Golu @ Mohana's

 Golu @ Mohana’s !!

 

Every year, during Navaratri, I eagerly look forward to getting invited to view Golu at Mohana’s residence.

And while the elaborate display of dolls and idols is the main attraction, I have one more incentive – hot freshly brewed filter coffee and ‘prasadam’ !!

 

Here is one family that puts up Golu every year without a break, more elaborate than the previous year and, with very interesting themes.

While last year’s golu had multiple themes, this year’s display was focussed on one of South India’s famous 14 century saint poet and philosopher Sri Vedanta Desikhar.

I am impressed and fascinated at the sheer amount of details that the family goes thru and so painstakingly creates the various themes.

Many exhibits as intricately handcrafted in order to weave a wonderful story. I can imagine the huge amount of time, patience and effort, teamwork & research that must go into making such an elaborate Golu display every year.

 Last year I was fortunate to view another similarly  impressive Golu display focussed on  India’s Space mission – starting from Dr. Vikram Sarabha’s vision thru the various space ventures from Aryabhatta to Chandrayan and Mangalyaan and future. This was at Krishna Kumar’s residence. And KK’s wife Nirmala is a space scientist at ISRO !

 Golu:  A traditional Golu is made up of odd number of steps- 1,  3 or 5 or 7 and so on. The top steps are occupied by the main Gods and Goddess, their Avartaars  and other deities.  And the traditional   idols would be made of mud , painted with bright & brilliant colors.  And there would be the mandatory ‘Marapachhis’ – two wood carved figurines of a man and a woman (and a child  as well in some cases) .

The rest of the shelves are left to imagination and creativity. And in most cases, they include social themes, depict regular life, marriages and other events.

And most Golus also display the many toys and artifacts that the family collects each time they travel to a new place  and/or when the family goes on a pilgrimage and picks up a few memorabilia displayed in the various shops in and around the temples.

 And in my good old days there used to be a few bommais that were a permanent  feature in every golu. Nowadays one does not get to see them anymore .

Remember the Air India Maharaja bowing his majestic head /  the brightly painted peacock and elephant studded with small diamond-shaped mirrors /  the ‘thala atti bommai’ ( dancing pair) / the fat, round bottomed chettiiar and his wife who could not be toppled over / the wooden chimpanzee hanging precariously – fingers on one hand gripping the edge of a golu step while clutching a banana in his other hand  /  the pallanguzhi and schozhi set etc ? 

I am sure a few of these can still be found buried in the bottom of a few old golu pottis stored in the attic  of our ancestoral homes !!

 

And coming back to the present topic…

Golu at Mohana’s is a class apart!

The display, covering half of their drawing room has 3 sections.

A five step, a three step and a single step arrangement.

The main five step section displays all the regular traditional idols and other ‘bommais’ that you would see in almost all golus –

The first two steps adorned with Lord Venkateshwara, his consort Alamelumanga (also known as ‘thayaar’ or holy mother) and the ten avataars of Vishnu, the Dasavatharams.

Dashavataram :  The ten primary incarnations of the Lord Vishnu

Matsya – The fish who saved the Vedas.  / Kurma – The tortoise who supported Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean. / Varaha – The boar who rescued the Earth. / Narasimha – The half-man, half-lion who destroyed the demon Hiranyakashipu. / Vamana – The dwarf who subdued King Bali./ Parashurama – The warrior with an axe who removed corrupt kings. / Rama – The prince of Ayodhya who defeated Ravana. / Krishna – The divine statesman and cowherd / Balaram – The elder brother of Sri Krishna and an incarnate of Adi-Sesha the serpent king. /Kalki – The future warrior expected at the end of the Kali Yuga.

 
Nava-Narasimhar

At Ahobilam (Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh),  Lord Narasimha is believed to have appeared to protect Prahlada.  

Thw ninee forms of Narasimhan avatar as depicted in the golu…

 Ahobila Narasimha (Ugra Narasimha) – The main self-manifested (Svayambhu) fierce form. / Jwala Narasimha – The blazing, multi-armed form on the hill (Achalachaya Meru) where Hiranyakashipu was slain. /  Malola Narasimha – A graceful (soumya) form seated with Goddess Lakshmi. / Krodakara (Varaha) Narasimha – A form featuring the face of a boar (Varaha) with Lakshmi. / Karanja Narasimha – Shrinem situated under a Karanja tree.  Yogananda Narasimha – The peaceful posture taught to Prahlada after the battle. / Chatravata Narasimha – The deity installed under a peepal/banyan tree.  / Pavana Narasimha – Located on the banks of the Pavana River. / Bhargava Narasimha – Situated near Bhargava Theertham, Parashurama performed penance

Ashta Lakshmi:    Ashta Lakshmi refers to the eight sacred manifestations of the Goddess Lakshmi. The golu displays ..

