Book Review : Songstress of Srivilliputtur: Aandal's Journey of Love and Devotion - Author Dhivya Balaji

When I first met Dhivya Balaji, fondly called as DB in the Chennai Bloggers Club group, I was super impressed with her style of speech, choice of words and quality of clarity when it comes to handling books as an Editor.   Siddharth and I initially wanted DB to do the editing of our book "Simply being Sidd",  however Notion Press offered it as a package and we went ahead with them, later on to regret not engaging DB in the work

As she pinged me couple of years later, I was amused by her growth as a Author and Book Editor.  Her style of editing improved, her writing skills were top-notch and choice of words much more classy and had its own pitch in the readers mind.   

She uses Simple words, sometimes in Tanglish - a mix of Tamil and English in her book "Songstress of Srivilliputtur" and it makes the book much more enjoyable.  Honestly, every time I visit a 'Sriman Narayana' temple, I used to stand and watch the "Andal" sanithi in awe, admiration and devotion.   This book only strengthen my bond with Andal in wholesome

Madurai Artist - Oviyar Maruthi (I dont want to call him Late despite the fact he passed away this year),  because there is no real death to an artist.   They live on the work they leave behind.   The cover page of this book stands as a strong testimony to the amazing art of the Oviyar Maruthi from Madurai.  Dhivya indeed made him eternal through her book.

Every chapter takes you one step closer to Kodai and her devotion to Lord Srirangan, Sriman Narayana, Sri Ranganathar, which ever form you want to call him.  Trust me, this is the best and probably the only book in English that speaks to you, takes you to the world of Andal.   Kodhai.. found under the Tulsi tree, garlanding herself before sending the garlands to her Lord, there are such instances, that touch your heart and soul.

Andal from just being a form of Goddess, Alwar, to us, we find her an angel in devotion to her Lord, a poetess who weaves words to enrich the greatness of her God, and the love that has no parallel.   Dhivya manages to keep up the momentum of the story across the chapters of the book.   It is very tough to right about this genre in specifically about a character that lived hundreds of years ago, who keeps mesmerizing us with the beauty and her utmost devotion and love.  This love makes me compare the love of Radha-Krishna,  Ramar and Sabari,  Meera and Krishna and every other eternal form of beauty of the heart we have known

Dhivya Balaji succeeds as a writer for the simple reason that she keeps her reader glued to the context of the story.  I started it actually months ago and took a break for my daughters marriage and spent last few days after my hectic work schedules as I found this book giving me peace, feeling of satisfaction of reading a great facto-fiction filled with prose and poetry and making my day end with its beauty.  The madness of work, used to stress me out and couple of chapters after that used to make me feel stressfree.   If that is what this book can do to me, I am sure it would bless all its readers., in its own way

My mom's Tirupavvai singing found a new meaning after I read this book.  The love of an young girl touched my heart as she yearns for her Lord.   This book made me fall in love all over again with my Sriman Narayana....honestly, I wished I lived like her.   The love she felt and showed to her God and the beauty of the poems she weaved for HIM.   

Dhivya Balaji,  thank you for writing this book.   This book is here to stay.  This book is a script for a movie.   This book reminds me of 'Avvaiyar" movie, and makes me feel, one day, some director will find this and dream this as a worthy project.   

Loved reading the "Songstress of Srivilliputtur".   Thank you DB!

#KnowYourCity, #KnowYourChennai- Magnificent Churches of Chennai City - Part- 3 - Little Mount National Shrine & St.Thomas Cave, Little Mount,, Chennai

 Little Mount National Shrine (Chinnamalai)

1. According to legend, St. Thomas, a disciple of Christ, lived out the remainder of his days in a rocky cave, known as Little Mount (Chinnamalai).
2. Today, Little Mount is home to a Portuguese church dating back to 1551, as well as a small altar to St. Thomas and a palm print believed to be left by Thomas himself as he fled.
3. This historical place has been made sacred by the presence of St. Thomas, the Apostle. He was the first missionary, a direct witness of Jesus, who handed over the Christian faith in the first century.
4. Little Mount is a cave in which St. Thomas hid in AD 68 and did penance. There is an opening to the east of the cave through which St. Thomas escaped when his pursuers caught up with him here. 
5. The palm print and hand print near the tunnel’s entrance are believed to be those of St. Thomas himself. 
6. We will also see the masonry cross cut at the top of the hill which is believed to be the cross before which St. Thomas prayed.   
7. Another interesting aspect of this cave is the spring inside the hill which is perennial and is supposed to be the miraculous creation of the St. Thomas himself
8. The cave at Little Mount is a treasured memory of St. Thomas, as it offered him a silent and serene space to reenergise himself in prayer and meditation to preach to the people and to baptise them.
9. An impression of the apostle’s own hand, the bleeding cross, the perpetual spring and the right foot impression of St. Thomas evoke revered memories of his presence at Little Mount, who exclaimed in profound faith: “My Lord and My God!”
10. He was stabbed to death and martyred at St. Thomas Mount. He was buried at Santhome, where the magnificent cathedral now stands.

