http://www.kamat.com/
This is an excellent site which gives an extensive records of Indian history.
Biographies of great Indians, details about our vedic period, types of ancient architecture, painting etc.
http://www.personalmba.com/
Would you like to gain the knowledge of an MBA graduate without joining the course. Then check out this site and actively participate in the group discussions.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Pilgrimage
More than tourists spot, only temples are so crowded in India. I feel people believe in the power of so-called "GOD" than they believe in themselves and they have ample time to waste standing in long queue and they enjoy being crushed in that.
Iam not an atheist. Iam a person who strongly believes on destiny and the supernatural power that really controls us. But after my recent visits to Tirupathi, Darmastala, Udipi, Kollur now I feel I could pray peacefully at home rather going to these temples.
I appreciate the temple assocation who try to manage the crowd(min 50people/hour visit these temples and it takes min 2 hours to finish the darshan). Still government should take more initiative to preserve and maintain these temples.
especially in Darmastala the temple is maintained in an excellent way and the "anna thana sala" is very neat.
After my visits to different places in last two months I am now wondering is there anything called "Tourism Department" in India. There are no facilities available to the tourists in any of the tourist spots, no proper sign boards, no proper explanation about the history and beauty of the place....
If we could properly maintain our historical buildings/temples and advertise it in the right way India would be the top tourist place. I bet we cant see such an artistic work which is very much complicated in any part of the world.
Hope it happens soon....
Iam not an atheist. Iam a person who strongly believes on destiny and the supernatural power that really controls us. But after my recent visits to Tirupathi, Darmastala, Udipi, Kollur now I feel I could pray peacefully at home rather going to these temples.
I appreciate the temple assocation who try to manage the crowd(min 50people/hour visit these temples and it takes min 2 hours to finish the darshan). Still government should take more initiative to preserve and maintain these temples.
especially in Darmastala the temple is maintained in an excellent way and the "anna thana sala" is very neat.
After my visits to different places in last two months I am now wondering is there anything called "Tourism Department" in India. There are no facilities available to the tourists in any of the tourist spots, no proper sign boards, no proper explanation about the history and beauty of the place....
If we could properly maintain our historical buildings/temples and advertise it in the right way India would be the top tourist place. I bet we cant see such an artistic work which is very much complicated in any part of the world.
Hope it happens soon....
Monday, April 17, 2006
Belur & Halebid Temples
We reached Belur at around 2pm. It was a bright sunny day. There were no sign posts to guide us to the temple. I was bit frustrated with the way our tourism department works. Anyway all these frustrations and the scorching sun was ignored when we went inside the temple.
I was overwhelmed by the mix of architecture. The entrance of the temple(the gopuram) was in Dravidian style. There were small shrines in Jain Architecture and the main temple is in a pure Koysala Architecture. The temple has three gates which leads to the main mandap. There is a circular platform before the main God. It is said that the princess used to perform dance in this platform for God. The temple is named as "Chennakeshava" which means handsome Vishnu. Each and every sculpture in the temple was done with utmost dedication and perfection. I feel even the masters of the master of arts could find no fault in these sculptures. The artists of those days were highly intellectual. They have portrayed the ancient history, life style, culture that prevailed during those days. It took 100 years to finish this temple.
The temple is designed as per vaastu. There is a deep pond, food offering place, Lord Ram temple, miniature model of the main temple, devi temple, a lengthy corridor.
There were two things that surprised us.
1) A tall pillar that was supported just on its corners and was being held by gravitational force. We couldnt imagine how they erected it during those time when there were no cranes and good construction equipments.
2) A pillar in the main temple was rotatable.
The pillars in the main temple had lots and lots of designs engraved on it. It is said that the existing bangle and tyre designs are taken from this pillar designs.
There was nandi in groundnut size and ganesha in a pulse size.
The stones of the pillars are so polished and shinining even after hundreds of centuries. The design of the outer structure was excellent. All the corners were triangle shaped and had three layers.
The design was very complicated and just shows the excellence of the architect.
