The intention of this blog is only to share the collections. Inadvertently if any file is under copyright, please intimate me so that it can be removed forthwith.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Will you please read this, Arundhati Roy?

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/1297/40525480.jpg

A Kashmiri, a reporter and a tough old soldier were captured by terrorists in Kashmir . The leader of the terrorists told them he'd grant each of them one last request before they were beheaded and dragged naked through the streets.
 
The Kashmiri said,
 'Well, I'm a foodie, so I'd like one last plate of tandoori chicken.' 
 

The leader nodded to an underling who left and returned with the
 Chicken. The tourist ate it all and said, 'Now I can die content.' 
The reporter said, 'I'm a reporter to the end. I want to take out my tape recorder and describe the scene here and what's about to happen. Maybe, someday, someone will hear it and know that I was on the job till the end.'
The leader directed an aide to hand over the tape recorder and the reporter dictated his comments.
 
He then said, 'Now I can die happy.' 
 
The leader turned to the soldier and asked, 'And now, Havaldarji, what is your final wish?
 
 
'Kick me in the backside,' said the soldier.
'What?' asked the leader, 'Will you mock us in your last hour?' 
 
'No, I'm NOT kidding. I want you to kick my backside ,' insisted the soldier.
 
 
So the leader shoved him into the yard and kicked him in the bottom.
 
The soldier went sprawling, but rolled to his knees, pulled a 9 mm pistol from inside his cammies and shot the leader dead.
 
In the resulting confusion, he emptied his sidearm on six terrorists, then with his knife he slashed the throat of one, and with an AK-47, which he took from one of the already dead terrorists, sprayed the rest of the terrorists killing another 11.
 In a flash, all of them were either dead or fleeing for their lives. 
As the soldier was untying the Kashmiri and the reporter, they asked him, 'Why didn't you just shoot them all in the first place? Why did you ask him to kick you in the ass?' 
 
'What?' replied the soldier, 'and have you two assholes report that I was the aggressor..?'
......... such is the irony of Indian Democracy.......................... 
Blogger kaakaikuruvi said...
jingoist you...
November 8, 2010 4:13 PM
Delete
Blogger hvaidya said...
As per Oxford Dictionary: Jingo - a supporter of policies favouring war, a blustering patriot. The story here is against terrorists and persons like Arundhati Roy supporting such people. I will love war against both these people
November 12, 2010 8:01 PM
Delete
Anonymous Anonymous said...
patriotism is the virtue of the vicious --> Oscar Wilde There is no problem that cannot be solved by the working end of an ak 47. My point is we lack pride and will.
May 6, 2011 11:05 PM

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Concert - Voletti

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2163/voletti1.jpg

  1. http://www.mediafire.com/?4grfvbn2tdophva Intha saala - Varnam - Begadaa 
  2. http://www.mediafire.com/?zf6zccu5e4055o0 Ninnu choosi - Sourashtram 
  3. http://www.mediafire.com/?0etwz3m1r16dc28 O Raajeevaksha - Aarabhi 
  4. http://www.mediafire.com/?evi3r7vv8n322s2 Sathatham - Karaharapriya 
  5. http://www.mediafire.com/?tevubv4chfc2c8u Aakadi velana - Revathi 
  6. http://www.mediafire.com/?cdt9w8ky9go3nsl Raama deivama - Suruti 
  7. http://www.mediafire.com/?kofv4wp6if74zs2 RTP - Kalyaani  
  8. http://www.mediafire.com/?t1agc8535mxz757 Bramai vadam - Misra sivaranjani 
  9. http://www.mediafire.com/?ezjsp6zf0b5ii8c Thillaana - Pahaadi 
  10. http://www.mediafire.com/?648jjch820m38l7 Mangalam
Blogger guru said...
Dear Sir, Voletti Sir concert is excellent.I enjoyed it. Enjoyment to rasikas will be more if you could kindly inform the accompanying artists. Thank you very much Yours Gurumoorthy
October 31, 2010 12:23 PM
Blogger hvaidya said...
Dear Mr. Gurumurthy,

You are right. But many concerts I upload are sent by many readers like you. Either they do not have the details are did not send it to me. தானம் கொடுத்த மாட்டை பல்லை புடிச்சு பார்க்க முடியுமா?
October 31, 2010 4:38 PM
Delete

    Friday, October 29, 2010

    Geethopadesam - latest

    http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8563/geethopadesam.jpg

    Enjoy an inventive fertile interpretation...!!!

    Bhagavat Gita –

    19th Chapter

    Arjun: Hey Vasudev ! how can I do the most heinous and unpardonable act of forwarding junk mail that I receive, to my friends, relatives and revered elders?

