"Chembarathi" ( Hibiscus )

 

 No one knows my troubles. Everyone loves roses. What did I do wrong to leave me like this? Everyone is driving me crazy.

What people used to like about me?. When I went to the temple in the morning, I was taken for the deity's puja. The women of your house needed me to anoint and oil their heads. Now all of you have killed my distant relatives. I am lucky to be alive.

But now, this new generation only allows me to grow in the courtyard of this old family home. In the past, when my grandmother was in the family, medicine, and oil were made from me. All the children who came when the grandmother died last month are going to turn this family home into a resort. Yesterday, a lorry filled with new flower pots and unknown plants arrived here. It was the wind that came from the south side of the palace that told me. He is the only one I have here to talk about. I smiled at the plant in the pot in the distance, but she was terribly serious,... the flowers didn't laugh either. I am trying to remember the name the wind said. They even sit in the living room of the big house. They seem to dislike the sun, rain, and light.

In the morning, I heard the sound of a car and looked up to see a yellow machine with a trunk like an elephant approaching me. Later, I was uprooted and thrown into the nearby river along with other debris. Despite this, I still held onto the hope of survival if I could settle down somewhere with a bit of soil. However, as I tried to take root in the soil, the rain and wind came, and the river water carried me away to a different place through a wild path.

I opened my eyes and looked around. No, I am not hurt. I am completely safe. This is a jungle. I don't know if I can live here without fearing anyone. It is good to try to root myself in this unknown jungle. In any case, even if I have to die in a country that sees me as crazy, I am not.

Or why should I go back? I think everyone in a country who has been likening me to madness and imagining me to be just a flower for the madman will feel at peace when I am gone.

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Wayside view

 

An old man in dirty clothes, smoking a beedi, sitting on the corner bench was a daily sight for me as I waited at the bus stand. It became a habit for me to keep looking at him until the bus arrived. Some days, I would see a young man getting out of a car and giving him money. I thought of the young man as a well-dressed gentleman. However, I couldn't understand why the old man would murmur or scold him when the money was being paid.

One day, the young boy talked to him longer than usual and gave him more money. Then he got into the car and left the place. I never saw the young man near the old man again. 

That day, there was a lightning bus strike. Then, everyone went back home without going to work. I walked to the old man's usual place. He was sitting there as usual with a beedi and smoke around.

I asked, "Doesn't it take a lot of money to smoke beedi like this all the time? Isn't it because the young man used to give you money and you scold him that he doesn't come nowadays?"

The old man slowly looked at me and then said in a dry voice, "He is my son. Now that he has sold the house and land and moved to a new flat, will I not be his father? How long will he leave me here alone in this rented house behind the bus stand and not share the money he got from selling the land where his mother sleeps? He came to give her share of the money to me last time. I know he will come to call me one day. He is my only son.

I stood there for a while, not knowing what to say, and then I walked away as if I were his only son... 

Is this not sufficient to break the spirits of young people?  Sometimes, a few words can reveal a lifetime of pain. Be kind, always.

To lie or not to lie, that is the question?

 

Many of us have noticed how small babies are given small balls of food, with the caregiver showing them the moon in the bright sky while coaxing the baby to eat the full quantity. Some mischievous children who do not finish their food will see another side of the mother. She may scare them by saying that a big demon with horns and teeth is in the sky and will take away the whole food and the baby while they sleep, or she may share some other fearful incident or story to force them to eat and obey.

Stories become ingrained in our minds during childhood. Don't mention if you grew up in old family houses with grandparents. Nowadays, fewer grandmothers used to tell numerous mythological stories and folk tales. Many of the things presented to us as stories in childhood are simply lies. So, why don't we begin lying?

We have another story from the Epic Mahabharata: When it was certain that Dronacharya, the mighty warrior, couldn't be defeated and killed, Lord Krishna found a way and suggested to Bhima to kill an elephant named Ashwatama, and then claimed to Drona that he had killed Drona's son Ashwathama. However, Drona did not believe Bhima's words and approached Yudhisthira.

 Drona was aware of Yudhisthira's unwavering commitment to truth. When Drona asked Yudhisthira if his son was truly killed in battle by Bhima, Yudhisthira responded with the cryptic Sanskrit phrase "Ashwathama hathaha iti, narova kunjarova", which means "Ashwathama is dead. But, I am not certain whether it was a human or an elephant."

 Krishna also knew that Yudhisthira couldn't lie outright. Following Krishna's instructions, the other warriors blew trumpets and conches, creating a tumultuous noise in such a way that Drona only heard "Ashwathama is dead." Eventually, Drona, disarmed out of grief, was killed through trickery and deceit.

That's how we, who were innocent, begin telling small lies. Is it such a serious offense? Parents attempt to discourage such 'harmless' habits in children with corporal punishment.

Many believe lying is a bad thing and that those who lie will be punished by God. Who on earth has not lied? Why would people have started telling lies? Is lying such a big sin? Isn't lying an art in a sense?

