Saturday, November 24, 2007

Ramayana Mahotsavam in Chennai

Ramayana Mahotsavam in Chennai

 

Sri Rama Samithi is organizing Ramayana Mahotsavam in Chennai on December 23. The purpose of this function is as follows:

  1. Upholding and spreading the moral values from Ramayana
  2. Protect the greatest cultural assets of the nation
  3. Uphold the Unity and Integrity of the Nation
  4. Ensure and Uphold World Peace and Prosperity

Programme Timings: December 23, 2007 (0900 hours to 1900 hours Indian Time)

 

Programme Features:

 

  1. A lot of great persons, writers and educationist are intending to participate in the function and render speeches. The samithi has also planned to organize puzzle contests for kids, Bhajans, Essay Writing contests, Folk Songs, Suppu Arumugam's Villuppattu etc.
  2. The venue of Mahotsavam would also accomodate stalls where books, photos, audio and video (MP3 casettes) related to Ramayana.

The samithi encourages everyone to participate in the function and to make it a huge success. If you are willing to participate/contribute, please get in touch with the organizers at the following contact details:

 

Sri Rama Samithi,

Dharma Rakshana Samithi,

64, Police Commissioner Office Road,

Chennai -- 600 008.

Telephone Numbers: +919444134770, +919444220927



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Sabarimala Mandala Pooja and Makara Jyothi Yatra by Sri Ranga Travels

Sabarimala Mandala Pooja and Makara Jyothi Yatra by Sri Ranga Travels

 

I came to know of the various travel programmes that have been planned out towards the Mandala Pooja and Makara Jyothi by Sri Ranga Travels based from T. Nagar, Chennai. Sometime on Friday I went out to their shop and got a pamplet so that I can share the information with other interested devotees and pilgrims.

  1. 14th December 2007 to 17th December 2007 (4 days INR 900) (Point to Point)
    Bhavani, Guruvayoor, Erumeli, Pampa, Kumuli, Pazhani, Samayapuram
  2. 18th December 2007 to 22nd December 2007 (5 days INR 1120) (Point to Point)
    Namakkal, Thiruchengode, Bhavani, Pariyoor, Bhannari, Marudhamalai, Perur, Guruvayoor, Chottanikkarai, Erumeli, Pampa, Kumuli, Pazhani, Samayapuram
  3. 19th December 2007 to 22nd December 2007 (4 days INR 950) (Point to Point)
    Samayapuram, Kumuli, Erumeli, Pampa, Guruvayoor, Pazhani
  4. 22nd December 2007 to 25th December 2007 (4 days INR 950) (Point to Point)
    Bhavani, Guruvayoor, Erumeli, Pampa, Kumuli, Pazhani, Samayapuram
  5. 22nd December 2007 to 27th December 2007 (6 days INR 1100) (Mandala Pooja Special Tour)
    Srirangam, Pillayarpatti, Devipattinam, Rameswaram, Thiruchendoor, Kanniyakumari, Thirupparappu Falls, Thiruvananthapuram, Erumeli, Pampa, Pazhani, Samayapuram
  6. 23rd December 2007 to 26th December 2007 (4 days INR 950) (Point to Point)
    Samayapuram, Kumuli, Erumeli, Pampa, Guruvayoor, Pazhani
  7. 24th December 2007 to 27th December 2007 (4 days INR 950) (Point to Point)
    Samayapuram, Kumuli, Erumeli, Pampa, Guruvayoor, Pazhani
  8. 28th December 2007 to 04th January 2008 (8 days INR 1500) (Sabarimala Nadai Thirappu Special [Via Andhra Pradesh]) [Peruvazhip Pathai]
    Mahanandi, Sri Sailam, Mantralayalam, Puttaparthi, Guruvayoor, Erumeli, Pampa, Pazhani, Samayapuram
  9. 30th December 2007 to 04th January 2008 (6 days INR 1100) (Point to Point) [Peruvazhip Pathai]
    Samayapuram, Thirupparankundram, Thiruchendoor, Navathiruppathi (9 Sri Vaishnava Temples), Kutralam, Erumeli, Pampa, Pazhani, Samayapuram
  10. 05th January 2008 to 10th January 2008 (6 days INR 1100) [Peruvazhip Pathai]
    Bhavani, Bhannari, Maruthamalai, Perur, Guruvayoor, Chottanikkarai, Erumeli, Pampa,Palani, Samayapuram
  11. 12th January 2008 to 17th January 2008 (6 days INR 1100) [Peruvazhip Pathai] [Makara Jyothi :: Less Days Peruvazhip Pathai]
    Srirangam, Theni,  Kambam, Erumeli, Pampa, Chottanikkarai, Guruvayoor, Pazhani, Samayapuram

Note:

All tours start a night before the date that has been mentioned at 2200 hours after Irumudi from Siva Vishnu Temple, T. Nagar near Sri Ranga Travels office.