    Krishna: Hey Paartha ! at this moment, none of them is your friend or foe, relative or in-law, young or old and good or evil. You have no escape from following your Net-Dharma. Make haste to log on and send off the junk mail to one and all. That is the only Karma expected of you and Dharma you must follow.

    Arjun: Hey Murari ! Do not implore me to do something that pricks my conscience and stirs my soul.

    Krishna: O Kunti-Puthra ! you are caught in the vicious circle of the Maya. In this material world, you are committed to no one except to yourself, your Dharma and your mouse. Junk mails have existed for the last 25 years and will remain long after you are gone. Rise above the Maya and perform your bounden duty.

    Arjun: Lord Krishna ! pray and enlighten me on how junk mail is related to the Maya.

    Krishna: Vatsa ! junk mail is the 6th element in the universe – Aap, Vaayu, Jal, Agni, Aakaash and Junk Mail. It is at the same time animate and inanimate, living and dead beat. It overloads the system and fills up the hard disk. But it serves one great purpose. It leads people to believe that they are filling their time in an intellectual pursuit by reading and reforwarding junk mail. It gives them a sense of achievement without investing their intellect and efforts. Like the Atman that leaves one’s physical body and moves on to another, the junk mail moves from system to system and never gets deleted or dies.

    Arjun: Great Giridhaari ! kindly tell me what the true attributes of junk mail are.

    Krishna: Neither fire can burn it, nor air can evaporate it. Neither can it be conquered nor can it be defeated. Junk mail is omnipresent and immortal like your noble and eternal soul. Unlike an arrow shot from your bow, many a time the junk mail forwarded by you, will even return to you safely after some months or even years, allowing you to re-re-forward it to the same people.
    Arjun: Great Saarathi ! my salutations to you. You have opened my eyes to the cult of junk mail. I was lost in the Maya and have been reading all the junk mail that I keep receiving and doing no other Karma. Now on, I will just press the "Forward" button without reading any of it and send it to all and sundry, friends and foes, relatives and in-laws, young and old. That will surely bring them to their knees in this epochal battle of Good against Evil, in the Kurukshetra.

    Krishna: Arjuna ! victory or defeat is not in your hands. Do not ponder over the fruits of your labour. Just keep forwarding junk mail and make one and all go bananas reading it and you will have done your supreme duty. Tathastu.
    Thus Spoke
    Lord Krishna 


    Received from Mr. K. N. Ramesh

    Monday, October 25, 2010

    Song in praise of Kanchi mahaa periyavaal






    sent by Mr. K. N. Ramesh ( Music by Rajesh Vaidya)

    Saturday, October 23, 2010

    Sabari moksham - Anantharama Dhikshiter

    http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5614/shabarirama.jpg

    Download Anantharama dhikshiter - Sabari moksham Part 1.mp3
    Download Anantharama dhikshiter Sabari moksham Part 2.mp3
    Download Anantharama dhikshiter Sabarimoksham -Part 3.mp3

    Anonymous Enterprise Mobility As A Service said...
    Loved the post and i saw the divinity.
    October 25, 2010 3:35 PM
    Delete
    Blogger Harisankar said...
    The interesting part of this story is that, there was a story of a guy devotee of lord shiva who gave shiva food stuff after himself checking if good. I saw this Sabari scene in Jai Hanuman some time back.
    October 25, 2010 4:52 PM
    Delete

      Service in aid of service

      Dear Shri Vaidhyanathan,

      I received this mail from one of my music friends. I too have read about this Mr Krishnan earlier,
      and his selfless efforts are quite laudable, unmatched. If only he can be identified as the winner
      by the CNN, he can continue the service with some succour. I have sent this mail to all my
      friends. As an avid reader of your blog, I feel, this request to vote for Mr.Krishnan, which is very
      easy, will get a wide and positive publicity. Thanks. Best regards,


      K.Krishnamurthy,
      19 Blossom Hill Dr.
      Plainsboro, NJ, USA 08530.

      Quote:

      Subject: Vote for Narayanan Krishnan - in a list of 10 heroes that CNN has picked for CNN Hero Of the Year

      http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/archive10/naryanan.krishnan.html


      Please vote. And forward it to people whom you think will vote.


      All you have to do is Vote for krishnan.No gimmics,no obligations

      http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/archive10/naryanan.krishnan.html


      New Delhi:  If you had not heard of Narayanan Krishnan, as I had not, it is a collective failure. This is one of the most incredible stories of personal commitment.

