Behind
every delicious dish is a chef’s passion, creativity, and love. ❤️👨🍳
Today,
let us also celebrate and thank all the wonderful ladies and housewives who
lovingly prepare meals for their families every day, adding a generous pinch of
affection, a dash of care, and a whole lot of love to every dish. 👩🍳💐
Cheers
to all the chefs and the unsung culinary heroes of our homes! Your dedication
brings happiness to every table and nourishment to every heart.
Happy
International Chef’s Day! 🎉🍲❤️
🙏 May the divine blessings
of Goddess Durga and Lord Sri Rama bring happiness, peace, prosperity and
success into our lives. Let us celebrate the eternal victory of Dharma over
Adharma, truth over falsehood, and good over evil.
Happy Vijayadashami / Dasara! 🙏
🌼🌸
Bathukamma Panduga Subhakankshalu! 🌸🌼
On
this auspicious occasion of Bathukamma Festival, may Goddess Gauri bless everyone with
good health, happiness, prosperity, and peace.
May
the vibrant colours of Bathukamma fill our lives with joy, our homes with
abundance, and our hearts with devotion.
Wishing
all the people of Telangana, and Telanganites across the world, a very Happy
Bathukamma Festival! 🙏🌺
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Some
of the most memorable places we visit are not the famous tourist attractions
but the hidden gems that quietly preserve centuries of faith and tradition.
Such was our experience today - 17th October 2026, when my wife and I visited
the Sri Goda Ranganayaka Swamy Devasthanam on IDL Road, Moosapet/Kukatpally.
Although
we live in Hyderabad, we had never visited this temple before. What we
discovered was a place filled with serenity, devotion, and fascinating
uniqueness. From the moment we entered the temple premises, we felt a sense of
calm that seemed far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The
temple complex is surprisingly spacious and beautifully maintained. Apart from
the main shrine of Sri Ranganayaka Swamy, there are also temples dedicated to
Sri Rama and Lord Shiva, allowing devotees to offer prayers to multiple deities
in one sacred place.
What
makes this temple truly special is the sanctum of Sri Ranganayaka Swamy. The
deity is housed inside a cave-like recess, creating an atmosphere of mystery
and reverence. We were told that the reclining idol of the Lord is very ancient
and is believed by devotees to be Swayambhu (self-manifested).
As
we approached the shrine, we learned about a remarkable feature. Since the Lord
resides deep within the cave and cannot be viewed directly, a mirror has been
placed before the sanctum. Through this mirror, devotees are able to have
darshan of the Lord. It was the first time we had experienced such a darshan,
and it felt both unique and deeply spiritual.
The
image reflected in the mirror is captivating. Lord Ranganayaka Swamy reclines
majestically, accompanied by His divine consorts (explained to us by the
pujari). We could also see representations of Brahma emerging from His navel,
Garuda, and the Dashavataras. The arrangement inside the cave-like shrine makes
the experience feel almost like discovering a sacred treasure hidden within the
earth.
One
of the most heartwarming aspects of our visit was witnessing the preparations
for the weekly Annadanam. We reached the temple around 9:30 in the morning and
were pleasantly surprised to see large-scale cooking activities already in
progress. Huge vessels, dedicated volunteers, and an atmosphere of selfless
service reflected the spirit of community that thrives here.
We
were informed that every Saturday the temple serves free meals to six to eight thousand
devotees. Seeing the food preparation firsthand was inspiring. It reminded us
that temples are not just places of worship but also centres of compassion,
service, and social welfare. The dedication of the volunteers and organizers
was truly commendable. Local visitors also note the temple's Saturday free food
service as one of its notable activities.
As
we walked around the premises, we were struck by the peacefulness of the
surroundings. There was no rush, no noise, and no sense of hurry. Instead,
there was an atmosphere that encouraged one to slow down, reflect, and simply
enjoy the divine presence.
