Divine Vibes : 3 – Dandeeshwaram, Vedasreni, Chennai

Vedasreni is a place in Chennai known for floods and water logging. For someone who visits Chennai frequently and knows the topography well to an extent, it will still be a jaw dropping moment, the moment one comes to know Vedasreni is nothing but Velachery. Velachery is the name derived from ‘Vedasreni’. It is said to be the place where 4 vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama, Adarvana vedas built kudil and worshipped Lord Marundeshwarar presiding at Thiruvanmiyur. The vedas were captured by Somugan, who was killed by Lord Vishnu in Matsya Avatara and subsequently they were released from hostage. The vedas came here to Vedasreni and prayed to Lord Shiva at Thiruvanmiyur to annihilate their dosha of being in the hands of asura.

Also Lord Shiva here called as Dandeeshwara was worshiped by Yamadharmaraja after he lost his life and Dandam at Thirukkadaiyur, after the Bhaktha Markandeya incident. To get back his powers he came here created a pond and is called ‘Yama Thirtham’, which is still here but less maintained. The Lord is originally called Dandapanishwarar but later became Dandeeshwarar as Yamadharmaraja couldn't take back his Dandam that he kept aside during Shiva Pooja.

There is an awesome age old temple with five tier gopuram facing south, in 2 kilometers distance from Velachery bus stand. As one enters the Arch and proceeds to Sannidhi Street, strong smell of Vibudhi and flowers welcome devotees. As one enters the two prahara temple premises, divinity sets in effortlessly. Entering the sanctum, Goddess Karunambika welcomes her children with so much kindness. To the left of the sanctum Lord Shiva as Linga Swaroopam is seated majestically. The goddess was installed by Shri Appaiya Dikshitar along with Sri Chakra. Shri Appiya Dikshitar stayed in Velachery and worshipped both Lord Dandeeshwara and Lord Marundheeshwara. It is said that even Lord Marundheeshwara changed his direction to west while he was facing east before as he was impressed by the devotion of Shri Appaiya Dikshitar.

As one proceeds for circumambulation, a Latin word, circum - around + ambulātus to walk, is the act of moving around a sacred object or idol as wiki states, one can see various deities like Maha Ganapathy, Yoga Shree Dakshina Moorthy, Somas skandhar, Lingothbavar – famous in temples in and around Kumbakonam, Maha Lakshmi, A stunningly beautiful Goddess Saraswathi sitting cross legged having her Veena in hand, Lord Brahma, Durga Devi, Muruga, Utsava Vinayaka, Nataraja, Sambu Sooriyan with few songs on Lord Shiva written on the walls of the prahara. The second prahara has stala viruksham, annadhana kudam and navagrahas.

The Lord here is prayed so as to get rid of fear of death and as vedas were purified here, devotees are said to visit Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery temples simultaneously to get complete blessings of Lord Shiva. The Lord and the Nandhikeshwarar, seated close to Dwajastambam is slightly tilted which is another specialty of the temple. Famous Utsavams celebrated here are ‘Chitra Pournami’, ‘Vaikasi Visagam’, ‘Aani Thirumanjanam’, apart from usual pradosha and other celebrations. As one walks out back through the same south gate, which is the only functioning gate, just opposite to the arch is ‘Goddess Chellayi Amman' temple.

A small temple for Goddess Chellayi, she is called Grama Devatha in that premises. A small chat with age old Priest who is devoted to the goddess for the 7th generation tells that three temples in Velachery was built and maintained by Pallavas who ruled this place long back. The temple has been renovated and we had lost many ancient scriptures and structures says the 7th generation priest. Along with Goddess Chellayi, Sapta mathas, Lord Vinayaka, Lord Virabhadra blesses devotees graciously.

