My Village

Have you ever wandered under the shadow of Sal trees,where the wind carries the scent of wild flowers,where silence is broken only by the rustling leavesand the enchanting twitter innumerable birds...

Where you have enough peace to discover your place in the overall plan of Mother Nature.The Nature Village offers an ideal retreat to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

And that’s my small beautiful village..........SUNDARAPANDIPURAM. My village Sundarapandiapuram is a panchayat town in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Sundarapandiapuram had a population of 7705. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Sundarapandiapuram has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 56%. In Sundarapandiapuram, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

I can say my personality shaped during the formative years, here. It taught me the way of living a simple life irrespective of the money I have. It taught me to love nature. Our nature walks are conducted in breathtaking locales and allow one the chance to get away from the mundane life and enjoy the serenity of nature. The peace and quiet of the nature walks in the picturesque locales allows us to rejuvenate yourself. The soothing experience is well worth the effort and the can be quite a meditative experience. The walks allow you a chance to introspect and truly make you feel one with nature. This experience is heightened by the wealth of bird and animal life that are found near the village... Step into a new world where you will discover lush green fields with a spurt of fresh, cool air on your face in our village The natives of this fertile state practice agriculture as their chief profession, relish a carefree walk along the astonishing lakes, witness the picturesque landscapes, and indulge yourself in the culture, traditions and vivid rituals of the villages the colors of life -joy, greenery, peace, hospitability and a vibrant environment one can get a sense of the regal lifestyle and be treated in a royal manner.

Our unique nature walk lets you appreciate the full beauty of nature as our experienced naturalists tell you all the intriguing aspects of the area that you wish to discover. The walks not only help one relax in the sylvan surroundings, but also help identify the role of different plant and animal species for an all round interpretation of harmony of nature. Give your self a break where you literally stop by the wayside to smell the flowers. The hospitable village folk leave no stone unturned to bring a gleeful smile on your face. Travel the countryside and enjoy the sights with your family in a traditional bullock cart…that’s were you can really enjoy the journey. There's nothing quite as healthy and exciting as a bicycle ride through the countryside breathing in its fresh, bracing air........

Games from the Memory Chest Spinning the top - (the bey blade as we knew it!), gilli danda, marbles, hop is a whole host of games that we have forgotten how to play! Re kindles your memories and brings those old joys to life again. you can also learn and indulge in traditional arts and crafts like pottery, rangoli, garland making, basket weaving and moreâ.

Indoor games from the traditional Indian folk games like Pallankuzhi, to board games like Chess, Draughts, dominoes, caroms, ludo and more, you have an array of ways to have a great time indoors.

The entrance is typically decorated with Kolam (designs made by hand with rice powder). This tradition of drawing Kolam is a part of an age-old system. The Kolam supposedly provides food for ants and birds. Drawing big type of kolams before temple and home is a wonderful experience.

The ornaments, which are most common to this part of south India are the oddiyaanam (gold waist belt), vanki (armlet) and jimiki (eardrop The necklace of mangoes, the maangaamaalai, stunning in appearance, consists of stone-studded gold mangoes strung together with a huge pendant of encrusted peacocks. The basic jewel for a married woman is the thaali or mangalasuthra-the marriage talisman. First tied on string and then replaced by a gold chain, the important part of the thaali is the pendant, whose design is determined by the community to which the woman belongs. Besides gold chains of various designs, the gold-coin necklace, the kaasumaalai, is typical of my village.

Tirunelveli District, the penultimate southern most district of Tamil Nad, is described as a microcosm of the State. The district has diverse geographical and physical features such as lofty mountains and low plains, rivers and cascades, seacoast and thick inland forest, sandy soils and fertile alluvium, a variety of flora, fauna, and protected wild life.