In today's language, a "lie" is the act of knowingly providing false information to another person. There are various types of lies, such as innocent lies, dangerous lies, circumstantial lies, coercive lies, stonewalled lies, etc.

 Many heroes in our society share their experiences in the form of stories. These stories are often exaggerated but generally accepted as valid. This is why most people enjoy listening to these storytellers. In some situations, it is acceptable to bend the truth, and it should not be considered a crime. When we think about the stories created by writers, they are essentially lies, but we appreciate them as products of imagination. In this light, it could be argued that not all lies should be considered crimes.

Sometimes, the tranquility of society is disrupted by false propaganda spread by individuals who are willing to harm others or themselves. It is important to oppose only those falsehoods that are harmful or distressing to others.

"Lying is a unique ability given to humans by God, unlike other animals. Humans had to learn to use this ability wisely. But, one might wonder, did God forget that the same man who dared to eat the forbidden fruit should also show wisdom in using this ability?"

In any case, healthy and enjoyable lies can be beneficial. Judging whether a lie is a crime should be based on the intention behind the lie.

Do you agree?. I will leave it to your better judgment.

Witness to a Comedy of Devotion and Drama

 

Much later, after Maharshi Valmiki, Tulsidas, Kambar, and many others had written the Ramayana, Sri Ramananda Sagar dared to adapt the epic into a television serial for the multitude of devotees and non-believers.

Its waves rippled in every corner of India. In Madhya Bharat, Gwalior is no different from the evolution of visual culture in India.

The changes that the Ramayana serial made at that time in all areas of life are not small. The contribution of the Ramayana serial in starting the trend of people squatting in front of the TV is worth mentioning. People refused to travel. Weddings and other special events on Sundays are not attended. Even the buses and local trains were less crowded at that time. The elders at home started making some small changes in their prayer times. It was heard that nearby temples were getting petitions addressed to their favorite God to deny Yama, the God of death permission to land on earth every Saturday from noon to Sunday evening. Behind it was the concern about the availability of people to take care of the dead body and perform cremation rather than their appetite to watch the Ramayana.

Back in those days, television wasn't as common in every household as it is today. As a result, people would flock to houses with TVs to watch popular shows like Chitrageet and Ramayana, similar to how people gather to watch a cricket or football match. Over time, fans of Ramayana gained the privilege to watch the show in any house with a TV during its broadcast, much like how anyone can visit a temple to pray without needing to be acquainted with the deity. No one needs to teach a drunkard how to find a bar in an unfamiliar place! Similarly, they had a particular determination to reach homes with televisions, no matter how far they seemed from the tall antennas. So, even when unfamiliar faces appeared in the audience, the television owners closed their eyes.

Its waves rippled in every corner of India. In Madhya Bharat, Gwalior is no different from the evolution of visual culture in India. I was stationed in Gwalior as part of my service career.

Just because we have a television at home, we have become involuntary participants in this social service. As it was once said, "Mata Pita Guru Daivam," people have turned it into one of our duties. The number of viewers, which was originally four or five, gradually grew to twenty and thirty. Since there was not enough space in the hall, both young and old people watched this great event from the balcony and above the window in our home. Some of them, finding sitting quietly and watching Ramayana to be a boring event, chose this place and occasion as a platform to display their adventures and personal tastes. The sponge started oozing through the cuts in the clean sofa in our house. The walls were covered with handprints, footprints, and dried noses up to three feet high, and over time, the place began to feel like a Treta Yuga setting.

 After the show, the hall was empty of spectators. It resembled a festival field after a ballet, scattered with paper chits, shells, dirt, and dust. Meanwhile, during the show, there were wedding invitations, profanity, food exchanges for midday meals using a barter system, and other small romances. I used to interrupt and discourage all such romantic gestures, as I was not very interested in finding a place for love outside of my own family, which provided so many comforts.

As the Ramayana serial progressed, people's devotion gradually increased. Their rivalry was more about displaying one’s devotion than real piety. Their leader was Suman, our next-door neighbor, who was an ardent devotee of Sri Ram. We, who put our pride first, could only watch helplessly as everything slipped out of our hands.

Their belief was that Lord Ram and his companions were actually manifesting for these devotees every week. Suman and her team will arrive half an hour before the start of the show. Then there will be a performance of Bhajan, Akhandanama Japam, etc. After a few days, they started to offer Poha, misri, nuts, and jaggery according to their artistic taste. To accompany this, they selected a presentation song to be played before the start of the show. I was hesitant to object because the event was organized by our neighbors and my wife had agreed to participate in the exchange of mythological and devotional events. I was also worried that Suman, who was known for being outspoken, might spread rumors about us if we took a different stance, especially because we are from the far south.

The serial and related art programs continued to progress. The sofa was completely stripped down, leaving only the springs and cover. The murals on the walls reached a height of about five feet. Each week, we grew more eager to see the serial end as soon as possible, while Ramananda Sagar was determined to drag it out as long as possible.

