SUNDAY SURPRISE (162)

MY TRAVEL MEMORIES SINCE JANUARY, 2023. (1).

Hi Friends,

As I embarked on my journey in January 2023, the tranquility of the temple pond in Korattur set the tone for a remarkable exploration. The rippling waters mirrored the serenity I sought on this voyage.

February brought forth a tapestry of experiences. From the vivid hues of a family function in Tambaram, where nature displayed its finest artwork, to the moments captured with my dear friend Padmaja Ramesh, our shared passion for blogging creating an indelible bond.

The sands of time transported me to Muscat, Oman, a place of vibrant culture and breathtaking vistas. Amidst the laughter at the children’s park near my brother’s abode in Darsait, I uncovered the joyous spirit of the locale.

The allure of Al Sifah Beach and the bustling Cornish added a delightful chapter to my travelogue, each wave whispering tales of Oman’s coastal splendor.

My upcoming blogs promise a tapestry of my complete tour, weaving together the cultural fabric of each place. Journeying back to India, the vistas near Pune and Delhi await, beckoning with their own unique beauty.

Join me as I unravel the mosaic of experiences, capturing the essence of each location and celebrating the tapestry of cultures that make our world a remarkable place to explore.

Stay tuned for more travel stories and cherished moments, as I share the globe through my lens.

Thank you so much for taking your precious to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

MY TRIP TO NEW DELHI ( DAY 2)

Hi Friends,

Welcome to my travel blog! In this post, I’m excited to share with you my incredible journey through the captivating city of New Delhi. As the capital of India, New Delhi is a melting pot of diverse cultures, rich history, and vibrant traditions. From its bustling markets and awe-inspiring historical monuments to its delectable cuisine and warm hospitality, New Delhi has something to offer for every traveler. So, fasten your seatbelts and join me as I take you on an unforgettable adventure through this enchanting city!

Now, let’s dive into the details of my remarkable visit to New Delhi.

Our tour itinerary began with a trip to Jwala Heri Market near Pashchim Vihar, where my aunt lived with her son and daughter. We went there on 14th November, took rest on 15th as we watched India- New Zealand World Cup cricket semi final match.

Our next destination was Sarojini Nagar Market. Sarojini Nagar Market in Delhi is a bustling paradise for bargain hunters and fashion enthusiasts. Known for its trendy yet affordable clothing, accessories, and home decor, it attracts locals and tourists alike. The market offers a plethora of stalls and shops where you can find everything from clothing and footwear to handbags and jewelry, all at incredibly low prices. It’s a vibrant hub filled with the buzz of bargaining, color, and diverse fashion choices, making it a must-visit for those seeking great deals and unique finds in Delhi’s shopping scene.

Inside the metro.

On 16th November 2023, We ( Mom, my daughter, cousin and I) boarded a metro train to Sarojini Nagar and reached the market at around 2 PM. We had Chhole Kulche, a popular local dish and tea before going on extensive shopping. We bought dresses, sweaters and kitchen items and also did window shopping for 3 hours.

(Info: Wikipedia)

After enjoying Raj Kachori in Haldirams, we went to Karol Bagh to buy Pasta from a popular kiosk, Aunty’s pasta before leaving home.

Thank you so much for taking your precious to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

#DelhiDiaries #MarketAdventures #ShoppingSpree #SarojiniNagarFinds #LocalDelicacies #BargainHunting #CulturalExploration #FamilyTravel #FashionFinds #MemorableMoments #MetroAdventures #ExploringDelhi

MY TRIP TO DELHI

A TRAVELOGUE

Enjoying my train journey with mom and daughter ( her pic not taken).

Exploring Chennai and the Vibrant JwalaHeri Market, Delhi.

Hi Friends,

The festive season of Diwali always beckons vibrant journeys and cherished memories. This year, my mother, daughter, and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure, starting on November 6th, 2023. Our first stop was Chennai, where the warmth of family embraces awaited us.