Adi Lakshmi (Primal Lakshmi): The primordial, original form of the goddess who grants spiritual wealth and liberation (moksha). / Dhana Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth): The bestower of material riches, money, and financial stability. / Dhanya Lakshmi (Goddess of Grain): The provider of agricultural wealth, food crops, and nourishment. / Gaja Lakshmi (Goddess of Power): The royal form—depicted with two elephants showering water—who grants strength, sovereign power, and animal wealth. / Santana Lakshmi (Goddess of Progeny): The protector and blesser of family lineage, children, and descendants. / Dhairya Lakshmi / Veera Lakshmi (Goddess of Courage): The bestower of valor, inner strength, and the ability to face life's challenges./ Vijaya Lakshmi (Goddess of Victory): The symbol of triumph, perseverance, and success in all endeavors. / Vidya Lakshmi (Goddess of Knowledge): The source of education, arts, sciences, and spiritual wisdom !!

 

The 12 Alwaars :  Apostles of Lord Vshnu:  The 12 Alvar Saints

Poigai Alvar / Bhutattalwar (Bhoothath Alvar) /Peyalwar (Pei Alvar) / Thirumazhisai Alvar / Nammalvar (regarded as the foremost) / Madhurakavi Alvar / Kulasekhara Alvar / Periyalvar / Andal (the only female Alvar) / Thondaradippodi Alvar / Thiruppanalwar (Thiruppaan Alvar) / Thirumangai Alvar.

 The naalayira diva prabandam (fourthousand heavenly compositions) is a compilation of all their devotional hymns. They were complied by the 9^th century theologian, Nadamuni.

 

And an assortment of gods, Tulsidas chanting hanuman chalisa and Meer Bai singing praised on Krishna,  and a happy family praying together.

 

The second section consisting of 5 steps traces the life and works of  Sri Vedanta Desika.

Swami Vedanta Desika is believed to be the divine incarnation (avatar) of the sacred hand-bell used in the worship of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.

As per legend an unfortunate childless couple, Anantasuri and Totaramba, went on a pilgrimage to Tirumala. Lord Srinivasa (Venkateswara) and Padmavati appeared in their dreams as a Sri Vaishnava youth and handed over a small golden bell, which Totaramba swallowed.

The next morning, the temple priests found the small hand-bell missing from the sanctum sanctorum. Through an avesa (spiritual trance), the Lord revealed that He had gifted the bell to Totaramba so it could be born as a great scholar and acharya.

In accordance with this legend, the small hand-bell is no longer used inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple during Naivedyam or Tiruvaradhana. Only the large suspended bell in the front hall is rung for such pujas.

 Born in 1268 CE in Thoopul (Kanchipuram) as Venkatanatha (Vedanta Desika), he grew up to be a preeminent Sri Vaishnava philosopher, poet, and polymath (a person who is an expert on many subjects and disciplines).

Living to the remarkable age of 101, he was a prolific writer, composer, poet and  philosopher. His works covered a wide span of subjects and focussed on reinforcing Ramanujacharya framework of Advait philosophy  (non-dualism).

 Vedanta Desika systematized, defended, and expanded it through monumental literary and philosophical works in Sanskrit, Tamil, Prakrit, and Manipravalam (a stylized blend of Tamil and Sanskrit.

 Some of his well known works include ..

Paduka-sahasram (The Thousand Verses on the Lord’s Sandals)

One of Desika's most renowned literary feats involved his fierce scholarly debates with rival schools of thought in Srirangam (near Tiruchirapalli).

A rival scholar who wished to  demonstrate his  depth of Sanskrit devotional poetry, challenged Desika to compose one thousand verses in a single night.

Desika reluctantly accepted the challenge but soon forgot about is while performing his daily duties and prayers to the Lord.  He woke up at 2 AM.  in the night, suddenly remembering the challenge.  He sat before the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ranganatha , holding the Lord’s sandals in his hands and began composing the Paduka-Sahasram (The Thousand Verses on the Lord's Sandals). Working with astonishing speed, he completed all 1,008 intricate, melodious verses before dawn broke. When the rival scholar arrived in the morning, he was left stunned and humbled, acknowledging Desika's divine poetic genius.

