The Gentle Giants We Love - Celebrating World Elephant Day

A Live Chinese Canopy for the Cars!

 

About twenty-four years ago, I bought a small ornamental plant from the local market for our modest garden. It was sold under the name Ficus Panda, admired for its attractive foliage and air-purifying qualities. The vendor assured me that, with occasional pruning, it would grow to a manageable height of about six feet.

At that time, my mother, then around eighty-five years old, lovingly tended our little garden. After a while, I asked her to stop and took over its care. The plant, however, did not seem very happy in its original location and showed little growth. Thinking it needed more sunlight, I transplanted it to a corner of our compound where it could receive plenty of sunshine.

That simple decision transformed its future!

The plant responded with remarkable vigour, and over the next few years it grew rapidly, branching out in every direction. By 2012, it had become a substantial tree. Today, it stands a little over twenty-four feet tall and spreads all around. On two occasions, we had to cut its sprawling branches when they began reaching dangerously close to both our house and our neighbour's.

It was only then that we discovered that our so-called Ficus Panda was, in fact, Ficus Microcarpa, more popularly known as the Chinese Banyan Tree.

The discovery opened up an entirely new world for us.

We learnt that Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province in southeastern China, is famously nicknamed "Rongcheng" - The City of the Banyan Tree. The city is said to have more than 160,000 banyan trees in and around it, making them an integral part of its landscape and heritage.

We also came across the fascinating story of a naturally grown heart-shaped banyan tree, affectionately known as the "Love Tree," which has become a popular tourist attraction in Fujian Province.

Looking back, we smiled at how little we knew when we planted our tiny sapling all those years ago. Had we known its true identity and eventual size, we might have thought twice before giving it a home in our compound! But today, we are delighted that we did.

The Chinese Banyan offers numerous benefits. Its lush evergreen foliage enhances the beauty of the surroundings, its leaves help purify the air, and its dense crown provides a welcome habitat for birds. Yet, among all its virtues, the one we appreciate the most is its magnificent shade.

Every day, the tree spreads its broad leafy canopy over our cars parked outside our house. In fact, its cooling shade extends far beyond our compound, stretching almost across the road. During the scorching summer months, it serves as a natural shelter, protecting not only our vehicles but often those of visitors and passers-by as well. The shade and gentle breeze it provides in our garden allow me to enjoy my daily walks while helping keep our house cool.

Who would have imagined that the little "Ficus Panda" we planted over two decades ago would one day become a majestic Chinese Banyan, standing like a giant green umbrella and faithfully providing nature's own parking canopy?

I think the attached photographs will tell the story better than words ever can.

Mahakali Festival Par-tea Invitation!

 

After a sumptuous Mahakali Festival feast, we decided to continue the celebrations with a delightful family Par-tea a little later today. Attached is the invitation!

To make the occasion even more special, we gathered every variety of tea we could find at home: bagged teas, infuser teas, and a freshly brewed whole-leaf tea. Our menu includes Darjeeling Oolong Tea, Munnar White Tea, Goodwyn Darjeeling Tea, Goodwyn Jasmine Tea, Goodwyn Tulsi Tea, Goodwyn Masala Tea, Tetley Ginger Mint Lemon Tea, Celestial Mint Lemon Ginger Tea, and, finally, a fragrant, brewed Munnar Whole Leaf Tea.

And what is a tea party without something to nibble on? We'll be serving coconut cookies and cream cracker biscuits to accompany the teas.

This little write-up is just a teaser for the family members who will be joining us. Here's hoping our Par-tea is as enjoyable as the feast that inspired it!

And it was! As you can see in the pictures below!

A Divine Visit to the Sacred Temples of Mangalagiri

 

During our recent pilgrimage to the sacred Sri Kanaka Durga Temple (Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam) at Vijayawada in March 2026, we also had the good fortune of visiting the ancient and renowned temples of Mangalagiri, situated across the majestic River Krishna in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. This is my third visit to these temples. The first time was with my parents in 1965, the second time was with my wife and sons in 1998, and now with my wife, after 28 years.

On 31st March 2026, we travelled to Mangalagiri and offered our prayers at the two famous temples dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, the hilltop temple of Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, and the magnificent Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at the foot of the hill in the town. The visit was spiritually uplifting and left us with a deep sense of devotion and wonder.

