Ghati - The Holy Place of Lord Subramanya, Narasimha and Snake Gods

On a Sunday morning around 8 AM we left to Ghati with my brother and sister in law. Ghati is a place on the outskirts of Bengaluru, near Doddaballapura where Lord Subramanya temple is situated. It is identifiably called as Ghati Subramanya temple. It is a popular pilgrimage centre located at a distance of 60 Kms from Bengaluru. It is one of the ancient temples and more than 600 years old. We reached the temple around 10.30 AM. Drive was smooth. We enjoyed the nature and the scenic valleys on the way to the temple. There is a big parking place surrounded by many shops which sell pooja items, flowers, coconuts etc.

Temple entrance has a big Rajagopura which attracts everyone. As it was Sunday temple was crowded. We had to stand in the queue for almost one and half hour for Darshan. This is the painful part of temple visits. A family of monkeys on the roof gave us company during this time. Baby monkeys kept us entertained with their naughty fun plays for one and half hour. Otherwise it was really difficult to kill the time standing in the queue. Finally we had a glimpse of of Lord Subramanya and Narasimha just for a second.

RajaGopura

While we were standing in the queue, these monkeys gave us company

Here in this temple Lord Subramanya is accompanied by Lord Narasimha. The distinctive feature of the temple is Lord Subramanya is facing East and Lord Narasimha is exactly at his back facing the west. We can see Lord Narasimha through a mirror which has been placed in the shrine. These two idols are said to be Swayambhu which means they are self originated. They are not man made or sculpted by anyone.

Where there is Lord Subramanya there should be Snake Gods. In Ghati too we can see images of Snake Gods like Adishesha and Vasuki. People who have Naga Dosha, Kala Sarpa Dosha come here and offer pooja, Homa, Havana etc to seek solution for those doshas. Childless couple often visit the temple to seek the blessings and boon of a child from Lord Subramanya.

Behind the temple there is a big Naga Bana where many Nagara Kallu (Snake carved out of the stone) have been installed under a big peepal tree. There are more than hundred snake idols installed by devotees whose wish has come true. We can see women offering kumkum, haldi and pouring milk on those snake idols.

Champa Shashti (Skanda Shashti), Lord Subramanya Jayanthi, Narasimha Jayanthi, Naga Panchami are the big festivals in this temple. Thousands of devotees flock in this temple on all special days. Even devotees from Tamil Nadu come here to offer pooja to their favorite God Murugan (Lord Subramanya).

Temple offers free lunch (Prasad Bhojana) to devotees everyday. As we had already brought our lunch packed from home we had it on the way back to Bengaluru, sitting on the lush green field roadside.

Beautiful, Offbeat, Roadside Flowers of Monsoon

Last week I was at my home town for a family function. Monsoon had instilled my native place with greenery. As coastal area receives highest rainfall, my place was celebrating the season soaking in the rain. I was out for an evening walk and enjoying the fresh, green picturesque landscape. Sitting on the nature's lap I was recalling my childhood days - playing in water, soaking in the rain drops, placing paper boats in small streams and enjoy its sailing, plucking those beautiful wild flowers...Ohhh!!! joyful memories of childhood.

As I walked further, my eyes were searching for those beautiful, offbeat, roadside flowers which bloom during Monsoon, adding their own colors against the dominant green background. I found many. Clicked some pictures of those fresh, wet flowers. These flowers can be seen in Coastal and Malnaad region of Karnataka. I tried to identify and get the scientific names of those flowers. I could get the names of only few flowers. Here are some beautiful flowers of Monsoon which can bee seen around my home town.

Gloriosa Superba :

This flower is also called as flame Lily, fire Lily becos it looks like the flame of fire. I first saw this flower at my hubby's place as it grows mainly in Malnaad region. They call it as Gouri Hoovu (ಗೌರಿ ಹೂವು). In my hubby's place they worship this flower during Ganesha Chaturthi frstival. They keep this flower with its creep along with Ganesha Idol as a symbol of Gouri. This fire Lily creep will be immersed with Ganesha idol on the day of Ganesha immersion. These flame Lilies are common during Monsoon in Malnaad.