The tour organizers have also given the following guidelines/rules and regulations for the tours:

  1. The seat would be confirmed on remitting at least a token advance of INR 300. At least five days before tour, the full tariff has to be paid off. Only on payment on full amount, the pilgrim would be permitted to take part in the tour.
  2. There would be no refund of paid amount on cancelation of booking.
  3. There is a one-seat discount if a pilgrim books more than 20 seats.
  4. When the journey goes near a temple, which does not have a greater significance, the travel organizers have authoritity either to halt or continue thier journey at thier discretion.
  5. It is every pilgrims' responsibility to know the departure timings when they alight from the bus at any given point of time. This typically applies to Pampa/Nilakkal. The travel company can not be held responsible for missing the bus due to carelessness/negligence of the pilgrims.
  6. During the return journey, the pilgrims are at thier liberty to alight at any place of thier choice. However, they can not request for change of routes for whatsoever reasons.
  7. There is a half-ticket provision for kids aged between 3 and 7. However, this needs to be disclosed right at the time of booking itself, failing which the kids would not be permitted. There is no separate seat allocation for half-ticket pilgrims.
  8. When a night stay or a dormitory arrangement is made, every pilgrim should pay INR 20 to the caretaker.
  9. Every pilgrim should pay by themselves any charges incurred from Pampa to Nilakkal.
  10. The travel organizers request the patience and cooperation of pilgrims in case there are changes in departure timings or schedules as time warrants.

The travel organizers can be contacted at the following address for further details and booking:

 

Sri Ranga Travels and Tours India,
No. 38/1, Burkit Road,
T. Nagar,
Chennai -- 600 017. 
(Near T. Nagar Bus Stand and Siva Vishnu Temple)
Tamil Nadu. INDIA.

Telephone Numbers: +914432997719/+919382341549/+919444351246

 

The travel organizers also are mentioning about availability of new video deluxe bus/car/van for rentals.



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Lord Puri Jagannath Website On The Web

Lord Puri Jagannath Website On The Web

While casually clicking through a few weblogs, I came across Gaurav's DotNetLover. He had mentioned about his friend's effort in bringing together a world-class website on Lord Puri Jagannath and host it over here.

I just thought I would like to share a few words on the website here:

  1. The webmaster says that it is his first Oriya website. I would hence appreciate him for his truly great devotion to the Lord and avid interest to bring out a very good informative website for the benefit of Lord's devotees across the globe.
  2. The author has also tried to provide good details about the various festivals, temple timings, deities and history of the temple.

I would also like to suggest the author to compile more info on the following topics:

  1. Transportation facilities from different places in India (like metropolitan cities in India, to start with) to Puri.
  2. The current year's temple calendar of various festivals.

I would say, this is a very good website that everyone should visit and it presents a unique experience of visiting Puri over the Internet.

Shruti planning to mesmerize us again ...

Shruti planning to mesmerize us again ...

Yesterday whilst casually chatting with Prathiba, I actually expressed my anguish on two points, which are enumerated below. As the post goes, this slowly gets transitioned as a little testimonial for the revered blogger, a prolific writer, a ferocious go-getter on goal-targets.

  1. A long lack of updates to My Tides and Tidings. I call it shortly as MTT and I have told this to her too. The reason why I gave this name was it should be similar to ATT (or AT &T), which is a premiere communications provider in United States. I admit that her calendar slots are currently too full with her aspirations towards a post graduate management education (MBA).
  2. I used to tell about interesting discussion tidbits in CodeProject Lounge and Soapbox. Whilst the technical discussions are extremely superb and excellent and that no one can ever debate on it, sometimes, a few discussions on Soapbox can be a bit embarrasing or intimidating. I admit that the forum caption itself has a disclaimer ("If you want to get something off your chest then do it here - but enter at your own risk! However: No flame wars, spamming, trolling, message bombing or harassment.") to this effect.

    Sometimes she used to tell that she prefers to stay away from these forums. For the past few days, I have been nurturing out a sense of guilt whether my showcasing CP forums from the perspective of Lounge and Soapbox were instrumental towards this. The following were particularly the thoughts that kept ravaging my mind or rather plundering my mind?
    1. Did I inadvertantly serve as a speed-breaker or a hurdle?
    2. Am I serving a wrong picture?
    3. Is my mind having a wrong calibration or inclination? This point needed my closer and deeper scrutiny, at least considering the current austeries that I need to practice.

      Yesterday I told this and got clarified. It was then I got a sneak preview of her intention of bringing back Shruti meets Monkeys, after really really a long wait. Was it almost like a Dasavataram of Kamal?
  3. Well. I think, in that way, I earned a bit of relief and also a little pleasure from the following perspectives:
    1. Cleared my mental block which I can accuse of thieving my sleep and peace for a week.
    2. Had been at least a little instrument (though less than the service of a squirrel in its noble deeds of helping Sri Rama in building the Sethu Samudram bridge to Sri Lanka) in bringing back a sleeping blog(ger) to full vibrant activity.
    3. She has also promised to register at CodeProject and at least to actively participate in the technical forum side. I am sure this would be a real boost to her in various perspectives:
      1. Improvement of technical knowledge
      2. Writing Skills, which in turn would enable MTT to have a more richer content.
    4. A little service to my Guru. I treat her as my Guru for the following reasons or her qualities.
      1. The single-minded vision and approach to the goal of the task in hand.
      2. The endurance to achieving the task without letting it go in the air succumbing to difficulties en route.
      3. Not hurting any one's thoughts at any time.
    5. I would say the point 4.3 actually closely resembles with one of my birthday assurances that I took in November 2006. At least till this point of time, I have been trying to uphold it. But my assurance would be Make others smile at any point of time. But I think I should consider extending it a further to encompass 4.3 also. [I copied ]

Well! That completes a quick discussion-cum-tour on two topics:

  1. A cute little testimonial
  2. A news announcement of Shruti meets Monkeys to strike MTT again to keep readers mesmerized.