Walking past the regional Bakery shop, one is likely to make note of Today’s special board reading Vaazhaippu vadai and can reserve place in stomach for the same after the darshan of mighty Lord Yoga Narasimma. Temples of Goddess Chellayi and Lord Narasimma was renovated in the year 2016, though the Narasimmar temple reads to be constructed in the year 2016. The highlight of Lord Narasimma temple is one can see his adherent devotee ‘Prahaladha’ seated in front of him. The temple welcomes devotees with staunch smell of Tulsi water. The presiding goddess is Shir Amrithabalavalli thayar. The utsava moorthy is ‘Bakthavatsala Parabrahma Perumal’ seated along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. The temple also has Shri Chakkarathazhwar, Shri Kodhanda Ramar Sannidhi and the inner sanctum has Saint Ramanuja’s utsavar idol. The temple is gearing up for Saint Ramanuja’s 1000th birthday celebrations. And the peaceful prahara around has Nava Narasimmas sculpted beautifully making one realize palpable divine existence.

Though currently due to over bridge construction (as on April 2017) the frequency of buses has reduced, the divine vibes emitted from the place fills mind and peace sets in as one gets down at Dandeeshwaram bus stop. Despite the buzz that is prevailing all around the place gives profound peace taking away all anxieties in no time.

Vedasreni also known as Velachery not only floods with water but also is flooded with divine vibes in abundance.

Reference : Partially from the Article of Mr. Panayapuram Adhiyaman from 2017 March Edition Daily Thanthi.

Good Vibes : 15 Kanda Naal Mudhal

This movie was released in the year 2005. The movie is an ever fresh movie. Debut movie for director V. Priya, from the school of Manirathnam Asst. direction. ‘Kannamoochi Yenada’ from the same director is breezy too but this one is poetic.

The plot is simple and well executed by director. Two, long time, say two decades;  equal and who oppose each other fall in love as they find themselves in each other. Lyricist Thamarai would have put it beautifully in the song Pani Thuli,

“Mugathiraikkulle nindru kannaamoochi aadinaai
Nizhalgalin ulle ulla nijangalai thedinen
Neeyaai adhai solvaai ena nithamum naan vaadinen”

Destiny brings them together after the initial aesthetically short bite from Ramya but deep scar for Krishna. She bites his cheeks when young just to fall in love slowly and steadily with him later. The movie is named after ‘Kanda naal Mudhal’, a Carnatic composition in Raga Madhuvanthi composed by Shri S. Chithambaram. A beautiful composition on Lord Muruga on love at first sight. Ramya and Krishan fight at first sight so as to connect much deeper later.

Laila Mehdin as Ramya. A strong, independent, bold girl who looks beautiful in all costumes throughout​ the movie. All scenes where she tries to act passive and submissive is a treat to watch. ‘Pombala veerappan’ as Krishna states tells it all. Most of the girls don’t like to be addressed ‘de’ and the way she reacts and tries to hide her anger is beautiful. When she tries to evade questions of Arvind on women empowerment stating ‘Apidiyum argue pannalam’, ‘Enaku konjam kozhappama iruku’, ‘Funny ah iruku’ is epic.

Karthik Kumar as Aravind. KK, one of the best standup comedians ever seen. He does complete justice to his passion turned profession. Tit bit is he has stood university 4th in Chemical Engineering. Rest career path is left to individual's imagination.  Sorry to KK, after watching his ‘America Mappillai’ standup comedy whenever he appears on screen as America return pushing the trolley, the dialogue ‘All I want is Anna International Airport Entry Pass’ resonates and brings laughter instantly. Aravind, a guy who doesn’t want to be pinned down initially but after ‘othukada’ song finally accepts to meet the girl and becomes curious as Krishna tells about her original attitude but couldn’t find it on surface and finds her to be a non-equal partner missing chemistry.

Prasanna as Krishna, an awesome male lead role. When misunderstood by Ramya, stands and prove that he hasn’t done anything wrong and at every point he wants Ramya to be her own self but fails to make an impact as she doesn’t listen. As his mission progresses with complete family support Krishna becomes Ramya’s supportive friend, who stands by her side in crisis and in the process slowly and steadily falls in love finding each other missing parts in each other.