Arriving in Chennai on the 7th, our days overflowed with the glow of Diwali celebrations, reuniting with relatives, and partaking in an unforgettable family gathering. As the joyous echoes of Diwali faded, our hearts were filled with anticipation for the next leg of our journey.

Boarding the Tamilnadu Express on the 12th of November, we eagerly set our course for the heart of India – New Delhi. The morning of the 14th brought with it a heartfelt welcome from my cousins and my maternal aunt, a figure of maternal love and endearment.

Our first day in Delhi saw us stepping into the historic village of JwalaHeri Market, nestled in the vibrant Paschim Vihar. Here, amidst the bustling streets, we immersed ourselves in the diverse offerings – from tantalizing food stalls to chic apparel, high-tech gadgets, and exquisite jewelry, each corner exuded its unique charm.

After a delightful spree of shopping, we indulged in the irresistible flavors of Golgappe, followed by refreshing fruit juices that offered respite from the day’s excitement. With exhaustion setting in, we retreated homeward, concluding our day with a hearty dinner and excitedly sketching out plans for the adventures that awaited us in this vibrant city.

Stay tuned for more chapters of our journey as we unfold the tapestry of our Delhi expedition, exploring its rich heritage, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Until then, our hearts are brimming with the joyful memories of our Diwali rendezvous in Chennai and the colorful vibrancy of JwalaHeri Market in Delhi.

Thank you so much for taking your precious to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

#DiwaliCelebration #ChennaiDiaries #JwalaHeriMarket #DelhiExploration #FamilyTravel #CulturalAdventures #MemorableJourney #TravelDiaries

A TRIP TO DEHU NEAR PUNE.

Greetings everyone,

I am thrilled to share the incredible experience of my recent trip with all of you. From the enchanting sights to the unforgettable adventures, this journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Join me as I take you on a virtual tour filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating cultures, and delightful discoveries. So sit back, relax, and let me transport you to a world of wanderlust and exploration. Let’s embark on this journey together!

SIGHTS ENROUTE DEHU.

ABOUT DEHU

Dehu is a small town located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. It is historically significant as the birthplace of the revered Marathi saint and poet, Tukaram, who lived in the 17th century.

Tukaram is known for his devotional poetry and songs, which continue to be a source of inspiration for people in the region.The town of Dehu is often visited by pilgrims and tourists interested in the life and teachings of Sant Tukaram. The Tukaram Temple, dedicated to the saint, is a major attraction in the town. This temple is a place of reverence and holds cultural and religious significance.

Dehu is also known for its scenic beauty, with lush green surroundings and a tranquil atmosphere that offers a respite from the bustling urban life. The town’s serene environment makes it a suitable destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a religious pilgrimage.

The legacy of Sant Tukaram and the spiritual aura of Dehu continue to draw people from all walks of life. It is a place where the past and the present merge, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Maharashtra.

SANT TUKARAM TEMPLE

We visited Sant Tukaram Temple in Dehu Town on Monday, 9th October, 2023.

Sant Tukaram Temple

This is the main temple dedicated to the great saint.

This is the home of Sant Tukaram. There’s another newly built Sant Tukaram Gatha Mandir, which I am yet to see.

My mom visited this temple in July, 2023.

Sant Tukaram Statue.

The idols of Vithoba and Rukmani.

ABOUT SANT TUKARAM

Sant Tukaram was a revered Marathi saint and poet who lived in the 17th century in the town of Dehu, near Pune, India. He is a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion to a personal god as the path to spiritual realization. Tukaram’s devotional poetry, known as Abhanga, is celebrated for its simplicity and deep spiritual insight.Sant Tukaram’s life was filled with interesting and spiritually significant events that shaped his journey as a revered saint.

Here are some noteworthy moments:

Early Life and Family: Tukaram was born in 1608 in the town of Dehu, Maharashtra, into a humble family. His early life was marked by devotion to Lord Vithoba, the deity of Pandharpur. He inherited a small shop and took on the responsibilities of his family.Divine Vision: A pivotal moment in Tukaram’s life occurred when he claimed to have had a vision of Lord Vithoba, which ignited his profound devotion. This vision inspired him to give up his worldly pursuits and fully dedicate his life to God.