Thiruvannamalai Deepam Live Telecast

Thiruvannamalai Deepam Live Telecast

A few hours ago, we also discussed in brief about a website that has been setup to serve Thiruvannamalai Devotees on the occasion of Bharani Deepam and Maha Deepam. The permalink of the post is here. I just came to know that Doordarshan Podhigai channel is live telecasting the function on DD-1 Regional and Podhigai channels.

The live telecast is scheduled at 1705 hours Indian Time, which is just a few minutes from now. Stay tuned to your televisions to catch up the live telecast.

Source Courtesy: WebIndia123

Melmalayanoor Sri Angala Parameswari Temple Kumbabhishekam in the month of January


Melmalayanoor Sri Angala Parameswari Temple Kumbabhishekam in the month of January

Today while travelling from Tambaram to Saidapet, I came across an advertisement near Kamarajapuram. Since it was a quick journey and a brief halt at the bus stop, I could just capture the main info and sharing it with readers. Perhaps if any other reader has more info, please feel free to share them as comments for the benefit of other readers.

Function: Melmalayanoor Sri Angala Parameswari Temple Kumbabhishekam
When: The month of January. I guess, I observed it as January 18 to 21.

They had also mentioned about a contact person at Velacherry Main Road, Rajakilpakkam, who can be contacted regarding participation in the function.

[Testimonial] A Knowledgeable MBA Project Guide -- Ravikumar


[Testimonial] A Knowledgeable MBA Project Guide -- Ravikumar

Just thought I would add a few words thanking Ravikumar (associated with my Alagappa University study center based in Anna Nagar Leo Matriculation School). I was actually searching for a good guide under which I had to signup and complete the assignment.

Chennai is known for notorious unscrupulous guys who actually sell projects for a good booty. I was just trying to ensure not to tread on that route. It was at this time, when I contacted my study center, a reference about Ravikumar was given. The following are some of the good things.
  1. A good long run planning. It takes four months for the entire project to complete right from the choice of topic and other business arrangements.
  2. Periodic review and consultations
  3. Nominal Charges for the same.

I have also referred my friend Varalakshmi now to him. Just thought I would also write a quick and little testimonial for the benefit of other interested and needy students.

Thiruvannamalai MahaDeepam and Bharani Deepam Today

Thiruvannamalai MahaDeepam and Bharani Deepam Today

The much celebrated festival of Thirukkarthigai Month (Thiruvannamalai Maha Deepam and Bharani Deepam) is celebrated with great fervour today by millions of devotees of Lord Arunachaleswarar at Thiruvannamalai today.

The Thiruvannamalai Police Department has also launched a website on this topic for the service of devotees enumerating on the following topics:

  1. About the Festival
  2. The Programme
  3. Accomodation Details
  4. Transportation Guidelines
  5. Traffic Diversions
  6. Logistics Arrangement including temporary parking stands for different types of vehicles
  7. Emergency Arrangements like Hospital, Ambulance etc
  8. Quick Rules of Thumb ("Do's and Dont's")

You can check out the website here. For the benefit of devotees right from the comfort of thier mobile, the following contact numbers are available from the police department regarding the above points.

  1. +9199789671011
  2. +919789671012
  3. +919789671013
  4. +919789671014
  5. +919789671015

The cops, the municipal authorities, the district and temple administration expect whole-hearted cooperation from the devotees to facilitate a peaceful darshan for all.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Pre Dawn to Post Dusk Fasting


Pre Dawn to Post Dusk Fasting

Yesterday (November 20) had been quite an interesting day. It had started to drizzle and then slowly catch up speed in raining in the morning. To escape being drenched I just thought I would start up a bit early to work. Towards this, I was planning to start a bit early and reached work at around eight o clock in the morning. I just thought I would have a quick bite breakfast. But since due to current austerities for Sabarimala being followed and due to other 'busy schedules', I just forgot it.

Somehow managed till 1400 hours (Lunch). There were some important persons to meet as visitors, which filled the Lunch session. With other schedules occupying the schedules, when the clock struck 2300 hours, the hunger helpline got activated by my mind too.

When I actually took my food for November 20, the calendar indicated it was November 21, 2007 01:10:23. So all through the entire day, just but liquid food kept going.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Sharana Gosham in Vijay TV

Sharana Gosham in Vijay TV

From today (19th November 2007), Vijay TV is telecasting a Sabarimala Exclusive programme sometime around 1900 hours  (7 PM) every day. Remember that it is easier to remember too. From 19th at 1900 hours. The programme is called "Pallikattu Sabarimalaikku".

But I am sure that quite a few of us would just be returning home and hence if some one could represent this issue to Vijay TV or contact them regarding the same and request for a retelecast or a secondary telecast sometime during the mornings, it would be great.

