She

From the ages of the distant past, 

silently she rose and made her way. 

Words like daggers and actions like thorns 

just made the champion in her determined to stay!

 

Battles for an equal pie and a right to be acknowledged,

 - struggles that were fought within and without.

She wasn't a sacrificial lamb, rather a Tiger that pounced,

she's mundane and divine, obvious yet a mystery, without doubt. 

 

Emperors, Poets and singers rave about her beauty,

But was an honest effort ever made to understand her!?

She's a synonym of sacrifice and everything beautiful, 

a conqueror and a queen set to face an avalanche of challenges!

 

(To the women of our hearts and homes - you make us proud and happy every single passing day! Not just today being International Women's Day!)

 

  

Poem - "She" - on the eve of the International Women's Day 2022 -  Not surprisingly, the idea of an International Women's day has a global and leftist origin. At the dawn of the 20eth Century, it was the German delegates at a Socialist conference in USA who first proposed such an idea. Later, when USSR proclaimed and issued voting rights to women, the idea caught up as a concrete celebration. After the rise of the feminist movement in 1960s, in 1977, UN started celebrating March 8th as International Women's day. For the year 2022, the official theme of the event is 'Gender equality today for a Sustainable tomorrow.' The Governments of India and Andhra Pradesh took a slew of measures towards that lofty goal of Women Empowerment, still a distant dream, one that hinges on perception as well as ground reality.

Maheeth Veluvali,

Tuesday, 8th of March, 2022, 

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu.

Bishnupur

Tiger Hunt - Jor Bangla

What is the place ?

Bishnupur (literally, the land/town of Vishnu) of Bankura district, West Bengal is regarded as the Terracotta temple city of India, famed for Baluchari saries and Terracotta art. There are many ornately carved temples here, attributed to local Mallabhum rulers, dated mostly in later medieval ages. Most of the temples here are based on the indigenous Bengali roof (Chala) architecture, made of Terracotta and laterite. 

 

How I reached ?

Bishnupur has a bus terminus and a large railway station too on Bankura - Medinipur section of South Eastern Railways. As these are covid times, only few trains are running. I visisted Bishnupur on Train from Medinipur, which takes just around 90 minutes for a distance of around 100 kms. 

Pancha Ratna Shyam Rai Temple

 

Where to stay and how to commute ?

There are few lodges in and around Bishnupur bus-station. I boarded at the Mallabhum lodge, for a charge of Rs.400/- per day. It was cozy. There are power autos that can be hired / shared in Bishnupur. Usually, they charge Rs.400/- for a full tour of all the temples of Bishnupur. People are friendly, can understand Hindi too and are extremely proud of the rich cultural heritage the place offers for tourists like me.

   

Jor Bangla

 

What's there to see ?

Most of the temples are under the aegis of the Archeological Survey of India. The famous temples and monuments include - 

1. Jor Mandir Temple complex, with three Eka-ratna style temples and a surrounding ground where a weekly haat takes place

2. Pancha Ratna Shyam Rai Temple - the finest of the lot, the pinnacle of the temples at Bishnupur, built during 17th Century CE, said to be a forerunner of the more famous Dhakineshwar Temple.

3. Jor Bangla Temple - A curious amalgamation of two temples - with brilliant carvings depicting Ramayana, Sri Krishna Leela and other secular themes

4. Maa Chinamasta temple

5. Dal Mandal Cannon - a classic example of Bengali workmanship - forged locally out of wrought Iron in 16th Century CE, a legend surrounds the cannon that Lord Radha Madhav (Sri Krishna) would fire the cannon upon the invaders of Bishnupur. The cannon repulsed attacks by Afghan Pathans, Maratha Bagirs etc, and adds an evergreen charm to Bishnupur. 

6. Madam Mohan Temple - Located a bit far from other monuments, the temple has Thakurs viz murthis in local parlance. The glided Bengali roof over the temple is a sight to behold. 

 

Ras Mancha

 

7. Lalji Temple - Unfortunately, the temple was closed when I visited it, but explored the surrounding garden. 

8. Ras Mancha - or literally, a raised platform - an atypical pyramidal structure that served as a platform for the 108 deities of the temples of Bishnupur, during festivals. The structure has 108 arch entrances. 

