bhramaramba Devi.
6.20 PM 9.00 PM Darshanam, Abhishekam and Archanas.
9.00 PM 10.00 PM Dharma Darshanam.
9.30 PM 10.00 PM Ekantha Seva.
10.00 PM Closure of the temple.


Darshanams ,Name of the Darshan, Time, Amount(Rs)
Entry for
Suprabhatha Darshanam,5.00 AM, 250.00,Couple or Single person
Mahamangala Harathi,5.50 AM,100.00,One Person
Special ‘Q’ Line Darshanam, 6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM
Free Darshanam in general ‘Q’ ,6.00 AM to 3.30 PM & 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM


Mahamangala Harathi (Evening), 5.00 PM 100.00,One Person

Note: The Suprabhatam ,Harathi,Darshnam and Abhishekams will be advanced during monday's i.e they will be start from suprabhatam 4.00Am,Harathi 5.00Am,Abhishekam 5.30Am and Darshnam 5.30Am

• Do’s
  · Do pray your Ishta Daivam before pilgrimage to Srisailam.
  · Do contact Srisaila Devasthanam information centre for enquiry,temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  · Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Srisailam well in advance.
  · Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  · Do concentrate on God Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi inside the temple.
  · Do maintain silence and recite “Om Namahsivaya” or your Istamantram to your self inside the temple.
  · Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Srisailam.
  · Do respect religious sentiments at Srisailam.
  · Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only
  
  Dont’s
  
  Don’t come to Srisailam for any purpose other than worshipping of Sri Swamy and Ammavaru.
  Don’t smoke at Srisailam.
  Don’t consume alcoholic drinks at Srisailam.
  Don’t eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  Don’t approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
  Don't carry any weapon inside the temple.
  Don't wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  Don’t perform ‘Sastanga Pranama’ inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  Don’t take much time while performing ‘Sparsa Darshanam’ to Swamyvaru in Garbhalayam.
  Don’t buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  Don’t encourage beggars at Srisailam.
  Don’t spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple

History of the Place :

Srisailam played a dominant role in our religious, cultural and social history from ancient times.The epigraphical evidence reveals that the history of Srisailam begins with the Sathavahanas who were the first empire builders in South India. The earliest known historical mention of the Hill - Srisailam, can be traced in Pulumavi’s Nasik inscription of 1st Century A.D.

The Sathavahanas, the Ikshavakus, the Pallavas, the Vishnukundis, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Reedy Kings, the Vijayanagara Emperors and Chatrapathi Shivaji are among the famous emperors who worshipped God Mallikarjuna Swamy.



Prataparudra of Kakatiya Dynasty strived a lot for the improvements of this Kshetram and granted Paraganas for its maintenance. Ganapathideva has spent 12000 Golden Nanyas for the maintenance of the temple.

The period of Reddi Kings is the ‘Golden Age’ of Srisailam that almost all rulers of the dynasty did celebrated service for this temple. In 14th Century Prolaya Vema Reddi of Reddy Dynasty constructed stepped path-way to Srisailam and Pathalaganga (Here the river Krishna is called as Pathalaganga) and Anavema Reddi constructed Veera Siromandapam in which the Veerasaiva devotees cut off their hands, tongue, limbs with devotion to attain the realisation of the God. This practice is known as Veeracharam.

The Second Harihararaya of Vijayanagara Empire constructed the Mukhamantapam of Swamy shrine and also a Gopuram on Southern Side of the temple.
In the 15th Century Sri Krishnadevaraya Constructed the Rajagopuram on Eastern side and Salumantapas on both sides of the temple. The last Hindu King who strove hard for the improvement of the temple is Chatrapathi Shivaji who constructed a Gopuram on northern side

Visiting Places

THE PANCHAMATHAMS :

Ghantha Matham Bheemasankara Matham Vibhoothi Matham
Rudraksha Matham Sarangadhara Matham

The Mathas played an important role in the History and Cult of Srisailam. They are well associated with the religious and social activities of the temple in the medieval times. These Mathas acted as educational institutions dedicated to higher learing in various branches and catered to the intellectual and spiritual needs of the society. Srisailam became a powerful saivate centre because of the existence and activities both spiritual and profane of these Mathas. The origin of the Mathas seems to be as early as 7th Century A.D. The historical inscriptions related to Srisailam speak about eleven Mathas in Srisailam. But only 5 Mathas are still in existence and all of them are in dilapidated condition. These Mathas are rich in sculptural and architectural wealth, where several Sivalingas were installed and worshipped since centuries.

These Mathas also looked after the administration of the temple and its rituals along with the revenue accured from more than 70 Villages in various parts of Andhra which were donated to the temples by various rulers in the medieval period. The existing Mathas are located with in a distance of 1 Km to the west of the main temple. The Devasthanam is planning to renovate all these Mathas.

2.SIKHARAM : This most sacred spot is located at about 8 Km from the main temple at a height of 2830 feet above the mean sea level. It is the highest peak of Srisailam Hills.The Skanda Purana proclains that a mere glance of this Sikharam frees the human soul from the fitters of rebirth. (Srisaila Sikharam Drustva Punarjanma Na Vidyathe).In ancient days people used to come to Srisailam on foot and those who unable to reach the shrine returned back by seeing this peak.
The Sikhareswaram temple is an ancient stone structure consisting of Garbhagriha, Antaralaya and 16 pillered Mukhamanda. The deity here is named as Veera Sankara Swamy and locally popularized as Sikhareswara Swamy.

3.HATAKESWARAM : This picturesque spot is on the way to Srisailam of about 5 Km away in a serine atmosphere.Tradition hopes that at this place God Siva appeared to a potter devotee in Atika (Piece of Pot) and hence named as Atikeswaram and later it became as Hatakeswaram.
Another tradition gives the name to this place from a particular yogic school known as Hatayoga, one of the form of Astangayogas (the eight yogas).
Some historians located a laboratory of Akhemy (Rasayoga) at this place during medieval times. The present temple dedicated to Hatakeswara Swamy is stone structure datable to 11th – 13th century A.D. and is consists of a Garbhagriha and opened pillered Mukhamandapa.

4.PHALADHARA – PANCHADHARA : This most beautiful scene spot in surroundings of Srisailam is located about 4 Km from the main temple. Tradition records that Bhagavan Adisankara performed penance at this place and composed the famous Sivanandalahari here. His Holiness Kanchi Paramacharya confirmed this and marble statues of Sarada Devi and Sankaracharya installed there and daily regular Poojas are being offered also.
This spot is located in a narrow valley approachable by a flight of steps where subterranean streams of pure water with musical sound reverberating the surroundings. According to local folk these streams are known as Phaladhara Panchadhara and these two signify their origin from the fore head of God Siva the Phaladhara (Phala = fore head, dhara = Stream) and denote the five aspects of Siva, the Panchadhara (Pancha = five, dhara = Stream). The water from this stream flows in interrupted at all seasons. The Skanda Purana describes the flow as ‘Bhogavathi’ and it joins in the river Krishna.