 

Yadabhyudayam: An epic poem detailing the life and divine plays of Lord Krishna, written at the request of the royal court of Vijayanagara.

This magnum pus consists of more than 2500 verses and is based on the contents of the Bhagavat Purana. The epic traces the complete life and divine sports (leelas) of Lord Krishna. Starting with his birth in Mathura, / upbringing and childhood pastimes in Gokul /  Defeating various demons, lifting Mount Govardhana, and vividly narrating  the early exploits of Krishna. His marriage to Rukmini and other queens, life, governance, and events in Dvaraka. And up to the later events surrounding the Kurukshetra War and the Geetopadesham and establishing the righteous rule of the Pandavas.

 

 Raghuveera Gadhyam.  Also known as Mahavira vaibhavam  - The Glory of the great hero (Lord Rama)

He sequentially summarised the entire epic of Valmiki;s Ramayana moving chronologically thru all the seven kandas of the Ramacharitramanas -  from Bal kanda / Ayodhya / Aranya / Kishkinda / Sundara / Yuddha and to Uttara kanda. He highlighted key events, battles, breaking of Lord Shiva’s bow, alliance with the vanaras in Kishkinda, bridge building , slaying Ravana, and the restoration of righteous rule.

 

Sri Garuda Dandakam: A sacred Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Garuda, the divine mount of Lord Vishnu.

Legend has it that a snake-charmer challenged Vedanta Desika's powers and launched a dozen venomous snakes towards him. Desika chanted the Garuda Mantra and recited these hymns, causing Garuda to appear and scare away  all the snakes.

The composition of hymn praises Garuda's supreme speed, radiance, strength, his role as Lord Vishnu's carrier, his form adorned with serpents, and his embodiment of the five vital airs (Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana & Vyana).

 

The Godha Stuthi   This is a famous 29 verse snaskrit hymn sung in praise of  Goddess Godha (Sri Andal),  when Desika visited Sri Villiputtur and beheld the divine form of Godha Lakshmi and Lord  Rangaatha.

Check out this wonderful recitation …   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVdQ-VPiSbY

 

Dayāśatakam is a celebrated 108-verse Sanskrit devotional hymns dedicated to Dayā (divine mercy or compassion) as the supreme attribute of Lord Srinivasa (Venkateshwara) at Tirupati. Instead of praising the Lord's general traits, this poem exclusively glorifies His singular quality of Dayā.

Dayā is personified as a divine female entity—Dayādevi—elevated as a consort of the Lord (analogous to and sometimes portrayed as an alter ego of Mahalakshmi)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The third section depicts Lord Ranganatha in Anantha sayanam pose reclining on the huge serpent Adiseshan.

 And the last piece of the ensemble is Garuda Seva procession. Lord Malayappan Swamy,  Uttsavar or the processional form  of Lord Venkateswara is seated on the golden Garuda Vahanam. And he procession moves around the four sacred streets surrounding the hill shrine at Tirumala.

 And at the end of Navaratri, after Saraswati puja , these idols will be rested on their sides for the night and the next day carefully wrapped and pack into the golu potti !!

 

Krish//

 

 

 

 

Our Sages had a short Fuse !

 

Our ancient texts, the Puranas, the Itihasas and other scriptures are generously sprinkled with stories, anecdotes and incidents wherein many of our great Rishis and Maharishis  reached flashpoints at a blink of an eye.  And they had a very short temper, a boiling rage that could be unleashed instantly. An enormous ego and tremendous power to inflict pain & suffering to anyone who upset them in any way, whether intentionally or not.  Even a minor oversight invoked their wrath that resulted in the declaration of  a deadly Shraap (curse) to the unfortunate and often innocent victim.

Maharishis and rishis — most famously Durvasacharya, but also Agastya, Gautama, Bhrigu, Vishwamitra and others — are shown as quick to anger and swift to pronounce Shraap. The archetype is so strong that it has become a cultural trope: disturb or disrespect a sage at your peril.

Pix: Even Gods & Goddess are not immune to a Maharishi’s Shtaap !

Immense stored power (tapas-shakti / tejas) : Sages undertake severe austerities, meditation, and observe brahmacharya for years or lifetimes. This builds up a reservoir of spiritual energy. Their words — especially when spoken with intense emotion — carry the force of reality itself (vāk shakti).

A calm blessing can create boons too.

