Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudchya Varshi Laukar Yaa!

My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.

Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudchya Varshi Laukar Yaa!

Those are the words which resound through the air as we bid goodbye to the Lord. Literally, they would translate to 'Glory to the Lord! Come again soon next year', but to the devotees who bid goodbye to the Lord with these words, it means so much more.

To them, it is the culmination of ten days of festivities, when they left their regular life behind and thought of the Lord morning, noon and night! It was Him they thought of, waking early in the morning, ready to perform the prayers to begin the day..... for ten days, they made only what they believed the Lord loved to eat. For ten days, they sang his glory twice a day, with complete enthusiasm, even if not always in tune! For ten days, they scanned their neighbourhoods for interesting idols of the Lord to see, and even stood in queues for hours just to get a glimpse of their favourite deities. For ten days, they had just one thought in mind - to make the most of the arrival of their Lord. He is, after all, Vighnaharta - the one who would destroy all the obstacles in their path. It was only fair that they took the best possible care of Him while He visited their home. He is the one guest they welcome wholeheartedly into their homes, and look forward to his arrival every year! And even as they get ready for sending him off, they are busy thinking of how they will make his arrival even more special the next year! Which is why they entreat him to return early the next year!

This year, the Lord arrived amidst pouring rains, and he decided to leave amidst pouring rains too! After a couple of dry days, the heavens seem to have opened up just for Him to leave! However, the enthusiasm has not abated.....

We went for a walk in the evening, hoping to catch a glimpse of a few Ganpatis on their way to the sea. The larger ones wouldnt leave until much later, but we hoped to see at least some of the smaller ones, and we weren't disappointed.

The truck to carry the Chedda Nagar Ganpati was just getting ready
... and this was past 5 in the evening!

Near the Chembur station, a group of devotees were desperately trying to get the crackers lit!
Maybe even the Lord was tired of all that noise!!!
But did sending heavy rains help in reducing the noise?
NO!!!!
The crackers went off soon, as did the loudpeakers!

A huge Ganpati was on his way

While the devotees had their umbrellas, the Lord got drenched!

A closer look... see the throne...

Our Chembur Mandi (vegetable market) Ganpati on his way..

Two small Ganpatis await their larger friend for the final journey

A Family pushing a cart with their Ganpati, and talking turns in riding with Him!

Making the most of the journey in spite of the rain!

Running to keep pace!

A lavishly decorated home Ganpati

The drums, which are the most coveted part of the procession

Finally, our Ganpati is on his way, accompanied by half the colony!

The decoration of the truck....
Can you even make out that its a huge truck??

Anna accompanies the Lord!

One final glimpse!

The ten days of the festival are over, and it is now time to get back to our regular lives, before yet another ten day festival begins - yes, in just another 16 days, it will be time for Navaratri! And yes, we are counting the days again!

Gokarna Part II – The Five Lingams

We continued our Gokarna trip by visiting four other Shiva temples in the vicinity, all connected to the same story of Gokarna. The story of Gokarna mentions the Mahabaleshwara Lingam as the one brought from Kailas by Ravana, and kept at this place on the ground by Ganesha. (See my earlier post- Gokarna – Pilgrimage and Pleasure). However, the story does not end here. It is believed that, in his anger, Ravana flung aside the materials which covered the lingam- the casket, its lid, the string around the lingam, and the cloth covering it. All these items became lingams as soon as they touched the ground. These four lingams, along with the main Mahabaleshwara lingam are collectively called the ‘ Panchalingams’ . These are: Mahabaleshwara – the main lingam Sajjeshwar – the casket carrying the lingam. This temple is about 35 Kms from Karwar, and is a 2 hour drive from Gokarna. Dhareshwar – the string covering the lingam. This temple is on NH17, about 45 Kms south of Gokarna. Gunavanteshw

The Power of 8 - The Ashta Dikpalas and Ashta Vasus at Khajuraho

The four cardinal directions form the axis on which a temple is built, and are thus the basis of temple architecture. Leading from them are the eight directions, which are believed to be guarded by the eight guardians, or Ashta Dikpalas . In the temples of Khajuraho, great care has been taken by the sculptors to carve the Ashta Dikpalas on the walls, both inside and outside. They not only guard the temple, but also look over us as we circumambulate the shrine, protecting us by their presence. They are augmented by the Ashta Vasus , celestial beings which represent natural phenomena. Together, they enhance the idea of the temple as cosmos, enfolding within it, all the aspects of nature, both, on earth, as well in space.

The Havelis of Bikaner - A Photo Post

The lanes are narrow , twisting and turning amidst buildings old and new. Crumbling old structures with intricate workmanship stand side by side with art deco buildings, and more modern constructions, which follow no particular style. Autos, bicycles, motorcycles and vans rush past, blowing their horns as loudly as possible, while cows saunter past peacefully, completely unaffected by the noise. In the midst of all this chaos, children play by the side, and women go about their chores, as we explore these by-lanes of Bikaner, and its beautiful Havelis. Facade of one of the Rampuria Havelis

ArtiSeptember 11, 2011 at 9:08 PM
Beautiful words Anu. A tearful farewell is given to Him.
And Navratri starts in 15 days, not 18, please check.
Indrani GhoseSeptember 12, 2011 at 8:56 AM
Great coverage Anu!

Yesterday saw a news clipping of a balcony full of people crashing down! :(
UshaSeptember 12, 2011 at 11:52 AM
I love that topi on the truck! Thanks Anu! Was telling S over b'fast this morning about the event Anant Chaturdashi is for every kid in Maharashtra!
Anu ShankarSeptember 12, 2011 at 9:18 PM
Thanks Indrani! yeah,. we saw that too... really sad, that too to happen at such a time :(
Anu ShankarSeptember 12, 2011 at 9:20 PM
i loved that too!! their creativity seemed at a great pitch this year! and we really wished u were there... might have explored a bit more!
Mridula DSeptember 12, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Thanks for the virtual tour Anu.
Anu ShankarSeptember 14, 2011 at 10:15 AM
You are welcome, Mridula!

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