5. SAKSHI GANAPATHI : This small shrine located about 3 Kms from Srisailam and is one of the sacred spots frequented by pilgrims since times immemorial. The traditional belief is that the Ganapathi in this temple keeps regular account of all the pilgrims to tender ‘Sakshyam’ (evidence) of their visit to this Kshetram and so named as Sakshi Ganapathi. The sculpture of this deity is exquisitely made holding a book in the left hand and a pen in the right hand in such a way as noting down the names of devotees. It is in practice that devotees during their return had the darshan of this Ganapathi and informed their name and gotra to him. Srinatha the renowed poet of 14th Century A.D. in his Kasikhandam states that this Sakshi Ganapathi is visualized by sage Agasthya during his pilgrimage to Srisailam.

6.KAILASADWARAM : Kailasadwaram is about 5 K.M from Srisailam to the South-West of Hatakeswaram which is the dwaram (entrance) of path-way leading to Srisailam. In present days also people of Karnataka and Maharastra and Sivadeeksha Devotees are reached Srisailam on foot through this Kailasadwaram.
Devasthanam is arranging various facilities and Annadanam at this place during Mahasivarathri and Ugadi Festival days.

7. BHEEMUNI KOLANU : Traditionally this place is said to have acquired its name through an epic episode. During the exile of Pandavas, Bheema while passing through this place was said to have broken the sheet rock with his mace and brought this spring water, and hence its name Bheemunikolanu (Kolanu = Pond). Pleased by this flow of water Bheema is said to have consecrated a Sivalinga at this place which was later referred to the Srisaila Khanda of Skanda Purana as Bheema Linga and the Spring as Bheema Kunda.

The pathway of Srisailam with excellently laid steps of solid stone, slabs can be seen even today which are beginning from Nagalooty, a temple spot in Nallamala Hills. These steps were constructed by the Reddy Kings in 14th Century.

At the top of the hill ascending nearly 850 steps from Bheemunikolanu, there is another place called Kailasadwaram where remains of once magnificent gate way can be seen even today. The pilgrims after excruciating sojourn through step hills and valley, when finally reaches the planty surface, they get the feeling of Kailasa i.e., Srisailam and hence named as Kailasadwaram. It is 5 Kms road and there on steps.

8.THE TEMPLE OF ISTAKAMESWARI : The ancient temple of Istakameswari is located in a dense and picturesque forest environment about 21 Km to the east of Srisailam. Datable to the 8th – 9th Centuries A.D, this small shrine appears to have wide popular significance during medieval times. The sculpture of the deity is very unique and have no parallel anywhere in India. The Goddess has a serene and beautiful smiling face which at once captures the attention of one and all.

Not only from the religious angle but also from the spiritual point of view the place has got its own importance from the ancient times. The perennial stream encircling the temple adds additional attraction to the shrine.
A visit to this temple is a rewarding experience both to a believer and a non believer.
This shrine is now in a bad state of existence and needs to be renovated to revive its past glory.
The Devasthanam has now taken up the renovation of this temple.It is said that by having the Darshanam of Istakameswari, one can fulfill all his desires.

9. AKKAMAHADEVI CAVES : The Nallamalai Hill ranges are studded with innumerable natural caves and caverns which were known to human beings since the prehistoric times, some of them became more famous and played a role in the significance of Srisailam. One such among them is the Akkamahadevi Caves. This naturally formed cave just above the flow of the river Krishna upstream is of about at a distance of 10 Km from Srisailam.

This cave is endowed with a geological marvel of natural Rock Arch measuring nearly 200 x 16 x 4 feet which stands majestically without any support.
The wind weathered rock in and around the cave keeps the visitor spellbound.
The surrounding of the cave and its journey through the river Krishna from Srisailam provides a wonderful experience to one and all. Exploring the meandering cave to 150 meters deep is also very adventurous.
This cave was the seat of many violent and secret Saiva sects such as the Kapalikas which fact in ancient medieval literature.

During 12th Century A.D. this cave appears to have attained it’s present name Akkamahadevi caves after the famous ascetic, lyricist and philosopher, Akkamahadevi who hailed from Karnataka. It is known that Akkamahadevi did penance in this cave and worshipped the Sivalinga naturally existed in the deep and dark end of the cave.
The A.P. Tourism Department has arranged Motor Boat to see the said caves.

The boat starts at 9 :30 am or 10 :30 am depending on the number of people.

10. KADALIVANAM : This spiritually and historically famous sacred spot is endowed with many exclusive and interesting features. There is a huge cave like natural rock shelter which can accommodate nearly 500 persons comfortably at a time. Near the rock shelter flows a perennial stream close to which evidences of prehistoric man in the form of stone tools were discovered.The place derived its name dell to wild plantain grooves. This excellent spot is considered to be extremely sacred by devotees. The people of Karnataka and Maharastra make it a point of visit in their pilgrimage of Srisailam. It is said that Bhagavan Dattatreya and his other incarnations is believed to have dwelling at this place. Akkamahadevi is said to have breathend her last at this place. After reaching to Akkamaha Devi caves through A.P. Tourism Motor Boat and there on there is a foot path to reach the said place.

Bronzes Statues of Srisailam

CHANDRASEKHARA MURTHY (8th Century)

This Panchaloha set of Chandrasekhara Murthy is on a rectangular base which consists of Padmapeetha. The God is in standing pose and wearing tiger skin garment. He has four hands and the upper right hand is holding Parasu where as the lower right hand is the Abhayahastha. The upper left hand is holding Mruga and the lower left hand is the Varamudra. The Kireetamakuta is seen in a special manner. The God is adorned with various usual ornaments along with yagnopaveetham.

The Goddess Parvathi is in sthanakapose on the Padmapeetha. The vastram is beautifully moulded with various folds. She has two arms and the right hand is holding the Neelotpala whereas the left hand is Prasarita dakshinahastha. The Goddess is decorated with several usual ornaments like Karnabharanas, Kanthabharanas etc. The yagnopaveetham is also noticed.

NATARAJA (9th Century A.D)

This finely polished bronze of Nataraja has a base in which there is Padmapeetha. The God is in Anandatandav pose and placed his right leg on the Apasmara Purusha. The left leg is raised high and turned towards right, the characteristic Natyabhangima. The God is weaving vastram up to the half area of thighs. He has four arms and the right upper arm holds the Damaru while the right lower arm is the Abhayahastha. The upper left arm hold the fire pot and the lower hand is bent across the chest towards right in the gajahastha pose. The God has shown with manjeerams and Noopurams (anklets) in the foot. There are nine Jatas and in between the first and second row of them at right the Ganga in Anjalihastha Pose is noticed. There is Chandravanka in the left of the Makutam. He is decorated with ear ornaments, several necklaces, Keyuras and having a Naga Udarabhanda and yagnopaveetham. The God has a Nagamakuta and in which a crown of feathers are also found. There is the Prabha around the deity and on which there are Agnisikhas.

SIVAKAMASUNDARI (9th Century)

This most beautiful bronze idol of Sivakamasundari in sthanaka pose on a rectangular base which consist of Padmapeetha. The idol is shown with beautifully moulded vastram up to the ankles. The right hand of the Goddess is the Katakahastha pose and the left hand is Prasaritadakshina hastha. She is decorated with ear ornaments, several necklaces along with Mangalasutram. The idol has a magnificent Kiritamakuta. She has also shown with Yagnopaveetham.