Anger releases that energy as a Shraap. Cursing actually drains some of their accumulated power, which is why they often retire again for more penance to ‘top up’ their reserves. Gods, kings, and even demons fear a rishi’s anger precisely because it is not ordinary human rage — it is backed by cosmic force.

 Shraaps are an excellent plot engines. They explain why certain things happen in the universe – in a dramatic way , of course.

Why a king is reborn as a demon, why a beautiful woman becomes a stone, why the gods lose their strength and need the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean — triggered by Durvasa’s curse on Indra). Almost every major story arc in the Puranas has a curse as its trigger or turning point.

Pix: Samudra Manthan – Churning the ocean of milk to harvest Amrut!

However, all  Shraaps are not permanent for the victims  to undergo endless suffering.  Many curses in the epics are later softened by the sage himself or fulfilled in a way that grants liberation. Rishis  provided a ‘de-activation’ key that could un-lock the Shraap  at the right time. And by the right person as in the case of Ahilya’s release from stone back to her human form by the touch of Lord Rama’s feet.

The same sage who curses easily also gives magnificent boons. Durvasa curses Indra but also gives Kunti the mantra to summon gods. Curses and boons are not opposites — they are expressions of the same spiritual potency. (e.g., Ahalya’s curse ends with Rama’s touch).

Pix: Kunti gets a boon from Duruvasa – the same sage who is famous and feared for his powerful Shraaps!

  Here are a few stories – some popular and a few not that well known..

Duruvasacharya : 

Pix: Durvasa in Sanskrit ‘difficult to live with’.

He was the son of Anasuya and Atri. According to some Puranas, when Parvati complained that Shiva is difficult to live with because of his intense anger, Shiva  deposited a portion of his anger  in Anasuya.

Duruvasa   often appears to test the humility, hospitality, and dharma of kings, gods, and devotees. His curses expose arrogance or lapses (e.g., Shakuntala forgetting to greet him and King  Ambarisha breaking a fast improperly).

Pix: Sage Duruvasa curses King Ambarisha.

Shakuntala  & Dushyant : One of the most famous Shraaps of Durvasa is cast on  Shakuntala who was so engrossed in the thoughts of her husband Dushyanta that she did not offer Durvasa hospitality  when he came to Sage Kanva’s ashram.   This omission enraged Durvasa rishi, who cursed her that Dushyanta would forget her. Durvasa later relented  and cushioned his Shraap -  Dushyanta would remember her only when a token of remembrance ( his signet ring  as a proof of his relationship)  was shown to him .

Pix: Shakuntala being cursed by Sage Duruvasa.

This story is beautifully captured in Kalidasa’s epic Abhijnanashakuntalam  ( the recognition of Shakuntala)

Duruvasa presented Lord Indra with a garland.  Indra casually placed the garland on his elephant Airavata which shook  its head causing the garland to fall on the ground. Duruvase was enraged at this lack of respect and cursed  Lord Indra to lose all his powers, and immortality of all the Devas.  This in turn led to the churning of the ocean (by devas and asuras)  in order to harvest  the Amrut (nectar of immortality)  - Samudra  Manthana .

He cursed Goddess Saraswati to be born as a human being when she laughed at him for incorrectly reciting the Vedas. She was born as Udaya Bharati , the scholarly wife of Mandana Mishra  (who became the first head of Sringeri Shankara Mutt). She also debated with Adi Shankaracharya and stumped him with the following question:

‘Discuss with me the science and the art of love between the sexes (Kusumastra sastram). Enumerate its forms and expressions. What is its nature and what are its centres? How does it vary in the sexes during the bright and dark fortnights? What are its manifestations in man and woman?’

Pix: Udaya Bharati in debate with Adi Shankaracharya.

And there ae a few more Shraaps that Sage Duruvasa doled out generously during his time .

Parashurama:  Parashurama’s  Shraap on Karna (Mahabharata) is a classic case of an enraged Sage with an unforgiving disposition. .  Parashurama taught  Karna  the art of war and all astras believing that Karna was a Brahmin boy.

One day when Parashurama was sleeping with his head resting on Karna’s lap, a crow sits on Karna’s other leg and starts pecking on his thigh causing it to bleed profusely..  Karna bears the immense pain and sits still so that he may not disturb his sleeping teacher.   When Parashurama wakes up and sees the bleeding leg he discovers that Karna is not a brahmin, because no brahmin can ever endure such a pain. He must be a Kshatriya.