Amid prayers, chanting, and counting, Suman would interject with dialogues to convey the depth of her devotion. Concerned that others might doubt their sincerity, they intensified their counting and chanting. The situation escalated when a couple more devoted disciples arrived to offer support. All the neighbors, drawn by the commotion, were already present at the scene.

It was when our landlord, Lakmi Chand Jain, intervened as the situation started to escalate. He abruptly turned off the power supply, switched off the TV, rang the bell, and dismissed the Ramayana school. He then addressed the disgusted and angry audience, explaining that the dreaded dacoit, Lakkan Singh Tomar, had escaped from the Central jail the previous night. The police had information suggesting that he was hiding near the Hanuman Temple in the Moti Nagar area, close to our vicinity. The Superintendent of Police had ordered utmost vigilance and silence until the dacoit was apprehended.

 Anyway, due to these developments and with the support of some tough police decisions, the locals excluded us from this social service sector. With that, our Sundays slowly returned to normal and our house issued a notice of giving up its position as Serial Theatre. But not before LC Jain forfeited our lease rent caution deposit for damaging his walls and corridors, dirty and filthy.

Note:

I am compelled to inform my loyal readers about these challenging truths that have been hidden for so long. The TV series aired from 1985 to 1987.

 

Becoming a Fakir .

 

 

Becoming a Fakir:  Mahatma Gandhi’s Iconic Loincloth Attire

 Nearly a century ago, Winston Churchill was overwhelmed by Mahatma Gandhi’s attire. In a moment of anger, he called Gandhi, a ‘half-naked seditious fakir’!

“It is alarming and also nauseating to see Mr Gandhi, an Inner Temple lawyer, now become a seditious fakir of a type well known in the East, striding half-naked up the steps of the Viceregal Palace, while he is still organizing and conducting a defiant campaign of civil disobedience, to parley on equal terms with the representative of the King-Emperor.”

His humble clothing was in non-violent defiance of the British Rule–a message that he wore on himself for the rest of his life. Yet, the choice of clothing has a deeper story set in the ancient city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

 ‘Fakir’ is a term derived from the Arabic word ‘faqr’ which means poverty and depicts a person who has renounced his worldly possessions for a humble, spiritual life. Mahatma Gandhi’s life also took a turn during his South India tour in September 1921.

While crusading for the civil disobedience movement by boycotting British goods and promoting Khadi, he was suddenly hit with a practical reality when someone asked- “If the laborers burn their foreign clothing, where are they to get Khadi from?”

He wrote, “On the way (from Madras – now Chennai – to Madurai by train) I saw crowds wholly unconcerned with what had happened in our compartment. Almost without exception, they were bedecked in foreign fineries. I entered into conversation with some of them and pleaded for Khadi. They shook their heads as they said, ‘We are too poor to buy Khadi and it is so dear.’ I realized the substratum of truth behind the remark. I had my vest, cap, and full dhoti on. When these uttered only partial truth, the millions of compulsorily naked men, save for their langoti four inches wide and nearly as many feet long, gave through their limbs the naked truth. What effective answer could I give them, if it was not to divest myself of every inch of clothing I decently could and thus, to a greater extent, bring myself in line with ill-clad masses? And this I did the very next morning after the Madura meeting.”

After a few days, this doubt finally translated into concrete action when he reached Madurai to stay at Sri Ramji Kalyanji’s residence on 175-A, West Masi Street.

He arrived in silence, with a cloud of doubt about his head, the silent indication of the storm of revolution awaiting the nation.

On September 22, 1921, he abandoned his usual attire of a shirt and hat, donning just a simple white loincloth.

Two issues were worrying Gandhiji. He had been struck by the poverty he had seen around him as far back as during the Champaran satyagraha days. But this visit to South India made it all the more starker to him. The sight of poor peasants working in the fields in their loin clothes and their struggle for food and livelihood troubled him.

This act, not only highlighted and strengthened the fight to boycott British goods but also created the everlasting symbol of a common man and his spiritual strength, reaching out to the hearts of fellow Indians.

 “I do not want either my co-workers or readers to adopt the loincloth. But I do wish that they would thoroughly realize the meaning of the boycott of foreign cloth and put forth their best effort to get it boycotted, and to get khadi manufactured. I do wish that they may understand that swadeshi means everything,” Gandhi clarified, in Navajivan.

“The adoption of a dhoti and a shawl in the place of an elaborate Gujarati attire is a symbolic external manifestation of an internal revolution. The dress of liberty turned into the Mahatma’s identity".( Gurusamy, secretary, Gandhi Museum)

From a simple piece of cloth to a mass movement, he directed the nation to a path of freedom, not just from the British, but from its innermost evils that separated its people from one another.

Much like the khadi cloth weaved into existence with numerous strands of thread, his journey embraced the nation in unison!

