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Visit to Balligaavi – Hosyala and Chalukya temples

September 24th, 2009 2 comments

September 19 – Saturday. Visit to Balligaavi:
I reached Ranebeenur at 5.00 AM. Went to Kaka’s home in Mrityunjaya Nagar. Had Idli and Uppit (Upama) at 8 AM. Again in my mama’s (Suresh mama) home, had chapathi and potato bhaji. So had heavy brekafast at both the palces.
Plan was fixed that we would visit Varadahalli (near Sagar) and Balligaavi.
I and anna(My one more elder cousin brother – Vinayak) started to decide how many would be coming and where are all possible places. Three members were fixed. I, anna and aai (My mother). We asked kaka (Shivanna – Anna’s father). He said No. Everone forced him to come for tour. Somoehow he did not agreed. My another cousin brother (Vijay – Mama’s son) also came and forced. He did not agreed. Then we called mama (Suresh mama) and mami (Pushpa mami) to join us. They happily agreed. After the breakfast at 10.00 AM, we were all ready to visit Varadahalli (Sridhar aashram) and Balligaavi.

I have not visited both the places and all others had seen Varadahalli (Sridhar aashram) many times. Anna was in driver seat as usual. I was cleaner :) and aai, Suresh mama and Pushpa mami in back seat. All set and we headed tworads Hirekerur. Its a small road and not many humps in between. After Hirekerur, major station is Shiralakoppa. Shiralakoppa is a part of Shimoga District. As I10 entered into the Shiralkoppa, its all greenary. City is so much rich in agriculture and people dont have the water problem here. Everywhere there was trees, small ponds. Road is well maitained. Roads are good in Shimiga distict, mainly because our Karnataka CM is from Shikaripur. In and around Shikaripur roads are well maintained.

Shiralkoppa to Bellegavi is around 5 to 6 kms. We took right turn towards Balligaavi and left turn goes to Sagar. Balligaavi village is surrounded by old temples of Shiva. Its a beautiful place and famous for Paccha linga. It means a green shiva linga around 4 feet high is situated in the temple. The approximate cost of Paccha linga (Green stone) is around 10 to 15 crores in intenrational market.

Here are the photoes of Pachha linga.

More photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/kiransnaik/SridharSwamijiAshram#

This green shiva linga was situated in the temple which was on the corner of the small pond. Recently some people tried to steal this but could not succeed. Now this linga has been moved into one temple inside the village with security.

We visited Chalukya and Hoysala temples in the Bellegavi. Lot of people visit these temples and its a amzing sculpure. Big nandi (Cow) inside the Chalukya temple is a mjor attraction. Photography is prohibited inside Chalukya and Hosyala temples. Big nandi is a pleasure to watch. Its a precision of art at the highest level.
Below are some snaps of Chalukya temple in Bellagavi:

Below are some snaps of Hoysala temple in Bellegavi:

Everyone was happy to see the Paccha linga and two temples. We progressed our journey to another great place called Sridhar Ashram in Varadanhalli. Varadanahalli is again part of Shimoga district.
We went via Shiralkoppa–>Tadagunne (Petrol bunk). take right turn and proceed to Sagar. Whole journey was pleasant with cool breeze of air, surrounded by green trees, small ponds, nice curvings of the road like ……….:)

More photos are shared here: http://picasaweb.google.com/kiransnaik/SridharSwamijiAshram#

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My visit to Mysore Palace and KRS

August 20th, 2008 Comments off

August 15, 16 and 17 was a long holiday. Enjoyed the drive in Namma Bagngaluru on Friday August 15th. Obliviously reason for smooth traffic was holiday and long weekend. Most of the outstation people visited there home town. Probably most of Bangaloreans were out of station with family enjoying the true Independence day.

 

Friday celebrated the Independence day with speech of our beloved Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Every year I watch the prime minister’s speech, expecting something extra ordinary announcements. Not to my surprise, there was nothing extra ordinary. Probably the highlight was committee approved the 6th Pay commission recommendation. Central government employees will have more benefits and also arrears.

 

Sunday we had a plan to visit Shivansamudra. First trip will all the family members. Myself, wife, Brother Deepak, vaini and son Chinmay. Vishwanath and family, Avinash and family, Ravishankar and Family, Pradeep and Family. Total around 20 members. Narayan helped to order the food,.,, and thanks to Narayan for helping to cancel the food order at last moment. I was excited to visit the place. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, trip got canceled. Rather postponed. As we have a plan to go out soon.

 

Friday, me and Supriya thought, we will visit the Mysore palace. What a way to celebrate the

Independence. We got a chance to see the historical places and here we goo.. We started form Bangalore on Saturday 11.00 AM.