9. Bishnupur fort citadel and surrounding moat

10. Gum Ghar - a sort of bottomless pit, an execution and condemnation site during Mallabhum times. 

11. Mata Mrinmayee Mata Temple 

12. Radhashyam Temple - another brilliant, ornate masterpiece

13. Few ruined temples viz Jagannatha Deula, Mahaprabhu temple etc,. 

 

Me at the Dal Madal Cannon

 

Note - Ras Mancha, Pancha Ratna Shyam Rai Temple and Jor Bangla temples - these three monuments can be visited for a joint ticket of Rs.25/- (Indians). To visit other places, there is no charge of fee.

 

 

Me at the Jor Mandir Temple Complex

 

 

Visited on 12th and 13th of February, 2022

Maheeth Veluvali.

The legacy of the Gangikondan

Lateral View

 

On the morning of the 21st of October, 2021, I had the humble pleasure of visiting Arulmigu Perudaivar Kovil / Brihadisvara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the present day district of Ariyalur of Tamilnadu, the temple is attributed to the greatest among Imperial Cholas, Rajendra I, dated early 11th Century CE. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a part of the Great Living Chola Temples, along with the more famous namesake temple at Tanjore and the Airavatesvara Swamy temple of Darasuram. Unlike the big temple of Tanjore, this temple is comparatively small, but more peaceful and attracts lesser devotees / tourists. Nevertheless, it is an architectural and sculptural wonder!

 

The remote location and blissful atmosphere adds an essence of aura to this marvel. At the entrance, supported by a large wall, there is a small Dhwaja-Sthamba and a rather sharply carved Nandi. The sancutm sanctorum inside the distinct and tall Dravida style Vimana can be approached by a long passageway inside the single main mandapa. The idol of Lord Shiva is a large Linga. On the walls of the temple, there are beautiful carvings and niches of various Gods, but mostly dedicated to various forms of Lord Shiva like Bhikshatanamurthi, Nataraja. There are separate shrines in the temple complex dedicated to Lord Ganesa, Goddess Durga and Nayanar saints. 

Nandi Pavilion

 

But one frieze/relief caught my attention - on the north-east wall of the temple, there exists the Chandesanugrahamurthi / Rajendra Chola I pattabhishekham panel which has two different interpretations - As Chandesanugrahamurthi, a feature of South Indian Saiva temples, wherein Lord Shiva, flanked by Goddess Parvati is blessing Chandeshvara Nayanar, the celebrated Nayanar Bhakti saint. The other plausible explanation is that the carving actually belongs to Rajendra Chola I, coronated / garlanded by Lord Shiva, watched by Goddess Parvati - the subtle hints of the cementing of the Devaraya cult. 

Chandesangrahamurthi / Rajendra Pattabhishekam

 

No one knew why Rajendra decided to build the temple and the surrounding village of Gangaikonda Cholapuram - the true source of power of Imperial Cholas for a period of 250 years. As I roamed in the premises of the great temple, I realised that I was walking on the legacy of the Gangaikondan - the greatest among Imperial Cholas, whose armies would campaign on the banks of river Ganges, and whose navies would invade South-East Asia. At that point of time, the Chola emperor was the single most powerful man of South Asia and South-East Asia. 

 

 

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

 

Maheeth Veluvali, 

Monday - 25th of October, 2021.  

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu.

Clothed in Wisdom

I've had the very good and blessed opportunity of visiting Chidambaram and Srimushnam recently.

Chidambaram

The very name Chidambaram means 'Clothed in wisdom / consciousness'. The once flourishing city of the Imperial Cholas is still a reverential and respected place, located in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. The place was once a dense forest - hence the name 'Thillai'. Chidambaram possesses perhaps one of the finest and mysterious temples of India - The Thillai Nataraja Temple, steeped in Hindu mythology & history, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer Nataraja. The temple is a Shaiva Pancha Bhoota Sthalam (Element : Sky / Ether). The temple is also a Vaishnava Divya Desam, as the abode of Lord Govindaraja Perumal, also known as 'Thiruchitrakoodam'. Spread over 45 acres with four Gopurams on all four sides visible from the Trichy highway, a visit to this spacious and divine place is an exhilarating experience.

