26 February 2007
AGN: March Issue
24 February 2007
Hotel Arunai Anantha
Don't like eating out much, much prefer to eat at home, but was invited to lunch at Arunai Anantha by a dear friend who is about to move North. I brought my camera to snap the garden and landscaping
The Hotel is a favoured venue for overseas Retreat groups as it has specially designated 'quiet areas' for the various functions and activities of Retreat groups. Now that Ramana Nagar and the area surrounding Ramana Ashram and Seshadri Ashram have become so cluttered and noisy, a lot of folk who would have otherwise preferred to stay near the major ashrams, are now deciding to choose the quiet of the outlying countryside. In this respect there are several ashrams and centres scattered around the Arunachala area.
And here is their pool with an absolute perfect darshan of Arunachala. The pool has been kept intentionally uncluttered so as to not interfere with the spectacular view of the Hill.
23 February 2007
Karuna Society
On February 19th in Delhi, the Karuna Society recieved the prestigeous annual Venu Menon National Animal Awards as the "Special Organisation Award."
The Karuna Society, founded at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, recently opened an animal shelter here at Tiruvannamalai. While at Delhi the representatives of the Karuna Society met with people from the Wildlife Trust of india, the Central Zoo and lunch with the Society's Honorary Chairman Mrs. Maneka Gandhi.
One aspect of animal welfare that the Karuna Society has been increasingly involved is the protection, rescue and welfare of animals being cruelly transported on their way to slaughter. This problem also exists in Tiruvannamalai and hopefully now that Karuna Society is involved in Tiruvannamalai, we can begin to address the animal welfare problem we have right here.
Presently, Karuna Society at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh are providing sanctuary for 400 cattle most of them rescued from illegal transport and slaughter. 200 of these are bulls which we have given for caretaking to the local farmers who keep them for work. These animals are still under Court Order and have been given to Karuna Society in custody.
Here are buffaloes being cruelly transported for slaughter.
And these are the same buffaloes, rescued and happily taking a swim in the buffalo pond at Karuna Society, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.
Quarry
Even though I think its tragic that people with decision making powers should have even sanctioned quarrying a hillock spur of Arunachala, when I stopped by to take some photographs the lads working there were at least friendly and jolly.
The next picture is a larger one of the monkey habitat. Also just behind the colony there is a Murugan shrine that is visited by pilgrims. So its even more amazing that the authorities have not yet closed down this quarry.
As I was leaving the quarry a small boy in the house next to it stopped me and asked me to take his picture. Even though he looks thin and forlorn, he is a nice boy going to a nearby school and living a quite ordinary life. Sadly now processed food is becoming more popular, one is beginning to see fat, unhealthy children. This little fellow still has his thin genes passed to him from many generations and will probably live a healthier, more disease-free life than many of his contemporaries from wealthier families who can afford to buy more expensive processed junk food.
He seemed to be a sweet little boy and I have no doubt he will now target me everytime I go by until he finally gets a copy of his photograph.
22 February 2007
Annamalai Swami
[The words of Annamalai Swami who lived and worked with Sri Ramana Maharishi until 1938]
Water Problem
As well as the concern that many rivers are already badly polluted in the State, another area of concern is the general over-exploitation of groundwater. According to experts, too many farmers are cultivating water-intensive crops and are indiscriminately exploiting groundwater for irrigation, which has led to a steep fall in the water table. In this respect agriculture accounts for 85-90% of the total use of water in the State. Even by the juidicious planting of less water intensive crops and gaining a 10% reduction in the agricultural sector, would considerably ease the impending water shortage situation.
[To read an excellent a full report on the Tamil Nadu water problem please check this link]
21 February 2007
Motorbike Loaded
20 February 2007
Arunachala-Sai Baba
Manasa Bhajorey Guru Charanam
Sparsa Hotel
The day I visited the site, the sky was overcast, which I expect was a welcome relief to many of the labourers who would be otherwise toiling under a harsh and hot sun. Here is a view of the swimming pool and in the background the multi-cuisine restaurant with attached Conference Hall.