The expressions of the sculptures were carved so beautifully. The bottom three layers has rows of elephants, horses and warriors.
One section is for depicting the civic life which has beautiful sculptures of ladies with various hair styles, in different dance poses.
Other section has all sculptures of deities. The narasimha avathara sculpture was astonishing.
Even a day will not be enough to appreciate all this sculptures.
I was wondering how the artists of those days got such a perfection. When I saw the temples surrounding the main temple, I got the answer for that. It was through streneous practice they have attained this perfection. In the miniature model we could see how they have gradually got their perfection.
Halebid is also a Hoysala style temple which is older than this. The style and works remains same. The only difference is this has big sculptures in its outer wall and belur has many smaller ones.
We returned back nourished with the excellence of ancient architecture. Even today the beauty of the temple and the gracefulness of the sculptures are in my mind.
I was overwhelmed by the mix of architecture. The entrance of the temple(the gopuram) was in Dravidian style. There were small shrines in Jain Architecture and the main temple is in a pure Koysala Architecture. The temple has three gates which leads to the main mandap. There is a circular platform before the main God. It is said that the princess used to perform dance in this platform for God. The temple is named as "Chennakeshava" which means handsome Vishnu. Each and every sculpture in the temple was done with utmost dedication and perfection. I feel even the masters of the master of arts could find no fault in these sculptures. The artists of those days were highly intellectual. They have portrayed the ancient history, life style, culture that prevailed during those days. It took 100 years to finish this temple.
The temple is designed as per vaastu. There is a deep pond, food offering place, Lord Ram temple, miniature model of the main temple, devi temple, a lengthy corridor.
There were two things that surprised us.
1) A tall pillar that was supported just on its corners and was being held by gravitational force. We couldnt imagine how they erected it during those time when there were no cranes and good construction equipments.
2) A pillar in the main temple was rotatable.
The pillars in the main temple had lots and lots of designs engraved on it. It is said that the existing bangle and tyre designs are taken from this pillar designs.
There was nandi in groundnut size and ganesha in a pulse size.
The stones of the pillars are so polished and shinining even after hundreds of centuries. The design of the outer structure was excellent. All the corners were triangle shaped and had three layers.
The design was very complicated and just shows the excellence of the architect.
The expressions of the sculptures were carved so beautifully. The bottom three layers has rows of elephants, horses and warriors.
One section is for depicting the civic life which has beautiful sculptures of ladies with various hair styles, in different dance poses.
Other section has all sculptures of deities. The narasimha avathara sculpture was astonishing.
Even a day will not be enough to appreciate all this sculptures.
I was wondering how the artists of those days got such a perfection. When I saw the temples surrounding the main temple, I got the answer for that. It was through streneous practice they have attained this perfection. In the miniature model we could see how they have gradually got their perfection.
Halebid is also a Hoysala style temple which is older than this. The style and works remains same. The only difference is this has big sculptures in its outer wall and belur has many smaller ones.
We returned back nourished with the excellence of ancient architecture. Even today the beauty of the temple and the gracefulness of the sculptures are in my mind.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Cool Saturday
I was bouncing with joy when I reached home last friday ready to face the weekend.
My joy doubled when Venkat gave me a surprise about our trip to Sravana Belagola, Belur and Halibidu.Dad,Mom and myself were charged up and started doing all arrangements for the trip.
We started our trip on Saturday morning 5.30am. We reached Sravana Belagola at around 8.30am. Sravanabelagola means 'The monk on the top of the hill'. They had the facility of carrying old people so my mom took advantage of that. Dad, Venkat and myself started our trecking to the top of the hill through 614 steps. We saw the huge statue of Lord Mahavir. It is said to be the worlds tallest free standing statue with a height of 58 foot and 8 inches. Though I felt bit odd to see such a huge naked statue, when viewed from artistic feel its a real master piece.