 

Me at South Gopuram of Thillai Nataraja Temple

I visited the temple in the evening, after 4 PM from the South Gopuram entrance. On the walls of each Gopuram, neatly carved images displaying dance poses / bhangimas inspired from the treatise Bharatamuni's Natyasastra greet the pilgrims. These would later inspire the famous dance form of Bharatanatyam. Thus, visibly Chidambaram is the place where fine arts and spirituality co-exist. Niche carvings of Nayanars, Lord Vishnu mounted on Garuda, Mahishasuramardini are also impressive. Once inside the main mandapa, I was delighted beyond words to find that the east facing Govindaraja Perumal swamy's idol and the South facing Thillai Nataraja Swamy's idol are located just adjacent to each other. There are separate sub-shrines dedicated to Goddess Sivagami, Lord Adi moolanathar and Goddess Umiya Parvathi too. 

 

Few western sources (?) claim that the World's magnetic equator passes through the exact place where Lord Nataraja's idol is consecrated. The vibrations near the sanctum sanctorum are blissful and beyond description. Nine Separate pillared halls and pavilions are another brilliant feature of this temple. I spent atleast an hour at this awesome place! Next, I visited the Thillai Kali Amman temple, located in the outskirts, which seemed to be smeared in Red vermilion. The main deity, Goddess Thillai Kali, appears in a furious, reddish form, diagonally opposite tot he deity palced on entrance dedicated to much calmer Thillai Amman.   

Beautiful sculpture work - Srimushnam

Srimushnam

Goddess Bhu-devi saving Varaha was the third incarination of Lord SrimahaVishnu. Located some 40 kms away from Chidambaram, the Bhoo-Varaga Perumal Swamy temple of Srimushnam,originally attributed to Medieval Cholas, but alter day additons made by Tanjore Nayaka Kings, is a large & spacious temple, noted for Hindu-Muslim Unity as well. There's a Telugu inscription inside the temple too which was interesting. The brilliant & artistic sculpture and carving work on pillars, especially of plaited haired attendants is unique and distinguishing feature of the temple.   

Maheeth Veluvali,

24th of October, 2021,

16 Saladi Jamindar street, Palakollu,.

My Vaccine Experience

Certificate

Covid Vaccination - The story so far...

The standard textbook definition of a vaccine is that it's a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease. Vaccination as a strategic policy was responsible for the global elimination of Small-Pox and continues to play a key role in man's fight against various infectious diseases. In the present context of Covid pandemic, India has emerged as a Global Pharmacy with it's twin policies of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vaccine Maitri. Two patented vaccines for covid are now in usage - Covishield (Astrazeneca + Oxford, Weakened vaccine) and Covaxin (Indigenous, Bharat Biotech Ltd, Inactivated vaccine). Almost all serological survey reports point to the importance of vaccination to acquire herd immunity against Covid.

 

CHC, Palakollu - First Dose

 

My Experience (Covishield)

I had my first dose of vaccine shot on 17th of February, 2021 at CHC of Palakollu. The process to register was smooth and effortless. I did not have any specific adverse reaction. I had fever (in three bouts) and body pains for the next day - like many others who took the vaccine. After a mandatory gap of 28 days, I had my second shot at PHC of Lankalakoderu on 19th of March, 2021. The second time, I felt nothing even remotely amiss or adverse. 

 

PHC, Lankalakoderu - Second Dose

 

Vaccine Hesitancy

After vaccination, one should stay for a period of almost 30 minutes under the observation of Nurses at a separately designated room in CHC/PHC so that any adverse events following immunization (AEFI) can be monitored. Vaccine hesitancy is a problem which is plaguing us right now. It is not advisable for People with chronic heart/brain diseases, too old people, those with a history of adverse vaccine reactions viz pencillin, pregnant and lactating women to take the vaccine, but for others there's not a valid reason to miss the opportunity at a time when Covid cases are on the rise again. However, I have no expertise to coax people to get vaccinated, the onus is on each one of us as well as the Health department to dispel any rumors. Right now, a window is open for senior citizens to get vaccinated.  In this regard, the novel steps taken by the Government of Andhra Pradesh must be appreciated - involving Ward & Village Secretariats in online registration, well planned approach of utilizing all PHCs, CHCs and medical staff etc,  

 

 

Maheeth Veluvali, 

Saturday - 20eth of March, 2021, 

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu.