      Narayanan Krishnan, all of 29 years old now, does what he was professionally trained to do as a chef. Feed people. Only Krishnan does not do this in the swanky confines of a 5-star hotel. Every day, he wakes up at 4 am, cooks a simple hot meal and then, along with his team, loads it in a van and travels about 200 km feeding the homeless in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

      Krishnan feeds, often with his hands, almost 400 destitute people every day. And for those who need it, he provides a free haircut too. According to CNN, eight years ago, this award-winning chef with a five-star hotel chain was all set to go to Switzerland for a high-profile posting. On a visit to a Madurai temple, he came across a homeless, old man eating his own human waste. That stark sight changed Krishnan's life.
      Much to the dismay of his parents, CNN says, Krishnan abandoned his career plans and decided to spend his life and his professional training in looking after those who could not care for themselves. He has provided more than 1.2 million hot meals through his nonprofit organisation Akshaya Trust, and now hopes to extend this to shelter for the homeless too.

      Krishnan is the only Indian in a list of 10 heroes that CNN has picked worldwide to honour. One of them will be chosen CNN Hero of the Year, selected by the public through an online poll. If many Indians get together to vote for this inspiring man, he can win by a long mile.

      If Krishnan wins he will get $100,000 in addition to the $25,000 that he gets for being shortlisted for the Top 10. Akshaya Trust needs all the monetary support it can get to build on Krishnan's dream. Let's help him get there.
      Vote for Krishnan here.

        (
      http://heroes.cnn.com/vote.aspx
      )

      The poll continues through November 18 2010 at 6 a.m. ET.
      We are crawling the Web for more great videos, tweets pictures, blogs and people that just must be showcased. If you spot some that make you stop and stare, send them in here. We'll be happy to credit it to your spidery efforts on the WWW.
      Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/catch%20of%20the%20day/catch-he-brings-hot-meals-to-india-s-homeless-61029?cp

      Anonymous Anonymous said...
      After all what Lord said in Baghvath geetha is true. Ananyach chinthayantho ..... yoga shemam vahamyaham. It is great.Kudos to Mr. Krishnan and all support to him.
      October 23, 2010 7:38 PM


      .

      Is not India shining

      This mail from Mr. Bhaskaran was very repentant about the negligence of our media ignoring this prestigious matter. I thought I can contribute my mite by publishing this here, so that at least few thousands who see my blog can see and spread the good news to many others, and also satisfy Mr. Bhaskaran. Here is the mail:

      Not a single news channel telecasted this & not a single newspaper is interested in publishing this news. No media Coverage…...nothing for such an achievement from one of the Indian state.

      Its proud moment for any country that one of its state got the United Nations prize for improving transparency , Accountability & responsiveness.
      Even last year also, Government of Gujarat got first prize for drinking water supply programme and user level water quality.
      Media is only interested in telecasting news of encounter of gangster Soharabuddin.
      The facts given below will throw light on the mindset of the secularists, union government and the media - they have ignored national pride and concentrated more on harassment of an elected government. The overwhelming victory of BJP in the latest Municipal elections has proved this again that the voters of Gujarat are intelligent and mature enough to show doors to a vindictive party and the media.
       

       
      Check the certificate hanging in the office of Gujarat Chief Minister Shri. Narendra Modi.

       http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/9564/att00001l.jpg

      Blogger Saras said...
      Very true. Our Media is interested in broadcasting sensational news for improving its popularity.They are not interested in showcasing such accolades.
      October 25, 2010 8:59 AM
      Blogger Harisankar said...
      mmm. I dont watch / take news channels for quite some time as each one favors a political party. It is depressing too to watch especially after work. Hey if a bunch of deranded single digit IQ guys want a hartal and beat each other to a pulp, I am a happy man.
      October 25, 2010 4:49 PM

      D.K. Jayaraman - Kamalamba day

      http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/852/dkjq.jpg

      1. http://www.mediafire.com/?iqq9mqsdo9cntlq Kamalaambike - Thodi 
      2. http://www.mediafire.com/?s82sqeoggjw028p Kamalaambam - Aanandhabairavi 
      3. http://www.mediafire.com/?3u62u703n5jlro9 Kamalaambaam bajare - Kalyaani 
      4. http://www.mediafire.com/?1ce7dgqqd9za8qg Sree kamalaambika - Sankarabaranam 
      5. http://www.mediafire.com/?sj977dfvfi2kimu Sri Kamalaambikaye - Kaambodhi 
      6. http://www.mediafire.com/?3p2tgbpm1c45gha Sree Kamalaambikaye - Bhairavi 
      7. http://www.mediafire.com/?vi9oo5y87y2gaov Sri Kamalaambikaye - Bhairavi 
      8. http://www.mediafire.com/?58x3fs5f7rfp8or Sree Kamalaamba - Punnagavarali 
      9. http://www.mediafire.com/?ck2xxjjsllcx7zx Sree Kamalaamba - Sahaana 
      10. http://www.mediafire.com/?xtzqcnj30l2gy8o Sree Kamalaamba 
      11. http://www.mediafire.com/?xdosrppbqzkod9i Sree Kamalaamba - Aahiri 
      12. http://www.mediafire.com/?cbw4lz3xbwf45t3 Sree Kamalaamba