 He may have been mocked as a 'half-naked seditious fakir', but his iconic makeover became the quintessential symbol of the common man and his spiritual strength.

*(Adapted from an article in Navrang, October 2019)

Mahatma Gandhi- Some interesting glimpses into his life.

"Some men changed their times, but one man changed the world for all time!"

His name is MAHATMA GANDHI.

 (Here are some interesting facts about Gandhi that provide a glimpse into the life of the Father of the Nation on his 155th birth anniversary.)

1. Gandhi's first name was Mohandas. "Mahatma" is a title denoting love and respect, which roughly translates as "great soul." It's believed that a friend of his, Pranjivan Mehta, was the first to refer to Gandhi as "Mahatma" in writing a letter from 1909, decades before he became a globally renowned figure.

2. Guru Dev Rabindranath Tagore was credited with naming Gandhi as Mahatma. Subhas Chandra Bose sought his blessings and gave him the title "Father of the Nation" in June 1944.

3. In 1883, thirteen-year-old Gandhi entered into an arranged marriage with fourteen-year-old Kasturbai Kapadia. Gandhi later recalled that at the time, they didn't know much about marriage, and for them, it simply meant wearing new clothes, eating sweets, and playing with relatives. At the age of sixteen, Gandhi became a father, but unfortunately, the baby lived only a few days. The couple went on to have four more children who survived to adulthood.

4. Gandhi ate fruit, nuts, and seeds for five years but switched back to strict vegetarianism after suffering health problems. He maintained that each person should find their own diet that works best. Gandhi spent decades experimenting with food, logging the results, and tweaking his eating choices. He wrote a book named "The Moral Basis of Vegetarianism".

5. Gandhi took an early vow to avoid milk products (including ghee), however, after his health began to decline, he relented and started drinking goat’s milk. He sometimes traveled with his goat to ensure that the milk was fresh and that he wasn’t given cow or buffalo milk.

6. Gandhi was incredibly meek and shy by nature. During one debate at the London Vegetarian Society, he felt such stage fright that somebody else had to read out his arguments on his behalf. It was a serious stumbling block for his burgeoning career as a barrister. The first time he tried to cross-examine a witness, he got so nervous that he flopped back into his chair and simply gave up the case, returning his fee to his (presumably disgruntled) client.

7. Despite his disaffection with racist colonialist attitudes, the young Gandhi also felt patriotic towards the British Empire. During the Boer War of 1899-1902, he took it upon himself to form the Natal Indian Ambulance Corps, gathering hundreds of volunteers to whisk wounded British troops from the front lines to field hospitals.

‘I felt that, if I demanded rights as a British citizen, it was also my duty, as such, to participate in the defence of the British Empire,’ Gandhi later said.

8. Wearing his now-iconic white loin cloth and shawl wasn’t simply a matter of Indian tradition for Gandhi. It was a political move, which he very deliberately adopted on 22nd September 1921. It was part of his push to encourage Indians to boycott foreign-made clothes and embrace homegrown, hand-spun fabric known as khadi. The move utterly reinvented Gandhi’s image for all time.

9. Gandhi was nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize, first in 1937, but the Nobel committee’s advisor was skeptical, saying that even though Gandhi was non-violent, his Indian nationalist beliefs spurred violence among followers. Gandhi was shortlisted in 1947, but again he was rejected for his nationalism. He was killed in 1948, and – significantly – no Nobel Peace Prize was awarded that year.

10. Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as "Bapu" never traveled by plane, throughout his life. He preferred to travel by Train.

11. Gandhi attended law school in London and was famous among the faculty for his bad handwriting.

12. Gandhi denounced” Gandhism” and did not want to create a cult-like following. He also conceded that he had “...nothing new to teach the world. Truth and nonviolence are as old as the hills.”

13. Gandhi fought for much more than independence. His causes included civil rights for women, the abolition of the caste system, and the fair treatment of all people regardless of religion. His mother and father had different religious traditions.

14. Gandhi demanded fair treatment for the untouchables, India’s lowest caste; he underwent several fasts to support their cause. He called the untouchables Harijans, which means "children of God."

15. Gandhi shared a significant friendship with the renowned Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, who authored "War and Peace". Tolstoy's writings on non-violent resistance greatly influenced Gandhi.  Additionally, Gandhi was connected with other influential world figures such as Winston Churchill, Hitler, Charlie Chaplin, Einstein, and Bernard Shaw.

16. Gandhi never had a 'God Complex', unlike many other modern leaders.

17. Gandhi showed the world that true strength lay not in using muscle power but in winning people's power. This is why he was respected by even those against him.

18.  Gandhi influenced many leaders beyond borders and time including Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Dalai Lama, Will Durant, Rabindranath Tagore, Barack Obama, and Pearl S. Buck.

19. Gandhi was assassinated as his country grappled with the bloody aftermath of Partition when India and Pakistan gained independence in August 1947. He was shot dead on 30th January 1948.

