First sight of Mumbai

I was bit excited to live in Mumbai, like first onsite abroad visit.  The thriving

city of Mumbai welcomed us with fighting taxiwalas in Airport to grab us.  The

yelllow-and-black taxis which I saw in hindi movies are ubiquitious in Mumbai, and its pretty cool that these meter fares are reasonable though (Rs. 9 per km).  The city’s first look always shows the dirt and uncleanliness everywhere.  Some of the best maintained buildings and complexes are surrounded by dirty outfits, which looks awkward.  Life in Mumbai is quite different from Chennai and Bangalore majorly because of its fastness.  No one have an inch patience on the road and mind.

I had the city-staple food Vada-Pav and Chai.  On the weekend, made a visit

to Gateway of India and had a glimpse of terror-struck Taj Mahal Hotel.  In that hotel, still renovations are going on even after a year.  Then made a visit to Bandra by travelling on the recently opened Bandra – Worli Sealink bridge (which is about 5 km in length on sea).  Expecting some good days in Mumbai.

Rock Show at Saarang

IIT Madras’s annual cultural fest Saarang was in its own colours on this year 2010. I had an opportunity to witness the last day celebrations of it.  Have attended Light music finals at Central Lecture Theatre and Dance finals competitions at Students Activity Centre, which are participated by jubilant students from many colleges. In between as a parallel activity, spent hour an half at ICSR auditorium to attend lecture by Bharathanatyam artist Padma Subramaniam on theory and practise of dance.  As the ultimate programme on the evening a Rock show was presented at Open Air Theatre by internal Rock Brands ‘Skid Row’ and ‘Hurricane Bells’.  This is the first rock show I’ve attended but unable to appreciate it fully, which might be because of lack of interest and knowledge.  I was wondered how a person could sing continuously in base-voice for an hour.  Dozens of high-sound huge speakers were on the stage along with 3 guitarists, one vocalist, one drumist and one keyboard player.  The artists usually had long hair and intentionally shaking their hairy-heads wildly to energize the audience;  its quite disgusting act though.  Anyway, a different experience for folks like me.

Bombay Jayashri’s carnatic concert at Madurai

I thought I have missed to attend any carnatic classical concert on this musical year (Dec 2009 – Jan 2010), but it was refuted by this last programme organized by Sathguru Sangeetha Samaajam in Madurai.  Bombay Jayashri at her own melodious voice soothed everyone with classic numbers.  It was apt for her to present in green saree to sing about Goddess Meenakshi in “mayammayani ne pilacite”, a Shyama Shastri kriti.  I’ve liked the rendering ‘Nee paadamae gathi, nalina kaanthimathi’ and other niravals.  Due to time constraint, I was unable to attend the complete concert but enjoyed an hour and a half musical show.

Two (too) good movies on a day!

Went to INOX to watch the spectacular 3D show ‘Avatar’ with my friends.  Indeed a mind-blowing film for some of its creativity and imagination on the new species of a different planet.  The technology is the actual protagonist of this film and a good message to us is to save the nature and protect the natural beings.

Followed by that, watched the latest Hindi blockbuster ‘3 idiots’.  Impressed by the screenplay and the core message of the film, which is obvious that ‘freedom of education in choosing the career’.  Have read already ‘five point someone’ novel and I agree that many incidents are similar but the movie stands on its own in many aspects.  Also I agree that Aamir Khan’s portrayal of inherent intelligence, love to machines, absconding from the material world to establish his own science empire would be comparable to the character John Galt of ‘Altas Shrugged’ novel by Ayn Rand.

As a whole, I’ve enjoyed completely my ‘last bachelor weekend’ with friendly

Nammaveedu guys in Bangalore.

Kaaviri Maindhan – Anusha Venkatesh (Vol 2 and 3)

Completed the tamil novel Kaaviri Maindhan by reading the volumes 2 and 3.  The pluses of this story are its the continuation of Kalki’s novel ponniyin selvan and imagination introduced by the author in linking certain characters.  The references made on songs by Nandhanar and Thirugyana Sambhandar with respective temple towns are good.

Coming to the minuses I feel in the book like weakly substantiated historical information especially with Chola prince Aaditya Karikalan allegedly killed by Idumbankaari, a Pandiyan freedom-fighter.  Also, in some places I’ve felt the story is too slow to read and repetitions of multiple dialogues in same context.  Some of the instances and strategies could be easily guessed by frequent reader of historic novels.  As a whole, I felt the 3 volumes could have been compressed into a single 600 pages book to make it very interesting to read and affordable to keep a copy by everyone.

