My travels is all about... My views, thoughts and experiences on/about/at/with random places of interest, persons, things, events, issues etc,. I am an eternal student with a restless mind and a tumultuous heart!
My travels is all about... My views, thoughts and experiences on/about/at/with random places of interest, persons, things, events, issues etc,. I am an eternal student with a restless mind and a tumultuous heart!
Thursday, December 31, 2020
My twenty twenty
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Winter's Warmth
![]() |
A winter morning at the municipal tank of Palakollu |
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Our Colonel has fallen
![]() |
Col. Santosh Babu - Image Credit unkown |
Tents perched atop the heights of Ladakh mocked the talks that happened,
blowing hot and cold, breathing fire and fury, the Dragon's done mapping.
When the durbar of Delhi was ill-prepared for the assault,
Sun Tzu struck sneakily and rubbed a terrible wound with salt.
With so little backup but so much at stake, brave men marched to the front;
O sons of heaven, o masters of Asia, be prepared for the righteous brunt.
And those lofty mountains witnessed the clash that unfolded,
as the enemies snooped southwards, and with terror, the arena exploded.
Out-manned in a brazen barbarous attack, the men fought, so brave and calm.
But for the loss that followed, what gods would offer the best balm?
O dear colonel - our colonel has fallen; along with his loyal troops bloody but unbowed
O Galwan river, carry those fallen with respect; and for the supreme sacrifice, our entire nation bowed.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
The Temple of Vontimitta
![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Talambralu Scene of Sita Rama Kalyanam |
The Place
Vontimitta/Ekasilanagaram is a small village located in Rajampeta Mandal of Kadapa district. The Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy temple of Vontimitta is a famous and historical temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ram. Mythologically, this place is associated with the Hindu Epic Ramayana. It was assumed that Lord Shri Ram visited this place during his Vanavas along with Goddess Sita and Lakshmana. The temple was allegedly built by Vontadu and Mittadu - two robbers who repented. However, historically the temple owes it's origin to the Rayas of Vijaynagar and probably their feudal vassals in 16th Century CE, even though some view it as belonging to a much earlier Chola period. There are some sources which identify this village with the legendary Ekasilanagaram - home town of perhaps one of the greatest Telugu poets of all time, Bammera Potana. Infact, this temple is associated with many poets and scholars - an impressive achievement in itself! Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu - one among the Ashtadiggajas of Sri Krishna DevaRaya's assembly Bhuvana Vijayam, the iconic composer Annamayya, French gem merchent and traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier - the list of admirers of this temple is impressive! Post bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh (2014), when Bhadrachalam became a part of Telangana, the state government of Andhra Pradesh started giving prominence to this temple. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) took over the management of the temple in 2015 and the state government of Andhra Pradesh started patronizing Vontimitta temple as the official venue of the annual festival of Sri Ramanavami festival.
Beautiful Sculptures at Ranga Mandapa |
The temple has some interesting features that endear the devout and the tourist in equal measure. The spacious temple is well endowed with three Gopurams and two adjacent Ponds (Ramateertham and Lakshmanateertham). On the walls abutting the Main Gopuram (entrance), beautiful sculptures and reliefs are carved. These deal with various motives - tales from the Ramayana, Sita-Rama Kalyanam depicting the Telugu marriage rituals like Talambralu, and a not so grand Rishabha Kunjara that was obivously inspired from Darasuram. Once inside, the Garbha Griha and Antaralya protected by a Dravida style Vimana are located within a large rectangular Ranga Mandapa - symbolic of Vijayanagara temples. Within the Ranga Mandapa are exquiste pillars caved with the figures of the mythical Yali - another hallmark of Vijayanagara architecture. Carvings depicting tales from Bhagavatam, Ramayana are also found witin the Ranga Mandapa. The idols of Lord Shri Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana in the sanctum sanctorum are monolithic and beautiful. Outside the Ranga Mandapa, two separate Mandpas (Garuda) are located. A few inscriptions can be found too. Another interesting feature is the notable absense of temple/shrine for Lord Hanuman within the premises of the main temple. It was really a wonderful and spiritual experience visiting this histoical temple!