CHANDRASEKHARA MURTHY (11th Century)

This set of Chandrasekhara Murthy with Parvathi is on Padmapeetha. The God is standing on Samapadabhangima and wearing tiger skin garmet. He has four hands and holding Parasu (axe) in upper right hand and where as the lower right hand is Abhayahastha. The left upper hand is having Mruga (deer) and the lower left hand is the Varamudra. The God is having Jatamakuta which also consist of Chandravanka. He is adorned with various abharanas. Apart from the yagnopaveetha there are Udarabadhas and several ornaments are also noticed in the waist portion.

The Goddess Parvathi is in sthanaka pose wearing the vastram which is in several folds. She has two arms and the right hand is Katakahastha where as the left hand is Prasaritha Dakshinahastha. The Goddess is holding Nilotpala in the right hand. The deity is adorned with various ornaments and yagnopaveetham is also noticed. The Kireetamakuta is beautifully moulded.

STHANAKA GANAPATHI (10th Century)

This finest bronze idol of Sthanaka Ganapathi is on a square base which consist of Padmapeetha. The God has four hands and the upper right hand is having a portion of Ankusa and the lower right hand is holding the danta. The upper left hand is having pasa while the lower left hand hold the modaka. The god is decorated with kanthabharanas and bhujangabhushanas. There is yagnopaveetha and stomach exhibit nagabhanda.


NATARAJA (12th Century)

This bronze idol of Nataraja is beautifully moulded and is one of the finest bronzes of South India.

The idol has a lotus base and on which Nataraja is in Anandatandava pose. He has his right foot on the apasmara purusha and left leg is lifted high towards right. The Apasmarapurusha is holding a Naga in the left hand and slightly bent the right leg. The bronze has four arms and the right upper arm is holding the Damaru where as the lower right hand is the Abhayahastha. The upper left hand holds a fire pot and lower hand is bent across the chest to the right and is in characteristic Natyabhangima. The bronze has five Jatas and in the right of the top there is Ganga and Chandravanka is seen in the left side. The God shown with a crown of feathers and in which there is a Kapala with and Nagabharanas are noticed on either side of it.

SIVAKAMA SUNDARI (16th Century)

This bronze is in sthanaka (standing) pose on a rectangular base which consists of a lotus. The right hand is in the katakahastha pose and the left hand is the prasaritha dakshinahastha. The Goddess is adorned with vastram and decorated with various ornaments such as Karnabharanas, Kanthabharanas, Bhujakeertees along with Mangalasutram. There is Kireetamakuta on the head.

GANGADHARA MURTHY AND DEVI (17th Century)

The bronze of Gangadhara Murthy is on a rectangular base which consist of a circular peetham and pedestal on it. On the right portion of the makutam there is beautifully carved Ganga. The God has four arms and the upper right hand is holding Parasu where as the lower right hand is Abhayachinmudra pose. The upper left hand is having a Mrugam and the lower left hand is Varahastha. The God is wearing beautifully moulded vastram and adorned with usual ear and neck ornaments.

The Devi is in Sthanata pose and adorned with vastram. She has two arms and the right hand is the Katakahastha which holds a lotus bud. The left hand is the Prasaritha dakshitahastha. The Goddess is having Kireetamakuta and decorated with various usual ornaments like tatankas, necklaces.

NATARAJA (17th Century)

This bronze of Nataraja is on a rectangular base which consist of Padmapeetha. The God is in Anandatandava pose. The right foot is on Apasmara Purusha and left foot is lifted high towards right. The bronze has four arms and the upper right arm is having damaru and the lower right hand is in Abhayahastha pose. The damaru is beautifully moulded and leather spread is clearly shown. There is a fire pot on the upper left hand where as the lower left hand is bent across the chest in the Natyabhangima. There are five Jatas and at the right of them Ganga is carved. The God is having fether crown and chandravanka is seen in its left. The Kapala is also noticed in the crown. The deity is adorned with beautifully sculptured skin garment. The God is surrounded by a circular Prabha which is moulded with decorative designs and makarathorana is also noticed on either side of the Apasmara Purusha. Agnisikhas are seen on the outer side of the Prabha and Keerthimukha is noticed on its top. The God is decorated with various usual ornaments.

The unique feature of the bronze is of that there is an upper cloth which is touching the prabha in a beautiful manner

Srisailam Gateways :

Tradition, literature as well as epigraphical sources states that the sacred Hill of Srisailam has four Gateways in the four cardinal directions .

East : Tripuranthakam, Prakasam District where God Tripuranthakeswara Swamy and Goddess Tripurasundari Devi are Presiding Deities

South: Siddhavatam on the bank of the river Penna, Kadapa District where Jyothisideswara Swamy and Goddess Kamakshi Devi are the presiding Deities

West: Alampur on the bank of the river Tungabhadra, Mahaboobnagar District where Navabrahma Alayas – A group of nine temples of Chalukya period are situated. This Kshetram is also the seat of Goddess Jogulamba, one of the Eighteen Mahasakthis.

North: Umamaheswaram, Mahaboobnagar District where God Umamaheswara Swamy and Goddess Umamaheswari Devi are the presiding deities.

My Bangalore Trip and Places to visit !!

Well my trip was really hectic this time . Lot of places to cover and so less time.
I stayed at
Hotel :
Hotel Ajanta at 22-A, M G Road, Bangalore - 560 001
Phone no. 080-25584321

The Cab that i used this time
Cab : Mahesh : 9880589412
Full day : 8 hrs /80 kms – 775 Extra 7.75 /Km or 40 Rs /Hr.

Now for the sightseeing part

Bangalore Palace - The Remnants of a Bygone EraAnyone who sees the Bangalore Palace is bound to fall in love with it. Once you get over the initial shock of finding Tudor architecture surrounded by Indian urban scenery, it's quite an intriguing place which is worth exploring. It was built by Chamaraja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore, in 1887. The Palace flaunts turreted parapets, battlements, fortified towers and arches. At that time it costed about Rs. One lakh to construct it. The land cost was Rs. 10 lakh. During a visit to England, Chamaraja Wodeyar was inspired by the Windsor Castle in London, and along similar lines he built this palace in the Tudor style. The palace was earlier surrounded by beautiful gardens in the midst of a vast open area, which have reduced considerably today.Spread over an area of about 430 acres, the palace is famous for its elegantly carved woodwork. It is right in the heart of the city. With a built-up area of around 45,000 sq ft, this 120 year old monument is a popular tourist attraction. It is surrounded by a garden, which almost gives it a fairytale setting. The structure has fortified towers complete with Gothic windows, battlements and turrets. This palace is largely constructed of wood, and is famous for its carvings and paintings. An exquisite door panel at the entrance leads to grand settings inside. Reverend Garret originally owned the land, on which the palace stands today. Located between Jayamahal and Sadashivanagar areas, the palace ground has become a venue for various exhibitions, concerts and cultural programs. The palace is truly an architectural splendour. The interiors have breathtaking floral motifs, cornices, mouldings and relief paintings on its ceilings. However, entry to the palace is restricted.Location: In Palace Guttahalli