Varichiyur Cave Temple

A surprise offer from Dr. Venkataraman today to visit cave temples located in Varichiyur, 15 kms east of Madurai.  The hillock is exactly located in Kunrathur village (locally referred as Kunnathur), which is the hometown of my grandmother.  I’ve started early in the morning around 6:30 with John and Senthil, thanks to Dr. Krishnakumar, son of Dr. V, who gave us a free ride in his car.  Around 30 members were assembled for the explanation from Dr. V and he was giving historic details about the cave, Jainism, Hinduism and philosophies around it.

There are two small caves carved in the hillock, one facing east named Udayagiri and other facing west named Asthagiri (from the word  Asthamanam).  Originally used by Jain monks for their shelter during rainy days and then converted to Shiva temple by erecting Linga in it.  The age of the caves dates back to 750 A.D.  Small Nandi statue could be found in front of the Linga in both caves.  Udayagiri cave has one Vinayagar statue embossed on the wall, which is not a completed one.  Dwarabalagar statues could be found nearby in it.  The earliest Hindu cave is located in Madya Pradesh which also has the same name Udayagiri dated 450 A.D.  In Asthagiri cave in front of Garbhagraha, a small space could be found for sheltering a man or two, which is referred as Arthamandapa.  It is being believed that a Pandya king regularly came to this Asthagiri cave and does prayer in Arthamandapa and having the view of sunset, which symbolizes the end of life.  In the same hillock, we’ve seen another cave which also has Linga in it and nearby place is referred as Samanar Padukkai.  All these caves are incomplete in its form as it was build during the war period between Pallavas and Pandyas.  Some of the below points have been captured during the speech of Dr.V.

*  The basement of Linga could be square, octagonal or circular in shape.  There are 11 meanings for Linga as symbol, god, gender, etc.  Based on the gender Linga could be referred as Purusha Linga (male), Stri Linga (female) or Purustri Linga (neutral).

*  The Hinduism revolves around the concept of creation, protection and destruction.  Equivalently the Linga has its parts as bottom basement refers to Brahma, middle pedestal to Vishnu and upper stubha to Shiva.  So worshiping Linga becomes the integral part of Hindu religion.  Linga worship dates back to 2500 BC of Indus Valley civilization.

*  In Hinduism, God is perceived in all forms of life and world.  Hence the phrase ‘Sarvam Shivamayam’ or ‘Sarvam Vishnumayam’ is used regularly.  It gives the complete liberty to people to choose their form of worship/practice for Hindu Gods.  Hence atheist-hindus were also accepted as a group under Hinduism.

*  Buddhism and Jainism refers life as sufferings whereas Hinduism refers life as joy (Ananda).

*  The early caves were build by Ashoka for Aajeevakas (other group of people similar to Buddhist/Jains), whose philosophy was neither God nor man can help mankind.  And this group was not widely accepted by subsequent kings and it got perished.  Some words have been mentioned about this group in Tamil epics Manimegalai and Silappadhikaaram.

*  Samanar Padukkai referred as ‘Kalkanchana’ means ’stone bed’.  The cave shelter was referred as ‘pali’ by Jains and it was reformed as ‘Palli’ (school) later in Tamil.

2 States – Chetan Bhagat

Yet another time-pass novel by Chetan Bhagat, but worth give a reading for the fun-filled contents.  I’ve felt more emphasis was given to characters and lifestyle of Tamilians, as its natural to read the novel from the eyes of a Punjabi.  It was cinematic on how Punjabi-lad wooing Tamil Brahmin family and Tamil-girl impressing the Punjabi parents.  I’ve felt more humorous sense during the final wedding chapters.   All his novels would be definitely best-seller for masala-loving Bollywood-tight Indian society.

Thirumayam, Kundrathur Cave Temples

My Deepavali 2009 holidays had a memorable heritage trip with Dr. Venkataramaman, my father, brother and friends.  We went to Thirumayam and Kundrathur cave temples and spent valuable time there.  We are thankful to Professor Dr.V. who spent his valuable time in taking us with great interest and explaining all the historical and archeological information about Hindu culture, Buddhism and many other stuffs.  Below are some of the points which I’ve managed to gather from his continuous flow of information.