An ode to her

The Sun rises after she rose, and then begins a battle with questions and perceptions, 

If only ambitions and dreams can be neatly packed like those lunch boxes.

While the scriptures of yore ordained respect for women, 

there was a shrill echo all around - "Respect? there shall be none."  

With or without the support of the near and dear, 

inch by inch, spaces were carved and niches were made.

Somewhere, A Satyabhama slew Narakasur, a Joan of Arc shook the British,

Elsewhere, A Mother Theresa served the poor, a Sudha Murthy taught and wrote with flourish.

 

Yet some other place, she remains unknown, a synonym of sacrifice from start to finish. 

Ignorant of the dumb stereotypes laid by dumber people all around her; she multitasks as a silent witness.

What noble thoughts emerge from her selfless mind, what great deeds are made by her everyday -

The words of the greatest poets couldn't fathom the depths of such love and affection, in any way!

 

Poem - "An ode to her" - on the eve of International Women's Day 2021 -  Not surprisingly, the idea of an International Women's day has a global and leftist origin. At the dawn of the 20eth Century, it was the German delegates at a Socialist conference in USA who first proposed such an idea. Later, when USSR proclaimed and issued voting rights to women, the idea caught up as a concrete celebration. After the rise of the feminist movement in 1960s, in 1977, UN started celebrating March 8th as International Women's day. For the year 2021, the official theme of the event is 'Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World.' The Governments of India and Andhra Pradesh took a slew of measures towards that lofty goal of Women Empowerment, still a distant dream, one that hinges on perception as well as ground reality. 

Maheeth Veluvali,

Monday, 8th of March, 2021, 

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu.

The Fall of Golconda

(In the late seventeenth century, 'Zindapir' Alamgir Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor finally conquered Qutub Shahi Sultanate after a prolonged and pyrhhic siege of Golconda, finally realizing the Century old fantasy of direct Mughal Imperial domination over Deccan, however short lived. In his own words after the fall of Golconda...)

 

Aurangzeb at Siege of Golconda - from A.Truschke's book

Day in and day out, the flames of ambition kept me alive, 

and the lust for conquest is a desire that made me thrive.

What disdain men had for me, despite me brimming with competence

and what mockery women made of me, when I simply abhorred the opulence!

 

O Proud Princes of the Deccan, look how I smashed your pride, 

as my Mansabdars and Musketeers persisted and tricked.

The Diamonds of Krishna are of no value to the Shahs of South, 

as my cannons chipped your fort, brick by brick, in a battle so foul!

 

When strength deserted my troops, I carried on and on and on, 

Patient and pious, yet I imposed my imperial will for a cause long forgone. 

In future, My travails and travels would be laughed upon,

But the legacy of the Great Mughals is not forlorn!

 

 

Poem - The Fall of Golconda 

Maheeth Veluvali, 

Friday, 29th of January, 2021.,

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, 

Palakollu,.

Winter's Warmth

A winter morning at the municipal tank of Palakollu

That behemoth of winter has set in November, fraught with cold chill,

and the new season arrives with no fanfare, no outward thrill.

Weaver birds, sparrows and parrots - all early birds gather at the Tank, 

under the dull blue sky, when the Sun plays hide and seek, setting a feverish prank.

Books and boorish weather are a perfect match made in heaven, 

The scorching summer and the rapturous rains have long gone, without a question.

A thin sliver of lethargy creeps into mounting ambition, 

As dreams and visions clash with a reality obsessed with perfection.

Time moves at a rapid pace but with a veneer of leisure,

and an air of indifference joins a soul seeking pleasure.

But, winter offers me a kiss of bliss that sets my raging heart at ease,

and in the comforts of her gaze, my restless mind finds a soothing solace

And, winter cuddles me with all her charm and warmth, 

and in her cherished embrace, may all my pleasures be confirmed.   

Poem - Winter's Warmth

Veluvali Maheeth, 

Palakollu - Thursday, 5th of November, 2020.

A little empathy

(On the eve of The World Environment day 2020 - 5th of June - Theme : It is the time for nature)

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!