But for those who could watch, don't miss it. Keep tuned your channels to Vijay TV in the evenings around 1900 hours.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!!

Pallavaram-based Tourists Operate Sabarimala Trips

Pallavaram-based Tourists Operate Sabarimala Trips

Today whilst commuting to office, I saw an advertisement on Sabarimala Trips by a Pallavaram based tourist company. Since the bus was travelling a bit fast, I just could capture the contact phone number and approximate dates of journey.

They seem to be organizing Sabarimala tours during the Mandala Pooja and Makara Jyothi festival with a lot of buses/vans etc. I think the name was 'Gurunath Travels' and the contact number is +919841640279.

Interested pilgrims check out with them to plan thier Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Sri Ayyappan Malar Poojai on 27th December 2008

Sri Ayyappan Malar Poojai on 27th December 2008

Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourists is organizing Sri Ayyappan Malar Poojai on 27th December 2007 at 1900 hours. They are inviting everyone to participate in the function and to get the blessings of the Lord Sri Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.

Address of the Travel Company:

Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourist,
Old No. 11/New No. 29, Ramasamy Street,
T. Nagar,
Chennai -- 600 017.

Telephone: +914442070962/+919381201643

20 Day North India Pilgrimage by Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourists

20 Day North India Pilgrimage by Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourists

Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourists have planned for a 23 day North India which includes food and with video coach delux bus. This pilgrimage would start by April 2008. The organizers have stipulated a tariff of INR 7500 per head for this pilgrimage.

Interested pilgrims can contact the travel office for tour plan details and booking.

Address:

Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourists,
Old No. 11/New No. 29, Ramasamy Street,
T. Nagar,
Chennai -- 600 017.

Telephone: +914442070962/+919381201643

The travel organizers are also giving 36-55 seat new deluxe bus/ Tata Sumo, Van. They also give 27 seat mini buses for rent.

Old Rupee Notes

Old Rupee Notes

Most of us should have faced the problem of encountering to recieve a mutiliated and soiled rupee notes. The first and foremost thing that you would think of resorting to is hand over the same to someone. Wait. Before resorting to such an ugly thing and making the rupee note that has already put its hard work in circulation, consider giving it back to a bank who would take it out of the circulation and return it to Reserve Bank of India. You can check out Reserve Bank website which outlines clearly that all commercial banks should accept any form of soiled or mutiliated notes without any demur. You also get the full face value of the amount. There is no charge for the same.

For example, I have been using the same at Velacherry Axis Bank and they are pleased to help us in the same. Only once, I had an issue with Madipakkam Axis Bank. Being new to bank work, the teller guy was showing novel gestures but after giving him a gentle tap, he accepted the same.

Sabarimala Mandala Pooja Makara Jyothi Bus Tour Programmes by Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourists

Sabarimala Mandala Pooja Makara Jyothi Bus Tour Programmes by Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourists

I just got a brochure of the different tour programmes that has been planned by Sri Devi Karamari Amman Tourists towards the Mandala Pooja and Makara Jyothi festivals at Sabarimala. I would like to share the same here for the benefit of other devotees as well.

  1. 6th December 2007 to 10th December 2007 (5 days INR 1000):
    Madurai, Chinthalakarai, Thiruchendoor, Kutralam, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Kumuli, Pazhani, Samayapuram, Chennai
  2. 11th December 2007 to 15th December 2007 (5 days INR 1000)
    Chidambaram, Vaitheeswaran Koil, Kumbakonam, Suriyanar Koil, Thirunallar, Pillayarpatti, Kutralam, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Kumuli, Pazhani, Chennai
  3. 16th December 2007 to 19th December 2007 (4 days INR 950) [Express]
    Thiruchi, Kumuli, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Guruvayoor (via), Pazhani, Chennai
  4. 20th December 2007 to 23rd December 2007 (4 days INR 950) [Express]
    Bhavani, Guruvayoor, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Kumuli, Pazhani, Chennai
  5. 20th December 2007 to 26th December 2007 (7 days INR 1200)
    Bhavani, Guruvayoor, Chottanikkara, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanniyakumari, Rameswaram, Thiruparankundram, Madurai, Pazhani, Samayapuram, Chennai
  6. 24th December 2007 to 28th December 2007 (5 days INR 1000)
    Bhavani, Guruvayoor, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Pazhani, Thiruchi, Samayapuram, Chennai
  7. 24th December 2007 to 29th December 2007 (6 days INR 1200)
    Melmaruvathur, Bhavani, Guruvayoor, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Kutralam, Thiruchendoor, Rameswaram, Pazhani, Samayapuram, Chennai
  8. 30th December 2007 to 05th January 2008 (7 days 1300) [Periya Pathai]
    Thiruch, Samayapuram, Pudukottai, Rameswaram, Thiruchendoor, Kanniyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Pazhani, Chennai
  9. 02nd January 2008 to 05th January 2008 [4 days INR 1000] [Express]
    Thiruchi, Samayapuram, Kumuli, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Guruvayoor (Via), Pazhani, Chennai
  10. 06th January 2008 to 09th January 2008 [4 days INR 1000] [Express]
    Bhavani, Guruvayoor, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Kumuli, Pazhani, Chennai
  11. 07th January 2008 to 11th January 2008 [5 days INR 1100]
    Melmaruvathur, Bhavani, Guruvayoor, Chottanikkaram, Erumeli, Pampa, Sabarimalai, Sannidhanam, Kutralam, Sri Villiputhur, Pazhani, Chennai
  12. 07th January 2008 to 13th January 2008 [7 days INR 1300] [Periya Pathai]
    Melmaruvathur, Samayapuram, Rameswaram, Thiruchendoor, Kanniyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Pazhani, Chennai
  13. 07th January 2008 to 12th January 2008 [6 days INR 1200] [Short Day Periya Pathai]
    Thiruchi, Pillayarpatti, Rameswaram, Thiruchendoor, Navathiruppathi, Erumeli, Pampa, Kumuli, Sannidhanam, Pazhani, Chennai
  14. 11th January 2008 to 17th January 2008 [7 days INR 1200] [Periya Pathai]
    Makara Jyothi Darshan, Periya Pathai, Samayapuram, Pudukkottai, Rameswaram, Thiruchendoor, Kanniyakumari, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Pazhani, Chennai
  15. 16th January 2008 to 20th January 2008 [5 days INR 1000]
    Padi Poojai Special, Vellore, Sri Puram Golden Temple, Bhavani, Kadampuzha, Guruvayoor, Chottanikkarai, Erumeli, Pampa, Sannidhanam, Kuttralam, Pazhani, Samayapuram, Chennai