Both Krishna’s and Ramya’s appas are level headed and practical who at each point makes a impact of being together as a  family. When Krishna comes and tells that Aravind has left and engagement has been called off, his father tells to go and resolve the issue and be a gentle man shows healthy parenting. And Krishna at first shows usual human anger but reflects and brings about compassion on screen beautifully. The scene where he gets back to hospital is an epitome of ‘Manasu kekkala’ on screen. Just reminds how we fight with mother and get back to her in the evening with a sorry face to make things normal again.

Similarly when Ramya complains about Krishna to her appa, her appa tells that she has misunderstood him and he is a man with good intentions tells that parents find people much before than children on screen. Throughout the movie, the way the relationship of Krishna – Ramya buds and goes to the next level is shown with so much elegance with less drama. And the way both accept and then confess their love for each other is poetic. In most of the love stories it is ‘Enaku naanae thadaiya irundhuten’ is true and is well portrayed on screen.

That scene of corporate women harassment that mostly happens is shown so well and Krishna handles it with so much ease. ‘Connexion’ famous Jagan comes only for few scenes still stands in mind with his dialogue ‘sidumoonji singpal soornakesi’ and ‘marupadiyum un kannatha kadichutala’. Devadarshini as a super cool sister who pulls her brother’s legs whenever and wherever possible shows awesome sibling relationship. The character of  Latha, portrays the pain of eloping that family faces. One thing that nags is the craze for America Mappillai. In general for foreign mappillai. But yes, it does vary with individual’s view point and is totally fine until unless it isn’t forced or pushed on another person.

One amazing strength for the movie is Yuvan Shankar Raja music. Both back ground score and music are lovely and heaven. This a movie taken for lease by J movie ‘HD’ where he overtakes Vijay Tv in telecasting his leased movies, just that J movie HD telecasts this movie for morning show and 2nd show in his channel on the same day just like last Saturday and you shameless watch it both times.

In short Kanda Naal Mudhal is a story of ‘Tom and Jerry’ relationship where both can’t live without each other and will fight between them and doesn’t allow another one to come into the relationship. To sum up the story in a line from the song beautifully rendered by Shankar Mahadevan and Sadhana Sargam is

“Minnalum minnalum netru varai pirinthathu yeno

Pinnalaai pinnalaai indrudan pinainthida thaano”.

Clean movie.

Divine Vibes : 2 – Sriranganatha Swamy Temple, Trichy

When a work has been started to have continuity and consistency need to do it on consecutive days. Usually said for courses that one joins. To join a new course ‘New Moon day’ is considered to be auspicious. Just like moon, one is likely to make progress in the course undertaken is the belief.. Though (16th April 2017) the previous day wasn’t a new moon day, wanted to continue and wanting consistency and commitment to be blessed by the almighty here is the second post on divine vibes.

Thinking to write about ‘Sriranganatha Swamy Temple’ so many thoughts line up in mind. The place is very close to heart as it is my home town and I have been blessed an association with this place for the past 25 years. The thought of writing about temples actually stuck one fine day, precisely on 14th March 2017, especially to write about less widely known, small but beautiful temples around Chennai and the palpable divine vibrations they emit. But to start with something familiar can make it comfortable and slowly moving out of the comfort zone seems to help in long run rather jumping into the unknown suddenly without doing much of the spade work. Hope almighty blesses thoughts, ideas, authentic information about  kshetras that can come through this series, importantly less or no typos in posts, strength to write something good and useful without hurting another soul.

Srirangam is an island sandwiched between the Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. There are N number of songs, verses on this Kshetra. Not sure how many will come into written form, may like to have a series on this Kshetra owing to overloaded information that has caught eyes. Not sure though, as in any case the post will have to seek and decide on the amount of information as it unfolds. Srirangam is called ‘Thiruvarangam’ in tamil. When split it is ‘Thiru’ and ‘Arangam’. Sri means Lakshmi/auspicious/ denotes prosperity; Arangam means stage. Stage which is an abode of prosperity.