 So when Parashurama realises that Karna (Kunti’s son) is a Kshatriya, he curses him that at the most critical moment of his life he will forget the mantra to use his celestial weapons (like the Brahmastra), which directly leads to his death in the Kurukshetra War.

Pix: Karna defenceless with no power to protect himself.

Amongst all the Vishnu avatars, Parashurama stands apart. He comes with an axe in his hand, his presence like a storm that leaves no room for compromise. His tale is fierce, unsettling, and yet deeply meaningful.

He annihilated the Kshatriyas not once, but twenty-one times. It is a story of grief turned into cosmic purpose, of divine wrath that rises when arrogance threatens to destroy the balance of the world.

Pix: Parashurama – the axe wielding Brahmin turned Kshatriya warrior.

 Sage Gautama cursed his wife Ahilya and turns  her into a stone!   Ahilya was innocent and in one narrative Lord Indra comes disguised as her husband and seduces her.  Her redemption happens when Lord Rama's feet touch the stone and she is revived.

Pix: Ahilya transformed from stone  by Lord Rama.

A rishi’s curse is not petty revenge. It is often portrayed as a surgical correction when someone strays from dharma and threatens universal harmony. The anger gives the wrong-doer a “cause” (the curse) so they can recognise their mistake, suffer the consequences, learn, and eventually return to the right path.

In this sense, the curse is compassionate in the long run — it forces evolution through karma. One traditional explanation is that when a realised being sees dharma being violated on a scale that could unbalance the universe, he uses his power to restore equilibrium. Eg. Parashurama.

 

Sage Jamadagni : In a somewhat similar incident, Sage Jamadagni, in a fit of rage, cursed his wife Renuka for nurturing impure thoughts and losing her concentration while helping the sage perform his Yagna.  

Renuka   goes to the river to collect water for Yagna. There she sees the Gandharva King making love to his wives . She is captivated by the sight.  She gets so much distracted that she momentarily loses her concentration which angers  sage Jamadagni.

The sage even goes to the extent of ordering his sons to kill Renuka. His four sons refuse and they get burnt to ashes. His fifth son Parashuraama obeys his father and beheads his mother.  Later on, when the sage realises his error, he resurrects  Renuka and all his sons and vows never to get angry again.

Pix: Sage Jamadagni orders Parashurama to kill his wife Renuka.

Sages Vishwamitra and sage Bhrigu  were equally known for their anger and fierce temper. Their stories highlight the immense tapas-shakti (spiritual power) of the sages and how their anger often served as a catalyst for larger karmic or dharmic outcomes.

Vishwamitra's journey from a fierce Kshatriya king to a Brahmarishi was marked by intense anger, rivalry with Vashishtha, and repeated tests of his temper. His curses often stemmed from pride, interrupted tapasya, or perceived insults, yet many led to boons, transformations, or greater good in the long run.

He cursed Apsara Rambha for breaking his concentration and turned her into a rock for 10,000 years. She was eventually freed by Sage Vashishta.

Pix: Apsara Rambha distracts Vishwamitra and is cursed into a   stone.

His own sons fell prey to his intense rage and so did river Saraswati whom he cursed to flow with blood, thus disrupting many lives.

His story with Apsara Menaka is well known and how he disowned is own daughter, Shankutala when he learnt that Menaka was sent by Indra to disrupt his penance.

Pix: A classic painting by Ravi Varma - Vishwamitra refuses to see Menaka and his daughter.

These tales humanise the sages. They show that complete mastery over anger, ego, and the mind is extremely rare — even for those who have seen Brahman.

This is a deliberate teaching: if great rishis can slip, ordinary people must be even more vigilant about controlling krodha (anger). Yet, crucially, a rishi’s anger is never ultimately destructive; it almost always leads to a greater good or a future boon. “The anger of the enlightened also does something good for society, whereas even the love of an ignorant person does some harm.”

Pix: Sage Bhrigu

Sage Bhrigu  was no different.  Brighu,  a son of Brahma and a powerful Prajapati is known for curses rooted in rage over injustice, especially harm to his family. His power allowed him to curse even gods, but these often-carried deeper significance for cosmic balance and avatars.

He cursed Lord Vishnu to be reborn many timed and endure human sufferings (when one is parted form his partner). (Lord Rama’s  troubled life as an example).

Pix: Sage Bhrigu with Lord Vishnu.

He cursed Brahma for nor being respectful to him and declared that there  would be no temple to  worship for Brahma. 