20. Mahatma Gandhi's relics are still preserved in the Gandhi Museum in Madurai. An urn that once contained Mahatma Gandhi's ashes is now at a shrine in Los Angeles, California.

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Gandhi's wisdom is frequently cited by business leaders and volunteers. Here are some of his most famous quotes:

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."

"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

"There is more to life than increasing its speed."

"Man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes."

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

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Kubera, the God of Wealth

Kubera, the Hindu god of wealth, is revered for his association with prosperity and abundance. With origins in Hindu mythology, Kubera’s role as the guardian of treasures and riches has made him a significant deity in Hindu culture.

Kubera, the revered Hindu god of wealth, holds a rich history and fascinating legends that surround his origins. According to Hindu mythology, Kubera was born as the son of Visravas, the sage and son of the demon Pulastya, and his wife Ilavida.

This lineage connected Kubera closely with the demons and gave him great influence over the material realm.

One of the most prominent legends associated with Kubera is his acquisition of wealth and his rise to power.

As the story goes, Kubera performed intense penance and received a boon from Lord Shiva, which granted him the position of the lord of wealth and the riches of the world.

This divine blessing bestowed upon Kubera the responsibility of managing and distributing fortune and prosperity among beings.

Another compelling tale in the lore of Kubera is his encounter with the demon king Ravana. Ravana, known for his insatiable greed, sought to obtain limitless power and wealth.

In his pursuit, he performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted Ravana a sacred lingam, the symbol of divine power. However, an arrogant Ravana disrespected the lingam, which enraged Lord Shiva. To punish him, Lord Shiva transferred the powers of the lingam to his brother, Kubera.

This event further solidified Kubera’s supremacy as the god of wealth and prosperity, while Ravana's downfall was attributed to his excessive desire.

These legends and myths not only illustrate the origins of Kubera but also highlight the significance of wealth, karma, and moderation in Hindu culture.

Kubera’s journey from penance to power serves as a guiding principle for individuals seeking prosperity while reminding us of the consequences of unchecked greed and arrogance.

He is believed to govern the flow of money and trade and is invoked by merchants and traders seeking success in their ventures. Kubera is also considered the protector of hidden treasures and is sometimes depicted as the guardian of the eight directions.

Kubera's myth is intertwined with that of other Hindu deities.

Kubera's celestial abode is Alaka, a magnificent city atop Mount Kailas. He is closely associated with Vishnu, the preserver god, and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Kubera is believed to be the half-brother of Vishnu's avatar, Rama. However, Kubera's mythology also depicts a conflict with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Ravana, seeking to acquire Kubera's wealth, invaded Alaka and stole the celestial chariot, Pushpaka Vimana.

Kubera is depicted as a portly figure with a fair complexion, adorned with symbols of wealth such as a money bag, club, and conch shell.

Nine Forms of Kubera:

The procedures related to the worship of Vaishravana Kubera, including mantras, yantras, dhyana, and worship, etc. are specified in the Puranas. Different meditations of mantras are specified for different aims.

There are nine forms of Lord Kubera described in various texts.

1 - Ugra Kubera – This form of Kubera not only gives wealth but also destroys one's enemies.

2 - Pushpa Kubera - His upasana is done for love marriage, success in love, attainment of fame and respect, attainment of windfall profits, and retirement from all kinds of sufferings.

3 - Chandra Kubera - He is worshipped for getting money and sons. Chandra Kubera's meditation should be done to get a worthy child.

4 - Peet Kubera – Peeta or Yellow Kubera is worshiped for wealth and fame, financial success, getting huge vehicles, etc.

5 - Hamsa Kubera – Hamsa Kubera is worshipped for victory in unknown sorrows and other matters.

6 - Raga Kubera – Raga Kubera gives success in competitions and examinations, success in all the fine arts of dance, music, singing, painting, writing, etc

7 - Amrita Kubera – The sadhana of Amrita Kuber is divine and fruitful in life for all kinds of gains, freedom from disease, wealth, and deliverance from all kinds of illnesses and miseries.

8 - Prana Kubera - When you are unable to get rid of debt, Prana Kubera is worshipped to get rid of all kinds of debt.

9 - Dhana Kubera – As the name suggests, his Upasana is done for getting the best in life, for the fulfillment of all desires, and if luck is not supported, then Dhana Kubera is said to be the best of all.

Lord Kubera Temples:

Hindu devotees revere Kubera as the bestower of material prosperity. He is worshipped through prayers, offerings, and rituals. Temples dedicated to Kubera can be found throughout India, and his festival, Akshaya Tritiya, is celebrated with great fervor.

* Dhopeshwar Mahadev in Madhya Pradesh - This temple expresses the bonding between Lord Shiva and Lord Kubera. It has a unique idol of Shiva and Kubera in which both deities are shown together.

* Kubera Bhandari Temple in Gujarat - Situated on the banks of river Narmada this is the place where Lord Kubera performed his penance. It is believed that Lord Shiva built this temple around 2500 years ago. He also organized a Bhandara (free food donation) at this place.