The glory of Tirunelveli District is the pride of Tamils. The crawling clouds on the Western Ghats, the picturesque Pothigai hills and the Courtallam water falls are the special features which make Tirunelveli unique. The district consists of all the five geographical divisions referred to in Tamil literature. The Western Ghats form the Kurinji (Mountainous) region; the Kalakkadu and Mundanthurai forests form the Mullai (Forest) region; the lands watered by the Tamiraparani and other rivers fall under Marudham (Paddy fields); the Radhapuram sea coast is its Neithal land (coastal) and the teri land forms the Palai (desert) region. The district is dotted with centres of natural beauty, pilgrimage, architectural eminence and memorials to great warriors of Indian independence

Origin of Tamiraparani

The Tamiraparani originates from the peak of the Periya Pothigai hills of the Western Ghats above Papanasam in the Ambasamudram taluk..

The meaning and origin of the name Tamiraparani is reasoned out differentlythe meaning of the name Tamiraparani in itself is sufficiently clear, but its application in this connection is far from being self-evident. Tamara means, red, parani means parana, a tree which has leaves. Tamiraparani might, therefore mean a tree with red leaves, but, this is a strange derivation for, the name of a river and the ideas naturally suggest itself that some events or legends capable of explaining the name lies beyond........

Tenkasi is a big town in Tirunelveli District of TamilNadu. Its situated near the foothills of the Western Ghats. The famous Water Falls Coutrallam gains much popularity to the town. Tenkasi is noted for its Ulagamman Temple and its Shiva Temple. The Ulagamman temple was built by Parakrama Pandian, but was shattered by lightning. Sivanthi Adithan and others re-instated it. Now it was repainted by the same for new look

The plan, architecture and sculpture of the Visvanatha temple stand as tangible proof of the genius and skill of the later Pandya artists. They had not only preserved the ancient traditions but had added new innovative features as revealed by the Maha gopuram, the monolithic pillar sculptures and the musical pillars found in the Bali Mandapam is a gem by itself. , an awe-inspiring figure and the rare and elegant mani festation of Krishna as Madana gopalan, playing the flute and charming the world like Madana.The two sets of musical pillars found in the Tenkasi temple are another notable feature. The temple has a collection of exquisite bronzes which include the image of Parakrama Pandyan, the builder of the temple and a very impressive Kankalamurti. They prove that the artists of this region were experts in making icons also. Tenkasi (south kasi) is also famous for (saral) drizzling. May-August is a right time to enjoy the drizzling climate in Tenkasi.

Beside all this tourist favorite Coutrallam water falls is near to that district.

COURTALLAM

Kuttralam - a famous waterfall in South Tamilnadu. The river Tamaraparini rises in the Podhigai hills and flows across the rocks, becoming the Kuttralam, before flowing through the plains and emptying at the Bay Of Bengal. It is a famous health resort. Every year June to September we can enjoy the falls season. It contains lot of herbs were you would feel like having deertham of kovil....

In all, there are 4 major sections of the Kuttralam waterfall area. Kuttralam - a famous waterfall in South Tamilnadu It is an excellent health resort. The picturesque surroundings with the backdrops of cloud capped spurs of the Western Ghats lend an unusual charm to the falls. The rapturous scene of the falls gets heightened by the cool breeze that wafts during seasonal months (June to September) along with intermittent drizzle and sunlight. There are eight places where water pours down torrentially with varying velocity and force according to the height of the precipice. They are Main Falls, Five Falls, the Shenbhaga Falls, the Tiger Falls, old Courtallam Falls, Honey Falls, Orchard falls and Sitraruvi.

Visitors to this place like to have bath in these falls from dawn to dusk. One can have bath at anytime in a day and one would not get sneezing or cold as the water is said to possess medicinal qualities of the herbal plants grown in this mountain. Those suffering from rheumatic joints, chronic headache, and nerve disorder get cured by a lengthy stay at Courtallam.

And Near Ambasamudram sivasailam is my husband's place. SIVASAILAM and nandi is very famous with mythological evidence.

Here morning starts with fresh bath, thick filter coffee were we can enter a different world…is one of the best hot drinks that we can drink, then praying god for the day ahead. To see the sanidhi of the temple with diyas and fresh flowers seen near the god. This view is like a feast to our eyes. It seems as god has come in front of us n he is giving showers of blessings. But nowadays not only me, but even my kids and all young generation are missing this village life….

DON'T QUIT...!!