• Thirumayam cave temple in Pudhukottai was built by Videlvidugu Mutharayar
  

  Thirumayam temple

• Mutharayars were descents of Pallava and followers of Buddhism
• Old cave pillars are big in size divided into 3 equal parts with comparatively less ornamental work
• Contrapose sculptures in old caves were of flexible body position carved on stone; this type of sculpture was first initiated in Greece around 4th century AD.  Pallavas, Pandyas and Mutharayars were best in depicting these sculptures
• Dwarabalagar statues (two statues on side of main deity) were known as Nandhi and Bringi.  Nandhi could be identified by the 2 horns near the shoulder/head of the human statue.
• First cave in India came around 2nd century BC by Emperor Ashoka in Barabar (Bihar)
• The bronze statues used in Hindu temples as Urchavar were introduced by Cholas
  

  Lingothbhava

• The deity Lingothbhava always kept as West facing; its a “pillared flame” structure; story revolves as competition between Brahma and Vishnu to see the head and foot of Lord Shiva, in which former takes Swan form, flies high to see the head and the latter takes Swine form enters into ocean to see the feet.  Brahma lies to Shiva saying he saw the head, so getting the curse of not get worshiped by people as separate temple for him.  Whereas Vishnu accepts the eternal power of Shiva and the Lord himself grants equal status for Vishnu and he gains popularity among people.
• “Kadi-hathsam” is a mudra shown by hand fingers, which is the left hand position of Lord Venkateswara
• “Aasuva-hathsam” is a mudra show by fingers to invite the people who are seeing the statue
• “Bodhigai” is a part between 2 pillars in cave; the shape and style in bodhigai will be useful to study the age of the cave (e.g Tharangam-bodhigai)
• Rishtorm and Kumudham (Virudha kumudham, Muppattai kumudham) are bottom parts of stone mandapam surrounding the main deity.
  

  Bringi

• Ashoka derived “Lion symbol” as a majestic symbol from Persians
• Pre-Ashoka deity Kali had Tiger as her vehicle (Kali – symbol of fire)
• Post-Ashoka deity Durga had Lion as her vehicle (Durga – symbol of water)
• 3 earlier places of Kali worship in India were at Bengal, Ujjain and Tamilnadu (in name of Kotravai)
• Kotravai’s son was Murugan (the father was unknown) and later Kotravai was banned in Hindu religion and Murugan was pulled into Shiva’s family
• Total of 1200 caves are in India, in which 900 belongs to Buddha, 200 to Hindus and 100 to Jains
• Ajantha has one of the best caves esp. cave number 19 and 29;
• (First stage of Hindu art) From 402 AD Hindus took cave depictions initiated by Chandra Gupta II in Udhayagiri
• First Hindu cave art sculpture is Varaaha Murthy (dynamic sculpture of swine face of Vishnu taking Bhoomadevi fast from Thirupaar Kadal)
• Second stage of Hindu art at 587 AD by western Chalukya Pulikesi II king’s Chithappa Mangaleshwar build Badami Cave (in Karnataka); same time Elephanta cave for Shiva also emerged.
  

  Nandi (Dwara-balagar)

• Third stage of Hindu art around 600 AD by Mahendra Varma Pallava ; first work at Mandagapattu then came to South Arcat, Thiruchy and Kancheepuram; Followed by Narasimha Varma Pallava at Mahabalipuram.
• Varaaha cave and Mahishamardhini cave in Mahabalipuram are best work
• Pandya king’s early cave temple located near Sankaran Kovil known as Malayadi kovil developed by Chezhian Sendhan Pandyan
• In Madurai, Narasimha cave in Yaanaimalai depicted at 770 AD, Thiruparankundram cave at 773 AD and Thenparankundram cave at 780 AD
• After 850 AD no caves were established in India
• One example of Massive cult structure is Brahadeeswara temple in Thanjavur by Rajaraja Chola at 10th century AD.  This was derived from Brihat Buddha structure of Bamiyan Buddha statue which is 175 feet tall belongs to 5th century AD.
• Hindu mythology imported deities and ideologies from Greece e.g. Durga is equal to that of Diana, Saraswathi is equal to Minarva.
• Nandhi nagari, Deva nagari are scripts of North India.  Ashoka age’s Brahmi script is considered as mother of all Indian scripts
• Suryan and Chandran deities are identified by the flowers they hold in their hand.  Lotus of Suryan and Lilly for Chandran, because these flowers blossom after seeing their respective deities.
• Rig Veda the earliest Hindu text came at 1500 BC, which is much later than Egyptian civilization which belongs to 3000 BC.  Indus Valley civilization belongs to 2500 BC.
• The Vishnu deity carved in the Vishnu temple of Thirumayam is a beautiful sculpture of Vishnu in Sayanakolam, with Brahma sitting on a lotus rooted on Vishnu’s naval.  Many deities like Sridevi, Bhoomadevi, Ayudha Purushaas, Snake in rotated fashion, Fire flames killing Asuraas (Madhu and Kaidabhar) carved in the entire wall of that cave.
• Best AnandhaSai statues (Vishnu in Sayanakolam) can be found in Dhiyogar, Thirumayam and Mahabalipuram.
  