Sambar Vs Rasam

Come September, we have a festival season. Festival of flowers, festival of lights, festival of colours. Festival is associated with Poojas at home and in temples. Of course, it is mostly followed by a feast and culinary excellence at a grand scale in every region.

When I happened to read and remembered my good friend Ganesan’s forward on the South recipe, I thought let me too add spice to your taste buds.

It’s about Sambar and Rasam.

Sambar and Rasam, like Vasisht and Vishwamithra, are Kulagurus of Tamil Brahminical lunches and dinners. Both have an army of admirers and at times one is substituted for the other. In marriage lunches, they go together and in our homes, for the day-to-day lunches and dinners, we either prepare sambar or rasam but less frequently both.

For Sambar in Palakkad, they use grounded and grated coconut, whereas in Tamil Nadu, sambar powder is preferred. The availability of coconuts and pulses determines this and one is not necessarily superior to the other. However, for marriage lunches, arachuvitta sambar (sambar in loose format with grated coconut) alone is preferred. Sambar using sambar powder is looked down upon as if it plays for the B team. Rasam does not entertain such distinction. Rasam powder is universally used. Sambar has to face stiff competition from Morkhuzhambu, Vettakhuzhambhu, ghothsu and pit law and it either over shadows or is overshadowed by them. Rasam fears no such alien threats save the competition from the Rasam species itself.

Kabbari Chaaru or Pappu Charu is the Telangana/ Andhra version of Sambar, whereas Karnataka style is Naggekai kharbyaali, / Obuttu Saaru. Pumpkin ( MnajalPoosinakkai) sambar is popular in Tamilnadu, while in Kerala Drumstick and Fenugreek greens ( Murungakkai and vendhaya keera) in Varutharacha Sambar is the delicious speciality.

Like Manchester United and Real Madrid Football Clubs followers, the Rasam protagonists are categorised into two fiercely competing groups - those who take their Rasam with the sediments ( kalakkivitta Rasam) and those who would prefer the sediments to remain in the container ( thelivu rasam). Orderliness demands that Thelivu Rasam group should have its serving first so that Kalakkivitta Rasam group can have the rest to its heart's content.

Lime Rasam dispenses with tamarind and is healthy. However, pepper Rasam, jeera Rasam and Kandanthippili Rasam have therapeutic value and hence are prepared as medicinal prescriptions. They are taken to come out of certain ailments. Pepper Rasam is prepared for those whose temperature level is above 100 degrees. Mysore Rasam has all the ingredients and it appeals to our palate. However, senior members of the family frown upon it, for fear that it might promote libido. If pure Rasam is like a Semmangudi Swaraprasthara subtlety, Mysore Rasam, like modern-day Dire Strait's "Sultans of Swing", stirs the youngsters' souls. For a few garlic Rasam is the greatest. However, it has equally powerful enemies, though garlic wins bidding approvals from doctors.

Sambar cannot end our meals. It is not a finisher like Dhoni. Invariably it has to be followed by Rasam or dahi bath. Rasam is independent and can stand apart, alone. When someone is not well, Rasam alone is prescribed, a privilege that Sambar looks at with envy.

Vadai soaked in sambar is known as vadai sambar, prominence being given to vadai. However, vadai soaked in Rasam is known as Rasa vadai, Rasam stealing the show. One can drink cupfuls of Rasam. If one tries to drink sambar in a cup, his sanity would be tested - another snub again to sambar.

As barbeque is connected with a grill and rotis and nans are linked to tandoors, sambar boiled in a Kalchatti assumes a significant flavour. Rasam boiled in Kumbhakonam made eeyachombu, lords over our lunches and dinners.

When we take rice, the quantity of Rasam dominates. In sambar rice, a high quantity of sambar is frowned upon.

In addition to its intrinsic merits, Rasam is also enjoyed for one more reason. In marriage lunches, Rasam is followed by payasam. If Rasam comes, can Payasam be far behind, a poet Shelley may have sung today.

Milagu Rasam ( Chilli Rasam) in Western garbs has become mulaguthanni soup in star hotels. In fact, Rasam is a precursor to many modern-day soups.

Software techies from South India would enjoy their cupfuls of chosen Rasam even while embarking upon their coding endeavours.

No wonder, one sighs, Rasam is resplendent indeed!

Key Takeaways: Sambar vs Rasam

1. Sambar and rasam are iconic South Indian dishes: They offer distinct flavours and cultural significance.

2. Lentils and spices are key ingredients: Both dishes are based on lentils and a variety of spices.

3. Regional variations exist: Sambar and Rasam have different interpretations across South Indian states.

4. Sambar is a hearty stew: It is thicker, richer, and often includes vegetables.

5. Rasam is a tangy soup: It is lighter, more refreshing, and often has a tomato or tamarind base.

6. Both offer health benefits: Sambar and rasam provide essential nutrients, aid digestion, boost immunity and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

7. The choice between sambar and rasam often comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the rich and hearty flavours of sambar, while others enjoy the tangy and refreshing taste of rasam. Additionally, regional variations in both dishes can influence your preference.