      Wednesday, October 20, 2010

      A legend (for a change not from Carnatic music)

      This was a write up by my nephew Shrijit in face book, which gave me full satisfaction after reading it. I thought it may give the same feeling to many of you after reading it. Before that, are you able to make out the lady who is in this photo? Please do not read the write up below before guessing correctly.

       http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4884/sachin.jpg


      "When Sachin Tendulkar traveled to Pakistan to face one of the finest bowling attacks ever assembled in cricket, Michael Schumacher was yet to race a F1 car, Lance Armstrong had never been to the Tour de France, Diego Maradona was still the captain of a world champion Argentina team, Pete Sampras had never won a Grand Slam. When Tendulkar embarked on a glorious career taming Imran and company, Roger Federer was a name unheard of; Lionel Messi was in his nappies, Usain Bolt was an unknown kid in the Jamaican backwaters. The Berlin Wall was still intact, USSR was one big, big country, Dr Manmohan Singh was yet to "open" the Nehruvian economy. It seems while Time was having his toll on every individual on the face of this planet, he excused one man. Time stands frozen in front of Sachin Tendulkar. We have had champions, we have had legends, but we have never had another Sachin Tendulkar and we never will."

      Sunday, October 17, 2010

      Manthras

       http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3379/37702om1221825852.jpg


      Mantras are sound vibrations that permeate every cell of your being; they let the mind dissolve. Mantras are impulses or rhythms of consciousness. They create spiritual vibrations.

      Mantra is that which saves you from repetitiveness. A repetitive thought is a worry. Mantras help to free you from worries. Often we wonder why we chant some sounds without understanding their meanings. Can something that we do not understand, help us?

      The meaning of every mantra is infinity. It is a sound vibration beyond the cognition of the mind. When the mind is unable to do this, it simply dissolves and moves into a meditative space.

      A mantra is like a seed. Every seed has the potential to become a tree. Similarly, these sound vibrations contain all the possibilities of creation. Some mantras are in seed form, called the bija mantras. Others are fully expressed, that is the fruit of the mantra is also expressed, like the Gayatri mantra.

      Mantras are a secret. That which is kept a secret alerts the subconscious mind. Mantras work at the level of consciousness. When we want a seed to sprout, it needs to be sown into the soil, hidden, a secret. If it is simply thrown around, birds may eat them up. We can read and learn about mantras and their uses from books and the internet but that will only satisfy the intellect and not translate into experience.

      When we chant the mantras, or listen to them, we get purity of mind and word. This prepares us for meditation. As a result of the sound vibrations, different patterns of the mind rearrange themselves to become tranquil. Agitation is reduced, helping us to turn inward. For instance, when we laugh, our happiness increases. When we cry, the heaviness of sorrow is released. Just as sounds of laughter and crying help, mantras act similarly. Repetition of mantras creates a psychological or mental response that is deep, beyond the realm of words or expression. It can only be experienced. Speech falls short as it cannot go beyond expression into the experiential level.

      When the mind is calm and centered, it can turn inward. Only a mind turned inward can experience the vastness and beauty of Divine Consciousness. When our focus is outward on the objects of the senses, our mind is scattered; it races after one craving or other. Physical senses seek to know all about the external universe. Meditation is the tool for inner exploration. 'Antarmukhi Sada Sukhi' – one whose mind is turned inward is ever in bliss. Mantras are tools that allow the mind to dissolve and repose in the Self.

      Why should we repose in the Self? How is this going to help us in our day-to-day life? When a river is calm, it reflects. When the mind is calm, there is greater clarity of expression. Our sense of observation, perception and expression improves. As a result, we are able to communicate effectively and clearly.

      Most of our problems and misunderstandings arise because of a lack of effective communication. When our mind is free from agitation, the way we interact and communicate is much more pleasant and effective. Our efforts are not hindered by communication gaps. This leads to a lot of positivity in outlook.

      Mantras are as subtle as the air that creates ripples in the water as it gently moves over it. Air is all-pervading and at the same time affects specific regions. The field of mantras is also one such. It is all-pervading; it creates an impact on the one who is practising.

      (By Bhanumathi Narasimhan, who is the director of women and child welfare programs of The Art of Living)

      the above extract sent to me by Mr. K.N. Ramesh. 

      The following manthras are given to me by my dear friend Mr. Parameswaran from Bombay.