The organizers have also given the following guidelines for the interested pilgrims wishing to avail these programmes:

  1. Those who are interested in taking part of any of the above listed pilgrims can make a token advance payment of INR 300 to book the seat.
  2. Before 7 days of actual start date, the full tariff for the programme should be paid, failing which the tour booking would be changed to another plan.
  3. Those who book more than 20 seats would get either one seat discounted or the bus would be sent to their place for Kattunirai (Irumudi).
  4. The tour organizers reserve full rights to either stop the bus or just continue at less significant temples.
  5. It is the responsibility of each and every pilgrim to note down the bus numbers and driver or other contact numbers whilst alighting at any place particularly at Pampa/Nilakkal. It is the onus and responsibility of every pilgrim to join back the group at Nilakkal after the darshan.
  6. The pilgrims can get down anywhere during the return journey. However, requests for change of bus routes would not be entertained on any grounds or reasons.
  7. Kid pilgrims aged between 3 and 7 can avail half tickets. However, this needs to be disclosed upfront while booking itself, failing which the pilgrims would not be permitted.
  8. All pilgrimages depart a night before the date announced at 1900 hours from the address of the travel desk.
  9. In case night stay is being arranged for, then an amount of INR 20 should be given to the caretaker.
  10. Every pilgrim should help giving a token amount of INR 20 to the bus driver and cleaner as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation.
  11. The buses are mentioned as video coach deluxe buses. The organizers have also advertised regarding availability of Super Deluxe, Tata Sumo, Van, Mini bus at less charges.
  12. Note: The organizers have also announced that they would arrange for Irumudi at the office itself. This is available at a separate charge. It includes Irumudi Ghee, Irumudi things, Irumudi Bag, Side Bag.
  13. The tour programme needs to be confirmed by the pilgrim before four days regarding the actual departure date and timings.
  14. The pilgrims should accept listening and following to the guidelines of the Guruswami who has been deputed for the particular yatra.
  15. In case there is a change in the tariff, the pilgrims should consider paying the difference without any demur.



Address of the Travel Office:

Sri Devi Karumari Amman Tourist,
Old No. 11/New No. 29, Ramasamy Street,
T. Nagar,
Chennai -- 600 017.

Telephone: +914442070962/+919381201643

Veermani Raju Sri Ayyappa Bhajan at Kamaraj Grounds, Chennai


Veermani Raju Sri Ayyappa Bhajan at Kamaraj Grounds, Chennai

I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Sunderasn Siva for visiting our post on "Mandala Makara Brahmotsavam at Madippakkam Sri Ayyappa Temple " and sharing the following information thereto as comments:

Event Type: Sri Ayyappa Bhajan by Veeramani Raju.
Venue: Kamaraj Grounds, Teynampet (Near Gemini Flyover)
Date: December 1st 2007
Contact Details: sundaresan_siva (at) yahoo.com

He has also given his contact information for further details. The first quick information did not carry time. Going by the previous years' Bhajan, this should be same time between 1700 hours to 2200 hours.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Vasanth TV -- One More Entertainment and News Channel

Vasanth TV -- One More Entertainment and News Channel

Just today whilst commuting to workplace I saw a couple of autorickshaws hosting the advertisement of Vasanth TV. Also, near Velacherry Checkpost, they have also put mammoth billboards towards the new Television channel that is being unveiled on January 14, 2008.

This comes close to the heels when Tamil Nadu just saw the launch of Kalaignar TV sometime about a couple of months back. Vasanth TV is pioneered and headed by Vasanth and Co. group of company (headed by Vasanth Kumar), who are known for best retail home appliances shop across Tamil Nadu.

Special Ayyappa Bhajan at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan A/C Mini Hall

Special Ayyappa Bhajan at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan A/C Mini Hall

Today while casually browsing through 'The Hindu', I came across the following event news clipping and I wanted to share the same with interested Ayyappa devotees.