Opposition from Orthodox Brahmins: Tukaram’s devotional practices, which included singing Abhanga in the Marathi language rather than the traditional Sanskrit, faced opposition from orthodox Brahmins. He was often ridiculed and ostracized for his unconventional approach to devotion.

Miracles and Divine Interventions: Tukaram’s life was marked by several incidents that were considered miraculous. It is said that he once miraculously restored a dead horse to life, leading to an increase in his followers and gaining recognition as a saint.Pilgrimage to Pandharpur: Tukaram made several pilgrimages to Pandharpur, where he sought the divine presence of Lord Vithoba. These journeys were filled with spiritual encounters and profound experiences, which he documented in his Abhanga.

Imprisonment: Tukaram faced adversity and was even imprisoned by a local king due to his refusal to compromise his devotion. His unwavering faith during his imprisonment only strengthened his reputation as a saint.

Disappearance and Return: There is a story of Tukaram’s temporary disappearance from the mortal world. According to legends, he entered a river and emerged years later, exemplifying his deep spiritual connection and divine intervention.

Final Moments: Sant Tukaram’s life came to an end in 1649 when he is believed to have attained Maha-samadhi, a yogic state of leaving one’s body consciously, while singing Abhanga. This event is celebrated as his union with the divine.These events in Sant Tukaram’s life showcase his unwavering faith, his struggle against opposition, and his profound connection with Lord Vithoba. They are not only interesting but also serve as examples of his spiritual journey and the impact he had on the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra.

Tukaram crafted Abhanga poetry, a distinctive Marathi literary genre characterized by its simplicity and the fusion of folk tales with profound spiritual themes. His verses are celebrated for their informal and folksy style, composed in the vernacular language, setting him apart from predecessors like Dnyandeva and Namdev, known for their elegant yet deep styles.

In one of his poems, Tukaram humbly portrayed himself as a “fool” who sought solitude due to disillusionment with the world, maintaining a devotion to Vitthal (Vishnu) like his ancestors, even though he felt he lacked their unwavering faith and devotion.Tukaram’s extensive body of work, known as Tukaram Gatha or Abhanga Gatha, written in Marathi, likely spanned from 1632 to 1650.

It is traditionally believed to consist of approximately 4,500 abhangas. These poems explore a wide range of human emotions and life experiences, often delving into his own life, all within a profound spiritual context. Additionally, he delved into the conflict between Pravritti, the pursuit of worldly passions, and Nivritti, the desire for renunciation and individual liberation, or moksha.

Indrayani River :

It is believed that in a moment of divine inspiration, Tukaram is believed to have thrown his collection of abhangs into the flowing waters of the Indrayani River( see the pic above). This act symbolized his belief that his devotion had become so profound that it no longer required written words to convey it. He felt that his love for Lord Vithoba was now a part of his very being, beyond the need for written verses.

Conclusion :

Dehu, the small town in Maharashtra, and Sant Tukaram, the 17th-century Marathi saint and poet, are inseparable elements of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Dehu served as the backdrop for Sant Tukaram’s remarkable life and spiritual journey, and it remains a place of pilgrimage for those who seek to pay homage to this revered saint.

Sant Tukaram’s legacy endures through his devotional poetry, Abhanga, which continues to inspire people with its simplicity, depth of spirituality, and unwavering devotion to Lord Vithoba. His life was marked by interesting events, including divine visions, opposition from orthodox Brahmins, imprisonment, and miraculous occurrences, all of which exemplified his profound connection with the divine.

Through his teachings and writings, Tukaram emphasized the importance of devotion, humility, and self-realization as the path to salvation. His life, family, and spirituality together provide a holistic view of a saint’s journey, where the divine and the worldly are intertwined.

Sant Tukaram’s devotion to Lord Vithoba and his impact on Marathi literature and culture have left an indelible mark on India’s spiritual landscape. Dehu remains a place of reverence, drawing pilgrims and seekers from all walks of life to connect with the enduring legacy of this beloved saint.