Theru Hoovu / Aarati Chandu Hoovu (ತೇರು ಹೂವು /ಆರತಿ ಚಂಡು ಹೂವು)

I am not able to find its scientific name. In coastal region it is known as Aarati Chandu hoovu and in Malnaad, they call it as Theru Hoovu. These big, red color flowers are eye catchy and favorites of butterflies too. These flowers bloom in a group and it is a common sight along the roadside during Monsoon.

Sesame Flowers (Bell Flowers)

In Kannada language these beautiful sesame flowers are called as Ghante Hoovu /ಘಂಟೆ ಹೂವು (Bell Flower) becos of its bell shape. These purple flowers can be seen during Monsoon across coastal region.

Klugia Flowers

Dark blue colored Klugia flowers are one of the attractions of Monsoon. They can be seen near hill side. Though they are small flowers, they easily attract one's attention.

Acacia Flower :

Acacia trees can be seen everywhere in the coastal region. During Monsoon these trees are full of long, bright yellow colored flowers. In a single tree more than hundred flowers bloom. It looks like tree has been painted with yellow color. Acacia flowers have unpleasant and irritating smell. When these flowers bloom, I cant stand near the tree for more than a minute. Many people are allergic to its pollen grains.

Calotropis Gigantea :

In my place this plant is famous as Ekkada Gida/Ekke Gida(ಎಕ್ಕೆ ಗಿಡ). It is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda, Homeopathy etc. Along the country side they are plenty. During Monsoon it shines with lavender color flowers. These flowers are small and usually go unnoticed. 

Here are some other beautiful and charming flowers that fill the nature with different colors during Monsoon. I could not find their scientific names as well as local names. 

These particular Monsoon plants dont need any special care or maintenance. They grow themselves and some of those flowering plants disappear after Monsoon ends. When the rain drops of next Monsoon hits the earth, they come alive again. This is truly a magic of the nature. 

Manchanabele Dam - A Beautiful Dam On The Outskirts of Bengaluru

Almost three years ago, one fine Sunday afternoon we had been to Manchanabele Dam which is on the outskirt of Bengaluru. It is located around 50 kms from Bengaluru in the village called Manchanabele also known as Manchinabele. It is a small reservoir built for the irrigation purpose across the river Arkavathi. This place is near to Big Banyan Tree - a popular picnic spot in Bengaluru. This dam is located just 11 kms from Big Banyan Tree. I had seen this dam in many Kannada cinemas earlier but didn't collect much information before going to this place.

We took the route Mysore Road-->Kumbalagod Industrial Area-->Ramohalli-->Big Banyan Tree-->Manchanabele to reach the place. View of the countryside was beautiful and refreshing throughout the journey. 

View Of Countryside near Manchanabele

As we were nearing the village the view from clear blue water from far made us more curious to explore the dam. But there was a police security guard at the entrance of the dam and he was not allowing visitors to enter the dam. Sending all visitors back security guard told us that entry into the dam is restricted. But we didn't come back. Standing there we were enjoying the backwaters of Arkavathi. On the backgrounds of the dam we can see Savanadurga hill which is a popular trekking place. We sighted many birds too. Surroundings of Manachanabele dam is a good place for bird watching and nature photography.

View of the dam from distance

It was 5 PM and the security guard again told us to go back. There were no other visitors. We requested him to give permission to enter the dam and we assured him that we wont be there at the dam for more than 30 minutes. He said 'NO'. We kept on requesting him till 5.30 and finally the guard gave a phone call to someone and gave permission to enter the dam. He demanded 100 Rs from us.