Its really amazing to visualize the way they could have constructed such a structure some 10 centuries before when there were no high fi equipments to help them in their activities. People were doing poojas and abhishekas to lord. After an hour we started coming down the 614 steps. It was fun for me as you get a feel which you cant explain when u descend fast through the steps :) The four persons who were carrying mom in the doly(name for the chariot in which they carry a person) were so fast and their concentration and control were superb.
Then we had a good breakfast and then started off to Belur.....
My joy doubled when Venkat gave me a surprise about our trip to Sravana Belagola, Belur and Halibidu.Dad,Mom and myself were charged up and started doing all arrangements for the trip.
We started our trip on Saturday morning 5.30am. We reached Sravana Belagola at around 8.30am. Sravanabelagola means 'The monk on the top of the hill'. They had the facility of carrying old people so my mom took advantage of that. Dad, Venkat and myself started our trecking to the top of the hill through 614 steps. We saw the huge statue of Lord Mahavir. It is said to be the worlds tallest free standing statue with a height of 58 foot and 8 inches. Though I felt bit odd to see such a huge naked statue, when viewed from artistic feel its a real master piece.
Its really amazing to visualize the way they could have constructed such a structure some 10 centuries before when there were no high fi equipments to help them in their activities. People were doing poojas and abhishekas to lord. After an hour we started coming down the 614 steps. It was fun for me as you get a feel which you cant explain when u descend fast through the steps :) The four persons who were carrying mom in the doly(name for the chariot in which they carry a person) were so fast and their concentration and control were superb.
Then we had a good breakfast and then started off to Belur.....
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Lok Paritran
Finally I have got one good news to be blogged this time.
Five IITians, all in their 20s, have decided to take up mainstream politics. Can you believe it!!!! yes it is true. Thanks in a way to Maniratnam(Yuva),Balachandar(Unnal mudiyum thambi),Rakesh Om prakash Mera(Rang de basanti) who keep motivating Indian youngsters to make their own rules. Now we have got real examples.
Hats off to Tanmay,Chandrashekar,Amit,Ajit and Santhanagopalan.
Check this link to know their policies and action items.
This is really a most welcoming step by Indian Yuva's.
Wishing them all the very best to succeed in their grand endeavour.
I would surely vote for Lok Paritran. Hope the same with you all.
Jai Hind.
Five IITians, all in their 20s, have decided to take up mainstream politics. Can you believe it!!!! yes it is true. Thanks in a way to Maniratnam(Yuva),Balachandar(Unnal mudiyum thambi),Rakesh Om prakash Mera(Rang de basanti) who keep motivating Indian youngsters to make their own rules. Now we have got real examples.
Hats off to Tanmay,Chandrashekar,Amit,Ajit and Santhanagopalan.
Check this link to know their policies and action items.
This is really a most welcoming step by Indian Yuva's.
Wishing them all the very best to succeed in their grand endeavour.
I would surely vote for Lok Paritran. Hope the same with you all.
Jai Hind.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
President's presence
Hi,
yesterday our respected President visited bangalore. along with him several foreign and indian celebrities were there. Mr.President made a statement that to make india a developed nation we should concentrate on five major sectors namely agriculture and food processing, education and healthcare, infrastructure development, information and communication.
this reached people only after a day, the first thing that caught people was the traffic jam in all main roads of bangalore. and the blame was put on President's visit. it is so easy to point figures on others for your mistake. so many were caught in airport road traffic and missed their flights and important assignments in office.
nowadays iam not feeling bad or getting furious about this poor infrastructure. In India everyone has got escapism as their main policy,only when everyone get the responsibility and everyone feels it is my duty to do something for the society India will take the first step towards its development.
everyone are ready to compromise, compromise everything, their basic needs,comforts, you dont have water still no plans for proper drainage and rain water harvesting, no proper infrastructure still no proper plans for city infrastructure. it takes 2 hours to reach my home...oops thats fine yaar it have 3 hours for me..so is it a statement with pride...!!!!!
still people are ready to take it than fighting against it.!!!!!
yesterday our respected President visited bangalore. along with him several foreign and indian celebrities were there. Mr.President made a statement that to make india a developed nation we should concentrate on five major sectors namely agriculture and food processing, education and healthcare, infrastructure development, information and communication.