Thank you so much for taking your precious to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

#Tourism # Dehu # Sant Tukaram Temple # History.

MY SPIRITUAL TRIP

A TRAVEL STORY

Hi friends,

I shared the pics of scenic beauty enroute to my trip to various temples. Today, I am presenting the pics and the story of various temples in my journey.

DAY ONE.

Enjoying the car trip with family.
Singirikkudi Temple
Wikipedia.

The devotees aren’t allowed to click the images inside the temple. So, the images of all the idols are courtesy Wikipedia. The information source credit goes to Wikipedia and https://templesinindiainfo.com.

Our first destination was Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Singirikkudi, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. This is one of the Shrines of Nava-Narasimha Temples ( 9 temples) dedicated to Lord Narasimha, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. He appears with the head of a lion with the body of a human. Lord Narasimha is in His Ugra Or Ferocious form as He is slaying the demon King, Hiranyakashyap, on His Lap. The Lord has 16 hands. There are separate Shrines dedicated to Thayar (Mother) (Kanakavalli) and Andal, facing the opposite direction of the Lord. His devotee, Prahlad, is seen on His right side along with Sages Sukracharya and Vasishta. The temple is more than 1600 years old.

According to a legend, King Nimi Chakravarti of Surya dynasty wanted to perform a yagna ( sacrificial ritual) to gain more powers. He approached Sage Vashishtha to conduct the rituals, who expressed his inability to do so. The King then requested Sage Kowshik to perform the yagna, which was successful. When Sage Vashishtha returned, he was furious to learn that King Nimi Chakravarti went ahead with his Yagna without waiting for him and didn’t welcome him. He cursed the King that his body and soul will be separated. The King used his powers to repeat the same curse on Sage Vashishtha who came to Singirikkudi to perform penance and appease Lord Narasimha who freed him from the curse and granted Salvation. It’s believed that if you worship Lord Narasimha and wish for anything, He immediately grants your wishes.

We had hired a car from Chennai itself. If you wish to visit this temple, you can take a Pondicherry-Cuddalore bus and get down at Thavalai Kuppam from where you can take an autorickshaw. The temple timings are subjected to change :

Morning 7.00 Am – 12.00pm

Evening 4.30pm – 9.00 Pm

We proceeded towards Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Poovarasamkuppam near Singirikkudi. There’s another Narasimha temple at Parikkal. These three temples are geographically placed in a straight line from West to East and it’s very auspicious to visit all the three temples on the same day.

TripAdvisor.com
Wikipedia

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Poovarasamkuppam is nearly 1200 years old and is referred to as South Ahobilam. This temple is located at 15 kms from Villupuram.

After slaying the demon Hiranyakashyap, Lord Narasimha’s anger didn’t subside. So, the seven sages ( Saptarshi) performed a penance to seek His Darshan. However, they were unable to bear the Heat emitting from the Lord and prayed to His Goddess to calm Him Down. Goddess Amirthavalli appeared and sat on His right lap, which made Him calm.

The speciality of the temple is that the Goddess looks at the Lord with one of Her eyes while blessing Her devotees with the other. The story associated with the temple is that one of the kings of the Pallava Dynasty adopted Jainism and started destroying Shiva and Vishnu temples. The devotees were against this move and those who opposed him were sentenced to death. Narahari, a sage, also expressed his disagreement and was given the death penalty. He cursed the king with Brahma hathi dosham, a sin occurred by murdering a Brahmin. The king went through a turbulent time which made him repent over his sins .He wanted to apologize to Narahari for his sins and absolve him from the curse . The king slept under a poovarasan tree when Lord Narasimha appeared in his dream and told that the Sage Narahari would bless him and free him from the curse. It was precisely at this moment that a leaf with the Image of Lord Narasimha fell from the tree. Sage Narahari absolved him of the curse and the King built a temple to Lord Narasimha in accordance with Narahari’s wishes.

If you wish to visit the temple by air, the nearest airport would be Puducherry, 36.6 Kms. The nearest railway station is Villupuram. It’s better to hire a cab from Puducherry to visit these three temples. The timings are subjected to vary according to the various religious festivals.