Event: Special Ayyappa Bhajan
Date and Time: Today (11th November 2007) at 1600 hours (4 PM) Indian Time
Venue: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan A/C Mini Hall
Organizers: Bhaktha Swaraa Bhajan Mandali (Regd)
Sponsor: Gopalarathnam & group

Note:

There were two footnotes regarding the event, which I would like to mention.

  1. Normally free events are mentioned as 'All are welcome' but this has not been mentioned. Hence I am not sure of the entry being free or charged with a fee. However, I just recommend interested people can check out with either the Hall/Mandali in person or via a telephone call.
  2. Since the address was not mentioned in the event, I did a quick Internet Google search and found the address from here as outlined below:
    1. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Mini Hall,
      East Mada Street,
      Mylapore (Karthik Fine Arts)

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Mandala Makara Brahmotsavam at Madippakkam Sri Ayyappa Temple

Mandala Makara Brahmotsavam at Madippakkam Sri Ayyappa Temple

Today whilst visiting the Madippakkam Sri Ayyappa Temple to start the austerities towards the Sabarimala Pilgrimage, I also came to know of the Mandala Makara Brahmotsavam that they are planning to organize sometime between 17th November 2007 (Saturday Karthigai 1) to 26th November 2007 (Monday Karthigai 10). They have planned for special Abhishekams, Paraiyeduppu, Annadhanam, musical concerts and deity processions.

The organizers have prepared a pamplet and requested everyone to participate in the Brahmotsavam to get the blessings of the Lord. I just thought of sharing the information in the pamplet with other readers too.

Thanthiri Sri Sri Narayanan Bandarathil has kindly consented to supervise the Brahmatsavam celebrations.

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  1. During the Mandala - Makara Brahmotsavam, one can remit an amount of INR 300 towards Daily Poojas.
  2. The Programme Schedule is as follows:
    1. 05.30: Ganapathi Homam
    2. From 17th November 2007 to 26th November 2007 at 0800 Paraiyeduppu: Those who are interested in participating in Paraiyeduppu should remit INR 50 in the Mandali office and register themselves. Either wheat or rice can be given in the Paraiyeduppu. The same can be given either in the temple or in thier homes.
  3. On 1st January 2008 (Tuesday) the organizers have planned for the following functions:
    1. Maha Annadanam
    2. Ekadina Laksharchanai
    3. 1800 hours: Kanakabhishekam for all the 18 steps.
  4. From 16th November 2007 to 29th November 2007:
    1. Daily 1830 Pushpabhishekam
    2. 2030 Padipooja

Important Tariffs:

  1. Laksharchanai: INR 25
  2. Paraiyeduppu: INR 50
  3. Padivillakku: INR 100
  4. Nithya Kattalai: INR 300
  5. Padi Poojai: INR 10000
  6. Pushpabhishekam: INR 3000

The most significant thing in Lord Ayyappa cult of worship is that irrespective of caste, creed, religion etc discrimination, we support Annadhanam. Hence devotees should come together to support Annadhanam either as items or money.

The organizers have given the following address for the monetary and other contributions to be sent:

The Secretary,
Sri Ayyappan Mandali,
Madippakkam,
Chennai -- 600 091.



Thirtieth Brahmotsavam and Grand Music Festival

  1. 17th November 2007 Saturday:
    1. 0750 Utsavam: Kodiyetram
    2. 1000 Parayeduppu Location: Ayyappa Nagar and Sannidhi Street
    3. 1830 Music Programme: Gadam Sri Suresh and Party (Thalavadhyam)
  2. 18th November 2007 Sunday:
    1. 0800 Parayeduppu Location: Sabari Salai, Saraswathi Street, Balaiah Garden, Karthikeyapuram (Branch 1)
    2. 1830 Music Programme: Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Asthana Vidwan Sri B Umasankar (Vocal)
  3. 19th November 2007 Monday:
    1. 0800 Parayeduppu Location: Raghava Nagar, Subramania Nagar, Sabhapathy Nagar
    2. 1830 Music Programme: Padmabhooshan Sri T. V. Sankaranarayanan (Vocal)
  4. 20th November 2007 Tuesday:
    1. 0800 Parayeduppu Location: Balaji Nagar, Puzhithivakkam and Ullagaram
    2. 1830 Music Programme: Sri Veeramani Raju Party (Devotional Songs)
  5. 21st November 2007 Wednesday:
    1. 0800 Parayeduppu Location: Senthooran Colony, VP I and II Street,
    2. 1300 Utsava Bali
    3. 1830 Music Programme: Sri Sriram Parthasarathy (Vocal)
  6. 22nd November 2007 Thursday:
    1. 0800 Parayeduppu Location: Sathsangam Street, Gopal Street, Nehru Street, Karunanidhipuram
    2. 1830 Music Programme: Dr. N. Ramani (Flute)
  7. 23rd November 2007 Friday:
    1. 0800 Parayeduppu Location: MMTC Colony, Kannan Nagar
    2. 1830 Music Programme: Sangeetha Kalarathnakara Mayavaram Sisters Thirumathy Uma Geeta (Vocal)
  8. 24th November 2007 Saturday:
    1. 0800 Parayeduppu Location: Karthikeyapuram, Madippakkam Village
    2. 1830 Music Programme: Bhakthaswara Bhajan Mandali (Devotional Songs)
  9. 25th November 2007 Sunday:
    1. 0800 Parayeduppu Location: Iyyappan Koil Street, Manikandan Street, New Street, Alamelumangapuram, Ganesh Nagar
    2. 1830 Sri Lord Ayyappan Procession
    3. 2230 Pallivettai
  10. 26th November 2007 Monday:
    1. 0600 Palliyezhuchi
    2. 0900 Parayeduppu Location: Bharath Nagar, Ganga Nagar, Gokul Nagar
    3. 1700 Aarattu
    4. 1800 Kodiyirakkam
    5. 1830 Music Programme: Kumari B Suchitra (Vocal)