We
were told that the temple is very ancient, and whether one comes here as a
devotee, a seeker of history, or simply someone looking for peace, the place
leaves a lasting impression. While Hyderabad is known for its modern skyline
and busy roads, this temple preserves a spiritual heritage that continues to
touch the lives of countless devotees.
Our visit to Sri Goda Ranganayaka Swamy Devasthanam was much more than a temple visit. It was an experience that combined faith, history, architecture, and service. We left with a sense of gratitude, carrying fond memories of the unique mirror darshan, the tranquil atmosphere, and the inspiring spirit of Annadanam.
Directions to the Temple from Kukatpally Y-Junction:
Since
my childhood, I have witnessed our family's cherished tradition of worshipping Goddess
Yellamma Devi (Renuka Devi) on a specific day each year. Although the practice
had become irregular in recent times, we happily resumed it today on Lalitha
Panchami, the fifth day of Navaratri, and sought the blessings of the Divine
Mother. The special prasadam of 3-Millet Gudalu and Ragi Kudumulu you see in these
pictures remains a personal favourite. 🙏✨🌺
I am delighted to share that
my wife and I had the profound privilege of visiting the sacred Shri Ram
Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya on Sunday, 27th September 2026.
It was a journey filled with deep devotion, peace, and unforgettable moments. (We
were in Ayodhya from 26th evening to 29th September afternoon)
Divine Darshans at the Sanctum Sanctorum
Our pilgrimage offered us
close and deeply satisfying darshans of Balak Ram (Ram Lalla) as
well as the magnificent Ram Darbar - where Lord Rama is seated
gracefully on a throne alongside Sita Devi, surrounded by His brothers and Lord
Hanuman.
“Sri Ram,
Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram”
The
spiritual energy in the air was electric and deeply moving.
After the
next ten photographs of the temple premises, you will find information about
the sacred sites in and around Ayodhya, along with photographs of these revered
places. And towards the end of this article, you can read a detailed account of
the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
Exploring the Sacred Places in and Around Ayodhya
During the rest of our stay,
we journeyed across Ayodhya and nearby places to visit several historically and
spiritually significant sites:
1. Hanuman Garhi Mandir
Perched atop a hill accessed
by 76 steps, this 10th-century temple shrine is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who
is believed to guard Ayodhya. Tradition holds that devotees must visit Hanuman
Garhi before seeking the blessings of Lord Rama.
2. Amawa Ram Mandir (Ram Rasoi)
Located very close to the
Ram Janmabhoomi complex, this peaceful temple is renowned for its serene
ambience, daily distribution of Ram Prasadam, and beautifully maintained
shrines.
3. Mani Parvat Mandir
Rising about 65 feet high,
Mani Parvat offers panoramic views of Ayodhya. Legend has it that this mound
formed when a portion of the Sanjeevani Booti hill fell here while Lord
Hanuman was carrying it to Lanka.
4. Surya Kund Mandir
A tranquil solar pond and
temple dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev). According to belief, Lord Surya
rested here during the grand celebrations following Lord Rama's return to
Ayodhya.
5. Nandigram – The Land of Bharata’s Devotion
About 20 km
from Ayodhya lies Nandigram, one of the most poignant places associated with
the Ramayana. It was here that Bharata, refusing to occupy the throne of
Ayodhya during Lord Rama’s fourteen-year exile, lived a life of austerity and
devotion. When Rama entrusted his Padukas (sacred sandals) to Bharata, Bharata
placed them on the throne and ruled the kingdom only as Rama’s representative.
Nandigram is traditionally regarded as the place where he spent the years
awaiting Rama’s return.
The
principal attraction is Bharat Kund, a sacred water body associated with
Bharata’s prayers and rituals. Nearby are Bharat Mandir, Charan
Paduka Mandir, Bharat Gufa, and the shrine commemorating the meeting
of Bharata and Hanuman. The sacred precincts also include an ancient Vat
Vriksha (banyan tree), 27 Tirthas / Sacred Well, all traditional
places associated with Bharata’s life at Nandigram.