Yali |
Tips
1. The village of Vontimitta is located on Kadapa - Rajampet Road and is well connected by buses from Kadapa and Rajampet. It is 25 Kms away from Kadapa, and share autos/Taxis/Tata Aces regularly ply to and from Kadapa, Bhakarapeta and Rajampet.
2.Photography is stricly prohibited in the Sanctum Sanctorum and in the central hall i.e, Ranga Mandapa.
3. The temple attendant staff may be rude at times - If the government really wishes to sponsor tourism, it should take an urgent sensitization drive for it's employees. One can't just go on and enjoy world class sculptures when he/she cannot even find where the chappal stand is!
Rishabha Kunjara - Bull or Elephant? - Fascinating optical illusion |
The Temple |
Maheeth Veluvali,
Sunday - 16th of August, 2020,
Vontimitta (Kadapa)
Monday, August 17, 2020
Dhoni - A Tribute
![]() |
Dhoni in action - ICC CWC Final, 2011 - Credits to Sportstar, The Hindu |
April 2005 - Pakistan were touring India, and the stage was set for the second ODI at Vizag's ACA-VDCA Stadium (Much later, the stadium was renamed as Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium). During the first innings i.e, Indian innings - at one down, the new wicket-keeper was promoted. The only problem I had that day, as with many other people who watched the game, was with the name. It must be Tony, I heard as my junior class boys raved about his batting. It was the beginning of a cult - Mahendra Singh Dhoni! Cricket in India is a sacrificial arena where new Gods are born and old Gods whither - the eleven Gods were expected to entertain and perform every single day. Heroic exploits on field were cherished but winning games - something that we lagged then, didn't seem to bother us. But the new boy was exhilarating. His carefree batting did not confirm to bookish standards and that was all that mattered, or so it seemed...
September 2007 - The 50 over World Cup was a disaster for India. After a tragic but necessary turn of events, Dhoni was made the Captain of the T-20 World Cup team. And the era of captain cool had just begun! This was when I truly learnt that all the aggression, rage, intent in the world is nothing when you don't possess a cool and calming brain - the ability to remain level headed and be dictated by logic rather than emotions. And how would I forget the final with the arch-rivals - I was in my Intermediate - AP residential junior college at Nagarjuna Sagar. We got to listen to the dying moments of the game, thanks to the cell phones and radios of our lecturers, and as Ravi Shastri started shouting 'Andd there is Shreeshaaaant....!', we went berserk with joy. What calculated gambles that man behind the stumps took that day! And something strange happened - his calmness rubbed off - we started winning games big time. I'm not an expert to discern if India really had the right balanced team at that point of time, but some if not the greater part of the credit goes to the Captain cool. From 2008 till 2011, Team India had a steady rise. And, the new hero, thanks to the nerves of steel, marked himself with distinction as a finisher sharing the likes of Michael Beavan - a desperate role India needed in ODIs.
April 2011 - It was the World Cup Final. I've had to work that day, and for the greater part of the Indian innings (Night), I was in a buss that took me from my work place Vijayawada to my home town Palakollu. I missed most of the Mahi magic that went on at Wankhade, on live. But, what a day it was as India lifted the cup! And again, those riveting words of Ravi Shastri, 'Dhooni finishes it off in style' still ring in my ears. Life came a full circle for the hard core Indian cricket fans. And the man of the moment didn't hog any limelight - a lesson in class!
August 2020 - Dhoni went on to lift the 2013 Champions Trophy on behalf of India - the only captain till date to hold all the three ICC trophies - World Cup, T-20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. Over time, he became more cautious in his batting - a usual trait of a senior middle order batsman. He became the poster boy of IPL. His performance behind the wickets however got better. And one fine day in Manchester, as India was simply outclassed by New zealand, his cautious but valiant efforts ended in a heart breaking run-out. I was passing through the city (Vijayawada) where I missed Dhoni's exploits of 2011 World Cup Final, when a quick check on twitter confirmed the news that was doing rounds as a rumour since so long - the retirement of Dhoni. And a whiff of nostalgia descended upon me.
Thank you Dhoni!
Maheeth Veluvali,
Monday - 17th of August, 2020.
Palakollu,.
Saturday, June 6, 2020
A little empathy
The Home Sapien i.e, Man (and woman, of course) is a wonderful creature. We are impatient & biased Judges who seethe with rage and anger on a daily basis, we are condescending doomsday prophets who revel in a bubble of narcissism and negativity. In our pursuit of happiness, we fail to recognize the fragility of the environment all around us.