As we started exploring the dam we felt we are very close to the nature. Plenty of birds gave company to us. View of the green surroundings give a picturesque look to the dam. Cows, sheep from surrounding villages were grazing near the dam. Dam area is very silent. It was 6 PM and we wanted to watch beautiful sunset from the dam. But as we had promised the security guard, we came out of the dam and thanked him for allowing us to enter the dam. Without any expressions he murmured that if his seniors come to know then he will be in trouble. We felt really sorry for forcing him to open the gate. 

Note : Entry into the dam is strictly prohibited now. There are 2-3 security guards near the dam and they stop visitors from a kilometers distance. You can just have a view of the dam from far. However it is advisable to visit the place in a group as the area is known for miscreants. 

'Nammura Upahara' - A Darshini for Masala Dosa Lovers

On Doddakallsandra road, near to my home there is a small Darshini called Nammura Upahara. I frequently visit this darshini for Masala Dosas. This is bit different from other darshinis. They have very small menu with limited items on the list. Masala Dosa, Avalakki bath, Shavige bath, onion  pakodas, fresh filter coffee and tea - thats all. Except Masala Dosa other varieties of dosas are not available here. If you want  any item for parcel then you have to bring your own carry bags or boxes. 

In the evenings there will be more crowd with most of the people ordering for Masala dosas. Here Masala Dosa is served with green chutney and potato palya which will be crispy and tasty. Masala dosa per plate costs just 20 Rs which is cheap compared to other hotels and darshinis dosa. Other items are equally tasty :) 

Nammura Upahara has normal ambiance like any other darshinis. But it is neat and clean. As their tag line says food served here is clean and tasty. 

Hill Temples Of Bengaluru - 4 : Vaikuntha Hills - Krishna Lila Park By ISKCON

Last Sunday we had been to Krishna Lila Park which is being set up by ISKCON Bengaluru on the hillock on Kanakapura Main Road. They have named this huge hillock as 'Vaikuntha Hills'. It is very near to my home and can be reached easily. Krishna Lila Park is behind Gokulam Appartment which is again an apartment complex by ISKCON. From the main road direction boards are put up everywhere. 

Krishna Lila Park, a magnificent cultural complex is spread over 28 acres on Vaikuntha Hills. Construction is not yet completed. When we went to Vaikuntha Hills, construction was in full swing. However two temples on the ground level - Shri Jagannatha Mandir and Radha Krishna Mandir was open to the public. These two temples have traditional design with modern architecture. Jagannatha Mandir has the deities of Shri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra along with the deity of Sudarshana Narasimha. These deities are in Odisha style and reminded me of Puri Jagannatha Temple. It also has the statue of Shri Sheela Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON. 

Shri Jagannatha Mandir of Krishna Lila Park On Vaikuntha Hills 

Deities of Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra along with Sudarshana Narasimha

Statue of Shri Sheela Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON

Sri Radha Krishna Mandir has beautiful idols of eternal and divine lovers Radha and Krishna. First Ratha Yatra was held recently on Vaikuntha Hills.

Shri Radha-Krishna

The purpose of Krishna Lila park is to present, preserve and promote the cultural heritage and Vedic history of India to the society in an interesting and captivating presentation. Today, our children's minds are obsessed with Superman, Spiderman and such other characters coming from the West. Hence Krishna Lila Park aims to impress upon the younger generation the glorious pastimes of our Vedic heroes like Krishna, Rama and Hanuman and instill in their minds the deep values they represent. It may take another 4-5 years to complete the project and once this is fully open to the public, it will become yet another important cultural and religious tourism destination in Bengaluru city. 

The Proposed Krishna Lila Park on Vaikuntha Hills by ISKCON (Img Source - ISKCON Bangalore Website)

My attachment with Lord Krishna goes back to the time when Doordarshan was telecasting the serial 'Mahabharat'. I was 6 years old then and regular viewer of the serial. Lord Krishna's eternal and supreme personality left a great mark on my mind. I have an immense devotion, love towards Krishna. For me he is an ultimate friend who stays with me in every stage of my life, who listens my prayers, who solves my problems, who guides me and shows the right path. When my little kid started speaking his first words, I asked him to say 'Krishna' and with his sweet baby language he said 'Nikka' :) He is two years now and till he says Nikka whenever he sees Krishna. It feels so lovely!!