Vidhana Soudha
The majestic looking Vidhana Soudha houses the State Legislature, and is the largest Secretariat in India. Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Chief Minister of the then Mysore State (between 1951-1956) was responsible for the concept, the structure and the setting of this magnificent building.Supervised and executed by engineers and architects led by the then Chief Engineer, late B R Manickam of the Public Works Department, the Vidhana Soudha is an arresting monument. The building project was started in 1952 and took five thousand labourers, 1500 chisellers, masons and wood carvers four years to complete. Built entirely from Bangalore granite in the Dravidian style, it has floral motifs on stone carvings drawn from the celebrated temple craft of South India. Total floor area: 5,50,505 sq ft. Length: 700 ft. Width: 350 ft. Height from floor level to top of central dome: 150 ft. The project begun in 1952 was completed in 1956.Location: In Cubbon Park

Attara Kacheri (High Court)Attara Kacheri literally means "eighteen offices" or departments. In 1864, Commissioner Bowring conceived and prepared the plans for setting up a full-fledged secretariat building, almost a century before the Vidhana Soudha was even thought of.It was earlier known as the Old Public Offices, housing the general revenue and secretariat of the State government. It now has the offices of the High Court of Karnataka.The Attara Kacheri building was completed in 1868 at a cost ofRs. 4.5 lakh. The work on the building was executed by Rao Bahadur Arcot Narayanaswamy Mudaliar. It is an impressive two-storied building of stone and brick, red in colour and has been built in the Greco-Roman style. Location: In Cubbon park
Museum

The State Archeological Museum is similar to the Attara Kacheri with the same red colour and architectural style. The original block was designed and built by Colonel Sankey in 1876. Several wings have been added on in the later years, all of which remarkably conform to the parent style. The original collection in the museum belonged to B L Rice of the Mysore Gazetteer. Location: In Cubbon Park

Tipu’s Fort Palace
In the busy, crowded City Market area lies the remnants of Tipu's Fort. Originally this fort was built by Chikkadeva Raya and was later extended, dimantled and rebuilt by Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan. What remains now is part of the fort wall with a tablet marking the place where Cornwallis had breached it in 1791. In the courtyard is the Ganesha Temple that is popularly thought to represent Tipu Sultan's religious tolerance. The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches on the gate walls.Top

Cariappa Memorial Park
As a memorial to Field Marshall K M Cariappa of Karnataka, the Cariappa Park was laid out in 1996 in a portion of the parade grounds between M.G. Road and Cubbon Road. Spread over 22 acres, the park has six segments, an entrance plaza and a seven-foot monolithic monument of Cariappa. There is a huge man-made waterfall and a pond that attracts birds to the park. At the bandstand which is an elevated lawn, six military bands perform every fortnight. The grassy dunes around the bandstand provide comfortable seating for the public. The garden is maintained by various divisions of the army. A play area has been scientifically created in military style to improve physical strength and mental co-ordination of children. There are sand pits, a spider web, Tarzan-swing, Burma bridge, zigzag tunnels and balance bars.A walker's track, paved with cobblestones, is 1.8 km long. About 3000 species of plants and trees, both indigenous and imported, can be found here. In an effort to be eco-friendly, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used for growth or maintenance of the plants. Cariappa Memorial Park is open to public on Saturdays between 1 pm and 7 pm, on Sundays between 9 am and 7 pm, and during the rest of the days between 5.30 pm and 8 pm. Eatables, drinks and pets are not allowed inside.

Lalbagh Park
Surrounding one of the towers erected by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, is the 240 acre landscaped Lalbagh gardens. Haider Ali, the warrior-king of Mysore, decided to create this garden in 1740 on the lines of the Mughal Gardens that were popular during his time. The park has some rare species of plants brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France. Hyder Ali's son, Tipu Sultan, added to the beauty of the garden by publicizing his wish to receive much-sought-after species of plants from visiting dignitaries.With an intricate watering system for irrigation, Lalbagh is aesthetically designed, with lawns, flower beds, lotus pools and fountains. Most of the centuries old trees are labelled for easy identification.During season, the rose garden is beautiful to behold. Apparently, when the young Tipu saw this profusely flowering rose garden he exclaimed, "Lalbagh!" and that is how Lalbagh got its name. While walking around, do not miss the Lalbagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on earth, actually dating back to 3000 million years! The Glass House, a later addition to the Garden, now hosts a permanent flower show which is in addition to the extravaganza held every year on Independence Day and Republic Day. The Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, as it is called now, is open to public from 9 am to 6 pm for a nominal fee of Rs. 2 for persons above 12 years. In addition, for the benefit of early morning joggers and fitness freaks, the gates are open from 6 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 7 pm, when entry is free of charge. Entry for school children and the disabled is also free.

Bannerghatta National Park
Going to a zoo can be a vastly different experience from seeing animals in the wild. Although the Bannerghatta Park is not on the scale of the Jim Corbett National Park, it does give nature lovers a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitat. Situated 25 km from the heart of the city, its main attractions are bison, lions, elephants and panthers among other wildlife. It also has a Serpentarium and a crocodile farm. Being a picnic spot, it is always teeming with people. The park officials organize a Lion Safari for those interested.

Bal Bhavan
Bal Bhavan, within the Cubbon Park, is an imaginatively planned amusement park and recreation centre for the young. Children will enjoy the 1.5 km long ride on a toy train through the park. They can also visit the Doll's museum which has an interesting collection of dolls and toys from all over the world. A mini park has swings, horse rides and tree houses. To trigger the enquiring mind there is a 20 million year old tree, a gift from the Geological Survey of India. The Vijayaranga Theatre screens children's films and stages plays. Craft and hobby classes for children are also conducted in Bal Bhavan.

Cubbon Park
On a grassy expanse over a few hundred acres in the centre of Bangalore is Cubbon Park, planned and laid out in 1864 by Sir Richard Sankey, the then Chief Engineer of Mysore. It is named after Sir Mark Cubbon, Bangalore's longest serving Commissioner. Lawns with vibrant flower beds, shady bowers and flowering trees make this an ideal place for fitness freaks and the elderly to take their morning jogs or evening walks. The Park has elegant classical buildings like Attara Kacheri (the Karnataka High Court) and the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Government Museum, Aquarium, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, all of which are well known. Besid es these, it also houses Bal Bhavan - an amusement park for children.Cubbon Park is open to the public at all times, but is closed to traffic from 5 am to 8 am every day.

ISKCONThe International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON Temple Complex of Bangalore is a marvellous building structure that has blended the Dravidian and modern architecture in its construction. The building has some of the modern facilities like the multi-vision cinema theatre, computer aided presentation theatres along with vedic library and a preaching library. The temple also has good accommodation facility for its members and non-members.

Shiva StatueThe statue is a 65 feet high depiction of Lord Shiva in a position of Padmashan or Lotus position. The statue is complete with Mount Kailash, the Lord's heavenly abode and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks in the background. The entire area gives you a clear picture of the mythological legend related to it.