Indeed, Our achievements truly sets us apart from the nature that we belong. Our narrow and myopic vision continues to define the world we shape and see as a giant box of toys to be played with by an ever crying child that refuses to grow up. From the shell of a endangered Turtle to the tooth of a mighty Tiger, our exploits and conquests far exceed our needs.
But, is it all lost and irreversible? No...
Very often, in our ability to be attracted to failures and negativity, we lose sight of the few positive things that we achieved - not for our selfish purposes, but for the benefit of our beloved Mother Earth. The universal acceptance of the Montreal Protocol - a resounding success story of reclamation of Ozone layer, enhanced conservation of wetlands like Chilika Lake, better preservation of Red Sanders Trees in Andhra Pradesh - to name a few. The Paris Climate change, assuming even a part of the deal would be successful, would be a game changer.
In the end, it's all about a little empathy - a little heart. In the end, it's not a question of something that's happening very far away - it's not a remote phenomenon in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil or the grasslands of Australia - these are not mere news articles. I could never hear the call of a Macaw in the Amazon, but the song of the Koel in my background sends a thrill down my heart. And yet, I believe the famous saying of the Indian Scriptures, Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (The World as one family) to be true and relevant for all times!
It is indeed the time for nature, not to exploit, but to think, feel and act, with a little empathy!
Friday, April 24, 2020
జాతీయ పంచాయితీ రాజ్ దినోత్సవం
- Mahatma Gandhiji
పంచాయతీ రాజ్ దినోత్సవం గురించి...
భారతదేశ చరిత్ర గతిని గమనిస్తే, స్వీయ ప్రతిపత్తి కల్గిన గ్రామ రాజ్యాల వ్యవస్థ అవగతమవుతుంది. ఉదా - గణతంత్ర వ్యవస్థ గా వర్ధిల్లిన వైశాలి రాజ్యం, చాలా ఉన్నతమైన చోళుల గ్రామీణ పరిపాలనా వ్యవస్థ. 1947 లో స్వాతంత్రం సాధించే నాటికి భారతదేశం పూర్తిగా వ్యవసాయ ఆధారిత గ్రామీణ దేశం. భారత రాజ్యాంగం లో పొందుపరిచిన అధికరణ 40 పంచాయితీ రాజ్ వ్యవస్థ గురించి చాల క్లుప్తంగా ప్రస్తావించింది. అయితే,ఇది కేవలం ఆదేశిక సూత్రం మాత్రమే. దురదృష్టపుశాత్తు, వికేంద్రీకరణ దిశగా నిజమైన అడుగులు వేస్తూ, పంచాయితీ రాజ్ వ్యవస్థ కి రాజ్యాంగ హోదా కల్పించడానికి దాదాపు అర్ధ శతాబ్దం పట్టింది.
24 ఏప్రిల్ 1993 నుంచి అమలు లోకి వచ్చినటువంటి 73వ రాజ్యాంగ సవరణ చట్టం (1992) పంచాయితీ రాజ్ వ్యవస్థ కి గౌరవప్రదమైన చట్టబద్ధత తో కూడిన రాజ్యాంగ హోదా కల్పించింది. ఈ గొప్ప సందర్భాన్ని పురస్కరించుకుని, 2010 వ సంవత్సరం నుంచి కేంద్ర ప్రభుత్వం ప్రతి ఏటా 24 ఏప్రిల్ న జాతీయ పంచాయితీ
రాజ్ దినోత్సవం - National Panchayat Raj Day (NPRD) గా నిర్ణయించింది. 2018 నాటికి భారతదేశ జనాభా లో స్థూలంగా 65.97% మంది, సుమారు 6,49,481 గ్రామాల లో (వీటిలో 2,50,000 గ్రామాల లో పంచాయతీ రాజ్ వ్యవస్థ కలదు) నివాసముంటున్నారు - దేనిని బట్టి పంచాయితీ రాజ్ వ్యవస్థ ఆవశ్యకత తెలుస్తుంది.
ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్ విషయం...