Saiva and Vaishnava Sampradhaya has close association with each other. Lord Shiva is called ‘Pashupathi’ and Lord Vishnu is called ‘Govindha’ both meaning the same ‘Lord of cow herds’. And also as Sita and Sati are anagrams as Shiv and Vish are, tell the close association between the two sampradhayas. With that as the thread, ‘Chithambaram’ is called ‘Kanaka Sabai’. Srirangam is called ‘Thiru Arangam’. Both symbolically represent ‘The stage’. The stage that William Shakespeare states in his work ‘As you like it’.

“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.”

So spiritually it signifies that the protector of Dharma, the destroyer of Adharma take a lead and guide us on this stage play called life.

( The majestic Raja Gopuram )
Srirangam is called ‘Buloka Vaikundam’. The topography of the place is similar to Vaikundam, the abode of Vishnu with 7 praharas. The presiding deities are Sri Ranganathar and Sri Ranganayaki here.  As one gets down at Srirangam bus stand, opposite to Ragavendra Brindavan Arch, looking around the place one cannot miss the majestic Raja Gopuram facing south. The 13 tiered tower was built only in the year 1987 till that it was called ‘Mottai Gopuram’. Raja Gopuram is the tallest temple tower in Asia. As it was constructed only years after the construction of ‘Srivilliputhur’ gopuram, which was the tallest in Tamil Nadu, Sriranga gopuram is not used as the symbol of Tamil Nadu Govt. Walking through the Raja Gopuram one can feel the force of wind pushing people aside. There are N number of Sannidhis starting from ‘Munishwarar sannidhi’ at the entrance of Raja Gopuram to ‘Dasavadhara Sannidhi’ near Kollidam bank with beautiful related histories which can take one effortlessly to eras behind in no time.

Many petty shops, restaurants, flower and vegetable markets keep the walk busy as one reach ‘Ranga Ranga’ gopuram in uthra veedhi. The temple has 21 gopurams. A view point is present close to 'Ranga Vilasa Mandapam' to the left as one enters Ranga Ranga gopuram. There are also various sannidhis of gods associated with Lord Vishu. The Kshetra history takes one back to the age of Ramayana. The Ranga Vimana – Shrine over the main sanctum is called ‘Ishvaku kula dhanam’. It was worshiped by the kings who came in the lineage of King Ishvaku till King Ramachandra. During his pattabishekam, after his 14 years of exile King Ramachandra gave it to Asura King Vibhishana as a token of love. While he was travelling to Sri Lanka along with the Vimana, Lord Ganesha diverted his concentration so as to place the Vimana in Srirangam. Lord Ranganatha is said to be facing south as per Vibhishana’s request. Lord Ranganatha is in ‘Kidandha kolam’ that is in reclining position on the serpent ‘Adisesha’. He is affectionately called ‘Periya Perumal’. The utsavar is called ‘Azhagiya manavala perumal’.

( Mottai Gopuram, before 1987 )

Opposite to Shri Ranganatha Swamy  Sanctum is a Garuda Mandapam where the mighty ‘Suparnan’ one who has beautiful wings and the king of birds, Garuda, made of teak wood  is graciously seated. Over years after Ramayana Era, the temple was covered with sand. In the period of Chola king Killivalavan the temple was restored and maintained. The temple has survived Mughal attacks, slack of Malik Kafur. The eastern gopuram is called ‘Vellai Gopuram’ which stands as a symbol of sacrifice of the lady ‘Vellayi’, who killed one of the Mughal kings to save the temple. It is still painted only in white to mark her bravery.

The presiding goddess is Shri Ranganayaki, embodiment of Lakshmi graciously blessing her devotees with abundant love. She is called ‘Periya Piratti’. The temple is the first divya desam out of 108 sri vaishnava divya desams. This is the only kshetra where all 12 alwars has made compositions about the kshetra and the presiding deities. The entire work of all Alwars put together is called ‘Naalayira Divya Prabandham’.

The temple has many historic significances and lot of hidden tales. 1000 pillars hall is a phenomenal architectural beauty. Saints like Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar has composed kritis on this kshetra. 12thcentury poet Kamban, who wrote Kamba Ramayana presented his work in front of scholars in a Mandap, the one situated opposite to the sanctum of the presiding goddess.