Bull templeThe Bull Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva's Vahana (vehicle), Nandi the bull. Here you can find a huge monolithic statue of the sitting bull that draws a large number of people to this place every day. The statue is 4.5 meters tall and 6 meters long and has been at this place long before the present temple was built. AquariumThe sight of the Aquarium, which is the second largest in the country, is quite fascinating. Built in a well-planned manner, the Aquarium has a good collection of a variety of aquatic life. The Aquarium remains closed on Mondays.Jawaharlal Nehru PlanetariumAmong the other places to visit, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a must see. Visiting any of the shows here gives you a good view as well as factual knowledge on astronomy. Easily accessible from any corner of the city, the planetarium hosts daily shows of astronomy. It is a fascinating experience for the children.

Places to visit near Bangalore

For the travel-bugs I have compiled a list of places around Bangalore that are worth paying visit over the weekends. The places here are ideal for the ones who want to go somewhere but do not have enough time to travel long distances. They require a max of 4-5 hours drive. So, wake up on a Saturday morning and drive out. Anyone who can contribute with some other noteworthy places, please add to the list. i will also try to provide pictures for each of them. If you have any images, do add them

Bannerghatta National Park (22km)The park is situated in a picturesque surrounding with a variety of fauna, at Anekal Road. The main attractions are bisons, Elephants, Baboons, Panthers, Jackals and Lion taled Monkeys. The park has a snake park and lion and tiger safari.Open 0900 - 1200, 1400 - 1700, Closed on Tuesday. It covers a 100 sq km, has a lion and tiger 'safari' in a 'caged' car. The park also offers elephant rides.

Channapatna (60km)Channapatna is a wonder land of wooden toys. Every person in this town is involved in some aspect of making colourful lacquer wooden toys.
Mekedatu (98km)It is a beautiful picnic spot were river Cauvery offers an unforgettable site. It tumbles down majestically through a deep ravine, on top of which is a chasm around 5meters wide, narrow enough for a goat to leak across. Mekedatu is on Kanakapura Road.

Ramohalli (28km)A little away from the city is Ramohalli, a picturesque picnic spot, that boasts of a 400-year old sprawling banyan tree, spread over 4 acres. The region around Bangalore is dotted with gigantic rock formations, the two notable ones being Shivaganga (4599 ft. high) and Savandurga. The latter used to be a fortress and the hideout of Kempe Gowda.
Hesaraghatta (25km)Hesaraghatta has an artificial lake, a dairy and a horticulture farm. Baoting & windsurfing are the other attractions. Also here is the famous 'Nrityagrama' where young dancers are trained al disciplines of traditional dance.

Shivaganga(56kms)An interesting hill with four faces, rising to a height of 4599ft looks like a Nandi from the East, Ganesh from the West, A Linga from the South and Cobra with it hood spread from the North side. It is accessible by road.

ShivanasamudramThe picturesque waterfalls, the Ganganchukki and the Bharachukki, cascade down 90 meters. These falls are the source of Asia's first Hydro Electric Power Statin called "Shimsa". The falls are in full splendour during July-August. The falls are 22 km from the Bangalore.

Hogenekkal Falls (140km)These are also known as the 'smoking rocks' because of the mist. At the bottom of the 90ft water falls, one can ride in a coracle.

Devarayanadurga (60 kms)This is a hill station of Tumkur road perched at a height of 3940 feet. A few kilometers from foot of the hills is a natural spring called "Namada Chilume". On the Bangalore /Mumbai national Highway near Dobbospet (50km) take a right turn and proceed to devarayanadurga.

Kolar Gold Fields98 Km east of the city and south of Kolar town. Prior permission is required to visit the field. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Banglore can arrange the permission. Visitors are Permitted only on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from October to February. Children below 10 years are not permitted. It is world's deepest gold mine. It is 2,400 meter below the surface and oldest in the country.

Srirangapatna15 kms from Mysore is the old capital of Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna. Its fort bears witness to the Tiger of Mysore's last battle against the British. His mausoleum, the Gumbaz, which sports ivory inlaid doors and the famous tiger-striped emblem is also nearby. Near Srirangapatna is the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Somnathpur40 kms away from Mysore is the Somnathpur Temple, a star-shaped structure built in 1260 A.D, an outstanding example of Hoysala architecture.
Ramanagaram49 kms from Bangalore city, Ramanagaram is famous for its rock formations, a great attraction for rock climbers. Ramanagaram is also an important silk cocoon market.Hassan194 kms from Bangalore is Hassan, from where one can go to Belur, Halebid and Shravanabelagola. Shravanabelagola is a famous Jain pilgrimage with a 17m high monolith of lord Bahubali standing tall.

Uttara Kannada Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka is nearer to Goa which shares the boarder at North east direction. The district headquarter is Karwar and has got an excellent beach resort. The distance between Bangalore and Karwar is nearly 530kms towards west. The journey will be through thick western ghats. Below are some important visiting places in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state.

Murdeswar is Located at west coast, famous for shiva temple and huge statue of Eshwara, sea journey for island visit is available. Bhairavakshetra in Yana is a pilgrim place where shrine of Bhairaveswara is located, trecking place. Banvasi (border of Shimoga) is famous for Madhukeswara temple, Veerabhadra temple, Buddhist stupa, Jain icons and idols. Chennabasaveshwara temple at Ulavi is a pilgrim centre. Honnavar is a coastal area famous for Apsara Konda falls, Idagunji Ganapathi temple. Wild life sanctuary at Dandeli is spread over 205 Sq.kms. This area is also famous for Suspension bridge, caves and Sykes point. Kali river valley is a gorgeous place for viewing the river belt (boating on this river available at Karwar). Magod, Lushington and Sathodi water falls. Natural Shivalinga at Kavala Caves. Gokarna is famous for Ganesha, Ravana, and Mahabaleshwar temples (which is considered next in sanctity to Kashi Vishwanatha temple). Kudle, Om, Baithkola and Dev Bagh beaches have a spectacular sea view and resorts are also available in Dev Bagh. All the beaches are picnic spots. Udupi Udupi is also one of the west coast district of Karnataka state. The famous Chandramouleshwara temple is situated here. The name Udupi came from the name Udupa meaning Moon. The district headquarters Udupi is known as pilgrim centre. The place is also known for its delicious cuisine and the restaurants all over the country. The district headquarters is 420Kms from Bangalore towards West. Nearest airport is Mangalore.

Below are the brief details of visiting places in and around Udupi. Lokanatha and Sri Siddivinayaka (Ganapathi) temples at Hattiangadi. Kollur is famous for Goddess Mukambika (Mookambika) temple, a Hindu pilgrim centre. Mahalingeshwara and Mahaganapathi temples at Padubidri. Anantha Padmanabha temple at Perdur. Beaches at Thrasi, Maravanthe (resorts available) and Malpe (Balarama temple is situated at Malpe). Durga Parameshwari temple at Kamalashile. Trekking at Kudlu Teertha, Arasingaundi (water fall is also present) and Belakal Teertha. Panchalingeshwara and Bette Vinayaka temples at Barkur. Janardhana and Mahakali temples at Ambalapadi. St.Lawrence Church at Attur. Ancient temples and light house at Kaapu. Manipal is famous for educational institutions and is a medical centre. Institute of Yakshagana is situated here. St.Mary's island is a very famous picnic spot where Vasco Da Gama first landed in India. Bhairava temple at Udyawara (a stone pillar called Sthamba Kallu is situated here). Sri Krishna Math, Temple Chariot, Sri Ananthasana Temple, Malpe port, Manipal Museum are located near the Udupi town. Chamarajnagar Chamrajnagar was one of the Taluk headquarters under Mysore district before it became an independent district head quarters. Now, the Chamrajnagar is well known for its hill stations and the temples situated in these hill area. Chamrajnagar is 60Kms from Mysore towards South. Below are some important visiting places in around Chamrajnagar.

