Our wanderings and perceptions

In Chennai's Anna nagar is the V R Mall. A modern structure blend with our cultural elements. The whole mall is design on a theme, even the flooring follow a pattern and color. The paintings and the decorative items in the mall are aesthetically done. Each floor had marbles of different colors set in a thematic design. For a change, in this mall the interior design takes its due credit from us in a commercial space. Its a huge mall spread across two million square feet of area. The parking space is well lit and maintained well. Unlike other malls the way to the shopping area from the parking lot is centered, so easy to walk and move around the mall. The staff at the parking space ensure the parking is done smoothly and make navigation comfortable. In the ground floor the open space is used for stalls and programmes during the weekends. On the day we went there were numerous temporary stalls selling clothes set up neatly with ample space for visitors to go around. ...

Recently, we decided to have a family get together. As Chennai turned cloudy and rains began to pour heavily on a December weekend we zeroed in on the near by resort - Greenfields at Thirumullaivayil. Its near the VGN Straford apartment which is just on the main road. The road leading to the resort from VGN is not good particular after a rain. We ended up there on a late morning time. On that day the resort was deserted owing to the rains. The garden area was divided into two parts and we were able to freely roam around the resort talking and chatting all the way. The gardens are well maintained and there were teak wood trees also. Many of the trees were old owing to the existence of this resort for more than 20 years. Away from the hectic city this place provides a serene atmosphere. All around the dining area it was green, trees and plants covered the whole area. There is also a swimming pool and few rooms where guests can stay too. Being the rai...

Bangalore - The garden city of India is always a fascination, especially for the people of the south of the country. The IT hub and the silicon valley of India hosts the majority of the IT professionals who travel To and Fro to their native from here. Made a short trip to Bangalore to attend a marriage over the weekend. Having accustomed to road travel so far, made a train journey this time. On Saturday (early) morning 6 AM the Shatabdi left the Chennai Central (MGR) Railway Station to Bengaluru Railway Station. First time on this train was a fantastic experience. Like in a flight the service takes place meticulously. Water bottle of 1 liter was given followed by the newspaper – you can choose English or Tamil. Our breakfast was Pongal, vadai and sambar. Food was good though the quantity can be increased. Tea or coffee came next to the breakfast. Air condition was perfect and seats were comfortable for a relaxing journey of 5+ hours. The rest rooms were clean and main...

A month ago when our grand father Subramani passed away, it is time to ponder over his life, to celebrate it.. At the age of 89, he has left us to eternity. Being a close knit family, losing the Patriarch himself has created a huge vacuum in our lives. Nevertheless its our duty and pleasure to kindle our memories with him and celebrate his life with us as his true heirs. None of our childhood images comes forth without him in the frame. Every nook and corner of the house he lived and brought us up has his posture. His voice calls out to you the moment you think of him.  In Indian society even parents would look at their children as burden at any point of time but grand parents never. They always say with pride that they have become grand parents and garner the grand children with all the love in their world, our grand father was such person.  He became a grand father in his late 40s. Been a white and white man - white dhoti and crip white half slack shirt (cou...

On a late Sunday morning we finally took that step to head out and worship the powerful Balasubramanyar  We took the Chennai by pass from Porur to cover around 40 kms to reach Siruvapuri near Ponneri in the outskirts of Chennai. Had to cross 2 toll booths at NH48 and NH16 for Rs.50 each before reaching the temple. While waiting at the second toll at Sholavaram hunger reached its peak and the queue at the booth was immobile. But once we moved out, Murugar had good plans for us. We were happy to come across A2B on her left hand side. Best location for A2B as this stretch of the NH was missing a good restaurant for a very long time.  Being a Sunday and the time already past 10 AM, the place was heavily crowded but we managed to get a table. Owing to its recnt existence the restaurant look immaculate. Bill for a masala dosa, 2 set puri, 1 sambar vadai and a tea came to Rs.330. Taste and quality was up to the mark. With the tummies full we headed to the temple. We...

Its truly festive times at Kanchi; turn around and all you see are humans, no roads in site. At the same time a humble small town is bombarded with massive crowd. Though there is a plan in place by the authorities to manage the crowd, much needs to be done. Without a full fledged arrangement, the Athivaradhar's dharisanam should not have been publicized to this extent. The devotees are differentiated into VVIPS, DONOR's and general. Each set has its own set of entrance path way to the temple's Vasantha mandapam where the Lord resides for the 48 days. Only vehicle with pass are allowed to get inside the town that too through the road near the fly over which is way beyond the arch which usually takes us inside Kanchipuram. Vehicles entering with the pass are allowed by Policemen and guided by them till the parking lot which is at least 1 km away from the temple. From there one has to walk bare foot to the temple premises and find the entrance pathway. The streets...

The following day dawned in Karaikal at AVS Imperia. We decided to have early breakfast get energized for the day. After having enjoyed a good ambiance at the room we walked in to surprise at the dining hall. Typical Tamil breakfast was laid out. Very well cooked food filled our taste buds. Idly, pongal, upma, kesari, vadai, sambar and 3 types of chutneys were all up to the mark. After enjoying the breakfast we moved out. Visited Kailasanathar temple and Kalyana Perumal Temple both near the Karaikal Amman temple.  Kailasanathar temple is an old and well maintained temple. You don't see the priest but the temple is cleaned, lite and the main deities are secured inside locked gates. There is a cow shed and stock of feed. On a Sunday morning we saw only few men devotees in the temple. This temple has 4 gopurams and one can enter through any of the four streets to the temple. Opposite to the Sivan temple is the Perumal's abode. The nithya kalyana perumal is ...

Thirunallar - When Lord Shaneeswarar takes a prominent place in your horoscope a visit to this temple is a must as it reduces the ill effects. So after postponing for many months we finally took the trip to get the much needed blessings to lower the misfortunes ;). Kollidam view on the way Being 280 kms away from Chennai, it takes more than 7 hours to reach Thirunallar by road. On a Sunday morning we left around 5:30 AM from Chennai. Our breakfast stop was at Saravana hotel just before Pudhuchery. As we drove through the rest of the distance, reached Seerghazi by 9:30 AM. From then on it was bad roads and curvy paths making the remaining drive quiet difficult. We reached Thirunallar beyond 11:30 AM. With the help of our local family friends got the car parked and went about to the temple. First we walked to the temple tank and had the holy dip at the Nalantheertham. We are supposed to leave our dresses there and change in to new ones after bath. This doesn't seem to be ...