Last few months I had lost my smile. I used to be always remain with a frowned face…My friends asked me… Why worries? What happened to me...? They said... Have faith in God... God watched every thing in silence. I feel we are responsible for all our good and bad deeds.
For them…Whenever failure happens whenever misunderstood by people, some disease occurs in body worries happen. .because of over burden. There will be times when I become impatient because things are taking longer than I expected. When we carry our cares all the time, soon we won’t be able to carry on…By the time I try to lay on somebody’s shoulder. Then I understand I am alone and personally responsible for managing problem. So, I didn’t expect anybody else to do for me…..
If we holding a glass of water for sometimes. It doesn’t matter about the absolute weight. It heaviness depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it is fine. Not very heavy. If hold it for an hour , I will have ache in arm, If I hold it for a day , I need an ambulance, I will collapse. When we carry our cares all the time , soon we won’t be able to carry on. It happens with each and every failure, burden, but how I fall how fast I get up... by the question.. SO WHAT? & WHAT'S NEXT? Remembering children running race..:
People shout at me at times and even plead me telling me to quit and that I have been defeated with respect to some project or the other. Sometimes I will have the feeling I will not succeed, and just as I am to accept defeat, the memories of a race comes to my mind and my downward fall is broken. We all the girls lined up with full of hope. Each one thought that she would win the race, or at least first or second place. The girl who thought she would win, lost her step and slipped. she fell down and lost all her hope. She tried hard to catch herself. But inside voice said “GET UP AND WIN THE RACE.” The girl, she rose quickly. She had not been injured. She was just behind that’s all.
When she was so anxious to regain the position and mind faster than her legs she slipped and fell again. By the time she thought hopeless as a runner and that shouldn’t try to race. watching crowd was laughing. Again inner voice says "GET UP AND WIN THE RACE". So again jumped up and tried again. she thought ten feet we would really have to move fast. She put all her energy into it and gained about 8 or 10 feet. But in trying hard to catch up with lead again,she slipped and fell again. At last she tasted defeat. She lay there silently. A tear dropped down from her eyes.She thought there was no sense of running anymore. she had tried many times. She was out .Why even trying? She would have to live with disgrace. But then she thought about her dad. She could hear the low echo of her dad’s voice “GET UP AND WIN THE RACE”. “Get up AND TAKE YOUR PLACE”. The voice seemed to tell him that she was not meant for failure and that she should get up and win the race. So the girl rose up to run once more. She had new determination. She resolved that whether she won or lost, at least she won’t quit.
So when things seem dark and hard and difficult , the memory of my childhood race helps me in the race of my life. People laugh at me and tell me to quit and said that I am defeated, When ups and downs come in my life. I tell myself “GET UP AND WINS THE RACE”.
.I laid firm foundation with the bricks that others throw on me. Some one will love us some won’t. So what? Sometimes I will win; sometimes I will lose So What? These are tough times I am going through, but if I am going to get through it’s up to me. Ready to go? My inner voice says, "GET UP AND WIN THE RACE". THAT I always said to my self. I CAN, I WILL, I SHOULD.
Again I started my life race..... WIN OR LOSE BUT I DON’T QUIT…

MEANING OF VINAYAKA CHATURTHI

"Vakratunda MahakaayaSuryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru MeDevaSarva
Kaaryeshu Sarvada "

Meaning: The Lord with the curved trunk and a mighty body, who has the luster of a million suns, I pray to thee Oh Lord, to remove the obstacles from all the actions I intend to perform. Ganapati or Ganesha, the Lord of Gananas, the elephant faced God, represents the power of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles and ensures success in human endeavors. Ganesha is revered as the son of the Shiva and Parvati, and is always honored first in most worship services and rituals.Ganesha is also known as Ganapati, Vigneswara, Vinayaka, Gajamukha and Ainkaran. He is worshipped for siddhi, success in undertakings, and buddhi, intelligence. He is worshipped before any venture is started. He is also the God of education, knowledge and wisdom, literature, and the fine arts. Ganesha is also one of the five Gods the worship of whom was popularized by Adi Shankaracharya; the other four are Vishnu, Shiva, Devi and Surya. The worship of these five deities is called the pancayatana Homam. In some cases, a sixth G od, Skanda is also worshipped.The large head of an elephant symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. The wide mouth represents the natural human desire to enjoy life in the world. The large ears signify that a perfect person is the one who possesses a great capacity to listen to others and assimilate ideas. The trunk relates to the power of human mind, which must be strong enough to face the ups and downs of the external world and yet delicate enough to explore the subtle realms of the inner world.The two tusks denote the two aspects of the human personality, wisdom and emotion. The right tusk represents wisdom left tusk represents emotion. The broken left tusk conveys the idea that one must conquer emotions with wisdom to attain perfection
The essential purpose of the Vinayaka Chaturthi festival is to teach a person to avoid the company of bad people and cultivate the company of the good.