( A view of Vellai Gopuram )

This divya desam celebrates utsavams throughout the year and hence is called ‘Nithya utsava kshetra’. Notable ones are ‘Vaikunda Ekadesi’, ‘Panguni Utharam’, ‘Aadi Pooram’.  Perumal Kovil famous Puliyodarai never fails to amaze along with festive special ‘Sambara dosa’ and ‘Vella kesari’.

As one comes out to board bus back to home or even before entering the Raja Gopuram the smell of Murali Coffee, a small shop just for coffee pulls devotees to either get the strength to stand in long Qs for darshan or to etch the memories of darshan and code them permanently with taste buds receptors.

Divine Vibes : 1 - Rock Fort Temple, Trichy

A maiden attempt to write about temples, kshetra histories and few poems on temples that sing the glory of the ksetra or the presiding deities.

In Hindu mythology, elephant faced god is called 'MuzhuMudhar Kadavul' and there is a saying 'Pulliyar pudika koranga poiduchu', which means usually people start any ritual with Lord Ganesha and end a ritual with Lord Anjaneya, Bhajan is one of the best examples for this saying. Also not to have any hurdles in a work undertaken, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. With that, starting to write on temples and the surroundings along with few historical importance that have been heard or taught or caught eyes somewhere. So keeping Lord Ganesha in mind - "Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa".

Going to places in car has it's own advantage. Going by car can take us to few more near by places effortlessly. Similarly, going by bus and walking to places has it's own adventure involved though can cover only few places in a visit. But both are worth in the memories they bound to make. So, to Rock Fort Temple, buses take us to Main Guard Gate entrance either from Lourdes Swamy Pillai bus stand known as central bus stand or from Chatram bus stand.

From Main Guard gate one need to travel across one of the busiest streets of the city, NSB road. Many petty shops, Burma bazzar around the tank and famous textile shops of Trichy keep one engaged through out the small walk to reach 'ManikkaVinayakar' temple which is the first Sannidhi located in the foot hills of Rock Fort Temple.

Opposite to ManikaVinayakar Sannidhi is a small  Sannidhi of  Lord Ayyappan which is 'Iru Mudi' famous till date. Lord Vinayaka is magestic and shines as ruby as his name. To the north of sanctum is the steps that lead us to Uchi. A road cuts across the steps and in a Mandapam, temple elephant eating sugar cane (sometimes) welcomes devotees. The sight of elephant is never boring at any age.

The steps to the top lead to the presiding deities sanctum, few windows on way shows the view of the city at various altitudes. The presiding deities are Mathrubutheshwarar, in Tamil called 'Thayumanavar'; Sukanthakuthalambal, in Tamil known as 'Mattuvar Kozhal Ammai'. Kshetra history says that Lord Shiva came as Mother to take care of his devotee's daughter who was pregnant. The mother was stuck in the opposite bank of River Cauvery owing to flooding. Lord Shiva took pre and post pregnancy care like a mother. After floods the mother crossed and came to see her daughter to realize lord's love and care. Till date many people pray for normal, complications free deliveries, offer 'Vaazha Thaar' to Thayumanavar after child birth and distribute bananas to devotees. (after offering it to the lord).

Saint Muthuswamy Dikshitar addresses Tiruchirapalli as 'tri-Sira giri' in his Kriti on the presiding deity Thayumanavar - 'SrI mAtR bhUtaM' - one who became mother, in the raga kanada. Famous Poet Thayumanavar has sung numerous poems on Lord Shiva and he lived here in Trichy worshipping Mathrubuteshwarar. There is one awesome painting of Lord Shiva on the ceiling while entering the Thayumanavar Sannidhi. Standing wherever with in the vicinity of the painting of Lord Shiva, his eyes seem to look at us. Goddess Sukanthakuthalambal, one who has hair with sweet fragrance, lovely divinity sets in as one enters the sanctum of divine mother.

Next, the steep steps lead to Uchi pillaiyar. While climbing, to the left has tunnels that are said to lead to Tanjore, Kumbakonam and one leads to Golden rock temple (present in another part of Trichy) but currently closed. Even in 21st century this showcases the brilliance of 7th century. To the right side there is a telescope placed in a Mandapam to view the entire road stretching till Gandhi Market.