To Agni he cast his Shraap that Agni will be always be consumed by fire.

Pix: Sage Bhrigu kicks Lord Vishnu on his chest in order to test who is greatest amongst the trimurthis.

And when Sage Bhrigu was denied entrance into Shiva’s abode because Shiva and Parvati were in their private quarters, he declared  that  Shiva  will be worshipped only as a ‘Linga’  .

 

In summary, the fierce temper and quick curses are not a flaw in the storytelling — they are a feature.

Pix: Guru Dronacharya demands the right thumb of Ekalvya as guru Dakshina.

While this may appear unforgiving, heartless and cruel, according to our sacred texts, they teach respect for spiritual authority, the terrifying responsibility that comes with real power, the inevitability of karma, and the fact that even the highest beings are still working through the last traces of human emotion.

Ultimately, the stories reassure us that even divine anger serves the larger play of dharma and leads the soul back to light.

And to my simple mortal mind, such underlying truth is difficult to comprehend..

 And I would not be surprised if  JK Rowlings derived inspirations for her spells from our own Puranas and Itihasas !!

 

Krish//

(with help from Google & Grok)

Navaratri 2025 @ Sobha Palladian

 

Ten Days / 10 Intense chanting sessions /  16 hosts /  40++ participants!

That sums up the Navaratri 2025 celebrations in Sobha Palladian!!

Hindu religion has a wide range of festivals, traditions and rituals. Many of them have survived over centuries and many still retain the essentials in  rigor, bhakti and enthusiasm  with which they are practised & celebrated today.

Given the diversity of India, the various states, religion, language and cultures and the great many intellectual leaders  and religious people who were born and preached from these places, we literally have thousands of festivals and traditions.

The Cultural committee has done a wonderful job in celebrating a few popular festivals like the recently conducted ONAM and Ganesh Chaturthi  and Holi, Deepavali, Christmas events in a grand scale.  However, it is impossible to give prominence and celebrate every other festival we have in india.

 

So, it is left to smaller groups to take up the baton and organise and observe other traditions , like Saraswati Puja,  Karva Chauth, Golu & Navaratri. And what motivates folks to attend these festivities is not just their devotion but also the delicious prasadams and bhog that are distributed.

Golu and Navaratri tradition has been practised every year since the early residents moved into SP.  A few families put up a grand display of ‘Golu Bommai’ each year.

 

Navratri is traditionally celebrated over nine days, concluding with Dussehra or Vijayadashmi.

The word Navratri means nine nights. During this period , people worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga. Each day is dedicated to a different avatar of the goddess like Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, and so on.

 

Devotees observe fasts, wear different colored clothes each day, and take part in Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are traditional dance forms.

In South, we celebrated with Golu – a colorful display of idols and dolls.

 And as per South Indian tradition we celebrated each day with the chanting of ‘Lalitha Sahasranamam’.

Each day one resident hosted the chanting session in their home and also distributed prasadam at the end of the session.

 

This time the response was overwhelming. While the core group consists of around 12 regulars, this year we had more than 25 attendees each day. And the enthusiasm and devotion and the chorus recital of Lalitha Sahasranamam was amazing!

People turned up and were seated on time – 100%

The Lalitha Sahasranamam chanting starred on-the-dot at 4.30 PM each day.

People wore the specified colored attiire each day as specified.  Bright, vibrant &  colourful pattu (silk) sarees with matching jewellery & accessories.

And if one were to roughly compute the prices of all the sarees and jewellery worn over these ten days, the amount would easily fetch an apartment in Sobha Palladian !!

And here is a snapshot of each day’s happenings…..

Day 1 @ Seshambal & Prabha’s. # 2051

Dress color : White / Ivory.  White – For Peace & purity

Pratipada Puja for Maa Shailiputri

Prasadam : Black chana shundal and Mysuru Pak !

Shaila means mountain and putri means daughter. Since Goddess Parvati is the daughter of the Mountain God, she is given importance on this day.

And as we enter their apartment, we are greeted by a wonderful Golu display. A twin tower Golu, 5 steps each displaying all the traditional dolls.  

Check out the beautiful Tanjavur paintings on the wall and the bright red saree clad ‘KuttuVilllakku’ (Blass lamp) in the centre of the two towers.

And the first day of Navaratri started on a strong note.  We had a house-full attendance !!

And for more photos ....

