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.
Navaratri 2015 : Our Home Bommai Kolu
The best part of Navaratri is setting up the Bommai Kolu!
After a hiatus of three years, this year's celebration was much awaited. As usual, though, almost everything got done only at the last moment, which is why this post is so delayed. Anyway, this year was extra special because Samhith helped me set up the kolu even more than usual. For the first time, he helped with the steps, easing my work quite a bit! And we had lots of fun in the process! Take a look at his antics....
And here is what our Kolu looks like...
And without boring you with words, let me show you our Kolu through my photos....
The top steps are for the Gods
The next few steps are about deities too... their figures as well as their worship
The bottom steps are for us, our collections, representing ourselves
This year, I am especially proud of turban I have tied for the marapachi :)
These stone lamps came all the way from Mysore.....
And this bull from some unknown village in interior Maharashtra...
This camel came all the way from Dubai!!!
These assorted animals.. glass and marble, are from Rajasthan and Gujarat...
This cute family came from Dubai too... when Shankar made a trip some years back...
A Junior Arab, for Samhith, also from Dubai!
This Arab Couple too...
And this one....
And one more... the last couple from Dubai!! They have waited years to take their place here!!
A Houseboat, which came all the way from Kashmir!
Yes, more houseboats! from Kashmir too.... memories of our sole trip there three years ago..
This side golu is Samhith's!
The Krittika Kanyas play in the water with the baby Karthikeyas
His favourite airport set...
where his Lego men play a part too!!
A house in a forest... and a Giant Wheel!
Village Scene
Well with working pulley system to draw water
And our all time favourite - Thomas the Tank Engine!!!
We built a wall around our steps... and a tunnel for Thomas! He enters through this one...
and exits here, opening the door as he does so....
see???
We also have a thirsty crow!
And before I forget, a collection of vehicles...
So, that was our Golu this year.. I will update the post with videos as and when I can.. Meanwhile, looking forward to your comments... and suggestions for next time!!
Update: For all those people asking me to post a video of the golu and the train going round, here it is.. at last :)
Lovely! So glad to know that your golu also has Thomas and vehicles. Now, I have to visit your place for seeing the golu. Please keep my share of chundal ready :D
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 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
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.
Lovely! So glad to know that your golu also has Thomas and vehicles. Now, I have to visit your place for seeing the golu. Please keep my share of chundal ready :D
ReplyDeleteThank you Akshay! Wish you could have come..
DeleteBeautiful! Your son's Kolu also looks interesting..:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Priya!
DeleteNice golu, Anu - loved the cute Arabs :) - this is one tradition I really miss from my childhood in Madras...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charu! The Arabs are the hot favourites this year! Almost everyone commented on them!
DeleteThis is excellent. ..amazing...
ReplyDeleteThank you Bhavyashree!
DeleteLove the Arab addition! And the Airport too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Usha! The airport has been used earlier too.
Deletesuch a visual treat, would love to see the chuchu train go around ;) Thanks so much
ReplyDeleteThank you Sri! I have updated the post with a video of the train going around :)
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