this reached people only after a day, the first thing that caught people was the traffic jam in all main roads of bangalore. and the blame was put on President's visit. it is so easy to point figures on others for your mistake. so many were caught in airport road traffic and missed their flights and important assignments in office.
nowadays iam not feeling bad or getting furious about this poor infrastructure. In India everyone has got escapism as their main policy,only when everyone get the responsibility and everyone feels it is my duty to do something for the society India will take the first step towards its development.
everyone are ready to compromise, compromise everything, their basic needs,comforts, you dont have water still no plans for proper drainage and rain water harvesting, no proper infrastructure still no proper plans for city infrastructure. it takes 2 hours to reach my home...oops thats fine yaar it have 3 hours for me..so is it a statement with pride...!!!!!
still people are ready to take it than fighting against it.!!!!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Incredible India
Hi folks,
I was thinking why to put all my thoughts in a blog as it would be a waste of my time and others. that is the reason for this long break.
But now I really feel i should put in all my grievances in some channel which can reach n number of people.(Thanks to my good friend who suggested me to do this)
So its here for all Indians(Hope all Indians come up to the position of having a computer in their home soon with a high speed bandwith connection.)
Its also for everyone in the world as iam planning to make it public as I feel the learning never ends in anyone's life. So we all need to share the best and worst of all places so that we make the worst in all places to the best.
So here we go, what motivated me so much to share my ideas to you all.
I was in Maidenhead,UK last month. I have also visited london earlier and i was so astonished by the way the city was planned. But I thought it is possible only for one city, they cant have such a good system throughout the country. I convinced myself that the same is not possible in India because of our population and economy.
But this time I could see an excellent infrastructure in maidenhead also. There was good connectivity within the city and to all other cities.The road and railway network was excellent.
Then a very big question arised in me, WHY THE SAME IS NOT HAPPENING IN INDIA.
The moment i landed in airport i could see people crowding in all places,shouting,making the place dirty as they wish.
NO RULES NO DISCIPLINE.NO CLEANLINESS.
I think Indians have forgotten these words, Sorry,Please,Queue,Can I help you.
No one really minds or has the time to stand back and even help old people. worse thing is they just dash them and dont mind to say sorry also and just pass off.
What is the reason behind all these things. After long hours of thought i finally concluded and started hating this seven letter word FREEDOM. you have freedom for everything in India.
you have freedom to cross the signal line, you have freedom to hurt others through your words and actions, you have freedom to bribe anyone and so on and on.
even lakhs or crores of cloned Gandhi cant help India if each individual does not realise his/her responsibility.
You can ask me what you are going to achieve by just writting this. Unfortunately iam not an IAS officer to implement all my plans and prove our country's politicians -Look we can also do such things in our motherland.
so i will keep blogging my ideas as well as get ideas from you.
We can all find a means to get our thoughts to action soon. I am sure it will not take so long to see our dreams come true soon in India.
so friends you also share your ideas with me. people who have visited foreign countries dont just feel bad seeing the traffic and poor infrastructure in India, instead share how things are happening in foreign countries and what and how can we improve things in india.
Its in our hands to make our India an Incredible India.
If it is our duty to take care of our mother it is equally our duty to take care of our motherland too.
Expecting good response from all of you.
JAI HIND.
I was thinking why to put all my thoughts in a blog as it would be a waste of my time and others. that is the reason for this long break.
But now I really feel i should put in all my grievances in some channel which can reach n number of people.(Thanks to my good friend who suggested me to do this)
So its here for all Indians(Hope all Indians come up to the position of having a computer in their home soon with a high speed bandwith connection.)
Its also for everyone in the world as iam planning to make it public as I feel the learning never ends in anyone's life. So we all need to share the best and worst of all places so that we make the worst in all places to the best.
So here we go, what motivated me so much to share my ideas to you all.