Faith:  Roman Catholic,  Timings : 6 am - 8 pm Location:  

Little Mount, before Saidapet Court

https://littlemountshrine.org/

#KnowYourCity, #KnowYourChennai- Magnificent Churches of Chennai City - Part- 2 - Luz Church, Mylapore, Chennai

1.  Commonly referred to as the ‘Church of Our Lady of Light,’ the Luz Church was built by the Portuguese in the year 1516. 
2. Though it was renovated under the British rule, the architecture that we see at present has typical Portuguese designs. 
3. According to folklore, when Portuguese sailors were once caught in the rough sea, they saw a bright white light that guided them to the shore. 
4. Later, a church was constructed at the same place after a few years.
5. Besides the main altar, which is the key attraction of the church, the structure has beautiful patterns of Baroque ornamentation and Gothic arches. 
6. The gilt-carved wooden reredos cover the entire wall behind the altar and look beautiful.
7. Every year, on the 15th of August, a grand mass and car procession is organized to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Light
8. Location: Mylapore, Chennai
9. Timings: 08:00 am – 11:00 am, 01:00 pm – 05:00 pm (All days of the week)
10. Denomination/Affiliation: Roman Catholic

#Food Blogger #Food Review : Bhale Bhale food and hospitality at BANGHRA - Punjabi Restaurant near Mayajaal ECR Road, Chennai

After a sumptuous meal in the afternoon - celebrating PONGAL Festival at home, we as a family wanted to drive down in the famous ECR road, visit a temple and then have dinner outside.  

The crowds at ECR Chinmaya Mission Matsya Narayana temple, was too much and there was no parking possible anywhere near by.   So we decided to drive further down to Sri Jaganatha Puri temple opposite to Mayajaal crossing the Reddikupam fish market (Ofcourse, we did buy the fish coming back home)...and then when it was time for dinner, our young adults were sure that we go to 'Bhangra'... especially after seeing the 4.9/5 rating in the Google ((google uncle never tells lies))   

The restaurant was  overflowing when we visited, and we had a waiting time of around 20 mins and then got a table for 8 of us.   The menu card itself was tempting with so many options and authentic punjabi kanna...we went ahead ordering 3 big Thali's  - 2 non veg and 1 veg, and the Thali can be shared by 2 or 3 people easily.   The brocolli cream tandori starter was mouth-watering and finely cooked.  The corn stuffed starter was equally good, and crispy outside and creamy and softer inside with right blend of spices.   The papad and masala chutneys was equally good.    Then came the Soups, salad, 3 starters, naan, roti, pulov rice and a whole bunch of gravies including Mutton, Chicken, Egg curries and with the kheer and traditional lassi.   The veg side was equally appealing with aloo-mutter, rajma, finely made dal tadka,  dal  makhani and nice tomoto soup.  

It was great meeting the owner Navtej bhai,  who ensured every customer is attended aptly, he took time to come and speak to us if we would need anything else,  suggesting us dishes and ensuring we had a good time.   Finally we felt the experience truly enriching and definetly the restuarant is worth the raving ratings it is receiving.    Honestly we could not finish everything we ordered, for the quantities were also higher than what we expected.  No wasting of food, and the staff was courteous to ensure we get the food packed to take home on the extra orders we made.   

If you are driving down in the ECR, stop by Bhangra and you would surely not be disappointed.   For a rich spread of both veg and non-veg, your taste buds will be surely tickling long after you leave the place too.    If you have a group of food lovers, I am sure this place provides the best dining experience.     Bhale Bhale Bhangra!!!   Punjabi's are known for their hospitality and love in serving food and you will surely experience this at Bhangra.   

#KnowYourCity, #KnowYourChennai- Magnificent Churches of Chennai City - Part- 1 - Santhome Basilica and Tomb of St. Thomas (Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai)

• First constructed by the Portugese in the 16th century, this church was subsequently renovated by the British in the late 19th century when they came into power.
• This church is significant because it is believed that St. Thomas stayed at the place where it was erected for approximately 20 years, making the land the church is built on divine.
• St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica is a minor basilica in Chennai and is one of the most important religious sites for Christians around the world.
• This stunning piece of architecture with an all-white facade is built in Neo-gothic style, naturally lit interiors and huge windows with coloured panes.
• As the church is close to the ocean, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that it is among the most beautiful churches in the world. The structure that you see today is a result of multiple renovations that the Basilica underwent over the last few centuries.
• The religious significance of the cathedral is linked to the belief that one of the 12 apostles of the Christ visited the place in the middle of the first century, and was put to death at St. Thomas Mount in 72 A.D. St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica was built on top of his final resting place.
• The church also houses a museum that has the fingerprint of the apostle and wall paintings depicting his life and death. The lance head that killed the apostle, a rare piece of precious bone, an episcopal chair and stone receptacle are also kept in the museum
• Christmas is a good time to visit this church. This is the biggest church in Chennai. Denomination/Affiliation: Roman Catholic
• Location: Santhome High Road, Chennai
• Timings: 06:00 am – 09:00 pm (All days of the week)