      1. http://www.mediafire.com/?rrdgrq4d4r6oan4 Introduction  
      2. http://www.mediafire.com/?gmeoj4m748uynh0 Sunrise manthra to be chanted after waking up in the morning 
      3. http://www.mediafire.com/?lyvmc2d16h8wdma Manthra to be chanted after bath  
      4. http://www.mediafire.com/?aizg5q8op1pwg5v Manthra to be chanted in the pooja room 
      5. http://www.mediafire.com/?bjh11rjy22qqrbf Manthra to be chanted before partaking food 
      6. http://www.mediafire.com/?k4luf1wat3uw60l Manthra to be chanted before leaving your home
      7. http://www.mediafire.com/?a24zlbijg880zmz Manthra to be chanted in the evening before sunset 
      8. http://www.mediafire.com/?luldp54i4qvn1gn Manthra to be chanted before going to bed at night 
      9. http://www.mediafire.com/?lxsam5yqiimkuun Manthra to overcome obstacles 
      10. http://www.mediafire.com/?9iqx2x1pu5jik59 Manthra to obtain the patronage of your higher officials at work 
      11. http://www.mediafire.com/?2ijdi0h2hap1213 Manthra to overcome your enemies 
      12. http://www.mediafire.com/?to7t9lhdx7fo4yc Manthra for those who need job according to their qualifications  
      13. http://www.mediafire.com/?65ylhd5o9uvtc5b Manthra to overcome fear 
      14. http://www.mediafire.com/?9cp1b0o1qbsxgwr Manthra to discharge debts 
      15. http://www.mediafire.com/?90h53262408hb1f Manthra to get back misplaced or lost property 
      16. http://www.mediafire.com/?bs47vcku2woacow Manthra to achieve success in judicial courts property  
      17. http://www.mediafire.com/?cv8la12khcsjvqn Manthra to improve wealth 
      18. http://www.mediafire.com/?o84yknd4wwybkk4 Manthra to achieve success in your children's education  
      19. http://www.mediafire.com/?ojuftbecdo2ogsr Manthra to keep ourselves pure in our utterences
      20. http://www.mediafire.com/?rk7hg8f2dgc8h93 Manthra to get mental solace 
      21. http://www.mediafire.com/?lkndu6zexknkbm7 Manthra to live a long life 
      22. http://www.mediafire.com/?5biw29yqbkoq4wl Mangalam

      How much you wish to do !

      http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5387/imagesfr.jpg

      Friday, October 15, 2010

      Most interesting mail ever received

       http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/661/40066976.jpg

      I have posted under this caption many interesting mails received. But this is something very very special.

      I am just posting this mail as it is. I hope many youngsters will be benefited

      Dear Mama,

      I am a regular visitor of your blog. I downloaded some songs and enjoyed them. Thanks.



      I just found one web site about education. Check this site out and it will be useful for all school children. When I saw this site I remembered you and your blog.  It is completely free high quality education to anyone, anywhere through you tube (Home School comes in You tube). You can give this information to all. Thanks. Given the website below.

      Seetha Hariharan


      http://www.khanacademy.org/
      .
      Dear Ms. Seetha Hariharan ! how will I express my gratitude to you !! You have clean bowled me when I was batting on my principle "Share whatever you acquire." and not even reached the double figure. A best gift on "Saraswathi Pooja" day to many youngsters.

      Hats off to you
      Anonymous VASUDEVAN said...
      Yes . One of the best and only site of its type in online,free education. Recently they have got SUPPORT FROM GATES foundation,google funds. vasudevan
      October 15, 2010 11:01 PM
      Delete
      Anonymous Anonymous said...
      Excellent gift on Saraswati Puja day Thanks
      October 16, 2010 5:44 AM
      Delete
      Blogger BHASKARAN said...
      Unbelievable Ms Seetha, God send வர பிரசாதம் அதுவும் கல்வி கடவுள் சரஸ்வதி பூஜை அன்று Hats off to you Think Loud வாழ்த்துக்கள் சி பாஸ்கரன்
      October 16, 2010 6:54 AM
      Blogger aoldeva said...
      Quote from Albert Einstein: "A hundred times everyday I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labours of other men - both living and dead - and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving." Dear Sir, You have given in the same measure. But, we, no, I! MK Devarajan
      October 16, 2010 1:15 PM
      Blogger Dr D Srinivasan said...
      Looks to be a good link.

      I have forwarded to 2 of my contacts who may benefit from this.

      Thanks for the link.

      Dr.D.Srinivasan
      October 19, 2010 1:25 PM
      Blogger Saras said...
      Amazing Academy! Thanks a lot for sharing this information. I am learning afresh to equip myself to teach my Grand Daughter.
      October 20, 2010 12:14 PM

      Thursday, October 14, 2010

      A temple for Saraswathi

      On Saraswathi pooja day, Ms. Hemalatha has sent these details about Saraswathi temple. I was born and brought up in a village (Pavattakkudi) that was just 10 miles away from this place and studied at Peralam which is 5 miles away.
       