Still more steeper steps take devotees to Uchi pillaiyar. Uchi pillaiyar has a history dated to the age of Ramayana when Vibhishana, the Asura king was taking Lord Ranganatha to SriLanka; Lord Ganesha, as a small lad diverted his attention to place Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam itself and Vibhishana had hit Lord Ganesha on his head and is still said to be visible on deity's head.

A clockwise walk around the sanctum of Lord Ganesha gives a breezy awestruck view of the City. Stunning view of River Cauvery, Srirangam temple, Chatram bus stand, in and around areas, make one stay in present without bothering about past or future.

For anyone visiting the temple, sitting on the rock after darshan is delightful and is a total bliss. Someone brought up in Trichy, Rock Fort has numerous memories of childhood days spent sitting on the rocks missing cricket balls, balloons while playing and running behind it to see falling out of the handrails.

(A view from top)

As in any temple, utsavams are famous here too. Chithira* Utsavam to celebrate - 'vaiSya jAti strI vEsha dharaNaM' (SrI mAtR bhUtaM Kriti); ie Chettipen utsavam for whom Lord Shiva disguised himself as Chettipen and for Ganesh Chaturthi a bigger kozhukattai is offered to the lord. 

On top, quest for divine is quenched, climbing down having a chilled rose milk in Chintamani Juice Stall will treat the taste buds and quenches throat. Rock Fort stands as the symbol of the city, a historic fortification, a temple which gives divine vibrations along with trekking experience thrill at the same time.

*Edited later - As Chithirai was stated as Panguni. 

Good Vibes 14 – Bama Vijayam

From the archive folder of ‘Kaviya Budhan’ comes this, all-time awesome movie Bama Vijayam released in the year 1967, directed by one and only KB. He is called ‘Iyakunar Sigaram’ for a reason and this is just another movie that proves his caliber and greatness of art, ‘Direction’. He is a director of different kind who usually handle middle class subjects with a stylish elegance. This one is a comedy film but gives the greatest food for thought, now and ever on financial management. For financial management course this movie is a University.

The plot revolves around 3 brothers and their family headed by their father, a retired head master. The name selection is so apt that goes well with the puranic stories. Maheshwaran–Parvati, Raman-Sita, Krishna-Rukmini. Not sure which part of ‘Arthamulla Hindu Madham’ from Kaviyarasu Kannadasan, he states meaning of Sagodharan, Sagodhari. Udharam denotes to womb. So Sangodharan, Sagodharai means someone who shares the same womb. Similarly, in Tamil language, women married to brothers are related by the term – ‘Oorpadi’, means there isn’t any difference between/among them, when split it reads oor – padi (same level or step).

The movie starts with a song ‘Aani Muthu Vangivandhen’ which beautifully describes this kind of family lineage, togetherness and contentment. The movie takes-off when cine actress becomes their neighbour and these ladies get carried away with her luxurious style while she is attracted to their simplicity. They invite her to their home. Each of them stay in separate portions of their home. In the goal of showing off that they are rich they start to get into financial crisis and their father/father in law works behind the screen to teach them lesson with a shock treatment to make them realize their slippage.

The movie typically describes the 'mellisaana kodu', obsessed with this term. But this movie perfectly defines this line with at most precision. Few scenes are too good to explain. Nagesh’s mustache style will make one laugh whenever he enters the screen. Similarly when Balaiah makes one stand on the bench. Two yesteryear celebrity crush personalities are ‘Thennaga James Bond’ JaiShankar and ‘Navarasa Thilakam’ Muthuraman. Muthuraman keeps scolding Kanjana, keeping the empty vessel on the stove and it starts melting in heat. His reaction on screen is beyond description that one cannot stop laughing. Sowcar Janaki and Kanchana’s Hindi – English fight is ever green.