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

We had a wonderful Darshan of all the deities and proceeded towards Parikkal which is 28 kms away from Villupuram. The temple is said to be as old as 1800 years and built by Vasantharaja of Vriddachalam. As per the local belief, your prayers will be answered here and you will be free from debts, enemies, and diseases. Lord Narasimha is the presiding deity with His Consort, Kanakavalli Thaayar. Actually, Amirthavalli and Kanakavalli Thaayar are the various forms of Goddess Laxmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Parikkal Temple
Wikipedia

The story associated with the temple is that:

A demon called Parakalasura ( a relative of Hiranyakashyap) troubled the King Vasanthraja and his subjects. As advised by his Guru, the King performed a penance and invoked the aid of Lord Narasimha to protect his kingdom from the demon. Lord Narasimha answered his prayers and slayed Parakalasura. His ferociousness didn’t subside immediately. So, the King also prayed to Goddess Lakshmi who appeared as Kanakavalli Thayar and sat on His lap to calm him down. This place was called Parikalapuram after the King requested that the place be named after the demon because of whom he had the good fortune of getting blessed by Lord Narasimha and Kanakavalli Thaayar. It eventually became Parikkal.

Puducherry Airport is the closest at 83.3 km and Chennai International Airport is 172 km. If traveling by passenger train, you can get down at Parikkal railway station which lies between Villupuram and Vriddachalam station. For travel by road, you can catch a bus from Madras- Villupuram-Ulundurpet- Trichy and stop at Kedilam Junction from where you can get share autos to Parikkal.

As mentioned earlier, the temple timings are subjected to change.
Morning: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

We had lunch at an Iyer Mess and then started around tea time at 4 PM to our next destination, Srimushanam, and enroute visited Vriddhagiriswarar Temple, Vriddhachalam, the details of which I will share it in my next blog.

Hope you enjoyed this part. Will continue my travel stories in the next one. I will share the stories from the Indian mythology in my Sunday blogs, shortly.

Thank you so much for taking your precious time to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

MY TRIP TO PALAKKAD, KeRALA

DAY 3

Good morning friends,

Today I am going to show you the scenic beauty of Kerala. It was Sunday and the final day of our vacation. We woke up early in the morning and got ready for a breathtaking, exhilarating journey to the lap of Nelliyampathy Hills located 60 kms from Palakkad. I never imagined that we would be traveling in an autoricshaw all the way uphill. The driver was a very nice man who charged quite a reasonable fare for the trip. We reached another Dam, Pothundi Dam, located at the bottom of Nelliyampathy Hills and Forest Range.

Had a great view of Pothundi Dam
A view from the Pothundi Dam.
Pothundi Dam

Pothundi Dam is located in the village of Pothundi, Palakkad district, Kerala. It’s one of the oldest dams in India and built in the 19th Century. This dam is very special because core wall is built with a mixture of jaggery and quick lime. ( Wikipedia)

On the way to Nelliyampathy Hills
Halfway through the hills but can see Pothundi Dam from this height.
Tea estate in Nelliyampathy Hills

Nelliyampathy Hills and Forest range happens to lie on the Western Ghats. There is a dense forest with wildlife. We saw lots of monkeys. There are elephants also but they come out only at night. There are sprawling tea estates and coffee plantations. I also saw orange orchards and grape vineyards.

In fact, when we reached Seethargandu viewpoint of Nelliyampathy Hills, my mother had a packet of cookies in her hand. A monkey snatched it from her hand. I had a great time trekking through the forest. I have recorded some videos for you to enjoy.

I hope you enjoyed this journey.

Thank you so much for taking your precious time to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

MY TRIP TO PALAKKAD, KERALA DAY 2

TRAVEL TIME

Good morning friends,

I am back again with my travel story. Kerala’s such an adorable place that you will feel like visiting again and again. We started our day with a visit to Vadakkanthara Devi temple dedicated to Goddess Kannagi who destroyed Madurai, a city in Tamil Nadu after her husband, Kovalan was wrongly accused of theft. The temple is quite big and has shrines dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesha, Lord Nagaraj. The temple is quite big and the architecture is marvelous.