      Saraswathi Ambal temple at Koothanur

      The ancient Saraswati Ambal temple at Koothanur is a one of its kind temple dedicated exclusively to the Goddess of Learning Saraswati. Although there are shrines to Saraswati in most Saivite temples as well as niche shrines to Bhrahma, temples dedicated exclusively to Brahma or Saraswati are very rare.
       http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4688/saraswathi.jpg


      Koothanur is located near Poonthottam on the railway line between Mayiladuturai and Tiruvarur, in the heart of the Temple belt of India in Tamilnadu.
      This ancient shrine is rich in legends and beliefs and is closely associated with the Tamil poet Ottakoothar - a contemporary of Kamban and the author of works such as Kulottunga Cholan Ula. Ottakkoothar enjoyed the patronage of the Imperial Chola rulers.
      Legend has it that a young devotee desirous of knowledge performed severe penances at the Saraswati shrine here (11th-12th century CE), seeking the blessings of Saraswati. Saraswati took the form of a courtesan and materialized before him and expressed her desire to bless him. The devotee refused to accept her blessings, not knowing who she was. Upon hearing of this incident, and recognizing the identity of the courtesan, the poet Ottakkoothar rushed to the spot and prostrated before her seeking her blessings. It was after this incident that the fame of Ottakkoothar is said to have spread throughout the Tamil land. In fact, the name Koothanur derives from the poet's name Ottakoothar.
      Antiquity: The shrine here is said to have been erected by the poet Ottakoothar very early in the 2nd millennium CE. He is also said to have celebrated Vijaya Dasami, the day following the 9 day Navaratri festival in the tamil month of Purattasi here.  Several stone inscriptions, validating the antiquity of the temple are seen here.
      ******


      It should come as no surprise that we find many reports that Saraswati temples in India are rare, and "there is only one", or two. It's true, there are even fewer Saraswati temples than there are Brahma temples, but we do find them at Basara, Shringeri, Pushkar, Panachikkad, Pehowa, Ubud-puri, Bhadrakali, Gairidhara, Kuthanoor, Nellaiappar, at Surabaya Java, and in Nepal. As the Goddess of Speech, Saraswati resides on the tongue of Lord Brahma, and that is her most sacred temple.
      Saraswati Temple at Kuthanoor, also known as the Maha Saraswathi Ambal temple, is located on the Mayiladuthurai-Tiruvarur rail route, 1.5 km. from the village of Poonthottam in Tamil Nadu.
      http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4264/saraswati2.jpg

      Kuthanoor (Koothanur) is associated with the mingling of three sacred rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, who are said to converge here as the Harisol River, also called the Arasalaru. It is believed that one gets liberation from previous births by taking bath here in the Triveni Sangam. The temple is also known as Dakshina Triveni, and is considered a Gnanapeetam, or shrine of wisdom due to Saraswati's presence.
      This site is also associated with the pastime of Saraswati, having a disagreement with Lord Brahma. After the argument, and after worshipping Brahma and Shiva, she was allowed to mingle with the Harisol River here, and have a shrine on the river bank. Lord Brahma, who had already been cursed to have his worship restricted to Pushkar, was deprived of having a shrine here. After further prayers to Shiva, however, it was allowed that puja for Lord Brahma be done here, in association with sacrifices made for the departed souls, an activity conducted in Shiva's realm.

      http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/5872/saraswati3.jpg

      Kuthanoor is also well known for its association with Ottakoothar, the famed Tamil poet. The origin of the word 'Koothanur' refers to a village gifted by Raja Raja Chola II to the singer Ottakkootthan. There are several stone inscriptions which validate the temple's antiquity. It is believed that Ottakoothar erected the shrine very early in the 2nd Millennium. He is also said to have observed Vijaya Dasami here, the day following the 9-day Navaratri festival in the Tamil month of Purattasi.
      The presiding deity, Saraswati Devi is here with her vahana swan. Just as the swan separates milk from water, so the Goddess Saraswati sees only the good in her devotees, and blesses them. The Devi Mahatmiyam praises Her as follows:
        "Clad in a white garment, seated in Padmasana in a white lotus, holding a book in the left hand, a veena in the right hand, with eyes expressing compassion and the third eye revealing knowledge, along with the lips rendering a warm smile."
      Saraswati, who is also known as Kalaimagal, is seated on a white lotus in Padmasana, facing east. She is dressed in a pure white silk saree. In her upper hands she holds the Akshara Mala and the Book of Knowledge (palm leaves), in her lower left hand the Amrutha Kalasha, her lower right hand in Chinmudra. She holds her Veena, Kachapi, across her lap. Her eyes are full of compassion, her third eye, Jatamudi, symbolizing Gnanasakshas. Her deity form is five feet tall.