02 జూన్ 2014 తదనంతరం, తెలంగాణ రాష్ట్రం విడిపోయిన తర్వాత, నవ్యంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్ రాష్ట్ర గణాంకాలను పరిశీలిస్తే పెక్కు శాతం జనాభా గ్రామీణ ప్రాంతం లో నివాసం కలిగినవారు అని తెలుస్తుంది. పంచాయితీ రాజ్ వ్యవస్థ లో నూతనోత్తేజం నింపుతూ,పారదర్శకత & జావాబుదారీతనం దిశగా అడుగులు వేయాల్సిన అవసరం ఏర్పడింది. ఆ విధంగా గ్రామ సచివాలయ వ్యవస్థ ఉద్భవించింది. ప్రజలకు, ప్రభుత్వానికి వారధులైనటువంటి గ్రామ వాలంటీర్లు వెన్నెముక గా కల్గిన ఈ వ్యవస్థ, గ్రామా సచివాలయం ఒక Unit గా, పంచాయతీ కార్యదర్శి Co-ordination తో, వివిధ Domain Experts at Village level (Engineering Assistant, Surveyor Assistant etc.,) గ్రామీణ వ్యవస్థ లో మమేకమయ్యేలా మహోద్యమాన్ని తలపెట్టింది. కొరోనా (Corona -Covid 19) దృష్ట్యా ఈ వ్యవస్థ ఎక్కువ Focus లోకి వచ్చింది & పలువురి ప్రశంసలు పొందింది. అయితే, ఈ వ్యవస్థ దేశకాల విపరీత పరిస్థితులను తట్టుకుని నిలబడుతుందా అన్నది ప్రశ్న. కానీ సద్విమర్శలను స్వీకరిస్తూ ఉన్నంత కాలం బహుశా ఏ లోటు వుండకపోవొచ్చు.
మీ అందరికీ జాతీయ పంచాయితీ రాజ్ దినోత్సవ శుభాకాంక్షలు.
వెలువలి మహీత్,
24/04/2020 - జాతీయ పంచాయితీ రాజ్ దినోత్సవం,.
పాలకొల్లు.
Happy National Panchayat Raj Day!
- Mahatma Gandhiji
About the Day
There are fleeting glimpses of Village Republics in the Indian History - Villages were almost always touted to be self sufficient, the Lichivans of Vaishali practised a form of primitive Republic and the Cholas possessed a very good Local Self Government. India attained Independence in 1947 with a heavy Population tilt towards Rural areas. Article 40 of the Indian Constitution, envisaged as a Directive Principle, spoke of the necessity of Panchayati Raj. However, by a rather strange tide of events, it took almost half a century to create a Constitutional backing to the Local Self Governing Institutions vide 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendment acts.
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment act of 1992, with effect from 24th April 1993, provided constitutional status to Panchayat Raj Institutions. To commemorate this epoch marking event, since 2010, April 24th is celebrated as National Panchayat Raj Day (NPRD) in India. The necessity for local self governance, especially that of Panchayat Raj can be understood from the simple fact that, as of 2018, 65.97% of India's population resides in Rural areas - around 6,49,481 Villages out of which around 2,50,000 have Village Panchayats.
The Case of Andhra
Post bifurcation (2nd of June, 2014), a greater share of population of the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh is predominantly rural. There was a necessity to strengthen the vitality of local self governing institutions especially Panchayat Raj Institutions and to instill a new sense of accountability and transparency. Thus, the concept of village secretariats was born - Every village secretariat as a unit with domain experts at ground level (viz Engineering Assistant, Surveyor Assistant), co-ordinated by a Panchayat Secretary, and matched with a comprehensive system of Village volunteers who act as bridge between the public and officials. In difficult times, like that of Corona outbreak, the system seems to garner wide attention and appreciation. Would this system stand the test of time? Well, that is the question, but one should be always open to constructive criticism.
Happy National Panchayat Raj Day!
Maheeth Veluvali,
24th of April, 2020 - National Panchayat Raj Day,.
Palakollu
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The Pleasure of Reading...
An endearing aroma that matches the gentle rustle of old pages, a natural calm that comforts the surroundings...surely book-reading is a superbly satisfying hobby, if not a superior one. Reading does not necessarily inspire good in us, but it does give a perspective of humility and humbleness.