I was in Maidenhead,UK last month. I have also visited london earlier and i was so astonished by the way the city was planned. But I thought it is possible only for one city, they cant have such a good system throughout the country. I convinced myself that the same is not possible in India because of our population and economy.
But this time I could see an excellent infrastructure in maidenhead also. There was good connectivity within the city and to all other cities.The road and railway network was excellent.
Then a very big question arised in me, WHY THE SAME IS NOT HAPPENING IN INDIA.
The moment i landed in airport i could see people crowding in all places,shouting,making the place dirty as they wish.
NO RULES NO DISCIPLINE.NO CLEANLINESS.
I think Indians have forgotten these words, Sorry,Please,Queue,Can I help you.
No one really minds or has the time to stand back and even help old people. worse thing is they just dash them and dont mind to say sorry also and just pass off.
What is the reason behind all these things. After long hours of thought i finally concluded and started hating this seven letter word FREEDOM. you have freedom for everything in India.
you have freedom to cross the signal line, you have freedom to hurt others through your words and actions, you have freedom to bribe anyone and so on and on.
even lakhs or crores of cloned Gandhi cant help India if each individual does not realise his/her responsibility.
You can ask me what you are going to achieve by just writting this. Unfortunately iam not an IAS officer to implement all my plans and prove our country's politicians -Look we can also do such things in our motherland.
so i will keep blogging my ideas as well as get ideas from you.
We can all find a means to get our thoughts to action soon. I am sure it will not take so long to see our dreams come true soon in India.
so friends you also share your ideas with me. people who have visited foreign countries dont just feel bad seeing the traffic and poor infrastructure in India, instead share how things are happening in foreign countries and what and how can we improve things in india.
Its in our hands to make our India an Incredible India.
If it is our duty to take care of our mother it is equally our duty to take care of our motherland too.
Expecting good response from all of you.
JAI HIND.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Yeh laga Sixer...
After hitting the sixer (6 months) of marriage life.
So whats up after marriage…
No time to chat with your friends or walk out for shopping when u feel like
No time to hang on with Harry Potter novel or sing your favorite melodies.
No time to even blog for sometime….;-))
Huh……….
Is marriage such a great punishment…. tearing you away from your sweet home
The answer from me would be a real big NO
All the time that whiled away after marriage brought me
Many new relationships I would cherish upon.
Many new commitments I would act upon.
Many events of struggle I would learn upon.
Many more moments of joy (and spicy sorrows too)
Marching towards
A new life with a gifted
Relationship to
Reinvest your thoughts, words and action to set an
Ideal family with
All values of life rooted in for the next
Generation to look upon and
Excel in their fight for Existence.
For me this would mean marriage.
Is it a way to mesmerize the ever-happy bachelors and spinsters to get into the trap of family life…definitely no…. keep enjoying your bachelor life…when u get bored of it why don’t you try for a change…. when u really have a better option
Howz it??????????? ;-))
Have a Happy Married life.
So whats up after marriage…
No time to chat with your friends or walk out for shopping when u feel like
No time to hang on with Harry Potter novel or sing your favorite melodies.
No time to even blog for sometime….;-))
Huh……….
Is marriage such a great punishment…. tearing you away from your sweet home
The answer from me would be a real big NO
All the time that whiled away after marriage brought me
Many new relationships I would cherish upon.
Many new commitments I would act upon.
Many events of struggle I would learn upon.
Many more moments of joy (and spicy sorrows too)
Marching towards
A new life with a gifted
Relationship to
Reinvest your thoughts, words and action to set an
Ideal family with
All values of life rooted in for the next
Generation to look upon and
Excel in their fight for Existence.
For me this would mean marriage.
Is it a way to mesmerize the ever-happy bachelors and spinsters to get into the trap of family life…definitely no…. keep enjoying your bachelor life…when u get bored of it why don’t you try for a change…. when u really have a better option
Howz it??????????? ;-))
Have a Happy Married life.
Friday, October 15, 2004
For the youth of new millenium
Escapism from Social and Official Responsibility
Escapism from Self-Esteem and Self-Consiousness
What the hell is the aim and path of the youth now?