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cDoAU475Hfzx46b1A

Day 2 @ Jayashree’s (4041), co-hosted by Preeti (1061) & Vinaya(1063)

Dress color : Red.  Red – For Energy, & strength 

Dwitiya  Puja for Maa Brahmacharini

Prasadam : Badam milk, Kabuli chana shundal & Assorted Indian sweet packet from Asha sweets !

Goddess Brahmacharini is a form of Durga Devi and she is the one who reduces anger. Hence, the second day is dedicated to this Goddess.

Day 2 @ Jayashree’s home was red in full bloom !

Gorgeous silk sarees covered every inch of her hall!

More Photos ??  Check them out .....

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KN8QUHm1pcKZyLGT7

Day 3 @ Dhyuti & Mohana’s # 4055

Dress color : Blue.   Royal Blue –  For Courage & protection 

Tritiya  Puja for Maa Chandraghanta

Prasadam:  Masala Milk, Pattani  shundal (green peas)  & Occarai (a Tirunelveli speciality sweet made from Bengal gram, jaggery) !

It is believed that Mata Chandraghanta  has a third eye and fights against evil demons. During puja, jasmine flowers are offered to please her. 

Here again we saw a splendid array of dolls in a seven step Golu. 

Along with the traditional figures of gods and goddesses and the mandatory social themes there were two ‘Annex’.  One depicting Bhakt Prahalad enduring the atrocities showered on him by hi s father Hiranyakashapu and  the second, Hanuman’s visit to Sri Lanka.

If you look carefully, you can spot Ravana’s durbar where Hanuman towers over him sitting on his giant coiled tail, the Ram-Sethu with Hanuman carrying Ram & Lakshman on his shoulder,  & the Ashoka Van to name a few.

Well depicted scenes – especially the small water tank where Asuras try to drown Bhakt Prahalad !!

And the Marapachhi Bommai, the musicians and the Amul baby / the saree clad Kuttuvilakku &  and the Kolam on water!

And the ladies in Blue turned up in encouraging numbers .

And for more photos …

https://photos.app.goo.gl/M6uep5tsi7FjJkvi6

Day 4 @ Jayashree’s hosted by Ranju (3066) & Ruchika(3024)

Dress color : Yellow  . Yellow – For Happiness & positivity

Chaturthi  Puja for Maa Kushmanda

Prasadam :  Masala Milk, Sabudana Khichri, Suji halwa

This day is dedicated for Goddess Kushmanda. Her name means ‘cosmic egg’ and she is known to spread energy and warmth to everyone.

 
And once again Jayashree’s home was jam packed. And this time the fiery red was replaced with golden yellow !

Check it out ??

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/cLrgSkJsTZovvvhD6

Day 5 @ Jayanthi’s # 2001

Dress color : Green    For Prosperity & growth

Panchami  Puja for Maa Skandamata

Prasadam :  Kabuli Chana , South Indian Rava Kesari

Mata Skandamata is one who rules over Budh (planet Mercury). She is revered as praised for both fierce and loving.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6rrENqipctmcA34j9

Day 6 @ Nirmala’s # 3002

Dress color : Grey     Grey – For Stability & wisdom

Sashtami :Maa Katyayani Puja.

Prasadam :  Dry fruit payasam, Pattani (Chickpeas) shundal, sweet appam&  Maa laddoo.

 A mega 9-step Golu invites all the participants into Nirmala’s home.

This Golu transports us form the beginning of time with Brahma, Vishnu , Shiva and follows thru the Matsya avatar to Kalki avatar age.

And it traces the evolution of India’s Space program.

Remember Nirmala works for ISRO and was one of the lead scientists involved int the recent successful Chandrayaan mission.

On 14 July 2023, Chandrayaan-3 was successfully launched on LVM3 and was inserted in the lunar sphere of gravitational influence on 5 August 2023.^[51] On 23 August 2023, the lander Vikram successfully soft landed in the lunar south pole region, achieving humanity's first soft landing in the region and making India the fourth country to soft land on the Moon after Soviet Union, United States and China

In this Golu you can see the very first attempt where a rocket was hauled on a bullock cart on Trivandrum beach for it test launch.  Yes, you can see the bullock cart!

And ISRO’s vision for 2025 and beyond!  And the father of Indian Space Mission Dr Vikram Sarabhai watches this display from above !