For one, a book takes you places, literally. I have never been to Cold War Era's Moscow. Well, I wasn't even born during the Cold War. But after reading Frederick Forsyth's novels, I feel certain that I know Kutuzovsky Prospect and Zharzhinsky Square - however arrogant and absurd be the proposition. Secondly, there is something about a book - that sweet sense of control as you'd pace it at your own time. Yet, ironically, there's a certain charm in being a mute witness to the triumphs and travails presented by the author.
These wonderful companions of fiction and non fiction preserved my sanity and protected my solitude. Thank God for books!
My Picks - English - Top Three - (As on 23/04/2020)
Detective/Thriller/Mystery Fiction
1. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
2. And then there were none by Agatha Christie
3. The Godfather by Mario Puzo
Classic Fiction
1. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Marcia Marquez
3. Selected Short stories of Edgar Allan Poe
Indian (Fiction/Classic/Non Fiction)
1. A Train to Pakistan by Kushwant Signh
2. Half Lion by Sitaram
3. Autobiography of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Maheeth V,
23rd of April, 2020,.
Palakollu
Saturday, March 21, 2020
An ode to the the art
and the jackals roamed about with fake smiles.
But there in the nadir of the self, a flower of optimism blossomed,
and the beauty of chaos and uncertainty appealed to me as an emotion lost and found.
The wandering Srinatha, the grotesque Poe and the poignant Ghalib - all masters,
this craft of the bygone era clasped me to her soul, and I forgot all the disasters.
Voila! Like Proust's Madelaine, a plethora of memories ran through my mind,
with the frantic hours of stress, I forged a Truce of sorts, but not an everlasting kind.
The dance of the words tallied with the thoughts of the mind and the travails of the heart,
Cui Bono? Is there a logic to emotions or a science that measures the worth of an art?
The fame of Shakespeare, the respect of Vishwanadha - what ends do I crave?
To put a smile on few faces, to comfort a few and to inspire a few - not even these I care..
Solace reigns in the art of pursuing a hobby without caring anyone's judgement,
for I am the master of my own fate and the captain of my own ship.
Why take sides in endless battles when you can flirt with and fit on any side?
for this is my ode to the art, a tribute and an indulgence in itself, and on this road not taken, I have my own ride!
Poem - 'An Ode to the art'
On the even of UNESCO World Poetry day 2020.
Maheeth Veluvali,
Saturday - 21st of March, 2020,
Palakollu.
Friday, March 20, 2020
I have a dream...(On Corona)
I have a dream that one day, the word 'Corona' would be driven away from the great scientific laboratories to be consigned in the forgotten pages of history.
I have a dream that the windmill of rumors and scare mongering would die down in an avalanche of scientific temper and rational thinking.
I have a dream..,
that Italy would retain it's tourist charm, and all roads lead to Rome,
that Iran would regain it's festive and spiritual status quo,
that China would reinstate the thirst and hunger for growth in the World,.
I have a dream...,
that the great airports of Europe would open up again, not with the fear of spread of infection, but with unbridled love and joy,
that the third World across the three continents would join forces, not to fight an epidemic, but to celebrate with caution,
that social distancing would not be seen as a stricture imposed on public, but rather as a forte of introverts,.
I have a dream...,
that personal hygiene becomes a synonym of care and consistency, and not a moral forced from above,
that the praise of one's own culture in times of crisis would not lead to a baseless criticism of other's practices,
that the medical staff get their due respects, that people appreciate government's efforts in a world of mutual benefit.
I have a dream, a dream bolstered by a vision shaped by the age old saying of 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam', i.e, the world as one big family.
May Faith & Science conquer this rampaging pandemic!
బుబోనిక్ ప్లేగ్, స్పానిష్ ఫ్లూ, కలరా, ఎబోలా లాంటి ఎన్నో మహమ్మారులను ఎదుర్కోని ధైర్యముగా నిలిచిన మానవజాతి కరోనా ని కూడా జయించుగాక!
🙏🙏🙏
Duly inspired from 'I have a dream' speech by Martin Luther King Jr
Maheeth Veluvali,
Friday - 20eth of March, 2020.
Palakollu.