Vadakanthara Sree Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathi Temple

Outside the temple after worshipping the Goddess

The day was too hot and the temples were closed. So, we took rest in our lodge and resumed our journey by 3.30 PM.

Enjoying tea at an open air cafe near Malampuzha Dam.

We went to visit Kava reservoir which is located behind Malampuzha Dam and is 16-kms from the City of Palakkad.

A scenic view from Kava.

Breathing refreshing cool air in Kava, an area surrounded by mountains and hills.
A gorgeous view.
Looks like I could shoot a movie here.
Chilling out with my mom.
It’s the backwaters from Malampuzha Dam.
Wow. Appreciating Mother Nature’s beauty.

Our next visit was to Malampuzha Dam, the largest dam and reservoir in Kerala. It’s a unique combination of a masonry dam with a length of 1,849 metres and an earthen dam with a length of 220 metres making it the longest dam in the state.[3] The dam is 355 feet high and crosses the Malampuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha, Kerala’s second longest river.(Wikipedia info).

We chose to travel by a rope car with an amazing view.

A view of boating in Malampuzha Dam from the rope car.
Enjoying ice-cream at the Garden in Malampuzha Dam.

Malampuzhadam. com

Since it was getting quite dark, we didn’t get enough lighting for snaps but this is the aerial view of Malampuzhadam and the surrounding garden.

After dinner, we returned to our lodge for the day. There is another surprise for you that I will share in the evening.

Thank you so much for taking your precious time to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

MY TRIP TO PALAKKAD, KERALA

DAY 1

Good morning friends,

As promised, I am taking you all on a trip to Kerala. I am with my husband, my mother, and daughter in a beautiful place called Palakkad, in Kerala. We left Chennai on 31st March, 2022 and reached Palakkad on 1.4.2022 at 4.45 AM. We were worried about getting a good accommodation but God’s divine grace was with us. We are staying at Sapthagiri, a homely hotel at a small village called Vadakkanthara which is hardly 15 minutes from the Palakkad Junction Railway Station.

Our room
Relaxing at my air conditioned room

The people of Kerala are so friendly and helpful. We went to have breakfast at Dosa Corner which is just 10 minutes away from our lodging.

After a shower and a quick breakfast, we went to visit our family deity, Bhagavathi Amman at a place called Kannadi.

Yarakkara bridge on our way to Kannadi, a small village.
scenic view
Inside Kannadi Kottukulangara Temple

Photography is not allowed beyond this point. This is the temple of Devi Kannadi Kottukulangara. Goddess Parvati ( also known as Adi Parashakti mata Or Bhagwati Devi, consort of Lord Shiva) appeared in front of the Brahmin Saints who performed penance at the north-western side of Kannadi River (Chadanamkurrussi) .

According to shrikottukulangarabhagavathytemple.pravahasoftware.com, the sins of the people around these Brahmin saints got them killed and the temple faced dereliction. The area wore a deserted forest look. But the temple and deity still remained powerful.

However, some ladies who went to collect firewood, discovered the idol and took it home and started worshipping. Later on, they handed over the idol to the Lordly family who reconstructed the temple and restored the idol. We paid a visit to our ancestral property in Thondikulam which is hardly 20 minutes from the temple of Bhagwati Devi.

My ancestral house in Thondikulam.

Kalahasty Bhavan. Thondikulam
Sri Balaji temple at the end of the lane.

These are the places where my forefathers lived before they moved to settle in Burma ( Myanmar). They are my ancestors from my father’s paternal side of the family. It was so nice to revisit these lanes. I really miss dad. I have never seen my paternal grandfather.

We returned to our lodge before resuming our memorable trip to Palakkad fort and Garden.

Palakkad fort
Inside the Palakkad Fort
Having great fun at the Palakkad fort.

