Zoom into Zaheerabad- It's Zen Time

Sri Ketaki Sangameswara Swamy Temple, Jharasangam, Zaheerabad- Telangana

One of the oldest Shiva mandirs

The only one where Ketki flowers are used

To worship Prabhu Shiva as the Shiv ling was first found 

Under the same tree and the aalyam was built around it 

Source: Temple's Facebook Page

With no proper history to determine the origin 

People say, King of Surya Vamsha, Raja Kupendra 

Suffered from a skin disease that had no cure 

One day during his trip to a forest 

He bathed in a stream near Ketaki Vanam 

And his disease was cured, much to his surprise 

The legend goes on to say that Prabhu Shiva 

Appeared in the king’s dream 

Asking him to build a mandir for the Shiv ling

There is a pushkarini on the premises

Came to be known as astha theertha amruta gundam* 

And called as Dakshina Kasi*

The locals say that the prasadam you offer in the gundam 

Flows through a hole on the side and disappears 

Only to reach the Holy Ganges in Kasi 

Picture of Ketki Flower: 

Source: Vaividyamu

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Note: 

Pushkarini- holy water body in a temple

Dakshina Kasi- South Kasi (Kasi is a famous and ancient land in UP)

Astha theertha amruta gundam- the water in the holy pond is said to come from 8 Holy places 

Ketki flower is not used as an offering to Prabhu Shiva. This place is an exception. The flower has exotic fragrance and medicinal values. It also attracts snakes because of the scent it releases. 

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Sri Siddi Vinayaka Temple, Rejinthal, Zaheerabad- Telangana

The mandir might look fresh and new 

But it has a history of 215 years 

And the murti of Ganesha facing the South 

A mere rock in striking orange 

Was found inside the earth waiting for the right time 

When HH Shiva Ram Bath Jyoshi from Maharashtra 

On his way to Tirupati prayed to Ganesha 

In this spot 

Source: Hindupad

Another time, a tourist named Shivram Pantulu

Touring the holy places in the region

Reached Rejinthal and found immense happiness and inner peace

During his meditation 

He is said to have seen Ganesha 

Who asked him to construct the mandir 

Source: Telangana Today

The mandir gained fame as Siddhi Vinakaya 

The one who grants your wishes when pleased 

By your bhakti

The Vinayaka here resembles Hanuman 

And grows larger every year, inch by inch 

The pictures from the past 

Lay proof to the claim

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Note: 

I wholeheartedly thank my school teacher, Lakshmi mam, for suggesting the place when I asked for help with the letter Z. The surprising point here is that these two are the only temples I visited on my entire list. It was a couple of years ago, and somehow, I couldn’t even connect them to the alphabet until my teacher mentioned Zaheerabad. 

Some of the pictures in the post are mine, though, as you can see, I should have paid more attention to temple photography. 

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Source: 

https://telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/medak/sri-ketaki-sangameswara-swamy-temple.html

https://highwayonlyway.com/tag/ketaki-sangameswara-swamy-temple/

https://rslaks.blogspot.com/2018/08/jharasangam-ketaki-sangameshwar.html

http://mydhiliram.blogspot.com/2014/10/sri-siddhi-vinayaka-temple-zaheerabad.html

https://templeatindia.blogspot.com/2014/08/sri-swayambhu-siddhivinayak-temple-rejinthal.html

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The Growing Nandi of Yaganti

Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple, Kurnool- Andhra Pradesh

Dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries 

With contributions from not one but four empires 

The Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, and the Vijayanagara 

Yaganti Uma Maheshwara aalayam was 

Built and developed over the centuries

Kings Harihara and Bukka Rayalu of the Vijayanagara

Gave the most contribution 

And finished the various structures in and around the region

Source: Hit Full

Yaganti is famous for its natural beauty in the Yerramala Hills

And the pure pushkarini water 

Which no one knows where it comes from 

Bhakts believe that a dip in the pushkarini 

Is a must before visiting Shiva to take his blessings

Source: RVA Temples

 The only aalayam to have a murti of Prabhu Shiva 

And his wife, Devi Parvati 

Instead of his ling form 

Ardhanareeswara, they are called, 

One body and two souls- 

Half for Shiva and half for Maa Parvati 

Agastya muni, they say performed penance here

Requesting Shiva to appear in the said form 

Source: RVA Temples

Do you know that crows don’t fly in Yaganti 

Because of a curse from Agastya 

Who was disturbed by Kakasura, the king of crows

Source: Kuzey Pek- Pinterest

There’s more to this place than we’ll know 

One of which is the growing Nandi murti called the Basavanna 

One pillar in the mandir had to be removed 

As the Nandi grows each year, 

Occupying more space in the premises

 