Sunday, March 8, 2020
The Unique Scribe
![]() |
Me with the Shahsana Sundari |
(There is a famous and rare - perhaps the only one of it's kind - sculpture of Shila Balika/Shasana Sundari on the wall of Kamaleshwara/Ishwara Temple of Jalasingvi, Humnabad Taluka of Bidar District, Karnataka. A graceful & mythological apsara/madanika is drafting an eulogising epigraph on her patron, Vikramaditya VI. )
![]() |
Shasana Sundari/Shila Balika - the unique scribe |
Maheeth V
Sunday, 08th of March, 2020 - On the eve of International Women's Day
Palakollu
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Me at Peupalem & On Beach Festival
![]() |
At the beach |
The calm of the chill February morning reeked of deception,
as workers scrambled here and there to make an event of mighty conception.
As little fishing boats enriched the mighty Bay of Bengal;
we fought with all the might, against time, tide and pessimists all.
![]() |
At the Venue |
The gentle charm of the beach was not shattered,
as crowds poured into the event, and were aptly monitored
And dances and songs enticed the visiting masses,
for West Godavari, the event was of prestige and status.
![]() |
The Crowd |
Vizag or Kakinada's opulence - Perupalem could never dream to match,
but there's a certain Je ne Sais Quoi - and herein is the catch.
What wonders could we make for want of time,
Yet, thunders of applause sufficed like an endearing rhyme!
On Perupalem - Poem on First Perupalem Beach Festival
Maheeth V
18 February 2020. Palakollu.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
కుమార భీమారామం
![]() |
Temple Tank - Koneru |
చారిత్రక ప్రాముఖ్యత దృష్ట్యా పంచా-రామ శైవ క్షేత్రాలన్నిటిలోకి పేరెన్నిక గాంచిన క్షేత్రాలు రెండు - ద్రాక్షారామం, సామర్లకోట. సామర్లకోట లో వున్న శివాలయం - కుమారా భీమారామం గా ప్రసిద్ధి. ఇక్కడ పార్వతి దేవి బాలా త్రిపురసుందరి గా వెలిశారు. ఈ గుడిని తూర్పు చాళుక్య రాజైన మొదటి చాళుక్య భీముడు 9వ శతాబ్దం లో నిర్మించినట్టు చెపుతారు (ఆయన పాలనా కాలం - 892-921 CE).
![]() |
An Inscription inside temple |
![]() |
Model of Temple |
![]() |
The Temple |
![]() |
Lingodhbhava Murthi - west pillar inside Garbha Griha |
![]() |
Dancers Galore... |
మార్కండేయ పురాణము లో వున్న తారకాసుర వధ గాధ ఆధారంగా పంచారామ క్షేత్రాలు ఉద్భవించాయి. దేవతలకి, రాక్షసులకు జరిగిన సంగ్రామం లో దేవతల సేనాదక్షుడైన కార్తెకేయుడు తారకాసురుడనే రాక్షసుడిని సంహరించాడు. అయితే, తారకాసురుని మృతి తో అతని వద్ద ఎంతో తపస్సు తో పొందిన శివుని ఆత్మ లింగం ముక్కలై ఐదు భాగాలు గా భూమి పై రాలాయాని చెపుతారు. కాలక్రమేణా, ఆ ఐదు పూర్తి లింగాలు గా పునఃప్రతిష్టిచబడి, దేవాలయాలు గా వెలసాయన్నది ఒక వాదన. ఇట్టివి -
1. ద్రాక్షారామం (తూర్పు గోదావరి)
2. సామర్లకోట (తూర్పు గోదావరి)
3. పాలకొల్లు (పశ్చిమ గోదావరి)
4. భీమవరం - గుణుపూడి (పశ్చిమ గోదావరి)
5. అమరావతి (గుంటూరు)
![]() |
With Supriya Madam, Srinivas Sir and friends - Harsha Garu &Janaki Ramachandra Garu |
వెలువలి మహీత్,
05/02/2020 - Palakollu.
On Kumara Bheemaramam
![]() |
Temple tank - Koneru |
Out of the five Pancha-Rama Kshetras, the temples at Draksharamam and Samarlakota stand out for their ancient feel, ambiance and sheer size - true and only examples of Eastern Chalukyan Architectural legacy. The temple of Kumara Bheemarama of Samarlakota, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kumara Bheemeswara Swamy, was built during the reign of Chalukya Bhima I (r.c.892-921 CE). Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Bala Tripura Sundari here.