‘Varavu ettana’ till date teaches how to manage finance. While setting out journey for career, mother reminds not to stay hungry and father gives the best piece of advice ever to save 1/6th of the salary and to give at least 5Rs. of 100Rs salary to someone needy and the song tells all loop holes brilliantly.

In short, the plot is sandwiched between two songs from Kaviarasu Kannandasan, Music by Mellisai Mannar MSV, from ‘Ani Muthu Vangivandhen’ to ‘Varavu ettana’. The movie travels from

“Vittin Nalathukkum
Naattin Nalathukkum
Verrumai Enbadhe Illaiyadi”

to

“Nilaimaikku mele ninaippu vanthaal nimmadhi irukkathu
ayya nimadhi irukkadhu
alavukku mele aasaiyum vanthaal ullathum nilaikkathu
amma ullathum nilaikaathu”

While Nagesh sings

“vayasu pillaigal pudhusa perusa vaazhvathu porukkathu
appa vaazhvathu porukkathu”

T.S. Balaiah, teaches them that bigger isn’t always better in KB’s own style. Trivia tells that the movie was remade in Telugu as 'Bhale Kodalu', in Hindi as 'Teen Bahuraniyan', in malayalam as 'Sreekrishnapurathee NakshatraThilakkam'.

But of all Bama Vijayam sounds perfect as it indirectly tells how luxury enters so as to make necessity take a back seat. A chat with yester generation people tells that this movie was the black and white movie which was a super duper hit when MRG, Shivaji was at the peak of their career delivering commercial colour movies to box office. It just tells the power of KB’s direction and stands till date as hilarious heartwarming movie lingering in mind forever.

A humble tribute to hostel

Dear Hostel,

We don’t love you. Leave love, we don’t even respect you in the first place. The boundaries of hostel and home are very well set and there is not even a slightest breach in that. The walls are up for your love not to enter. Though everything passes, You are visibly, vocally, verbally ‘a time pass being’. Until unless, someone who have a troubled family, normal people don’t like you. We always look forward for a way out. Many of us cried out loud while going to school, especially KG classes tell such stories. We constantly look forward for a reason to be at home. We have been telling baseless reasons to evade school. You are literally 100 times magnified version of the same.

Sunday night travel, back to you has always been filled with an ineffable void expression. No amount of words can express or fill that empty emotion even tears can’t help. Something has always been wrong in hostel coming. When someone falls sick they invariably feel helpless staying with you. Their soul dries and energy drains. Tears just wait to gush out of eyes. You just stay there unmoved with a dumb empty emotion.

But, you have always grown love. Especially, the love in separation. Rather any other place in this world you have seen genuine love. Typically unexpressed love. Most of the emotions are bottled, stay still and sometimes get the right succor, sometimes made numb subject to the one who is willing to receive or hear the same patiently. But you know all the told and untold dark secrets.

You grow hope and faith of home coming frequently and see honest joy, soulful smiles on faces. You do instill fear of monster under bed but you make one stand on one’s own legs bit of a very rough travel but make the journey worth it. We never feel at home in your presence but you do give a different spiritual, emotional awakening.

When someone ask about you and our stay with you we all would reply ‘you will get used to it’ with a forced smile. But dear hostel, you can be sure of this. At 45 plus when enveloped with many commitments around and at 60 resting on the arm chair, you will be missed. Those awesome endless night talks with friends , from ‘why the universe was created in the first place?’ to the most stupid discussion, the early morning quality alone time, blissful solitude with books and music on a Saturday after hectic week will be missed and never come back. You will be there all over the memories, overflowing beyond.

That day people will feel that you should have been respected and loved more than what you gave everyone. Your unrequited love will be reciprocated 1000 times in return but you will be gone afar.

You are unique. You stay and be there just completely motionless but teach something extraordinary on the ordinary moments of life. You are truly the perfect example of unwrapped gift in hand. A blessing in disguise always unseen.

Teaching, ‘It is better to travel well, while planning to arrive elsewhere soon’.

With loads of love and respect,
A hostel inmate.