Palakkad Fort

Sultan Hyder Ali, father of Tipu Sultan, recaptured and rebuilt this fort in 1766 AD. (Wikipedia)

moat around the fort
Children’s park near the fort

We visited the children’s park just near the Fort.There is a skating rink at the entrance.

We went to visit Hanuman temple in the Fort.

Govt. Victoria College

On our way to the other temples, we went through the market and Victoria College that was founded in 1888( Wikipedia).

Our next stop happened to be Shri Guruvayoorappan Temple. It’s dedicated to Lord Krishna who manifests himself in the form of Guruvayoorappan.

Outside Guruvayoorappan temple
Shri Laxminarayana Perumal Temple in Kalpathy

Shri Laxminarayana Perumal Temple in Kalpathy is dedicated to Shri Vishnu, the protecting Lord and Goddess Laxmi, His Consort and The Goddess of Wealth.

One thing noteworthy about the temples in Kerala is that they are very punctual about the opening and closing of the temple premises. Most of the temples open up as early as 4.30 AM and close by 10-11 AM for morning visit.

Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanathaswamy temple, Kalpathy

Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanathaswamy temple popularly known as Kasi Viswanathaswamy Temple or locally as kundukovil is a famous Hindu temple located in the Kalpathy village of Palakkad in Kerala, India. Kalpathy Rathotsawam ( taking out the procession in a chariot) takes place here. Kalpathy river (Nila Nadhi) flows near the vicinity of the temple and there is a temple pond as well. The presiding deity is Lord Siva ( Kashi Vishwanath) and his consort Visalakshi (another name for Parvati). This temple dates back to early fifteenth century. It’s believed that visiting this temple is equivalent to seeing Lord Vishwanath in Kashi.

This concluded the first day of our trip. The climate is quite hot now. We visited a temple this morning at Vadakkanthara dedicated to Goddess Bhagawathi.

Vadakkanthara Bhagawathi temple

We are going to visit some very interesting places after lunch.

I hope to post them as soon as possible.

Thank you so much for taking your precious time to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

MY MOM’S TRIP TO MUSCAT ( PART 12) (CONCLUSION)

Hi Friends,

I am very thrilled to inform you that my mom has just completed her final leg of journey in Muscat and will be coming back to India next week. Her final destination took to Bimmah Sinkhole in Muscat and Pebble Beach near Tiwi

Mom in Bimmah Sinkhole
Crystal clear water in the sinkhole
Wow. Fascinating.

Hawiyyat Najm is also known as Bimmah Sinkhole in English. It is situated in Muscat and is basically a water filled depression. ( Wikipedia)

What would I not give to visit such a wonderful place!

Let’s move on to the next destination, Pebbles Beach. Pebble Beach is located on on Muscat–Sur Coastal road( http://www.click-oman.com) and near Tiwi.

Wow. Awesome
Views from different angle.
Mom enjoying her Beach visit.

That’s all for now. I am looking forward to spending time with my mom after her return.

Thank you so much for taking your precious time to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊

MY MOM’S TRIP TO MUSCAT ( PART 11)

Hi friends,

I am back with another episode of my mom’s trip to Muscat. She had her New Year celebrations at Salalah, a breathtakingly beautiful tourist destination in Dhofar province of Oman. I know I am a bit late as I was preoccupied with other posts. Anyway, it’s better late than never. Let’s take a tour.

Ayn Garziz scenic view
A pool of water in Ayn Garziz Rocky formation
Ayn Garziz sparse waterfall.

This is Ayn Garziz. It has freshwater springs and a waterfall which can be seen during the Khareef Season ( July- August)with a cave to explore. During the off season, the water level recedes. The best time to visit is during the said period July- August.

Mom near entrance to the Ayn Garziz cave
A scenic view en route to the Biblical Tomb of Job
The tomb of Prophet Job also referred as Nabi Ayyub
At Marneef Cave and Blow Hole along Mughsail Beach, Salalah
Mughsail Beach, Salalah
Mom enjoying Tea and the view.
Salalah port at night.

Wow. A fascinating place to visit. Let’s hope I get a chance to actually visit these places in person.

Thank you so much for taking your precious time to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