The name Mangalagiri literally means "The Auspicious Hill." The hill is also known as Thotadri and has been revered for thousands of years in Hindu tradition. It is regarded as one of the eight sacred Mahakshetrams where Lord Vishnu manifested Himself (Swayambhu) for the welfare of mankind.

According to ancient scriptures and temple legends, the hill itself is believed to be self-manifested and sacred. The temple has a history that stretches back to the Kruta Yuga (Satya Yuga), making it one of the oldest places of worship dedicated to Lord Narasimha.

The Lord is believed to have appeared here after slaying the demon Namuchi, granting protection to the Devas and restoring righteousness. Since then, devotees have worshipped Him as the compassionate protector who accepts even the simplest offering made with sincere devotion.

The hill temple is world-famous for a unique and fascinating ritual that has continued for centuries:

The principal offering to the Lord is Panakam, a sweet drink prepared from jaggery dissolved in water. During the offering, the priest pours the jaggery water directly into the open mouth of the deity using a conch or a small vessel. As the Panakam is poured, devotees clearly hear a distinct gurgling sound, as though the Lord Himself is drinking the offering. Only about half of the Panakam is accepted by the deity, while the remaining portion flows back and is returned to the devotees as sacred prasadam. This phenomenon has continued uninterrupted for generations and is regarded as one of the enduring miracles associated with the temple.

Equally astonishing is another mystery. Although thousands of litres of jaggery water are offered to the Lord every year, no ants, flies, or insects are found anywhere near the sanctum or on the hill, something that continues to amaze devotees and visitors alike.

These remarkable occurrences strengthen the faith of millions who visit Mangalagiri every year to seek the blessings of Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.

After receiving the blessings of the Lord on Thotadri Hill, we proceeded to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in the town below.

This magnificent temple is renowned for its towering Raja Gopuram, one of the tallest temple gateways in India (153 feet tall and has 11 storeys). Rising majestically above the town, the beautifully sculptured gopuram is an architectural masterpiece that reflects the rich heritage of the Vijayanagara period. Every tier is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and episodes from the epics.

The temple enshrines Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy along with Goddess Lakshmi, and the serene atmosphere inspires devotion and inner peace. The spacious temple complex, elegant mandapas, and impressive stone architecture make it both a place of worship and a treasure of South Indian temple art.

Our visit to the sacred temples of Mangalagiri beautifully complemented our pilgrimage to the revered Sri Kanaka Durga Temple at Vijayawada. Standing before the self-manifested Lord Narasimha on the holy Thotadri Hill, witnessing the miraculous Panakam offering, and later admiring the grandeur of the magnificent temple with its soaring gopuram made the day truly unforgettable.

As we completed our pilgrimage, our hearts were filled with gratitude and devotion. The blessings of Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy will remain cherished memories for years to come, reminding us once again of the timeless spiritual heritage of Andhra Pradesh.

Greatest Ever Cinema Speech, From “The Great Dictator (1940)”

This is my spoken rendition of the inspiring final speech from The Great Dictator (1940), originally written and performed by Charlie Chaplin.

Although delivered by Charlie Chaplin more than eight decades ago, its message of humanity, compassion, freedom, and hope continues to resonate across generations.

This recording is my humble tribute to one of cinema's most powerful speeches: 

Today’s special episode: ‘Paan‑orama at Srilekha’

 

Dear family,

Today’s special episode: ‘Paan‑orama at Srilekha’.

With exotic ingredients and unlimited enthusiasm, I was promoted years ago to family Paan‑waala. Whether it’s Meeta, Rampyari, or Meenakshi, each leaf is rolled with love, laughter, and a dash of mischief (more Menthol crystals).

So next time you crave something unique, don’t look for a shop, ring the bell at Srilekha. Paan guaranteed, payment accepted only in smiles and applause! 🙂

Good night!

My Nightly Monsoon!

 

June has slipped away. Day after day, the forecasts have promised rain, thunderstorms, and refreshing showers, yet the skies have remained stubbornly silent. Summer may have retreated, but the heat and humidity continue to linger.

Even after so many disappointments, I still wait hopefully for the rain and the comfort it always brings. Until nature grants that wish, I create my own little monsoon each night.

As I lie in bed, a beautiful rain poster greets my eyes beyond my feet, while my TV gently plays one of the countless beautiful rain-sound videos. The TV and the air conditioner are both set to switch off after an hour or so. Wrapped in this soothing illusion of rainfall, I drift happily and peacefully into sleep within minutes.

You can also try this with music or rain videos to help you fall asleep happily and peacefully.