What does the term Ganapathi signify? ‘Ga’ means Buddhi or intellect, ‘Na’ means Jnana (Wisdom). ‘Ganapathi’ means one who is the Lord of the intellect and of wisdom. He is also the Lord of all Ganas (spiritual entities). Gunas also symbolise the senses. Ganapathi is thus the Lord of the senses. "Vigath nayakah Vinayakaha" (Vinayaka is one who is without a master above himWhat does the name "Ganapathi" signify? ‘Ga’ means Buddhi (or intellect), Na means Vignaana (wisdom). As Vighneswara is the Lord of the Intellect and Wisdom, he is called "Ganapathi".
Similarly, a common Sanskrit word to denote elephant is GAJA. Here Gajanan means elephant faced - a name for Ganapati. But the word Gaja has a much deeper connotation. GA indicates gati, the final goal towards which the entire creation is moving, whether knowingly or unknowingly. JA stands for janma, birth or origin. Hence GAJA signifies GOD from whom worlds have come out and towards whom they are progressing, to be ultimately dissolved in Him. The elephant head is thus purely symbolical.
It follows from this that what are called Ganas are parts of the human body. The individual (Vyakti) is a part of creation (Srishti). Hence, Divinity, of which the cosmos is a projection, is immanent in the human being. "Vigath nayakah Vinayakah" (Vinayaka has no master over him"). This means that Vinayaka is a totally autonomous and independent deity. He has no Lord above him. In the world, any individual or authority has someone superior above him. But Vinayaka has no overlord.
The worship of Vinayaka has been in existence from times immemorial in Bharath. The Rig Veda, the Narayanopanishad and the Thaithriya Upanishad have passages referring to Vinayaka. It is embedded also in a - Gayatri mantra :
"Thathpurushaya Vidmahe,
Vakratundaaya Dheemahi,
Thanno Danthi Prochodayaath".
This mantra indicates that Vinayaka’s Divinity is glorified in this Gayatri mantra. Hence, Ganapathi signifies an all-pervading Divine potency
Vinayaka is one who drives away all sorrows, difficulties and miseries. He is the enemy of all obstacles. He will not allow any obstacle to come in the way. He is the destroyer of obstacles. He confers happiness and peace (on his devotees). He is the master of all those powers (Buddhi and Siddhi). What is this Siddhi? When there is purity of mind, you achieve peace (which is Siddhi). Vinayaka is thus the Lord of Buddhi and Siddhi (the Intellect and Self-Realisation). Hence, every human being should acquire control over the mind. Another notable fact about Vinayaka is His Vehicle, the mouse (Mooshika). What does the mouse represent? It represents darkness, which is the symbol of ignorance. The mouse moves about in the dark. Ganapathi is regarded as controlling the darkness of ignorance.
The mouse is also known for its strong sense of smell (vasana). Based on the smell emanating from an object, the mouse finds its way to it. The inner significance of vasana in relation to humanity is the heritage of ‘vasanas’ which they bring from their previous lives. These vasanas (inherited tendencies) account for the actions of human beings in their present lives. They also signify desires. Without recognising this underlying significance of Vinayaka’s mastery over ignorance and desires, people merely wonder how a large being like Vinayaka could ride on a tiny creature like a mouse.
There is an inner meaning in worshipping Ganapathi for ten days. The idea is that each day shoThe Ganapati Upanishad identifies Lord Ganesh with the Supreme Self. Lord Ganesh represents the Pranava (AUM) which is the symbol of the Supreme Self. Taitiriya Upanishad (1.8.1.) states: "AUM ITI BRAHMAN -AUM is Brahman(GOD). AUM is all this . Nothing can be done without uttering it. This explains the practice of invokong Lord Ganesh before beginning any rite or undertaking any project.
Lord Ganesh removes all obstacles on the path of the spiritual aspirant, and bestows upon him worldly as well as spiritual success. So he is called VIGNA VINAYAKA or VIGHNESHWAR would be dedicated to acquiring control over one the sense organs (Indriyas).
GaneshEight ManifestationsThe incarnation of the Lord in the form of Vakratunda, riding a lion, is the nature of Deh-Brahma. He takes this avatar to subdue the demon Matsarya (rivalry).
The incarnation Ekdanta is of the nature of Dehi-Brahma, with a mouse for a vehicle, intended to subdue the demon Madasura (conceit).
Incarnation Mahodara is of the nature of Jnana-Brahma, to overpower the demon Mohasura (delusion).
The Gajananda incarnation is to bless the Sankhya Yogi by vanquishing the demon Lobhasura (greed).
The Lambodara incarnation is of the nature of Sattwic Shakti Brahma to subdue the demon Krodhasura (anger).
The incarnation Vikata, riding a peacock, is of the nature of Sour-Brahma, to subdue the demon Kamasura (lust).
Incarnation Vighnaraj, riding the celestial serpent Sesha, is of the nature of Vishnu-Brahma and is intended to conquer the demon Mamatasura (attachment).
The Dhumra-varna incarnation is of the nature of Shiva-Brahmato conquer the Asura Abhimaan (pride).
There is an inner meaning in worshipping Ganapathi for ten days. The idea is that each day should be dedicated to acquiring control over one the sense organs (Indriyas).