Most Hot Weather Conditions Prevailing in Chennai

Most Hot Weather Conditions Prevailing in Chennai

Normally during Diwali festival times, you can witness really pleasant showers and sometimes you would also have cyclonic storms that gets formed in Bay of Bengal resulting in heavy showers. But very interestingly this year, even after start of November, which marks the beginnering of North - East monsoon in Tamil Nadu, one can witness the following bad weather conditions:

  1. Acutely hot weather conditions like that in May
  2. Bad Climatic Transitions leading to frequent health downtime. Even myself I had been down with continuous common cold and fevers sometime during the third week of September to October.

I think it is high time that the Government stopped the proliferation of concrete jungle menace and started to support programmes like Gramotsavam, which would cool down the atmosphere and make the world a better peaceful place for the people to live in.

Samayapuram Vs Mangadu

Samayapuram Vs Mangadu

This is a kind of similar comparison we had sometime back between Katpadi and Camp Road. The atmosphere and the geographical entrance position of Mangadu from the Poonamalee Highway took my memories somewhat straight to Samayapuram near Thiruchi.

To reach Samayapuram, I remember there is a junction called Toll Gate where you also see the entrance arch of Samayapuram Mariamman temple. After entering it, you need to drive for a couple of minutes to reach the temple premises, look out for a parking area for your vehicle and then join the queue.

Similarly, from the Poonamalee Express Way (NH4), you need to turn left at Kumananchavadi. And then drive for a couple of minutes to reach the Mangadu Kamakshi Amman temple. Both the temples are very ancient temples and are well served by a good frequency of buses. You can schedule your calendar for a convenient time to visit the temples to get the blessings of the Lordess.

Thanks a ton for the birthday wishes ...

Thanks a ton for the birthday wishes ...

This day of 10th November, 2007 dawned out for me with phenomenal number of vibrant fun-filled birthday greetings brimming with love from diversified quarters. The spurt of greetings seeded right at 00:00 hours by Pradeep Felix. Though there were a few network hiccups, Airtel was gracious enough to alert me regarding all such missed and unreachable call attempts.

Interestingly, in our community, we seldom attribute importance or significance to the date of birth birthdays. We focus on the Star Birthdays. But the overwhelmingamount of lovely birthday wishes seems to be moving this emphasis in a different way to make this day a memorable one. The spurt of birthday greetings from diversified quarters ranging from business-circle friends, close family friends to Sri Pathinettam Padi Saranam Ayyappa spanning and exhausting all available communication channels in the universe ranging from hearts, Voice over IP telephone lines, instant messaging systems, wireline and wireless telecommunication networks, so on and so forth. But the intensity of love carried by these birthday greetings makes to rethink and redefine the significance and importance of date of birthday too.

It has been my aspiration for the past couple of months that I needed to take the Sabarimala mala this time a bit early since each year due to chronological adjustments and schedules, there is a shortfall of one week to ten days. The actual laxity gets linked to late starting of the vratha each year after Karthigai has started. Hence I thought as a prayschittam (or a compensatory procedure), I would have this taken a bit early than Karthigai, which starts sometime after four days. Again a spurt of messages from my friends greeted while I was in the Madippakkam Ayyappa temple, which is en route to my workplace. With the amount of messages that kept flashing in my mobile after I entered the temple, I percieve them as divine wishes too. Thank you, Ayyappa.

Thank you all again for most lovely and affectionate birthday greetings. With all such affection and love, blessings of the Lord Almighty, together there are more miles to conquer and laurels to win.

The Woods are lovely dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep...
And miles to go before I sleep...

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Happy and Prosperous Diwali to Everyone!

Happy and Prosperous Diwali to Everyone!

I would like to wish all the readers a very happy and prosperous Happy Diwali. Feel free to check out a little Deepawali (Diwali) eCard here.

Also check out our previous Diwali post which carries a message which should be part of our Diwali prayers to the Lord Almighty.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

The Tragic Prathiba -- II

The Tragic Prathiba -- II

The atrocities against female employees working in ITES like BPOs seems to be back in full vigor, with the national cops in deep slumber. In a gruesome spine-chilling incident again a twenty-two year old BPO employee (Jyothi Chaudhury) was raped and murdered by a cab driver while she was on her duty on Friday night. She has actually resigned from the services and the journey which she hoped was the last journey to her office turned to be fatal last journey for her on the earth.