Below is the master thatcher; a local man who has brought his own crew to thatch all the roofs of the new 3-star Eco-centric Heritage Resort at Tiruvannamalai being built by Auromatrix, Operators of Days Inn, India. All thatching material, including the long grass, is local, and comes from around Arunachala. In the background you can see a roof shell over one cottage, thereafter a layer of bamboo leaves are tied on top of the shell and the whole thing is finally covered with a tight thatch, which I was told was expected to last for around 7 years. The thatched roof is not only aesthetic, it is also functional as it will help regulate the temperature in each unit, thereby conserving on air conditioning.
Here is a finished thatched roof and very nice it looks too.
Below gives an idea of the look of the cottage units. This roof has its primary bamboo leaves and is awaiting thatching. The granite all comes from Adi Annamalai (which is northside of Arunachala). I was curious as to exactly where at Adi Annamalai the granite comes from and in this respect spoke with the friendly master mason who comes from that area and who is in charge of all stone work. I look forward to soon visiting his quarry and checking out operations there.
I couldn't resist taking a photograph of the sink in one of the bathrooms, mainly because I would very much like a similar sink with its nice,rustic look, in my own home.
As the day outside was so overcast and electricity in rooms not yet operational, the below picture didn't come out too clearly but it gives some idea of the atmosphere and rustic ambiance of the of the rooms. I thought the sample room charming and the greens and browns set off by the indigenous granite blocks, very restful. Of course the rooms will be completely up-to-date with air conditioning and room fridges.
I will check back at Sparsa Tiruvannamalai construction site in a few more weeks to check up on progress.
Chiropractic Care
Satya Chetana International School
Date and Time:
15 February 2007
Walk to Dentist
These workers are getting fields ready for the planting of paddy (rice). The workers are probably local coolies hired by the day. Its unlikely that they would be owners of the land.
Above a very nice photograph of a woodpecker trying to further demolish a damaged and beaten up tree.
Made it to the Dental Clinic. Oh, Well! I always have that beautiful walk home to look forward to!
Glory of Trees
"But the Glory of Trees is more than their gifts;
The District
Tiruvannamalai District came into existence on 30th September 1989 after the bifurcation of the erstwhile North Arcot District. The District lies between 11.55 (degrees) and 13.15 (degrees) North latitude and 78.20 (degrees) to 79.50 (degrees) East longitude. The District is bounded on the north and west by Vellore District, on the southwest by Krishnagiri District, on the south by Villupuram District and on the east by Kanchipuram District.
The Total Geographical Area of Tiruvannamalai District is 6191 sq.kms, comprising the Revenue Divisions of Tiruvannamalai and Cheyyar. The District has six taluks viz; Tiruvannamalai, Chengam, Polur, Arni, Cheyyar and Vandavasi. There are 18 Blocks, including one tribal Block, Javvadhu Hills constituting the district under Rural sector and four Municipalities viz; Tiruvannamalai, Arni, Cheyyar (Thiruvathipuram), Vandavasi representing urban sectors along with Polur selection grade Town Panchayat.
Tiruvannamalai District is bounded on the North and West by Vellore District and on the South West by Krishnagiri District on the South Villupuram District and on the East by Kanchipuram District.
One sixth of the area of this District is Covered by reserve forest and hills which is part and parcel of Eastern Ghats under Javvadhu Hills. The important hills in this district are Tiruvannamalai (2668ft 79.80 MSL), Javvadhu hills (2500ft MSL) and Kailasagiri (2743ft MSL).
Red loamy soil is predominantly found here. The District has also different types of soils such as ferrogenous loamy and sandy loamy. The general climate is tropical. Tiruvannamalai District receives rainfall from North East and South West monsoons.