"Ganaanaam Twam Ganapathi Gam HavaamaheKavim Kaveenaam Upamasra VastamamJyeshta Raajam Brahmanaam BrahmanaspathaAanashrunvanna Oothibhi Seedha Saadanam "

Meaning: We invite You, the Lord of spiritual faith (of Lord Shiva). You are the wisest among the wise, the best to be given as a standard of comparison. You are the senior Lord, Lord of the Vedic manthras, listening to our prayers. Please visit our home with prosperous things and be seated here. courtesyvedas

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM MAKE IT POSSIBLE.....

I had read the story the “Impossible Dream” by Art Buchwald an American humorist. He has friend who feels that the city in which he lives going from bad to worse. He blames the situation entirely on the lack of love among the people. So he sets out on the mission to bring love back in the city. the author says bring love back in the city and make this world a better place to live in by spreading unconditional love and good will. For that he wants to begin with low cadre people like from the morning we see milk man, newspaper boy, taxi drivers, bus conductors, cleaners, sweepers, construction workers, coolies etc because these people well being that will benefit the city. These strategies are to pass on love and good will from one person t another like a chain and thereby spread to the whole city. The strategy is to pass on love and good will from one person to another like a chain and thereby spread to the whole city.

This story impressed me a lot.

Nowadays what we see in the news & what we read in newspapers is all about murders, bomb blasts, and theft etc.what is lacking today??? I feel its all insecurity,lack of trust in life about others, and if you see as a whole it’s only lack of love and affection.

