Visit to Siruvapuri Sri. Bala Murugan Temple - 40 kms from Chennai - Dec 2023

 40 kms from Chennai City, the amazing abode of Lord Murugan, at Siruvapuri, with amazing history and heritage. The temple vibrations are soul touching and said to help those with dreams of building and getting into new homes.

A pleasant rainy afternoon driving into village, finding the local harvest, peaceful abhisekham at the deity, surely makes your weekend travels worthwhile

For more information, check this blog link:

http://murugan.org/temples/siruvapuri.htm

Siruvapuri Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, a popular deity in the Hindu pantheon. The temple is located in Siruvapuri near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Here's some information about visiting the Siruvapuri Murugan Temple:

1. Location:

   • The temple is situated in Siruvapuri, which is approximately 40 kilometers from Chennai. It is easily accessible by road.

2. Deity:

   • The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya. Lord Murugan is revered as the God of War and Victory, and the temple attracts devotees seeking his blessings.

3. Temple Architecture:

   • The Siruvapuri Murugan Temple features traditional South Indian temple architecture. It typically includes a main sanctum where the main deity resides, along with various other shrines and structures within the temple complex.

4. Poojas and Rituals:

   • The temple conducts various daily and periodic poojas (rituals) dedicated to Lord Murugan. Devotees often participate in these rituals to seek the deity's blessings.

5. Festivals:

   • The temple celebrates various festivals, with special events and processions during important occasions like Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram, and other Murugan-related festivals. Festivals can be vibrant times to visit, with increased spiritual activities.

6. Thirukalyanam (Divine Marriage):

   • The divine marriage ceremony of Lord Murugan is a significant event in many Murugan temples, including Siruvapuri Murugan Temple. Thirukalyanam is a grand celebration that attracts devotees.

7. Visiting Hours:

   • The temple typically has specific visiting hours for devotees. It is advisable to check the temple's official website or contact the temple authorities to get the latest information on opening hours.

8. Attire and Etiquette:

   • Visitors to the temple are expected to dress modestly and adhere to traditional temple etiquette. It's customary to remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum.

9. Accessibility:

• Siruvapuri is well-connected by road, and there are various transportation options available from Chennai. Devotees can reach the temple by private vehicles, taxis, or buses.

Few Pictures from our visit:

Chennai Poets’ Circle conducts Annual Seminar and Launch of the Anthology ‘Efflorescence 2022’ at T. Nagar TAG Auditorium- 22 Jan 2023

 After three years Chennai Poets’ Circle had their annual seminar at T Nagar on a Sunday morning  22 Jan 2023.   

Chennai Poet Circle is a 25-year-old organization with members all over India and abroad and its annual seminar is an event for its high-profile speakers and professional conduct of the event and comraderies the members share, a close-knit relationship they cherish. This year it was held on 22.1.2023 in its annual seminar at TAG Auditorium, Ramakrishna Mission School at T.Nagar, Chennai.

 The annual anthology 'Efflorescence 2022' consisting of poems from 103 poets and 9 young poets are included in this collection. It was a mind-blowing experience to listen to the young poets, as young as 7 years old and definitely Poetry is safe in their hands.  

Dr. V. Rajagopalan, retd HOD of English department Madras Christian College was the chief guest avd addressed the gathering with his scintillating speech. Paper presentations by Saranya Francis and Vishnupriya started the poetry session.

 Famous poets Pankajam Kollareth poem’ The Fire of Passion’, Umasree Raghunath’s ‘Shakthi’ are also included in the anthology. Hema Ravi,  the curator / editor of the anthology Efflorescence 22, and all editorial advisors did a great job and were present at the occasion

#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

Chennai International Book Fair 2023- A annual ritual of visit to the world of books

Pics says it all.   Missed the Notion Press stall this year in the book fair, or probably, I missed being at the right stall.  Enjoyed Queer Publishing Stall,  been to Emerald Publishers owner by my friend Nalini Olivannan and Went in search of Sixth Sense Publications and happy to find the Chennai Bloggers club book - "After the floods'' which had 21 authors writing the anthology and happy being one amongst them.  It feels good to find your book amidst millions of the books in the Book fair !!!

First time the LGBTQ community found a voice at the International Book Fair,  The Queer Publishing stall was quite a big turn for inclusivity in the society.  It makes me feel proud of our Constitution for providing equal rights to all human beings in India.  I know the struggle these trans sisters had on the first couple of days of the book fair, but glad they won their way and finally are able to make few sales for the books through the stall

Felt happy meeting Perivavallavan's mother at the fair and appreciated her for the longest legal battle she fought and won for her son.   I am no one to comment on a judicial proceeding and aftermath long judicial custodies of those involved in a former Prime Minister's assassination.  

But the resilience of the mother, to single handedly fight, run behind court rooms and hearing after hearing., fighting for appeals, went for Presidential Plea and knocked the doors of every politician in search of justice for her son.  The mother showed utmost belief in justice, waited almost 30 long years, amidst long struggle for justice, managing the household, losses and unsurmountable hurdles her way.   

People were amazed to her will and courage, wisdom to understand complex IPC sections to support their case.  She did not hesitate to travel the length and breadth of the country seeking justice.   She left behind her typical shyness, and wore a sleeve of grit and determination with single motive to set her son free before she dies.  She walked thousands of miles and joined every call with the voices of justice,  and she emerged as victorious as any other woman in the history pages of India.  

Jai Ho, to the mothers of this Nation who take on courage as the only weapon as they fight the battles of life.    Jai Ho, to the mothers, who inspite of their own pain, withstand the turbulences to protect their children and families..  Jai Ho to the mothers, all around the world, who keep the wellbeing of the family first than themselves.   Jai Ho every mother,...to my grandmother who raised me, my mother who taught me,  my sisters who mothered me with wisdom and support,  to my daughter, who mothers me with the generational gap knowledge and mother in me who craves to provide love to all around.   Jai Ho Maa Darthi....Jai Ho Mother Earth!!!!  

Thanks to my better half who ensures we visit the book fair every year!!!

It was also so nice to Giri Traders stall having Pooniyan Selvan in English translated by Ms. Sumeetha Manikandan.  

Enjoy Reading..Paper back is the best!!!  Authors, keep writing...The Mighty Pen is powerful than the sword!!!