Love, Shri Manju Bhashini and the helicopter

In today's Neeya Naana show, (2nd April 2017) there was a specific comment from the special guest on Shri Andal's 'Vaaranamayiram' and the girl who asked for a helicopter. She stated that when Shri Andal can have an expectation for her wedding to happen with 1000 elephants surrounding the place and people treat it as a Bakthi Ilakiyam, but when a girl ask for a helicopter people troll her. Just a simple analysis on this aspect.

Love is an unparalleled emotion. It can be felt by love only and not with hate. It is the most subtle yet beautiful and powerful one as it's rippling effect is infinite. Where there is love there is growth and fulfillment. There are many people who wrote about love and expressed their feelings in their own style. Shri Andal also known as Manju Bhashini, one who speaks beautifully, wrote 143 verses to express her love. While telling 'I Love You' is a big deal or writing and giving 143 itself is difficult she gracefully wrote 143 verses with an ease with full of love and gave human race, 'Natchiyar Thirumozhi', a wonderful literary work.

The special guest stated that when dreaming for helicopter is unrealistic, dreaming for 1000 elephants for wedding is also unrealistic. True. Absolutely. 1000 elephants can't be dressed, can't be provided with food and fodder. People do have freedom of imagination and fantazise their dreams. It is individual's creative licence. It becomes more beautiful and appealing when the expression comes with a touch of love in it. By reading Shri Andal's work it doesn't sound as a command or demand hope the way those verses stood time and beyond says it all. Just the intention made the difference.

A personal thought. The girl who asked for helicopter could have written a poem or expressed the same in some creative manner with a touch of love rather with an expression which sounded more like a demand. Literally most of the expectations that they put forth that day was something like a leech sucking blood from the host. It didn't showcase their love for their own family but was more like a business partnership. Something like a parasite. Though they claim that they asked only to their parents, it has a greater threat for the society which is slowly recovering from the hands of dowry. While the society is striving to evolve to a healthier state of equality in gender it did sound like something going overboard without understanding the difference between necessity and luxury. The Melisana Kodu never existed in the discussion.

Conflicts remain in mind. Conflicts in mind can be resolved only by self cleansing and purpose, intention matters in demands. From time immemorial it has been said that even a lie which is said for the well being is to be acknowledged but a small smile which hurts even a single soul is a blunder. The helicopter demand can be seen either as need or greed. It is left to individual's perception.

Coming back to Shri Andal, her verses should have come from pure intension serving higher purpose and their origin is love and compassion. Time and generations it has traveled across reveal it. Down the lane helicopter poem if written and the vibration it emits, bring peace to readers and stands the test of time like Shri Manju Bhashini's verses did, the LHS might be proved to RHS and the level of comparison can stand on the same scale that time. But currently it didn't sound so.

Moreover any art form should be self less and should be art for art sake. When it is written by having a higher healthy purpose in mind with faith in beyond it has to be appreciated whole heartedly. Just saying, Shri Andal didn't just fantazise her love, she did write for the well being of society and the world. If not someone wouldn't write,

 "தீங்கின்றி நாடெல்லாம் திங்கள் மும்மாரி பெய்து
ஓங்கு பெருஞ் செந்நெல் ஊடு கயலுகளப்
பூங்குவளைப் போதில் பொறிவண்டு கண்படுப்பத்
தேங்காதே புக்கிருந்து சீர்த்த முலைபற்றி
வாங்கக்குடம் நிறைக்கும் வள்ளல் பெரும் பசுக்கள்
 நீங்காத செல்வம் நிறைந்தேலோ ரெம்பாவாய்."
- திருப்பாவை, 3.

Verses state that let it rain 3 times a month across nations with no negative vibrations around. Let food crops grow healthier and in abundance. And amidst the crops let fishes jump and play. Let bees taste honey from flowers and sleep forgetting themselves. Let milk be there in abundance and let cows yield milk without withholding it. And let all these blessings stay for now and ever.

Down the lane rather having a comparison on a superficial basis of two women personalities or any two thought processes for that matter, let the intentions of the parties involved be compared to have healthy outcomes and let it serve the greater goodness of the society. Not just for convenience to win over an argument with a big round of applause. Please!

Hail Intentions!