![]() |
Dancers Galore... |
![]() |
Recently discovered Inscription |
![]() |
Model of the temple |
![]() | ||
Lingodhbhava Murthi |
I'm extremely impressed at the balance of religiosity and historical curiosity that the temple offered me!
![]() |
The temple |
Mythoglogy - Sthala Purana of the Pancha Rama Kshetras
In Andhra Pradesh, there are five sacred temples of Lord Shiva called 'Pancha-Rama Kshetras' associated with the legend of 'Tarakasura Vadha' of Markandeya Purana. As per the legend, in a fierce battle between the Devas and Asuras, the God of War Kartikeya defeated and slayed the demon king Tarakasura, who possessed a powerful symbolic Shaiva - Atma Linga. The Linga was subsequently destroyed and scattered into five pieces at five different places. In due course of time, these particles of Linga were consecrated and temples were constructed. These Pancha-Rama Kshetras are located at - Samarlakota & Draksharamam (East Godavari district), Palakollu & Bhimavaram (West Godavari district), Amaravati (Guntur District).
Maheeth Veluvali,
Wednesday - 05th of February, 2020.
Palakollu
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
The Little Ride East...
![]() |
@ETC, Samarlakota |
![]() |
Snippets from return trip... |
![]() |
Kakinada Ride Collage |
Sunday, February 2, 2020
@ ETC, Samarlakota
"
Six days of fun filled training comprised of Act, Fact and Tact,
and one fine day, we visited the good village of G.Ragampet.
The chill cold of January could not defeat us,
for we sat through all days long, aided by worthy faculty's coaxes.
Classes went on with serious thoughts and silly laughs,
as we all shared aspirations and fears,
Let a thousand troubles march at us all at once like an inevitable tide,
but with discretion, unity and a little luck, who knows, we may conquer all such bad-tidings and emerge as symbol of people's might!
"
"
G.Ragampet గ్రామాన్ని సందర్శించాము & Act, Fact and Tact ల మధ్య వుండే వ్యతాసాన్ని, విచక్షణని తెలుసుకున్నాము.
జనవరి నాటి వణికించే చలికి చలింపక 😆, గురువులిచ్చిన మనోధైర్యం తో రోజంతా క్లాస్ లో కూర్చున్నాము.
తీవ్రమైన ఆలోచనలు, చక్కటి చిరునవ్వుల తో సాగిన Training లో మన బాధలను, ఆశయాలను పంచుకున్నాము.
వెయ్యి సమస్యలు ఒకేసారి పెను ఉప్పెన లా ఎదురైనా, ఆ ఉప్పెన ని జయించే ఐకమత్యం, వివేచన, అదృష్టం మన సొంతమవ్వాలని మన ఉద్యోగం ప్రజలను ఆనందింపచేయాలని ఆకాంక్షిస్తూ.....
"
Maheeth Veluvali
Sunday - 2nd of February, 2020.
Palakollu.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Vikrama's lesser known temple
![]() |
Jalasangvi Iswara/Kamaleshwara Temple |
![]() |
Madanika playing with Parrot |
I had the blessed opportunity to visit this serene and simple temple during one Sunday of January, before the Sankranthi festival chaotically translates into a sensory over-drive. From the central bus station of Bidar, the city of whispering monuments, I took Humnabad bus to Jalasangvi Cross road for a charge of Rs.55/-. The journey took almost 40-45 minutes. And from the cross road, a gentleman on bike dropped me off at the temple, which is just 10 minutes away, located in the interior of the village.
![]() |
Sculpture - at the temple |
![]() |
AshtaBhuja Ganesha |
I'm largely disappointed with the lack of awareness regarding this historical temple. Not even a single information board is set here to enlighten an enthusiastic tourist. Yet the sculptures speak to your soul! The temple is built on a star shaped raised platform - an attribute gleefully embraced by later day Kakatiyas. As I made the Pradakshina, I noticed the brilliantly carved Gods and Apsaras - Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Rakta Kali/Chamunda, Goddess Durga flanked by beautiful Madanika/Apsaras as bracket figures. A rare sculpture of 8 headed Ganesha (Ashta Bhuja Vinayaka) flanked by the piece de resistance of the temple - Shilabalika/ShasanaSundari/Patralekhini i'e
Now was that eulogy true? Don't know.