Source: Deccan Chronicle

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Note: 

According to an archaeological survey, the Nandi grows at the rate of 1 inch per 20 years. That’s around 10mm per 8 years. It is said to be made of a rock that has natural properties to expand and grow over time. 

Pushkarini- a holy water body in a temple 

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Source: 

https://hitfull.com/articles/yaganti-temple-mystery-the-mysterious-growing-nandi-of-yaganti-temple_70p.html

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A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea- Book Review

A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles

(Heaven's Cove #2) Standalone

Publication Date: 19th May 2021

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Small Town, Romance

4.2 Stars

Lettie Starcross goes to Heaven’s Cove to find the truth from the past her great-grandaunt, Iris, was never able to when she was alive. Lettie is the first guest at Driftwood House (belonging to Rosie from book 1).

The setting is magical, but the path to the past is filled with difficulties. Trying to stand up for herself and get mowed by her ‘affectionate’ family, Lettie uncovers her beloved aunt’s tragic love story, one step at a time.

Of course, we have Corey, a handsome fisherman, his grandmother Florence, the only link to the past, and Claude, an old loner who slowly begins to trust Lettie.

When I saw the cover, I realized that I read book one and rather liked it. I had to read this too. For me, this book was better than the previous one. There was a sense of tension that held the plot together, which I rather missed in book one.

The author continues to use the setting to the best advantage. We see the crashing waves, the rocky hills, slopes, and the changing skies. As someone who when loves nature is a tangible element of the story, this interweaving of surroundings with the plotline makes me happier.

The characters were very developed, though Corey’s character could have been explored more. It had a lot of potential. Claude was fantastic (yeah, I’m an old soul and connect more with characters aged over 70). The scenes between him and Lettie were beautiful to read.

I did wish Lettie to be more assertive with her family. But there has been some progress that feels more realistic.

Overall, this is a beautiful book set in a picturesque setting. Some of it is cliché, but it’s still a feel-good book and will leave you with a smile. The author mentions that she’s working on book 3 of the series, and I’m looking forward to grabbing that one as well. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture. 

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P.S: I'd have loved it if Lettie was called by her full name, Violet, instead of the short version. It seemed to suit her more.

#ALettertotheLastHouseBeforetheSea #NetGalley 

Xelvona Tour- Let's Go Goa Again

Shri Sateri Temple, Xelvona- Goa

 With no much information found

I make do with what I have 

Shri Sateri mandir houses Maa Bhagawati Devi

The deity of Aldona brought to the village in 1978

Source: Vpaldona

The mandir was built on donation money

Given by one and many 

Each of whom sponsored 

The golden kalasha, the sabhamandap, & the Pravesh dwar*

Over a course of time 

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Note: 

Kalasha- An auspicious pot established with water inside and a coconut on the top

Sabhamansap- a semi-open space where temple-related events take place 

Pravesh dwar- Entrance Door 

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Sangameshwar Temple, Sanguem, Near Xelvona- South Goa

 The only way I can possibly write 

About a place this lovely 

Is to visit and see with my own eyes 

But until then-

All I can say 

Is that the Sangameshwar mandir in Sanguem

Lies submerged in water during the monsoons

Only the top of the gopuram you can see

If you go close enough to the gushing waves 

However, on Mahashivratri, 

The auspicious festival in the month of Feb 

The mandir stays dry and ready 

For bhakts to pray to their favorite Bhagwan 

Source: Goemkarponn

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Source: 

https://vpaldona.goa.gov.in/bhagwati-temple/

https://www.facebook.com/1631397600439387/posts/this-is-the-sangameshwar-temple-in-sanguemit-submerges-underwater-during-the-mon/2679114955667641/

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Warangal to Wayanad

Ramappa Temple, Warangal- Telangana

The Kakatiyas and art were almost synonyms 

Building marvelous structures 

Glorying their bhakti and kala*

Ramappa aalyam gets its name 

Not from the Prabhu who resides but

From the sculptor who built it 

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Dating back to 1213 AD

King Kakati Ganapati Deva 

And his Chief Commander Rudra Samani 

Decided on a place called Ranakude 

For the temple to rise high 

Source: Everyday is a Journey- YouTube

Four decades it took for the aalyam to be complete 

With bricks so light, they floated on water; 

The carvings on the walls, ceiling, and pillars!