I feel we should also do something for humanity eg spreading love and kindness among people so that there will be peace and harmony everywhere. For that we have to give “unconditional love” to everybody and praying for others.Love is such a powerful force especially when shared.
The greatest power known to man is that of unconditional love. Through the ages, mystics, sages, singers and poets have all expressed the ballad and call to love. As humans, we have searched endlessly for the experience of love through the outer senses. Great nations have come and gone under the guise of love for their people. Religions have flourished and perished while claiming the true path to love. We, the people of this planet, may have missed the simplicity of unconditional love. . .
Simply stated, unconditional love is an unlimited way of being... Life, through unconditional love, is a wondrous adventure that excites the very core of our being and lights our path with delight.
There are so many ways to apply love in our everyday lives Practice constant acts of kindness and you bring kindness upon this planet. Forgiveness is the easiest and most powerful act of kindness you can make. Both for yourself and for others, this activity promotes unity, harmony and oneness that transmutes the old into the new. Forgiveness is a wonderful way to release the past and to love unconditionally.
. The choice is ours to create a world of joy and happiness, love and goodwill. love plays a part in our personal journey of life. We seek it in our families, relationships, careers, religions, hobbies, and even at times we look to nature itself. All the while, it is right within us ready to be given out and experience It is in the sharing and giving of love to others that we receive the same that we give. Give love and surely you will experience love itself. Express love to the world around you and the world will reflect back to you the power of love.
When we pray for the welfare of others all our petty and selfish feelings will go away and our intellect will expand.

The prayer:

May all be happy
May all be free from disease
May all realize what is good
May none be subject to misery… -anonymous

If we start considering everybody’s happiness as ours one or the other day the whole world will be full of love. We can expect to forget a word called violence. For that we should march forward patiently with perseverance and conviction only then we can reach the goal.
The most amazing thing about this change of perspective is that the more you contribute to the lives of others, the more you will receive in return.


As it’s said if you want to be happy and glad
Do a good deed everyday…
Begin the journey that changes everything. Begin the journey of unconditional love...

Today, September 5Th is celebrated INDIA-wide as Teacher’s Day. It is the birthday of the second President of India, Dr. Radha krishnan, a literary scholar and teacher. It is in his honor that today is declared as Teachers Day.
In Sanskrit a teacher is called “guru”. “Gu” means darkness and “ru” means light. So a teacher is one who leads you to light from darkness.
India has a tradition of giving a special status to teacher. The word “guru” is itself is so exalted; the place of a teacher is sometimes even ahead of God – “Guru Brahma” and “Guru Vishnu”. The teacher is next only to mother & father “mathru devo bhava”, “pithru devo bhava”, “acharya devo bhava”
The “Guru-shishya” relationship is like that between the parents and their children.
Like a father who loves his sons and daughters, the teacher should love his pupils.
Accordingly a great responsibility rests on the teacher.
To a great extent the future of students depends on their teacher. Teachers traditionally have held a position of honour and respect all over India, since time immemorial.
WHO IS A TEACHER
A stone lay on the way side,
Its black lump of hardened mass
Someone kicked it,
Someone ignored it
Another one labeled it ugly.
But none turned back to glimpse of it
It was a dirty, damp & dull, shunned by
But one! Who lovingly picked it all,
Washed it clean.
Cut it smooth
Refined it, polished it,
To a glittering diamonds
Thus the transverses of stone
From black lump to a glittering Diamond
And thus started the journey of this
Jeweller called
TEACHER
If you ever have come across one teacher in all your student life, who has changed your life and your way of thinking for the better, you have been blessed. Thankfully ,I had several such opportunities. Right from pre-primary school right up to architecture College, and then graduate school, I have benefited from teachers who have gone beyond their call of duty . But we are REMEMBERING the persons who have helped in many ways. We are thinking story writer, for writing stories, we read, The poet who wrote verses we learnt, and the artist he saw all things and then drew pictures. We remember all we met in our life and remembering those who entertain our life like singers, actors, musicians, sports man etc.
But we forgetting the one who teach to write, read and taught the letters so that we can read and write.
A TEACHER TAKES OUR HAND
OPEN OUR MINDS
TOUCH OUR HEARTS
SHAPES OUR FUTURE
Teacher taught all of us in every step to learn new things and they contributed to your progress and development in many ways About the teachers we still never think about not for a minute
.On this teachers day I wish to honour all my teacher who contributed to my progress and development.I consider education to be one of the nobler professions, akin to medicine. Teachers who spend their lives teaching kids, do more than just teach.They help mould the future of our communities, cities and countries I shall forever be thankful to all those wonderful teachers, who have enriched my life
TEACHERS ARE ORDINARY PEOPLE ENGAGED IN EXTRA ORDINARY WORKS.
HAPPY TEACHERS DAY!