      http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6632/saraswati6.jpg
      On entering the temple, which is relatively small with a three-tiered gopuram, devotees come to the Bali Peetam, followed by the Mukha mandapam. Next is the Artha mandapam housing Lord Brahma, Brahmapureeswarar, Vallabha Ganapathi (Valampuri Vinayakar), and Bala Dandayuthapani. Other subsidiary deities include, Nagaraja, Murugan, and Narthana Vinayakar, who is a self-manifesting deity.
      Purushotham Bharathi is said to have worshipped here, and the Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt is beneficent to the temple authorities.
      On full moon nights, children come here in droves with their parents, who have written the word “Om” on their tongues with a stick, dipped in honey. It is believed that these children will get the blessings of Saraswati Devi, and will blossom into fine orators, poets and musicians. Devotees also come here to pray for the success of their children’s education, placing notebooks, pencils and pens at Devi's feet, for blessings. It is also believed that the Goddess rectifies speech defects.
      Devotees sing the following prayer to Saraswati:
        Saraswathi Namasthubhyam, varade Kama roopini, Vidhyarambham karishyami, sidhir bhavathu me sada My salutations to Goddess Saraswati, Who can take any form, Who is the bestower of all boons, And I start learning now, With the prayer to her, To make it very effective. Yakundendu Thushara Hara Davalam, Ya shubra vastravrutham, Ya veena vara danda manditha kara, Ya shwetha padmasana, Ya brahmachyutha Sankara prbhruthibhi Daivai sada poojitha, Saa maam pathu saraswathi bhagawathi Nissesha jadyabaha. My saluations to Goddess Saraswati, Who is while like a Kunda flower, Who shines like the full moon, Who carries in her hand a Veena and a stick, Who is seated on the throne of white Lotus, Who is worshipped by the holy trinity, With a prayer to drive away all my slothfulness.

      Temple Events
      The temple is filled with devotees during Saraswathi Pooja and Vijayadashami. A regular program of morning and evening worship is also held. Navaratri festival is celebrated each year. On full moon days, Moola nakshatra days (Goddess Saraswati's star) and Wednesdays, special puja and abhishekam are offered. Saraswati is offered coconuts, flowers, bananas, betel leaves and nuts, white saris and lotus flowers.
      Recently, thousands of devotees came to witness the Maha-kumbabishekam of this temple, which has been conducted here in 1941, 1968, 1987 and 2003. 

      mail received from Ms. Hemalatha of Bangaluru 

      Here are few songs to enjoy for the occasion (Saraswathi pooja)

      1. http://www.mediafire.com/?4g6dvze5nxd62f1 Aaya kalaikkellam - Dr. Balamuralikrishna 
      2. http://www.mediafire.com/?uu9h14u9lgaec4u Sri saraswathi - Nithyashree 
      3. http://www.mediafire.com/?7ztpypopuhxwx39 Vellai thaamarai - Maharajapuram Santhanam
      Blogger BHASKARAN said...
      Thank you very much, right in time and excellent details, thanks to Ms Hemalatha Regards bhaskaran
      October 15, 2010 6:48 AM
      Blogger Dr D Srinivasan said...
      Thanks for the details befitting the occasion.Have worshipped at this temple. One can also visit the temple a few kms nearby of Ambal where it is said Lalitha Sahasranamam was first recited.
      October 15, 2010 2:14 PM
      Delete
      Anonymous Anonymous said...
      This is not related to the subject.I am keen on R.K.Padmanabha and M.s.Sheela music which I do not find in this blog.Actually Mysore musicians are left out.Can this be remedied? Bala tkb1936@gmail.com
      October 15, 2010 5:33 PM
      Delete

        Wednesday, October 13, 2010

        Do not use lap top in bed

        If you have not already read this, please not only read it, but also see that as many persons as possible read this.


        http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/8338/44351156602956799127947.jpg

        This is very important. Please make sure that you will NOT KEEP LAPTOPS ON BEDS.

         
        Very important!!! tell your sons/daughters, friends, relatives about it
         
        A well known family in Mequon lost their 25 year old son (Arun Gopal Ratnam) in a fire at home June 4th.
         This is what happened. He graduated with MBA from University of Wisconsin-Madison two weeks earlier and came home. Had a lunch with his dad at home and decided to go back to clean up his room at school. Father told him to wait and see his mother before he goes back for a few days.
        He decided to take a nap while waiting for his mom to come home from work. Neighbors called 911 when they saw black smoke coming out of the house. Their 25 year old son Arun died in the three year old house. It took several days of investigation to find out the cause of the fire.
         
        It was determined that the fire was caused by lap top in the bed.
         
        When the lap top is on the bed cooling fan does not get air to cool the computer and that is what caused the fire.
         
