Monday, September 8, 2025
Friday, August 29, 2025
Visit to a little slice of Paradise! From our residence at Paradise!
Happy to be at this marvel of art and devotion! A gifted
sculptor has created a serene statue of Lord Buddha and carved the living trunk
into a sanctum, as though nature itself has bowed to cradle the Enlightened
One. The trunk and roots embrace him gently, while the lush green canopy above
rises in perfect harmony, forming a natural temple of peace and shade. This
rare blend of sculpture and tree transforms the space into a symbol of
serenity, reminding us of the eternal bond between wisdom and nature.
For more of this wonderful garden, you may watch the video
below:
VIDEO:
Friday, August 15, 2025
Happy 79th Independence Day!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Let us remember that our ancestors are the foundation
on which our lives are built.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
“Sri Raghavam Dasharatha Athmajam” – Shloka, and its meaning
The Shloka "Sri Raghavam Dasharatha Athmajam" is a prayer to
Lord Rama, praising his virtues and seeking his blessings. It describes Rama as
the son of Dasharatha, the husband of Sita, and a great warrior who destroyed
demons. The shloka is a way to invoke his divine presence and seek protection
and guidance.
The above video is the rendition of this Shloka by
Smt. N. Lalitha Raghu
In essence, the Shloka translates to:
"I bow to Sri Rama, the son of Dasharatha, the immeasurable, the husband
of Sita, the jewel of the Raghu dynasty, having arms that reach his knees and
eyes like lotus petals, the destroyer of demons."
The meaning of the Shloka
in detail goes as follows:
Sri Raghavam: "To
Sri Rama," the revered descendant of King Raghu.
Dasharatham: "Son of
Dasharatha."
Atmajam: "Son."
Aprameyam:
"Immeasurable, boundless, or infinite."
Sitapatim: "Husband
of Sita."
Raghukulanvaya
Ratnadipam: "The lamp (or jewel) of the Raghu dynasty."
Ajanubahum: "Having
arms that reach to the knees."
Aravinda Dalayataksham:
"Having eyes like lotus petals."
Ramam: "To
Rama."
Nishachara Vinashakaram:
"Destroyer of demons (or night walkers)."
Namami: "I bow down, I salute."
Saturday, July 26, 2025
With Mugs of Memories! Amidst Incessant Rain!
For three
days, the rain has softly stayed,
Veiling
skies in a dark shade.
The air
is damp, the wind wears chill,
And coffee cups with family pics begin to fill.
Steam
rises like a whispered tale,
Of warmer
times in sunlit trails.
Each mug
is a frame from days gone by,
Love and laughter frozen, spirits high.
Faces beam
from ceramic gloss,
Moments
held without time’s loss.
Family,
friends in printed cheer,
Now warming hands when they’re not near.
These mugs
don’t just hold caffeine,
They
cradle echoes in between.
A sip, a
smile, a thought of then,
Hope we
all soon meet again.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Rainfall in Hyderabad
When rain falls hard in Hyderabad,
The streets become a
watery bed.
Cars get stuck, and people
run,
Their journey home, now
barely begun.
But in my house, called 'Srilekha',
I'm warm and safe, no rain
problem/Kasta/కష్టా 🙂
Hot food and drinks, a cosy
cheer,
While outside, troubles
reappear.
I watch the news, my heart feels low,
For those caught out in
the rain's flow.
I wish them home, out of
the plight,
Safe and sound, before the night.
Monday, July 14, 2025
Diamond Jubilee of Bhadrachalam Bridge.
It
has been 60 years since the opening of the road bridge over the River Godavari to
Bhadrachalam, the temple town. Until the bridge was inaugurated on 13 July 1965
by President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the only way to reach Bhadrachalam from
Telangana and the surrounding towns and villages was by crossing the river
using steamers, and in summer, by boats and steamers. From the Rajahmundry
side, it was always by steamer, as the road connection was only available from
Khammam, where this bridge is situated.
This
bridge was a great gift to pilgrims visiting Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple, Bhadrachalam,
and to the people of Bhadrachalam and villages, and towns on that side of the
State.
The above photographs are of the ‘inauguration slab’ of the bridge and of my father, Sri N. Bhaskarachary, greeting the President with Namaskaram.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
The Crescent That Connects Across Time 🌙
Over the course of a lifetime, from the innocence of
childhood to the seasoned calm of the seventies, faces change, memories fade,
and old acquaintances often drift into the fog of time. It’s natural. Most
people, after long gaps, struggle to recognise familiar faces from the past.
Names slip away, relationships grow distant, and time does its quiet work.
Yet, I have experienced something rather curious, something
I’ve come to see as a quiet marvel. Despite the years gone by, people from
different stages of my life often recognise me, not just by face, but by name
and connection. This article is a reflection on that wonder, and perhaps the
reason behind it, a reason etched, quite literally, onto my forehead.