I would wish you to explore both sambar and rasam to discover your favourite. Whether you’re a seasoned South Indian cuisine enthusiast or new to the region’s flavours, these dishes offer a unique and satisfying culinary experience.

Onam - POOKKALAM

 Pookkalam ( Floral Rangoli ) is one of the most prominent aspects of the Onam festival. It’s the creation of intricate and colorful designs, Malayalees decorate at the entrances of their homes with beautiful patterns made from various types of flowers. Each day of the festival, the size and complexity of the Pookkalam increase, reaching its pinnacle on the tenth and final day ending with Onam. 

Pookkalams showcase rich social and cultural heritage and hold significant symbolism, in addition to their captivating beauty. Its design conveys the DNA it shares with other floral designs found in other parts of India like rangoli carpets, showcasing its rich historical heritage. Furthermore, Pookalams are followed by the cleaning of homes, they bring together multiple people, and are also symbolic of being one with nature – therefore, it is heavily associated with the prosperity, sanctity, and harmony of families and the community as a whole. 

The tradition of laying the Onam Pookalam (floral carpet) begins, marked by Atham Nakshatram in the month of Chingam on the Malayalam calendar. ( Chingam 21, this year 1200 on the Malayalam calendar), and culminates on the 10th day of Tiruvonam. This year Onam is celebrated between the 6^th  to 15^th of September 2024.

 Day 1: Kashumala**

 The first day’s floral design marked by Atham Nakshatra is inspired by the Kashumala necklace, a cherished piece of jewelry symbolizing grace and heritage passed down through generations. 

Kashumala is believed to represent Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. "Kashu" refers to the gold coins used to craft the necklace.

 

Day 2: Mani Mala**

On the second day of Onam, marked by Chithra Nakshatra the Pookkalam (floral carpet) is offered in reverence to Lord Ganesha on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. 

The featured jewelry is the Mani Mala, a simple yet elegant necklace made of gold ball-shaped beads. Traditionally worn by women in Kerala, this timeless piece adds grace to everyday attire, symbolizing beauty in simplicity. In  Pookkalam, the Mani Mala is displayed as the crown of Lord Ganapathy.

 

Day 3 : Pathakkam / Addil*

The third day of Onam festivities falls on Chothi Nakshatram and  Pookkalam is themed on another traditional necklace called Pathakkam or Addil.

Addil is a traditional necklace women wear in Kerala, especially during important cultural and religious occasions.

 The Addil typically consists of a central pendant known as the "Pathakkam", which is often large and intricately designed, surrounded by a chain of smaller gold or gem-encrusted elements.

Day 4 : Thalikkoottam 

Vishakham Nakshatram falls on Day 4 of the Onam festivities.  Pookkalam (floral carpet) is laid with local flowers that are traditionally plucked from the wild during the Onam season. The flowers used today are Chembarathi (hibiscus), thechi (Ixora), chembakam (frangipani), and manja arali (yellow bell flower).  To suit this local practice, a very traditional ornament called Thalikoottam is presented.. Thali means the Mangalsutra pendant and Koottam means grouping. Thalikoottam thus means a necklace formed by a group of Thalis strung together to form an exquisite piece of jewelry.  The Thalikoottam is displayed in an Uruli (traditional brass round bowl).

 Day 5: Jhimikki*

Anizham Nakshatram marks the fifth day of Onam celebrations.

 Pookkalam is themed around *Jhimikki* (also known as *Jhumka* in Hindi), a beloved piece of traditional jewelry. Fun fact: the *Jhimikki* gained widespread fame through the popular song "Ente Ammede Jhimikki Kammal" (My Mother’s Jhimikki Earring)! 😄

A *Jhimikki* is a traditional Indian earring, often large, ornate, and dangling. These earrings are typically worn by Malayali women as part of traditional South Indian attire. They come in various designs and are commonly crafted from gold, silver, or other metals, often embellished with gemstones or pearls.

Day 6: Nagapadam*

Triketta Nakshatram marks the sixth day of the grand Onam celebration. As the festival draws closer to its culmination, Kerala is filled with a palpable sense of joy and jubilation.

 *Pookkalam* (floral carpet) features the iconic *Nagapadam* necklace, a traditional piece of jewelry often paired with the classic off-white and gold *Mundu Veshti*( Traditional Kerala Dress ).. This lovely combination takes center stage in the floral design symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of Kerala.

The *Nagapadam* derives its name from the serpent’s hood (*naga*), with the centerpiece shaped like a cobra’s hood, representing protection and power. Adorned with green gemstones, this exquisite necklace is typically worn during special occasions, signifying auspiciousness and prosperity.

Day 7: Palakka*

Moolam Nakshatram marks the seventh day of the 10-day Onam festival, a day rich in tradition and devotion.