Rushing towards IIMs and IITs
Ranking high just to leave our home drained of youthful thoughts and actions
Rejoicing being a backoffice worker than backing up an office in India.
Running away from your motherland -- Young man for the sake of what?
Wake up and there are miles to go
Create your new rules and make a new history
Enchanted with wisdom you can make your homeland
--The Dreamland of God
Start up to get your real freedom Young Man
As a tribute to our father - Great Mahatma.
--A true citizen of India
Escapism from Self-Esteem and Self-Consiousness
What the hell is the aim and path of the youth now?
Rushing towards IIMs and IITs
Ranking high just to leave our home drained of youthful thoughts and actions
Rejoicing being a backoffice worker than backing up an office in India.
Running away from your motherland -- Young man for the sake of what?
Wake up and there are miles to go
Create your new rules and make a new history
Enchanted with wisdom you can make your homeland
--The Dreamland of God
Start up to get your real freedom Young Man
As a tribute to our father - Great Mahatma.
--A true citizen of India
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Bloom of White Lotus
BLOG...what does that mean? why should I take pain to share my experiences with my near and dears...am i doing this as all my other friends are having one of their own...I gave a deep thought about it last night,then came to a conclusion that I too should have one.
Though Globalization has helped developing countries drastically in their growth,it has torn apart the near and dears (physically) to a far distance.So I thought I should Begin to LOG my special moments of my life. Also this will help to express myself and share my ideas with my friends and family.
A Very Warm and Special Welcome to my WHITE LOTUS Blog.
Wish you would have a great time reading my articles.
Life is a tragedy for those who feel,and a comedy for those who think.... :))
Though Globalization has helped developing countries drastically in their growth,it has torn apart the near and dears (physically) to a far distance.So I thought I should Begin to LOG my special moments of my life. Also this will help to express myself and share my ideas with my friends and family.
A Very Warm and Special Welcome to my WHITE LOTUS Blog.
Wish you would have a great time reading my articles.
Life is a tragedy for those who feel,and a comedy for those who think.... :))
Monday, August 23, 2004
My Lotus Poem
Flowers are without hope. Because hope is tomorrow and flowers have no tomorrow. ~Antonio Porchia
I love flowers...and I love to live my life to the fullest each day.
Past is Yesterday's present and Future is tomorrow's present.so the only thing I have is present which I feel is the great present from God. Flowers help me to express my feelings so truely than my words can.
Wondering whats the secret behind my blog title - WHITE LOTUS
Here we go to explore that.
Live a life like Lotus...
Raising her head on the first ray of sunshine
Rendering her thanksgiving to the nature
Retrieves herself on sunset
Lotus my lovely flower-how you teach us the truth of birth and re-birth
Held by the hands of water-yet
Behold of its relation with world
Lotus my lovely flower-how you teach us the truth of life
O Queen of all poets, symbol of Divinity,
Growing out of mud you remain pure and unpolluted
Lotus my lovely flower-how you teach us to hold the values of life
Lotus my lovely flower - how I love to be one petal of yours.
--LakshmiKrishna
I love flowers...and I love to live my life to the fullest each day.
Past is Yesterday's present and Future is tomorrow's present.so the only thing I have is present which I feel is the great present from God. Flowers help me to express my feelings so truely than my words can.
Wondering whats the secret behind my blog title - WHITE LOTUS
Here we go to explore that.
Live a life like Lotus...
Raising her head on the first ray of sunshine
Rendering her thanksgiving to the nature
Retrieves herself on sunset
Lotus my lovely flower-how you teach us the truth of birth and re-birth
Held by the hands of water-yet
Behold of its relation with world
Lotus my lovely flower-how you teach us the truth of life
O Queen of all poets, symbol of Divinity,
Growing out of mud you remain pure and unpolluted
Lotus my lovely flower-how you teach us to hold the values of life
Lotus my lovely flower - how I love to be one petal of yours.
--LakshmiKrishna
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