As per the most recent population census (i.e. 2001) total population of this District is 2,181,853; comprising 1,093,191 Men and 1,088,662 women. The urban population is 400,549 constituting 18% of the total Population, the remaining 82% ie.1,781,304 is rural population. The density of the population is 352 per sq.km. The total literate among male are 773,367 and that of female 544,284.
There is no perennial river in the district. Cheyyar, Thenpennai, Kamandala Naganathi are only seasonal. SATHANUR DAM is constructed across Thenpennai river in Chengam taluk among Chennakesava Hills.
Tiruvannamalai District is industrially backward. The SLS cotton spinning mill is the only major industry and in Annakkavoor and Polur, sugar mills are functioning. However medium and small scale industries as well as cottage industries, such as modern rice mills, weaving factories, cotton, silk and mat-weaving, coir manufacturing and beedi manufacturing are flourishing. The District is enriched in mineral deposits such as black granites, multi-coloured granites, soap and magnesite deposits. Paddy, Groundnut, Sugarcane, Millets and pulses are the District's major crops and two milk chilling plants are in operation. Tourism and resources for Pilgrimage are becoming increasingly major revenue generators of the District.
Mother Meera
Mother Meera was born on December 26, 1960 in the village of Chandepalle in southern India. The state of samadhi soon became constant for Her. Under the auspices of Her uncle, she lived for some time in Pondicherry. In 1982 she married a German man, and now lives at Thalheim, a village in Germany.
13 February 2007
MahaShivaratri
Each month there is day known as Sivaratri and once a year there is Mahasivaratri (maha=great); The Great Festival of Shiva. The dates of these occasions correspond to the phases of the moon and it is believed that the mind (which is adversely affected by the power of the moon) is less susceptible to low, animalistic forces and thus more tractable to the power of meditation and prayer.
It is for this reason that Mahasivaratri is believed to be the one 24-hour period in the year which is of the greatest benefit. It has been stated in the scriptures that if a man fasts, stays awake and meditates for the whole of Mahasivaratri, it will give him his best chance to achieve mastery of the mind and attain liberation.
Mahashivaratri always falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February-March), and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. (Mahashivaratri this year, 2007 falls on Friday, February 16th). On this day devotees sing Shiva bhajans, recite verses from scriptures, offer prayers in the morning and evening, and some observe fasting throughout the day. People visit Shiva Temples and in the case of Arunachala, premier Shiva site of South India, circumbulation of Arunachala Hill is observed by many.
The name Shiva signifies a quality that means 'Auspicious' or 'The Auspicious One'. To a few, Shiva is Paramatman, Brahman, the Absolute, but many more prefer to see Shiva as a personal God given to compassion for his worshippers, and the dispenser of both spiritual and material blessings. Related to the Absolute concept is Shiva as Yoganath, the Lord of Yoga, wherein he becomes teacher, path and goal. As such he is the Adi Guru or Highest Guru of sannyasins who have renounced the world to attain the Absolute.
One of the early traditions, is Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurti; the South-Facing Guru. In this form, seated on a low platform, with one leg hanging down in front, he communicated the Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Wisdom to the four Kumaras who appeared early in creation. The Guru spoke no words but taught them by the transmission of mind-to-mind, and its purpose was to show that man can realise the Absolute when the human mind is in complete equipoise with the Cosmic Mind.
While almost all other festivals are celebrated during the day, Mahashivaratri is celebrated at night, which stands for all that is evil: injustice, ignorance, darkness, sin, violence, treachery, falsehood, and misfortune. Mythology says that Shiva appeared to save the world from Tamoguna (darkness and ignorance).
One legend concerning Shivaratri, is of a hunter named Lubdhaka, who after killing birds in a forest, was chased by a hungry lion. The hunter climbed a Bilva tree to save himself from the lion's attack. The lion waited throughout the entire night at the bottom of the tree for its prey. In order to stay awake to avoid falling from the tree, the hunter kept plucking the leaves of the Bilva tree and dropped them below. The leaves fell on a Shiva Lingam that happened to be located at the bottom of the tree. Shiva was pleased by the inadvertent offering of Bilva leaves by the hunter, and saved him in spite of his sin in killing the birds.
On Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva is Lingodbhavamurti, the pillar of fire that spans all, with no beginning and no end. The devout believe that they are on their way to oneness with Shiva, that they will join with the Supreme after hours of darkness spent in fasting and prayer. The worship of Lingodbhavamurti is with the leaves of the bilva, gathered from quince trees. The lingam is showered, unceasingly, with basketfuls of these, and other flowers, just as Lubdhaka, the hunter in the above story once did.
Another legend traces the origin of this festival to the churning of the Ocean of Milk by devas (gods) and asuras (demons). It is said that when both gods and demons were churning the Ocean of Milk to obtain amrita (water of immortal life), they came across many unusual substances, including the deadly poison Kalakuta. As soon as they touched the poison, it exploded into poisonous fumes that threatened to envelope the entire Universe with darkness. When the destruction of the Universe seemed inevitable, the gods ran for assistance from Brahma and Vishnu, but neither was able to help. At last they ran to Lord Shiva, who raised his trident and condensed the fumes. In order to save the creation, Shiva swallowed the poison without spilling a single drop. The poison left a dark blue mark on Shiva's throat. The gods praised and worshipped Shiva for saving the universe.
The Ocean of Milk represents the ideal world that is full of peace and happiness for all human beings. Churning the Ocean of Milk signifies the human activity in the world. The amrita symbolizes happiness and the poison represents human greed and selfishness. Shiva symbolizes the atman (self), and worship of Shiva denotes meditation and contemplation by an individual on his or her own self.
Thus the only way to achieve peace and happiness is by worshipping Shiva at night, that is, by meditating on one's own self during the night when the individual is free from the distractions of the physical world. When the individual attains self-knowledge, he or she can live in the world without being affected by anger, greed, and selfishness, the three enemies of one's soul. MahaShivaratri symbolizes the worship of the atman within.
7 February 2007
Blog Update
Singing Heart Retreat
The Retreat will start on 14th Feburary at 4 p.m. and finish the 16th evening with Shivaratri celebrations.
'The retreat will be an opportunity for you to receive a deeper understanding of the death process and will enable you to share your understanding with others who now face death.'
Singing Heart ashram is quiet with a wonderful view of Arunachala. Living conditions are simple. Bed linen and mosquito nets provided. Bring a towel. Meals are served from Anantha Niketan, the ashram next door, mostly South Indian food; not too spicy. Filtered drinking water is available. From more information about conditions and rates please contact the Singing Heart Ashram at +91-(0)-944-3969220
Website: www.cosmicairport.com
5 February 2007
Water Dispute
In a statement Ms. Jayalalitha said lack of administrative efficiency on the part of the current Government had come in the way of finding a solution to the inter-State water disputes with neighbouring States.
Tamil Nadu, more particularly the Northern Districts, would experience an agrarian crisis and farmers would suffer serious difficulties.
Local News
Tourist Vehicles
3rd Police Station at Tiruvannamalai
The new station will have one inspector, three sub inspectors, and 52 constables with a jurisdiction from Saron, Barathi Nagar in Tirukoilur Road, including Kilnathur, Head Post Office, Mathalanguala Streets and Muthuvinayagar Koil Street up to the Bus Stand. From there it will cover Vellore Road and areas on the right side of the road up to the (soon to be costructed) bypass road. The Collectorate, District Police Office and Taluk office complex would also fall under the jurisdiction of the new station.
Post Office Micro-Credit Scheme
But, whereas in the case of commercial banks, where NABARD refinance the banks after they actually lend out loans to beneficiaries, in the case of Post Offices, NABARD will directly lend the amount to SHGs and hence, the repayment would also directly go to NABARD.