6. Guptar Ghat
Situated along the banks of
the sacred Sarayu River, Guptar Ghat is the revered location where Lord Rama is
believed to have taken Jal Samadhi to return to His heavenly abode (Vaikuntha).
7. Chhoti Devkali Mandir
An ancient temple dedicated
to Goddess Devkali, the clan deity (Kuldevi) of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
According to legend, Mata Sita brought an idol of Goddess Kali to Ayodhya after
her marriage to Lord Rama and worshipped here regularly.
8. Shri Nageshwar Nath Mandir
Situated near Ram Ki Paidi,
this revered Shiva temple is believed to have been established by Lord Rama’s
son, Kush, for a Nag Kanya (serpent maiden) who fell in love with him after
retrieving his lost armlet from the Sarayu River.
9. Shri Kale Ram Mandir
A unique and historic temple
located near the Sarayu River, housing rare idols of Lord Rama, Sita Devi,
Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Lord Hanuman carved out of a single black
basalt stone (Shaligram).
10. Ram Ki Paidi
A majestic series of
interconnected ghats along the Sarayu River, beautifully illuminated in the
evenings. It serves as a major focal point for pilgrims, cultural gatherings,
and the grand annual Deepotsav celebrations.
11. Sarayu Ghat
The primary sacred
riverfront along the Sarayu River where devotees gather to take a holy dip (snan),
perform religious rituals, and soak in the divine tranquility of Ayodhya Dham.
12. Lata Mangeshkar Chowk
A grand modern landmark at a
key intersection in Ayodhya, dedicated to the legendary singer Bharat Ratna
Lata Mangeshkar. It features an impressive 40-foot, 14-tonne bronze Veena set
within a beautifully landscaped square accompanied by her devotional chants.
13. Kanak Bhawan
Popularly known as the
"House of Gold," this magnificent palace-temple was gifted to Mata
Sita by Queen Kaikeyi following her marriage to Lord Rama. The temple inner
sanctum houses beautifully adorned deities wearing ornate gold crowns.
14. Dashrath Mahal
Located in the heart of
Ayodhya, this historic royal palace marks the residence of King Dasharatha
where Lord Rama and his brothers spent their childhood days.
15. Sarayu Aarti
A soul-stirring devotional
ceremony held every evening along the banks of the Sarayu River, where priests
perform grand synchronized lamp offerings accompanied by Vedic chants, ringing
bells, and floating diyas.
16. Laser Show at Surya Kund
A captivating evening light-and-sound spectacle held over the waters of Surya Kund, utilizing water-screen projections and vibrant lasers to illustrate the epic life journey of Lord Rama and the glorious history of Ayodhya.
PHOTOS AND VIDEOS:
Roads
leading to Lord Ram's sacred place, Ayodhya! 🚩🙏 Video:
At Naya Sarayu Ghat 🌊🙏🚩✨ Video:
At Guptar
Ghat 🌊🙏🚩✨ Video:
Dearest Sister, 🌹
On your special day, I wish you a very Happy Birthday!
🎂🎉
May your life always shine bright and beautiful like
gold ✨💛,
and may every day bring you reasons to smile. 😊🌸
Wishing you good health, happiness, peace and
countless wonderful moments in the year ahead. 🌷🌟
And many happy returns of the day! 🎁🥳❤️
🛠️ Happy
Engineer’s Day! ⚙️
To all the brilliant engineers in the family!
🎓✨
🇮🇳 8 in
India
🇺🇸 2 in the
USA
👨🎓 2
upcoming engineering graduates
💯 12 in
total! (Hope I’m not wrong! 😉)
Now, if I ask you to name all 12... I wonder
if it would be easy for you?! 🤔
Challenge accepted? 🧠⚡
(This is my WhatsApp
post in our Family Group yesterday, on the occasion of Engineers Day)
Behind every delicious dish is a chef’s passion, creativity, and love. ❤️👨🍳 Today, let us also celebrate and thank all the wonderful ...