 Showcased here is the Palakka necklace, famously worn by Baby Krishna, or Unnikannan, the revered deity of Guruvayur.

According to folklore, the origins of Palakka jewelry trace back to the Dwapara Yuga, when Lord Krishna walked the earth. The design is believed to be inspired by the Pala tree (Milkwood Pine), with the necklace’s signature leaf-shaped motifs resembling the tree’s leaves.

The highlight is the Vyaali Palakka, where the mythical Vyaali—an emblem of power and protection—takes center stage. This fierce, lion-like figure is intricately carved and embossed into the heart of the Palakka design, making it both a symbol of beauty and strength.

 Day 8: Mullamottu*

The eighth day of Onam, marked by the Pooradam Nakshatram, is when King Mahabali is traditionally invited to visit the homes of his people.

For this day’s Pookkalam (floral carpet), the theme is inspired by the Mullamottu Mala (which means "Jasmine Buds Garland"). The jasmine buds, represented by white flowers, symbolize purity and simplicity and are central to today's floral design.

A "Mullamottu Necklace" refers to a jewelry design inspired by the arrangement of jasmine buds in a garland-like fashion. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, this design mirrors the delicate and graceful appearance of jasmine flowers, offering a blend of elegance and natural beauty.

 Day 9: Navaratna Mothiram (Ring)*

Uthradam is the ninth day of the 10-day Onam festival known as the Onam Eve. It is a day of preparation for the grand Onam festival, for the last day.

Today's Pookkalam is inspired by the Navaratna Mothiram, believed to bring four-fold blessings: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. According to Vedic astrology, women wear the ring on their left hand, and men on their right.

The Navaratna Mothiram features nine gems, each representing a celestial body in Vedic astrology, and is said to bring good fortune and balance planetary energies.

Onam 2024 – Day 10 – Thiruvonam is the last day of the 10-day Onam festival which culminates on Thiruvonam Nakshatram on the Malayalam calendar.  A few traditional pieces like Poothali, Ilakkathali, Puliyamothiram, and Kazhuthila are missed here. On Thiruvonam a traditional Pookkalam with the Thrikkakkara Appan deity in the centre. Thrikkakara Appan is the presiding deity at the famous Thrikkakara temple in Ernakulam, which is closely associated with Onam. It is believed that Vamana had sent Mahabali to this place where the holy feet (Trikkaal) of  Maha Vishnu were touched – and thus this spot.

ONAM is a festival of joy and happiness. May your home remain filled with prosperity and happiness

 throughout the year. HAPPY ONAM TO ALL MY READERS!

COURTESY: KNSS, Bangalore, for the input and pictures 

Staying true to the Path

Staying True to the Path: A Spiritual Journey

A young man on a righteous mission recently sought clarification from his Guru.

Question: We were a group of young people involved in a spiritual mission. Some of them have left us for some reason. Not only have they left, but they are also working against us.

What should we do? To do nothing in return?

Answer: Suppose it is raining in the morning when you need to go home in an emergency. You take an umbrella and continue your journey, right? That's all you need to think. No goal comes easily. If we accept this, it means we are lost or our goal is not true.

Therefore, when going on important missions, we should focus on something other than who is with us but focus on being true to ourselves rather than straying from our goal. Always look within and be convinced that you are on the right path with God.

Q: Swamiji, those who left were so necessary. But the problem is, how can you work against them?

A: No one is separated from anyone. It is only that all are established in Him. Even if a horse has run a long distance to take us to our destination, if we have to cross a river on the way, it cannot run through water. It doesn't matter if it's misquoted or misrepresented. If we force ourselves to enter the water, it will happen to us. Is it okay to ask how can you behave like this after being with me for so long? It doesn't even understand your language. Gratefully leaving it to graze on the river bank, the traveler finds a boat or swims across to the other side.

The registration fee for tug of war is the same as for the conflict in our minds. If there is a conflict, we have paid the fee for the tug-of-war competition. If you pull the rope, you will win, expending all your energy, leaving no spare time to walk towards the goal. So let go of enmity.

God is the source of goodness for everyone. If someone claims to have separated from you, it's best to let go and move forward. Just like a tug-of-war rope, if no one is on the other side pulling, there's no reason to continue holding on. Each person can live their life independently and in their own way.

Q: Swamiji suggests that we should proceed while thinking of Bhagavan.

A: Once they realize that we are correct, won't they come with us? Our way is the right way. Whoever reaches the goal is right. It is to be measured in the final reckoning. Leave it be. That measurer is above us. Let him do it. Right and wrong are relative. Only truth is eternal. Don't let go of the truth. It doesn't matter who comes along. It can only be said that those who are supposed to come will succeed.

Q: Swamiji, our goal is to bring the maximum number of people to Bhagavan.

 A: That's great. But first, let's seek blessings. Then, follow His command and act. That's the best way to achieve the goal.

🙏🌹🙏

Source: Unknown