Oh, what does one even say about them

Dedicated to Ramalingeshwara, a form of Prabhu Shiva 

The aalayam has an imposing Nandi 

In a posture where he’s ready to take charge 

At one nod from his master

Source: Warangal Tourism

The carvings you see depict scenes from mythology 

The pillars, you hear again, produce music from stone 

How I wish we had their bhakti and divinity 

To give life to rock and make it play the sweetest sound 

 

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Note: 

Kala- art 

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Seetha Devi Temple, Wayanad- Kerala 

Prabhu Ram and Devi Sita had twins

Luv and Kush, they were called

Crowned the rulers of Ayodhya 

After Rama ended his avatar 

Source: Kerala Temples

Pulpally, a place in Wayanad, Kerala 

Is the only one to have a mandir 

Dedicated to the twins

Maa Sita, of course, is the main deity 

Spreading love, peace, and patience 

Source: Holidify

She’s called Jadayatha amma by the locals 

And was said to reside here in the Valmiki ashram 

During her exile from the kingdom 

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Source: 

https://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/jayashankar-bhoopalpally/ramappa-temple.html

https://warangaltourism.in/ramappa-temple-warangal

https://www.trawell.in/kerala/wayanad/seetha-lava-kusha-temple

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#FreeHinduTemples

Veerbhadra Swami in Lepakshi and Virupaksha in Hampi

Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi- Andhra Pradesh 

Sometime in the early 1500s 

King Achutaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire 

Financed the construction of the aalayam

That became an architectural marvel 

Source: Real Bharat

Two brothers, Virupannna Mayaka and Viranna

Governors of the Empire 

Built the structure by hiring 

The best artisans from the kingdom 

Gaining a mention in the ancient text of Skanda Purana 

Source: Creative Stellars

The walls and surfaces display the elaborate carvings

Of scenes from the Ramayana 

With musical pillars and complex patterns 

With a pillar that hangs in the air 

Not touching the ground 

Veerebhadra aalayam is proof of talent found nowhere else

Source: Amusing Planet

Outside in the premises stands the monolithic Nandi

Inside stands the murti of Veerabhadra 

In his majestic glory 

Prabhu Shiva and Maa Parvati reside in the eastern wing 

And Bhagwan Vishnu in another chamber 

While a huge boulder carved into a shiv ling 

With a multi-hooded serpent shielding the lingam 

Adorns the premises, attracting people from near and far 

Source: Krishna Chandolu- Incredible Spiritual India 

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Virupaksha Temple, Hampi- Karnataka

It’s the Vijayanagara Empire again 

With their love for art and architecture 

Developed a 7th-century mandir dedicated to Prabhu Shiva 

Source: Creative Stellars

Now a World Heritage Site, standing tall 

Amidst the ruins of Hampi 

Surviving the destructions by the invaders 

Virupaksha devalaya* was renovated in the 19th century 

To bring back its lost glory 

Source: Thrilling Travel

The gopuram* is 49 meters high 

Built around 1442 along with the 100 pillars 

Some of which play music when tapped by a chisel 

Source: Mystery of India

An annual chariot festival, the divine marriage of 

Bhagwan Virupaksha and his consort Devi Pampa

Bring bhakts from around the place 

To celebrate the pious union

One day, we hope 

The ruins of Hampi would rise again 

To build a kingdom that would last for the future to see 

Source: India the Destiny

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Note: 

Devalaya- Temple 

Gopuram- tower 

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Source: 

https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/temples/south-india/lepakshi-temple

https://www.karnataka.com/hampi/virupaksha-temple/ 

https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/hampi/virupaksha-temple.html

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Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church- Book review

Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church by Tracy Rees

Publication Date: 7th May 2021
Genre: Small Town, Feel Good, General Fiction

4.3 Stars

The little village church has a bad roof that’s ready to collapse anytime. The vicar does his bit to get donations and funds. But unless he can raise a substantial amount, nothing can save the little church. That’s when he comes up with an idea that brings two unlikely youngsters together and makes them consider their future with a fresh outlook.