  Octagonal Temple Tank

• Saiva temple symbolizes god as Fire (so they do Dheebhaaraadhanai), whereas Vaishnava temple symbolizes god as Water (so they give Theertham)
• Vishnu’s Chakra on left hand normally showed by its flat surface (as seen in Thirupathy).  9th century Vishnu’s Chakra will be shown by its side surface (the Chakra’s usage form) known as PrayogChakra.
• Buddha’s mother had a dream of white elephant with 6 tusks, enters into her stomach without any pain.  Astrologers revealed this as a sign of giving birth a son, who will achieve great heights in people’s minds.
• Buddha’s life includes marriage, great enlightenment, preaching and death.
• Elephant calf symbolizes Buddha’s early stage (child Buddha), Horse symbolizes the event of detaching himself from house, Tree symbolizes Nirvaana (great enlightenment), Deer symbolizes his preachings and ‘Stone on top of Peedam’ (stone structure surrounds the golden box contains bone of Buddha) symbolizes PariNirvaaana (death)
• Representing Buddha with the symbols (of animals and other structures) belongs to Heenayaana buddha.  During Mahayaana buddha period Buddha’s face was depicted.
  

  Fort View

• During later stages, Buddha was depicted as Bodhisatva and Avalakoteswara in which he wears big crown, many garlands and rich clothings.  This can be seen in China, Nepal and other places.
• Afghanistan’s Gandhara Art might be considered as the cradle of Indian Art.
• Badami’s cave number 3 has a wonderful sculpture of Vaigunda Nadhar (Vishnu sits on top of snake)
• Temples foundation depth would be very less following a model called ‘Floating foundation’.  Brahadeeswara temple is 200ft high but its foundation is only 6 ft.  Inside the 6 feet series of stones would be laid and forming an artificial hillock.  On top of that stone structure, temple would get constructed.
• Kundrakudi Cave temple Linga was under worship between 8th century AD to 12th century AD.  After that Murugan temple became dominant.
• SaptaMaathargal (Saptakannigal – 7 women) derived from Chalukya’s period.  Varaagi, Vaishnavi, Gowmaari, Maheswari, Narasimhi, Chamunda and Jeshtadevi are those 7 gods.  Jeshtadevi considered as prominent god among themselves flanked by her son (bull faced) and her daughter.
  

  Our gang

• Saint Francis of Assisi (in Italy) established Capuchin Order – a set of practices to follow.  He had Stigmata (wounds in certain part of body from which blood comes out with pain similar to that of Jesus crucification)
• Famous words from Saint Francis – “O Lord! Make me as instrument of thy peace”
• Advise to us from Dr.Venkatraman – “Come out of Foolishness, Spread the generosity”; Break the shell of own religion and observe the best from all religions.
• Rumi is a Sufi saint, who has to be known by everyone for his ideologies.
• Books to read : (1) Autobiography of Thomas Merton (2) “Asia Journal” by Thomas Merton

Kaviri Maindhan – Anusha Venkatesh (Volume I)

Readers who loved Ponniyin Selvan would be interested to read this Tamil historic novel.  Its a story on Chola empire which starts exactly after 5 years of Ponniyin selvan novel plot.  The readers could re-visit their favourite characters Vandhiya Thevan, Arulmozhi Varman, Kundhavai, Aazhvaarkadiyan and others.  The author Anusha Venkatesh did her part best in describing the scenes and making it interesting to read.  In this first volume Kandhamaaran, the Kadambur prince looks like the protagonist.  Yet to read the remaining 2 volumes and update the blog.

IIT Madras – Student’s paradise in TN

Recently I had a chance to visit IIT Madras and stunned by the cool atmosphere amidst hot Chennai city.  Gifted by the surrounding forest environment and serene location, its an ideal place for students to pursue their studies and research. Alma Mater for many brightest brains in country has many facilities and infrastructure for students and all residents.  During the same time of my visit, the technical festival Shaastra was happening and I was viewing the in-house Robot car races.  Had food at Tiffany’s and Gurunath and watched part of movie at OAT (Open Air Theatre).  All places inside the campus including Departments, Hostels, Residential enclaves, Durgai Peeliamman temple, Play ground, Shiva temple, Cafe, Central Library would easily get located from the centre Gajendra Circle.  Apart from these man-made facilities, insiders could enjoy the natural gift of chillness and fauna – Deers and Monkeys.  Altogether, it a great place for nurturing scientific and technological research.  From this highly-funded institution, people of India are expecting more contributions to our country and mankind.