Biligirirangana Hills is considered as the Wildlife Santuary, vast hill area with valleys and Biligiri Rangaswami temple is situated here.

Malai Mahadeshwara Hill, famous pilgrim centre, Mahadeshwara temple surrounded by 7 hills. Bandipur is a Wild life Sanctuary, Gopalaswamy Betta (hill) is nearer and spectacular view of Madhumalai and Wayanad forests are visible. Gundal dam constructed between two hills near Biligiri Rangana betta and one more adjacent hill, a picnic spot.

Mandya Mandya district is in between Bangalore and Mysore and on the way from Bangalore towards west. Rich in ugricultural lands as many number of major rivers in southern Karnataka pass through the district. Below are some of the important visiting places in Mandya district. The major attraction in the list of places to visit in this district is Brindavan gardens. This place is also called Krishnarajasagar (KRS) having a dam on the river Kaveri which is one of the biggest dam in India. KRS is only 15 Kms from Mysore district. Balmuri, a picnic spot and nearer to KRS (on the way). Shrirangapattana, famous for Sri Ranganatha temple, Tipu's palace, Tipu's Darya Daulat Bagh, Lal Mahal. This place is very nearer to Mysore on the way to Bangalore. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is also nearer to Mysore and just beside Shrirangapattana. This is on the river Kaveri. Shivanasamudram also called Bluff or Shimsa is famous for Gaganachukki and Bharachukki falls. Melukote, a religious centre, famous for Cheluvarayaswami temple.


You can get more Information on KSTDC and its activities at ;
Karnataka State Tourism Development CorporationNo. 49, 2nd Floor West Entrance, Khanija Bhavan, Race Course Road, Bangalore - 560 001. KARNATAKA, INDIA.Telephone: 91-080-22352901/ 22352902/ 22352903,Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am through 5:30 pm
Fax : 91-080-22352963e-mail:- For General Information: kstdc@vsnl.in

KSTDC Central Reservation Counter Badami House, N.R.Square, Bangalore - 560 002.KARNATAKA, INDIA.Tel : 91-080-2275869 / 2275883 / 22212098. Fax : 91-080-2238016.

KSTDC Central Information Counter City Railway Station, Bangalore - 560 009. Karnataka, India.Tel : 91-080-2870068.

KSTDC Central Information Counter Bangalore Airport,Bangalore 560 008. Karnataka, India. Tel : 91-080-5268012.

LOKESH-BRAHMANI'S ENGAGEMENT - The Hungama

A simple and traditional ceremony marked the engagement of Brahmani-Lokesh yesterday morning at Balakrishna’s home in Jubilee Hills.
Balakrishna was soaking in the attention of the film industry's biggies on the occasion of the engagement ceremony of Lokesh and Brahmani held at his house in Jubilee Hills.
The much hyped engagement took place and all newspapers and TV channels were showing it live much to the excitement of the audiences.

The VIPs list include who’s who right from Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Raghavendra Rao, Mohan Babu, Krishnam Raju, Ramanaidu, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna etc.

Mr Chandrababu Naidu and his wife Bhuvaneswari arrived in a Volvo bus along with their close relatives while Lokesh came in a separate car. There were a host of baratis following them in various imported cars and SUV's . Lokesh sported a embroidered light purple coloured shervani and he wore a Hyderabadi pearl necklace specially made for him.


Thousands of fans of Balakrishna thronged his residence to have a glimse of the gliteratti but private security personnel posted there turned them away. Even the media was not allowed to cover the proceedings. People and Photographers were permitted only up to the outer main gate and were seen pushings and gushing to have a glimpse of the stars.

The wedding of Lokesh with Brahmani has been fixed for August 26. Lets hope its a Mega Event.

Sivaji - The Boss :)

It is not easy to write the review of a movie that features the Superstar. Forgive me if I end up reviewing the Superstar and not the movie on the whole, it’s just that his screen persona is electrifying enough to make my brain cells go numb.

Let’s get it straight, Sivaji is a Rajni film directed by Shankar and not a Shankar film starring Rajni; which one do you prefer? One thing for sure, if you prefer the latter you are surely in the minority. The movie has enough and more for people who think that Rajni was at his best in Thillu Mullu and also for those who think that nothing can beat Baasha. Now you may be getting a feel of what the movie is like and as I had predicted earlier about my own weakness for the Superstar phenomenon, I haven’t yet ventured into any aspect of the movie other than Rajni.
The movie has everything that the trailers had promised. The fun, the lover, the terror and the boss.
Let’s put it this way, you get the first two in the first half and the last two in the second half. There is ample fun for everyone who is looking for some. Vivek and Rajni combine to provide some very hilarious moments.
Vivek must come in for special mention for his performance, especially the scene where he very candidly points out about every spring chicken of the industry trying to become the Superstar overnight, aping his mannerism (watch the movie for the real fun). Shriya comes and goes in the songs where one must say she looks gorgeous, but there is a very thin line between glamour and vulgarity and here the lines seem to have blurred. The high points of the first half however must be the songs. Balleilakka simply rocks; theaters are going to reverberate with fans, every time this song unfolds on screen. Nayanthara fits the song to perfection – looking very beautiful. The STYLE song, in praise of the Superstar’s inimitable element of style has been shot in a way that is completely novel to Tamil cinema. The choreographers – Brindha and Prabhu Deva respectively have done a great job. The plot of the movie thickens as we get closer to the interval and it is only in the second half that Rajni really unleashes on screen; it’s action time.
The second half is all about Rajni and the villains, Suman being the lead antagonist. He has managed to look every inch the ‘wolf in a sheepskin’ kind of character. Dressed in white and white, sporting a wide smile, this might just become the new stereotype look of the Tamil villain for some time to come. Villains cannot get more handsome. The script moves at an express rate here, with twists and turns galore. Not at one point does the tempo of the movie drop. In between, there are some very interesting comic interludes involving Solomon Pappaiah (you are bound to laugh every time he appears on screen) and a few other comic scenes to offer some relief from the tense main plot.Shankar has taken all the cares to make the script as unpredictable as possible and that has worked, as the biggest twist of the movie fell like a thunderbolt on the audience; you don’t see such things normally in a Rajni movie. The climax (of course you know who had the last laugh) is easily the best and the most exciting part of the movie.