Gwen and Jarvis are total opposites. Gwen is trying to recover from heartbreak, while Jarvis appears to be nothing more than an alcoholic and an idler when we first know him. The story deals with how the Visitor’s Book in the church gives them a chance to reevaluate their lives and decisions.

Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is truly a sweet and feel-good book set in a small village called Hopley. The backdrop of England’s countryside makes it a pleasant and soothing read. There is a mandatory stiff character or two, but the rest of them are sweet and lovable. Maybe a little too sweet, but considering the real-life situation, I’m glad to read a story that focuses on positivity.

The story is in the limited third person, with the POV altering between Gwen, Jarvis, and Vicar Dave (at times). We see things from their perspective and gain deeper insights into their lives. Gwen’s life is pretty much clear from the first instant.

Jarvis comes across as a pretty worthless guy until we see that he’s a sweet, talented, and compassionate guy struggling with confidence issues.

The writing flows well with no abrupt breaks or jerks. The narration is smooth and light. Even the heavy scenes don’t get too intense or melodramatic. The book ends on a happy note for not just all three of them but also for many others.

There are times when readers want nothing but some peace books like this one come to rescue. The book gets the extra 0.3 for the same. Overall, this may not be a must-read. But it does bring a smile to those who pick it up.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture.

P.S: The only thing I’m not sure is about the use of ‘secrets’ in the title. There isn’t anything secretive in the book, nor does something that has to be uncovered.

#HiddenSecretsattheLittleVillageChurch #NetGalley 

Ugna Mahadev in Bihar and Maa Umiya in Gujarat

Ugna Mahadev, Bhawanipur, Madhubani- Bihar 

How many in this world 

Have been blessed to see Prabhu Shiva himself? 

Makakavi Vidyapati, a well-known poet of Maithili

A great bhakt of Shiva, composed countless songs in his bhakti

Source: RVA Temples

Pleased Bhagwan Shiva so much 

That the God himself walked onto the earth 

He called himself Ungana 

Offering to be the poet’s servant 

Just to be with him 

The poet agreed with reluctance

His finances rather meager 

Source: Patrika

Time passed, and on a hot sunny day 

The duo was on the way to the palace 

When the poet felt parched with no water in sight

He asked Ungana to search and bring some water 

 Prabhu Shiva went aside

Gathered fresh Ganga from his jata*

And served it to his master

Source: Santosh Kumar Sahu- YouTube

The poet, upon tasting the water 

Realized that the man was no human

He fell at his Prabhu’s feet 

When Shiva revealed his true form 

And declared that he would continue to be with the poet 

The duo was to be known as Ugna, and no one would see the truth 

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Note: 

Jata- dreadlocks (hair) 

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Umiya Temple, Unjha- Gujarat

Maa Umiya is none other than Devi Sati

The wife of Bhagwan Shiva, 

Who before jumping into the yagna pyre 

Wished to be born and wed Shiva again 

Source: NiravV- Pinterest

It was when Shiva had to kill the demon Taraksur 

That he and Maa Uma went to the banks of River Saraswati

Where she created 52 idols and Shiv Ji brought them to life 

Known as the Kadva Patidars, 

The community grew with Maa Uma’s blessings 

And Prabhu Shiv established Maa Uma at Umapur

Source: Maa Umiya

In 156 BC, King Vrajpal Sihji built the mandir 

It was followed by another temple 

Built by King Vegda Gami 

Only to be demolished by Khilji’s commander Ulugh Khan

The murti was saved and preserved 

While the actual foundation of the temple was lost 

The existing structure was built by the Patidar community in 1887

With every household in the community 

Contributing to the pious cause 

Source: Temple Travel

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Source: 

https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/astro/dharam-karam/religion-and-spiritualism/story-of-mahakavi-vidyapati-and-ugna-mahadev-29132/ 

https://www.maaumiya.com/templeinfo/templehistory 

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