I carry a prominent crescent-shaped birthmark (5 cm long) on
my forehead, curved like a sliver of moonlight in a clear night sky. It has
been with me since birth, an ever-present symbol, a quiet but visible part of
who I am. Unlike marks that remain hidden, facial birthmarks are part of the
immediate impression we give the world. They become intertwined with how we are
remembered. And in my case, this distinct crescent has followed me through time
as an ageless identifier.
Over the years, this mark has become more than a quirk of
nature. It has become a companion, one that sparks curiosity, invites
conversation, and connects me to stories far older than my own. People often
stop and ask about it, especially when meeting me for the first time. Their
interest opens the door to discussions on identity, belief, and the strange,
beautiful ways in which the universe touches each of us.
While I don’t believe it holds any magical powers, I do find
meaning in the symbolism it carries. In many cultures, and particularly in
ancient Hindu lore, birthmarks are considered more than skin-deep. They are
seen as divine imprints, fingerprints of fate. And when such a mark takes the
shape of a crescent moon, it becomes something more: a talisman, a cosmic
emblem.
In Hindu mythology, the crescent moon rests in the matted
locks of Lord Shiva himself. It symbolises the cycle of time, the rhythm of
creation, and the calming, eternal presence of the Mahadeva. I still remember
how elders, upon noticing my birthmark, would pause thoughtfully and say with
reverence, “That’s the mark of Shiva’s gaze. He’s watching over you.”
Whether that’s true or not, I hold the sentiment close. It
brings comfort, a sense of connection to something vast and timeless. Perhaps
it is this mark, this symbol of memory and divinity, that helps people remember
me even after decades have passed.
So, here I am in my seventies, still greeted with
familiarity, still called by name, and still carrying the crescent moon on my
brow, my lifelong companion and silent storyteller.
🙏 Thank you, Lord Shiva, for your watchful gaze and for
continuing to bless my family and me.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
A Heartwarming Father's Day Celebration – 2025!
In our father’s quiet strength, we find our way,
A guiding light by night and day.
With every smile and every care,
A father's love is always there.
The Father's Day celebration (15th
June 2025) was truly special for our family. We gathered at a cozy restaurant,
surrounded by love, laughter, and some delicious food. It was a day to pause
and celebrate the quiet strength, care, and guidance that fathers bring into
our lives every single day. We were three fathers at the celebration, Sudhir,
Srikanth and I.
Sharing stories, exchanging
smiles, and simply being together made the occasion even more meaningful. The
joy of family time was captured beautifully in the photos we took, each one a
reminder of moments we’ll always cherish.
I take this opportunity to wish
all fathers in the family a very Happy Father’s Day!
Our Visit to Sri Panduranga Swamy Temple, Chilakalapudi
While
holidaying recently at a beach resort in Chirala, nestled in the Bapatla
District of Andhra Pradesh, our family was unexpectedly blessed with an
opportunity that turned our coastal holiday into a spiritually fulfilling
journey. On the 6th of June, 2025, we made a serene visit to the sacred Sri
Panduranga Swamy Temple at Chilakalapudi, located in the historic port town of
Machilipatnam, Krishna District, 120 km from where we were holidaying. I
visited this temple with my parents when I was around five years old. Although
I have no recollection of the visit itself, the photographs clicked then, at
the nearby Manginapudi beach, constantly remind me of our trip to
Chilakalapudi.
For
devotees of Lord Vitthala (Panduranga Swamy/Lord Krishna), this temple holds
special significance. It is considered the second most revered shrine of Sri
Panduranga Swamy, next only to the famous temple at Pandharpur in Solapur
District of Maharashtra. What makes this temple especially divine is that the
idol of the Lord here is Swayambhu (self-manifested). The presence of saints
and devotees at the time of its manifestation adds to its mystical and
spiritual aura. The temple also resembles the one at Pandharpur.
As
we stepped into the temple premises, there was an unmistakable sense of peace
and reverence in the air. The idol bears an uncanny resemblance to the deity at
Pandharpur, standing tall, hands on hips, exuding compassion, patience, and
infinite grace. We could feel the same divine energy that millions seek in
Pandharpur, right here in Chilakalapudi.
The
temple’s origin story added another layer of personal joy for us. We learned
that it was constructed by Bhakta Narasimham, a devout Vishwabrahmin
(Goldsmith) belonging to the Suparnasa Brahmarishi Gothram, the same lineage
that we and Niranjan bava proudly belong to. This shared heritage stirred a
deep sense of connection and pride. Knowing that someone from our own Gothram
had the divine calling and devotion to build such a sacred space filled our
hearts with immense gratitude and inspiration.
Our
visit was brief but profound. We left with prasad in hand, peace in our hearts,
and blessings that seemed to transcend words. This unexpected spiritual
interlude reminded us that the divine often reveals itself in the most
unplanned moments, when you're simply open and present.
We
hope you'll enjoy these photographs I have attached, which capture the timeless
grace of Sri Panduranga Swamy and the serenity of this lesser-known yet
powerful temple. Whether you're a devotee of Vitthala or a seeker of quiet
sanctity, this gem in Machilipatnam is worth a visit.
May
Lord Panduranga’s (Lord Vitthala’s/Lord Krishna’s) blessings be with us all.