Though defying superhuman powers, the fights choreographed by Peter Heinz (we are intentionally calling the fights choreographed, you have to see the movie to understand) and the extremely lavish sets created by Thotta Tharani stand out. Camera work of K.V.Anand is first rate through out, Antony’s editing is crisp and Sujatha’s dialogues are rock solid.
A.R.Rahman’s songs are being lapped up by the audience with background score adding substance to the narration. Shankar, the architect of the product should be applauded for raising the bench mark of a Rajini movie. Future directors might find it even more challenging to script the Superstar in the future.
It’s an absolute celebration of one man who can make millions feel good about life just by walking in elegance, by stroking his hair, or just by being there on screen. It is a celebration of the unmatched STYLE of our SUPERSTAR; come join the festival and revel.

Evangelist Dr K.A Paul feels danger to life from YS & Sonia

Well was watching TV yesterday and today and only one main news kept on flashing at the bottom of the screen. ie K A Paul Allegations against Congress Govt.

I could not control my laughter watching the entire thing on TV.

Well the news as in Newspapers

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In a sensational allegation, well broadcasted over all Television Channels and Radio Channels ....well-known evangelist Dr K.A Paul today said he apprehended danger to his life from Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The President of Global Peace Initiative, based in the USA, claimed that Sonia Gandhi was out to take "revenge against me under the instructions of George Bush and Condoleza Rice".

Paul, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, alleged that Sonia Gandhi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Rajasekhar Reddy had been "nursing a grudge" against him and "destroying" his ministry by imposing curbs on the activities of his organisation in the country.
He also alleged that Reddy was against him because he had refused to give $ 5 million party fund sought by Y.S Rajasekhar Reddy in December 2003 when he was the opposition leader.
Paul said he had enough evidence to prove the complicity of the Congress government in hurting his evangelical activities, which he would prove in a court of law.

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The so-called Dr K A Paul is liar. He has achieved the distinguished honor of being known as a liar, irresponsible for not paying his bills, and now he has been arrested for "lewd conduct" with a 14 year child. Yet, in spite of all this the "man" still has the nerve to be called a minister, an evangelist of God. Strange logic! He owns a 747-SP and he goes around the world begging for money (he calls it donations) for what he calls the widows, the orphans (his Little Teresas), yet most of the money he does receive goes to fuel his expensive toy (747), to paying thousands of dollars in maintanence, storage, and so forth. Have you ever seen him with a Bible in his hands? Nope! Because if he ever did hold the Holy Bible his hand would burn!

Surely this K A Paul is egomaniac. I am ashamed to call him as an evangelist. Not a single quality of a christian is present in him and in his mission. What this man is doing is fully satanic.In fact Bible encourages its readers to pray for the authorities and rulers of the nations. May Lord Jesus Christ forgive him as he has created unnecessary confusion.

Good one for today !

Flatter me, and I may not believe you.
Criticize me, and I may not like you.
Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
Encourage me, and I will not forget you.

The Relationships

That must be the basic responsibility of every alert being: Before I move in any relationship I must be unburdened. I should not carry a hangover; only then can I help the other to grow. Otherwise I will exploit, and the other will exploit me! Otherwise I will try to dominate and the other will try to dominate me. And it will not be a relationship, it cannot be love, it will be a subtle politics.

And we are so bothered about these things which are NOT. You are too bothered if you are ugly. You are too bothered if you are beautiful. The worry is created by something which is not. A relative thing is NOT. It is just a relationship, as if you have drawn a design in the sky, a flower of air. Even a bubble in water is more substantial than relativities. Who are you if you are alone? Nobody. Somebodiness comes in relationship with somebody.

But as you become more and more aware of MANY people, as you become related to many people, one thing becomes absolutely clear to you: that ALL men are alike -- almost alike -- so are all women. Then settling starts. Then you start settling with one woman, with one man, in a more intimate relationship.
Ah, This!
There are two types of relationship: one is of fight, fear, hatred -- this creates ego -- the other is of love, compassion, sympathy. These are the two types of relationship. Wherever love is, fight ceases, ego drops. This is why you cannot love. It is difficult, because to love means to drop the ego, to drop yourself. Love means not to be.

A Bird On The WingsBetween the friend and the enemy there is not much difference. With the friend your relationship is love-hate, and with the enemy, your relationship is hate-love. That's the only difference -- just the difference of emphasis. Love on top and hate hidden behind it -- it is friendship. Hate has come on top and love has gone behind it -- it is enmity.

Graham Ford is not the coach

This is really weird. We get two newspapers at home: one Telugu which is Eenadu and one English (The Hindu) and both said Graham Ford is the new coach of the Indian cricket team . And today I read Graham Ford declines offer to coach Team India. So did they publish the news without confirming with the team and the “coach” or the Indian Cricket management is so desperate to get a foreign coach that they are declaring him coach without his consent? Do they plan to kidnap him, considering the shady elements managing the team presently? It must be quite embarrassing for the BCCI.
But then, I personally think, after the way Bob Woolmer died under mysterious circumstances, and the way criminals and betters have started influencing cricket on the Indian sub-continent, any right thinking personal will thinking twice before taking up the assignment.

So who's the indian coach ??? still a thing to ponder

LOVE IS NOT A RELATIONSHIP

Love relates, but it is not a relationship. A relationship is something finished. A relationship is a noun; the full stop has come, the honeymoon is over. Now there is no joy, no enthusiasm, now all is finished. You can carry it on, just to keep your promises. You can carry it on because it is comfortable, convenient, cozy. You can carry it on because there is nothing else to do. You can carry it on because if you disrupt it, it is going to create much trouble for you… Relationship means something complete, finished, closed.

Love is never a relationship; love is relating. It is always a river, flowing, unending. Love knows no full stop; the honeymoon begins but never ends. It is not like a novel that starts at a certain point and ends at a certain point. It is an ongoing phenomenon. Lovers end, love continues– it is a continuum. It is a verb, not a noun. And why do we reduce the beauty of relating to relationship? Why are we in such a hurry? Because to relate is insecure, and relationship is a security. Relationship has a certainty; relating is just a meeting of two strangers, maybe just an overnight stay and in the morning we say goodbye. Who knows what is going to happen tomorrow? And we are so afraid that we want to make it certain, we want to make it predictable. We would like tomorrow to be according to our ideas; we don't allow it freedom to have its own say. So we immediately reduce every verb to a noun.

You are in love with a woman or a man and immediately you start thinking of getting married. Make it a legal contract. Why? How does the law come into love? The law comes into love because love is not there. It is only a fantasy, and you know the fantasy will disappear. Before it disappears settle down, before it disappears do something so it becomes impossible to separate. In a better world, with more meditative people, with a little more enlightenment spread over the earth, people will love, love immensely, but their love will remain a relating not a relationship. And I am not saying that their love will be only momentary.

There is every possibility their love may go deeper than your love, may have a higher quality of intimacy, may have something more of poetry and more of godliness in it. And there is every possibility their love may last longer than your so-called relationship ever lasts. But it will not be guaranteed by the law, by the court, by the policeman. The guarantee will be inner. It will be a commitment from the heart, it will be a silent communion. If you enjoy being with somebody, you would like to enjoy it more and more. If you enjoy the intimacy, you would like to explore the intimacy more and more. And there are a few flowers of love which bloom only after long intimacies. There are seasonal flowers too; within six weeks they are there, in the sun, but within six weeks again they are gone forever. There are flowers that take years to come, and there are flowers that take many years to come. The longer it takes, the deeper it goes. But it has to be a commitment from one heart to another heart. It has not even to be verbalized, because to verbalize it is to profane it. It has to be a silent commitment; eye to eye, heart to heart, being to being. It has to be understood, not said.

