Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Ritual purification.

Ritual purification is a feature of almost every major and tribal religion in the world. And this ritual mostly involves the use of water, ranging from total submersion to a symbolic sprinkling or sipping.
The attached photographs are of holy dips and bathing in sacred rivers like Ganga, Godavari and Krishna and at Temple ponds known as Gundam / Koneru or PushkariniFor Hindus taking holy dips at these sacred water bodies, more so on auspicious dates is believed to wash away their sins, purify the soul and help in attaining Moksha. Water from such places is considered very holy and is carried home in small quantities for purification of the house and for ceremonies that are performed at home.
During ceremonial baths and for orthodox Hindus at the time of every bath at home or anywhere, the following Sloka is recited to invoke the presence and blessings of sacred rivers:
“Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru”
The literal meaning of this Sloka is – “In this water, I invoke the presence of divine waters from River Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sarswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri, these rivers are considered as Goddesses and I pray to them for considering me for their blessings”. And reciting this Sloka with a sincere heart brings the benefit of taking bath in these holy rivers. You may see the below video to listen to the recitation of this Sloka:
Achamanam is the most important daily ritual for Hindus. It is another purification ritual with water, that is believed to cure all physical and mental illnesses and is performed on daily basis during Sandhyavandanam and at the beginning of all poojas. It involves sipping of water three times, while reciting the name of God as Achyutaya Namaha, Anantaya Namaha and Govindaya Namaha.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Congratulations Telangana! The 29th State of India.

Congratulations to everyone from Telangana! Telangana State has ultimately become a reality!
Thanks to each and everyone who struggled in the last six decades to make this a reality. And thank you TRS, INC and BJP.
- N. Raghu.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Remembering a happy event from the distant past of my mother with her grandchildren!

Here is one among many pictures of my mother with grandchildren which is filled with emotion and tells a happy story. It is a special picture as she is with nine grandchildren! Feeding a tasty morsel to the children by rotation! On a Rakhi Purnima Festival day. Such photographs evoke strong emotions.
The children have grown-up and some of them have moved out to distant lands and my mother has passed away two weeks ago at the age of 94 years. Many fond memories remain of her, some through such photographs and many more through never ending thoughts.
From left to right the children are Srinath, Uma Rani, Uday Bhasker, Sudheer, Venkata Pathi, Usha Rani, Sridhar, Lavanya and Srikanth.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

In loving memory of my mother, Smt. Eshwaramma.

Smt. N. Eshwaramma.
(1920 – 4th February 2014)


My mother Smt. N. Eshwaramma expired yesterday, 4th February and the cremation took place today, 5th February in the company of all near and dear. She was 94 years old and passed away peacefully in her sleep. She led a very healthy and eventful life supporting the family every moment and in every possible way. All that I am and the family is and hope to be, we owe to my beloved mother.


Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard,
But always near,
So loved, so missed,
So very dear.



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