When I was staying in hostel near Rajajinagar, the main ISKCON temple on Hare Krishna hill was very close to me. Most of the Sunday mornings I used to go there to attend the first pooja to the Lord Krishna which will be performed around 6 AM. Attending their first pooja is once in a life time experience for every one. But after shifting from that locality I missed ISKCON and its first pooja. Now by Krishna's grace, again I am near to the Krishna Lila Park and no doubt, I will be the frequent visitor to the temple :)

My previous posts on Hill Temples of Bengaluru :

Shrungagiri Hill - Shanmukha Temple
Omkar Hills - Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple and Matsya Narayana Temple
Hare Krishna Hill - ISKCON Temple

Gaganachukki and Bharachukki - Twin Falls of Shivanasamudra

We visited Shivanasamudra falls almost four years back and it was just one day trip. Our plan was to visit Shivanasamudra falls and Talakad in a day. I think almost all Bengalurians are aware of this falls and most of them have seen these twin falls. Nature lovers, bikers, trekking enthusiasts, tourists, photographers love this place. River Kaveri forms these twin falls called Gaganachukki and Bharachukki near a small town- Shivanasamudra. This place is popularly known as 'Bluff'. These two falls are separated by just few kms. Though there is a very short distance between two falls, Gaganachukki is in Malavalli Taluk of Mandya district and Bharachukki is in Kollegala Taluk of Chamarajnagara district. Their approaching roads are also different.

I have heard that falls will be in full glow during peak monsoon when water is released from KRS dam. But our visit was post monsoon. First we saw Gaganachukki falls. There is ample parking place and neatly maintained view point. Gaganachukki looks more beautiful when mist surrounds it. It is a glorious sight to behold. As it was an open view point, hot and burning sun made us really tired :( 

We went to the one more view point to see Gaganachukki. It is known as Darga view point (Near Darga Hazrath Mardane Gaib also known as Imam Ali Darga). We wanted to view the waterfalls closely. So we climbed down the rocks from back side of the Darga. We stood on the dangerous rocky terrains. I had never seen a falls so closely!!! An unforgettable and lifetime experience!!! But Darga premises and surroundings are not at all clean. I could not tolerate the horrible and bad smell coming from the garbage around Darga and I started vomiting. We enjoyed Gaganachukki near Darga for almost 45 minutes and moved towards Bharachukki which is located 2 kms from Darga. 

From parking place we walked almost 300 meters to reach the falls. If you want to take a coracle ride or want to take a dip in the clear water of Bharachukki then you need to climb down more than 100 steps. But this place is very dangerous and many people have lost their lives. We can see caution and warning boards everywhere. As there was shortage of time and we also wanted to visit Talakad as planned, we did not go till the base of Bharachukki. Overall it was very enjoyable trip. 

Note : It is better to carry your own food/pack your lunch before leaving to Shivanasamudra. There are small shops and eateries near falls but after looking at those foods we wont feel like having it. 
Kids need special and extra care as falls area is very dangerous. Better not to take kids between the age 0-3 years.
And I want to know why  Shivanasamudra is called as Bluff. If any one knows please leave a comment.
Read my post on Talakadu here :
Talakadu : The land submerged in sand

A Big Honey Bee Hive

Recently we had been to Maiyas Restaurant @ Jayanagar for lunch. As usual we were waiting for our turn and we saw a big honey bee hive on the roof of restaurant building. We were so close to the bee hive that just a glass window separated us from the hive. I was seeing such a big hive so closely for the very first time. While bees were busy constructing the hive, we killed the time by watching their activities till the receptionist called our names :)