Forget relationships and learn how to relate. Once you are in a relationship you start taking each other for granted– that's what destroys all love affairs. The woman thinks she knows the man, the man thinks he knows the woman. Nobody knows either! It is impossible to know the other, the other remains a mystery. And to take the other for granted is insulting, disrespectful. To think that you know your wife is very, very ungrateful. How can you know the woman? How can you know the man? They are processes, they are not things. The woman that you knew yesterday is not there today. So much water has gone down the Ganges; she is somebody else, totally different. Relate again, start again, don't take it for granted. And the man that you slept with last night, look at his face again in the morning. He is no more the same person, so much has changed. So much, incalculably much has changed. That is the difference between a thing and a person. The furniture in the room is the same, but the man and the woman, they are no more the same. Explore again, start again. That's what I mean by relating. Relating means you are always starting, you are continuously trying to become acquainted. Again and again, you are introducing yourself to each other. You are trying to see the many facets of the other's personality. You are trying to penetrate deeper and deeper into his realm of inner feelings, into the deep recesses of his being.

You are trying to unravel a mystery which cannot be unraveled. That is the joy of love: the exploration of consciousness. And if you relate, and don't reduce it to a relationship, then the other will become a mirror to you. Exploring him, unawares you will be exploring yourself too. Getting deeper into the other, knowing his feelings, his thoughts, his deeper stirrings, you will be knowing your own deeper stirrings too. Lovers become mirrors to each other, and then love becomes a meditation. Relationship is ugly, relating is beautiful. Hence I say relate. By saying relate, I mean remain continuously on a honeymoon. Go on searching and seeking each other, finding new ways of loving each other, finding new ways of being with each other. And each person is such an infinite mystery, inexhaustible, unfathomable, that it is not possible that you can ever say, "I have known her," or, "I have known him." At the most you can say, "I have tried my best, but the mystery remains a mystery." In fact the more you know, the more mysterious the other becomes. Then love is a constant adventure

Weekend Plans

The day that i love most...frrrrrrrrrrrriday ..Well Friday is the day that i love .. coz i get 2 days of vacation after that .

Now for the weekend plans. One of my favourite things to do over the weekend is to go to late night buffets and party with friends. They are simply fabulous. They start at around 8pm and end at midnight. Perfect for catching up with friends after a long week of work. You can sit there and chat for a long time in a nice comfortable atmosphere, with a constant supply of food and the drinks that you like most . Once the drinks are done ..comes in the dinner part .. i am usually a poor eater and just take what is enough for my stomach ..after that the part that i again love most " Desserts " ... i just love the Trifle pudding, Custards, Ice Creams, Caramels .....and many other things whose names i dont remember now . I simply love them at Green Park the place i think is the right one for all kinds of desserts.

Of course they are many other things in Hyderabad which i am probably not aware off . Any new Ideas that you know off and i can use please revert back..

Well lot of planning to do lot of things today .. will update on it once i am done ...CIAO

MY LOVE IS LIKE A RED ROSE

"The rose was awake all night for your sake, knowing your promise to me: the lilies and roses all aware, they sighed for the dawn and thee.''

Why did i start blogging :)

There is a huge talk in my office within my friends when they heard i started to blog . All of them asked me the same question since yesterday as to why i started to blog. So here’s why I blog:
I’m used to blogging: You don’t have to believe me, but I’ve been blogging since 2005, here and there, on and off. Irrespective of whether I publish posts regularly or not, not having a blog seems odd.
To share ideas: When you share ideas you think more about those ideas. By writing them and sharing them with the others you solidify your ideas. You also obtain others’ point of views on your ideas and this helps you expand your thinking.
To keep me up to date: Blogging forces me to read. Whether it is copywriting, content writing, blogging, social media, seo or even web development, I read to keep myself informed as well as get new ideas to write about. I constantly learn new things and improve the existing ones. For instance, I have learnt a lot about Apps DBA and other stuff related to my work by reading various blogs and by visiting forums.
To improve my writing: I take blogging seriously in terms of writing. My blog gives me enough space to write the way I want to write. My blog lets me express my feelings about what is happening around me through writing and I’m seeing a big change in the way I used two days earlier.
To earn money: Of course some day I’d like to earn money from my blog directly. I know considering the kind of effort I put in it is not going to happen for a long time, or may be it won’t happen ever because my priorities are different in life.
To make new friends: I have come to know quite a few people through blogging. There are so many great people around and blogs act as a meeting place.You go to other blogs and people come to your blog. By agreeing and disagreeing we all strike up conversations and this gives rise to great friendships which are always useful in the long run :)

Mad Rush to Use Yellow Coupons

With the issue of Sodexo passes to all the Employees there has been a mad rush by my company people to stock up on items , they not being sure whether they were needed those items or not.

The RKHS Canteen in Cyber Gateway took the brunt of shopping since 29th May when the sodexo thing was announced. The majority of rush which started around 5:00 p.m starting that day and went on till RKHS closed down on that day. People have been going for several items such as COKE, DIET COKE, PULPY ORANGE, CHOCLATES AND KINLEY WATER.
The purchase of these items in that rush looked to me like people are trying to stock some essential during a storm :)

My Close friend in Office Bala Gangadhar Reddy who was still shocked by the news of the Sodexo coupons , said he did not have to rush because he had prepared from the start of the Month in collecting Pulpy Orange bottles for his daughter.. the fact remains that he never told us the truth that we can take it as well .

When people began to rush "It's just shocking. I just stood-up looking. But we started to prepare before so we just secure some Cokes and Water.

I often find people rushing here and there without a moment to stop and notice what's around us. Maybe that's exactly why we rush so much, to avoid looking at the mess we've made of the Office and the yellow coupons - but without a moment to stop and notice the mess, you don't get to savour the bounty either.
Or maybe we rush because we're subconsciously in a race with each other for the perfect free Coke or Orange Juice.

Either way, it would seem we were each born with an invisible monkey on our shoulder, whipping us on faster and faster (as we get poorer and poorer loosing the free stuff). ........

My First Post

Blogging is all about writing — if it is not a photo/video blog or a feeds collection.
Writing can be a big hurdle specially for software engineers like me . All through my working years I have seen numerous blogs where the bloggers can write not even a single correct sentence and still readers visit them regularly and even like what they write. When you write for blogs, it’s not about how you say, but what you say.And that is what i am going to do whenever i get time next time .

Well i want to post all kinds of articles which people like to read, watch and see :)

If you feel your writing can make a reader go mad, don’t worry. I personally believe writing bad is far better than not writing at all.

When people read your thoughts they are more interested in your thoughts and how you think about the same . So focus on your thoughts, feel sincere about them, and see if there is a genuine feeling to communicate to your readers. Once you feel excited about what you want to say, your writing will seem good on its own.