        Uneven surface of the bedsheet has blocked the air intake vent below the cpu fan. When the laptop is placed on a flat surface i.e. on desk/table, there is a gap between the desk surface and the base of the casing to allow air to flow/suck in through the air intake vent by the cpu fan to cool the cpu. 
         This paragraph is added in by sender for better understanding of the senerio.
        He did not even wake up to get out of the bed he died of carbon monoxide (CO).
        The reason I'm writing this to all of you is that I have seen all of us using our lap top in bed. Let us all decide and make it a practice not to do that. Risk is real. Let us make it a rule not to use lap top in bed or put computer on bed with blankets and pillows around.

        received from Chithra Patil 

        Blogger Saras said...
        Absolutely. Very useful caution.
        October 14, 2010 6:32 PM
        Delete

        Tuesday, October 12, 2010

        Concert - Abhishek Raghuram

        Beware all existing stars. ! Here is a rising star !!

        If you have not attended his concerts you are missing something. This young talented star deserves all appreciation and encouragement. Please resolve now at least, not to miss his concerts.
         http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/8460/abhishek.jpg

        The concert was a real vivid experience to one and all, whether one was a connoisseur in music or one was a novice who knew only the rudiments of carnatic music . If it was a Raga Alapana , every rasika was stunned as to how it was possible to delve into the nooks and corners of the particular raga whether it was saveri, amruthavarshini , or dhanyasi taking him also along reminding the effortless prayogas of the Maestro Balamuralikrishna.

        If it is the rendering of a krithi, especially all the krithis happen to be of Muthuswamy Dikshithar, whose raga prayoga in each krithi is complete, touching all permutation and combination of a raga scales ,  Abhishek was taking us along each line of krithi to see what was the idea of Dikshithar in composing the krithi . In short each one was spellbound, even before he could take up the elaborate neraval and kalpana swara . Mysore Srikanth and Ananth R. Krishnan  were equally taking up the challenge making the concert thrilling from start to finish . (Prema Hari)

        1. http://www.mediafire.com/?xz4gft1xh0eg9pp Gana naathena - Aarabhi 
        2. http://www.mediafire.com/?1jxajracrl1s66c Kaumari Gowri - Gowri Velavali
        3. http://www.mediafire.com/?61r8g3ph7e5edy8 Aallapana &Violin - Saaveri 
        4. http://www.mediafire.com/?c9vs7132933kgra Kari kalaaba - Saaveri 
        5. http://www.mediafire.com/?4n2704yu2a1pu4m Aalaapana - Amruthavarshini 
        6. http://www.mediafire.com/?5g0vdcdu7ofmr88 Violin  
        7. http://www.mediafire.com/?fz8xkiuwpjgdg47 Aanandhaamrutha - Amruthavarshini 
        8. http://www.mediafire.com/?vn1obz5pk51p7wd Aalaapana - Dhanyaasi 
        9. http://www.mediafire.com/?t35pl715chk5k97 Violin  
        10. http://www.mediafire.com/?pddceaw7p11zo1t Maayura naadham - Dhanyaasi 
        11. http://www.mediafire.com/?7dd2oy2hmbis5oy Thani 
        12. http://www.mediafire.com/?zbso83evdnq53dm Santhana gopaala - Kamaas 
        13. http://www.mediafire.com/?d032qox381lv600 Sri Kamalaambike - Sri 
        14. http://www.mediafire.com/?g63gl5blmcj0vne Mangalam
        Anonymous Anonymous said...
        Rising star
        October 12, 2010 9:01 PM
        Delete
        Blogger hvaidya said...
        Thanks for pointing out the typo error. I have corrected it
        October 13, 2010 9:36 AM
        Anonymous Anonymous said...
        Sir,Thanks for introducing Abishek. As a sample I down loaded kaumaari gowri in velavali raga(please correct the raga). The voice is low and the accompanists' volume is more and hence the performance of the artist seems to be very ordinary. can this be corrected? Regards. S.Ramakoti
        October 13, 2010 1:38 PM Blogger     hvaidya said... Dear Mr. Ramakoti, I heard the song once again. It is perfectly alright as for as sound is concerned. His voice is absolutely clear. Will you please check at your end again. I also verified about the raaga after you mentioned. It is actually Gowri velavali as per certain references.I hope somebody else will clarify. However, I admit the error that it is not "Kaumari" I have seen in one of the CDs of Balamuralikrishna, that this song is mentioned as Kaumari. Perhaps a printing error.
        October 13, 2010 8:33 PM
        Delete
          Blogger vjseelan said...
          Dear Hariharan,
          "Beware all existing stars. ! Here is a rising star !!"

          You are on spot on.

          I am trying to get some of his CDs.
          Do you know the CD albums from Abhishek ?

          Regards
          Vijay
          February 24, 2011 5:56 PM
          Blogger hvaidya said...
          I have no idea about the details of Cds he has given. If you are in Chennai, go to AVM's Sound zone. You will find many.
          February 25, 2011 4:48 PM
          Delete

          Delete