Similar to Prathiba's incident, since the other pickups didn't turn up, Jyothi was driven alone by the cab driver and his accomplice to a secluded spot where she was made to satisfy thier bestial instincts, her face defaced with a stone and crushed to death. Check out the Economic Times narration here.

A few of the questions have gone simply unnoticed or just 'buried' deep in this incident:

  1. Unlike the HP-employee (Prathiba Srikanth) incident which drew a good widesome attention and alerts all over the nation, the current Wipro BPO-employee (Jyothi Chaudhury) was just covered briefly only by CNN-IBN. A couple of newspapers just mentioned it as a small news.
  2. Going by "The Economic Times" narration, there have been good amount of gross security overlook in this incident.
    1. "No First Pickup or Last Drop of Female Employees"
    2. Compulsory Rosters for Every Cab
    3. Security Education for all Employees Travelling Late Night

With the Government busy in having its childish amateurish fights with Leftists on trivial issues and strenghtening its vote bank, would it ever have time for the following?

  1. Waking up the Police force from its deep slumber.
  2. Reinstate Internal Security to full vigor and Instil Confidence in the minds of people.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Sony’s Dream Time Machine

Sony has an innovative dream time machine with the model number ICF-C414. You can check out a sample attachment below:

SonyDreamMachineImage

I just got to see this in the hotel room today. On quickly searching the internet I also got a nice manual someone has scanned and published. Please find it  below:

 

SonyDreamMachineManual

It is just around $25 from Amazon.com and I am sure this is a must for everyone. It has cool features like Alarm clock, slim look and FM/AM radio.

The Crowning Celebration Month -- Birthdays Galore

The Crowning Celebration Month -- Birthdays Galore

Come November and it is always a celebration month at least in my friends circle. There is a heavy schedule in my Yahoo Calendar on the various birthday celebrations that keeps alerting. Let us join together to wish all the birthday babies "Very Many Happy Returns of the Day"

I would also invite you to view the November Birthday Post of 2006.

Wish you many happy returns of the day!!

  1. November 3:
    1. Vinod Kumar
      Webmaster of Extreme Experts
  2. Srinivas Wudali
    1. [Colleague]
  3. November 7:
    1. Sathyanarayanan
      Technical Team of Ahobilam.com
  4. November 8:
    1. Umesh
      CTO of Exto Solutions
  5. November 9:
    1. Aravinthan Narayanan
      My Former Technical Lead and Our Revered Lookup Guru
  6. November 10:
    1. Vasudevan Deepak Kumar
      (This blogger)
  7. November 12:
    1. Sairam
      (A close friend in my home-neighborhood)
  8. November 13:
    1. Ramanakumar Jeyaraman
      [Colleague]
    2. Kaveri Lakshmanan
      [Currently at IBM Global Services, Bangalore]
  9. November 14:
    1. Celebrity Birthday (Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India) and celebrated worldwide as Children's Day.
  10. November 17:
    1. Narmada Parthasarathy
      [My College Friend]
  11. November 20:
    1. Sridhar Poduri
  12. November 26:
    1. Arulvendan Srinivasan
      [My Former Organization Colleague and he is currently in MindTree]
  13. November 29:
    1. Sumitha Satheesh Balakrishna Nair
      [My Former Organization Chief Accountant]

To add color to the birthday celebrations that are lined across for this month, comes the Children's Day on November 14. The 14th November also earns the pride of celebrity birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and is celebrated worldwide as Children's Day. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is also affectionately known as Chacha Nehru amongst his children.

Turn on your speakers to listen to nice birthday song/melody. You may need to have a Fast DSL to listen to this MP3 Stream and have Windows Media Player 9 installed in your system.

Music Link Disclaimer: The link is purely for personal listening pleasure. You may visit the parent page here: http://www.tamilbeat.com/tamilsongs/selections/krishna/page06/ which gives full download of the song for offline purpose. Please check out TamilBeat.com for more songs. For who can not listen to the MP3 streaming, here is the verses of the song, http://prabhukrish.net/2005/10/20/nalam-vaazha-ennalum/

Friday, November 02, 2007

The Friday Turmoil

Just about the previous Friday (the one before Diwali) had an interesting turn of events for me. I had someone to meet for a quick Lunch as she is flying to UK the Friday night. But just but two days before it, a set of white-collared hoodlums were busy disturbing my mental tranquility. They unnecessarily put forth solicitations for some junk get together or kind of lunch. I had to keep avoiding them in a very diplomatic way as always my stand used to be. They just used this stand since they had political power in the close proximity and hence were feeling a kind of superiority in them. Or rather they were feeling a kind of punch in thier ego. Nevertheless, I consider them useful in one way that they prove and help to be succinct salient testimony to our envy case study here in more ways than one.


I had to adhere to my Todolist more since it helps to streamline my time management and performance. Thanks to the envy-creatures that they could create a mental doldrums only for a few hours and then the following tasks reminded by my Todolist were completed impeccably:
  1. The scheduled meet-n-lunch with my friend at 1430 hours.
  2. On my return back, a quick visit to State Bank of India, Adyar regarding a query on the Fixed Deposit
A few learnings from the incident:

Ignore the creatures which keep disturbing you. Those things will run away after a while getting bored bugging you for some time.