Our salute to Nirmala plus Kalai (3005)  & Kiruba (5016)  for their contribution to our space program!!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Qny5Ms3x5BHuQhCA

  

Day 7 @ Jayashree Nataraj’s  # 1031

Dress code : Orange    Orange – For Power &  enthusiasm

Saptami. Maa Kalaratri Puja

Prasadam :   Daliya-Coconut milk  payasam, Kadala parupppu shundal

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DSzqVvYgoBs5BJmu6

Day 8 @ Janhavi’s (5001), co-host Sangeeta Mahadevan (5024)  

Dress color :  Peacock Green      Peacock Green – For Harmony & balance

Ashtami         Maa Mahagauri   Saraswati Avahan, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja

 Prasadam: Kabuli Chana Shundal, Hayagreeva (made from Yellow channa dal, jaggery , grated coconut, nutmeg & cardamom) – some what similar to ‘puran poli’ fillings. And the famous Big Mishra Dharwad peda pack.

A beautiful and intricately decorated Mahalaksmi Idol adorns the Puja shelf.

This is the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi (also called Ambabai, consort of Lord Venkateshwara). Kolhapur is one of the major shakti peetam.  

People believe that a visit to Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple is compulsory after visiting Tirupati.

The temple thoughtfully provides a darshan of Tirupati too !! As we walk along in Q towards the sanctum sanctorum, we pass by a small shrine of Tirupati Venkateshwara. We take his blessings before entering the Mahalakshmi shrine.

Once again, the room is packed, this time in peacock bule sarees.

And the patio came to life with bright smiling faces!!!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bYPSNnBm2cvmWwEn6

  Day 9 @ Padma’s #5031, co hosted with Moti Sai Vasudevan

Dress color :   Pink  for Love & devotion

Navami     Maa Siddhidatri   Durga Ashtami,

Prasadam Multigrain Shundal, Aravana payasam, Jackfruit payasam.  Organic laddoos and ribbon pakoda.  Jack fruit came from Padma’s own estate.

Goddess Kamakshi flanked by Gaja Lakshmi (left) and Saraswati (right)

Check out the simple, elegant South Indian traditional Yezha Kolam ( geometric curves drawn with Rice paste).

Yezhai Kolam – not to be confused with the popular Christmas song ….

https://in.video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=yezhai+kolam+song&type=E210IN1357G0#id=1&vid=2a61372fa8bcc9d6056402977f6a49c1&action=click

 And we had full attendance – The seniors and the smiling young@hearts !

Check out more photos @ https://photos.app.goo.gl/6BcxbAjymJqvGeVWA

 Day 10 @ Aparajita’s

We concluded on Saraswati Puja  day with the chanting of Lalitha Sahasranamam followed Durga Saptha Shloki.

Prasadam    Groundnut Shundal, Red rice milk payasam.

 Many of us performed Saraswati Puja as well as Ayudhha Puja.

And at Sobha Palladian, the MC team and all the support staff performed Saraswati Puja at the MC room.

 The entire 10 day event was meticulously compiled and directed by Ms Seshambal Satyavasu, who also was the prime lead for the chanting sessions. And apart from leading the weekly chanting sessions she has also conducted regular classes in Narayaneeyam, Bhagavat Gita and Sundarakandam .

Little Ashvika (Ammu, 2054))  led the tradition of singing a song at the end of each chanting session.  Many others followed with enthusiasm and bhakti.

Little Varnika (Leela’s daughter) sang the geetam Shree Gananatha along with Ammu.

Prabha, Sukanya, Ashalatha, Harsha, Sandhya, Moti Sai Vasudevan , Akila (Padma’s sister) and one special invitee @ Nirmala’s, sang  many devotional songs to mark the end of each session.

Another highlight was the superb rendition of  Shree Suktam & Durga Suktam   by mother & daughter duo – Sangeeta & Anuradha.  Amazing performance!!  

Ms Jayashree Srinivasan encouraged many of her friends and initiated them into attending the Navaratri events and they participated enthusiastically. She also co-hosted a few of them in her chanting sessions – Preeti, Vinaya, Ranju & Ruchika Sunil. Our thanks to Jayashree for her enthusiasm and initiatives.

And I must recognise  the super-seniors who regularly attend our weekly chantings without fail.  Thank you for your support, encouragement and your blessings.

And of course, a big thank you to all the participants for turning up in such encouraging numbers each day and making this event very memorable.

The daily Google photo albums will preserve these moments!   

Wishing all of you an abundance of new learnings, knowledge and wisdom !

Stay Healthy & God Bless!

Jayanthi / Krish// 2001 SP

2 Oct 2025