 

Had breakfast at Kadumane. Dosa and Idli. I don’t like Kadumane service, yet I visit everytime, only for good open space and car parking area. We have been visiting Kadumane with Pradeep, Narayan almost once in 4 months. I did not like the service. Food is ok,., but service is bad. Waitors will look as if they are doing a favor. Once myself, Narayan and Pradeep visited Kadumane at morning 5.30 AM. We ahd nigh out.. discussing somethings… I don’t really remember whole night what we discussed. It was so much enjoyable and did not know its 5.00AM. Then we went to Kaadu mane and had heavy breakfast. That was too much fun.

 

Started out i10 Journey again towards palace. Before Mandya, whole line of cars standing and some group of people and politicians are seen. I guess its our beloved Ex Chief Minister Kumarswamy visited the place. Whole road half kilometers was empty and we can able to see only police officials dressed neatly to welcome us. Surprisingly lot of traffic along the Mysore road. We could able to see not less than five cars at a time. My i10 cruised along the way, at 140 kmph leaving behind all cars. Thanks to Pradeep, without him I could not have driven wonderful i10.

 

Reached Mysore city and we don’t know where is Mysore palace. Followed the written road map and reached some place which we though it’s a Mysore palace. Parked the Car and asked someone. Came to know that we have reached, behind the palace and actual palace is other side of the temple. Took the U turn, came back to signal. Asked someone –two old people around 60-65 years, who guided with great excitement. Even I was excited to visit the palace and was eager to drive down and reach the place. I am stunned with the parking lot, all cars and vehicles in a ground parked without any manner. I looked for last line parking.. ohhhhhhhh!!! I reached dead end where route is blocked by all vehicles. Took U turn and again started looking for parking place for my small I10. Saw one slot empty, took right turn and parked. Then I saw from other side, big bus was taking reverse for the same place. We could not resist laughing and big bus went ahead looking for other place in the yard.

 

Taken the entry tickets and went inside. It was all crowded and no proper instruction what is there what. Long queue to submit the cameras. I do not know why we should submit the cameras. Took some snaps outside and along with camera went inside. Big queue for Chappal stand and after 5 minutes, able to get place for chappals in the stand. I do not know why we should remove the shoes and go inside. I am sorry, if I am hearting anyone. Its my personal view and really surprised to know this. At the security check, they checked the Camera and asked to keep it and come back. Went outside, put the Sony in i10.

 

Finally we are here… inside the palace… feeling like Maharaja. and sense of accomplishment that we reached the destination. Amazed by the great architecture, splendid interiors. Top roofs are ultimate. Durbar Hall on the first floor and marriage hall are awesome. We can clearly visulaise the combination of hindu and muslim architecture. Happy to see the place and still I had much more expectations apart from fascinating interiors, marble tiles. View from first floor is undoubtedly amazing towards the open place outside. I wanted to see the heirachy of Raja’s recently ruled and how the ancient dynasty transformed to British rule. British rule to Vodeyar family. I know, we can get these information just by Googling, it’s all together different feeling to learn from there pictures, paints and wordings inside the palace itself. I do agree that there are paintings, photos, and all Raja and family photos. It was not so crystal clear to visualize.

 

After that came back outside, only to see heavy rain pouring. Its always so much fun to be in rain. It reminded me of two things. One is quotation, “Best thing you can do when raining is to let it rain” Second is around 4 years back, when I used to drive only my Hero Honda Splendor or Pradeep’s Hero Honda Passion. Once day, when it was raining heavily, myself and Pradeep went to ride on our bikes. From Banashankari to Nettakallappa circle. Had Lemon Soda. Went to Chamarajpeth, Vijaynagar, Nagarbhavi and near to his friends house. Had some stuff in the evening and came back… All this in rain and we two drenched in rain like anything, never before. Only thing missing was the camera. I am sure, Pradeep and me can remember this for a life long, without the camera. I can still feel the fresh air and rainy muddy smell and fast drive over the Chamarajpeth fly over.

 

 3.30 PM by the time we came back, went in search of lunch. Thought of having memorable lunch and drive to President hotel. Again I had much more expectation of President hotel, (May be because I was comparing with the Bangalore President Hotel). Ambience was good but was crowded. Went to Pai Vista – Guffa. To become charged and refresh again to visit another great place Krishana Raja Sagar(KRS). Had excellent corn roll though fried rice was ok.

 

Went to KRS via ring road. Enjoyed the nature beauty and drizzling rain. Waaahhh.. we reached KRS and full of water. Took some snaps in the bridge and it was like we were in ship. Had great time in the Brindavan garden, boating and nice to see lot of crowd enjoying the holiday and weekend. We wanted to come back without watching Musical fountain in Brindavan garden. We would have missed the core part of KRS and garden without seeing the beauty of musical fountain. Musical Fountain was really refreshing with the songs like Vande Mataram, Jeeva nadi.. Jeeva nadi..Kaveri..from Vishnuvardhana movie, Alisha Chenoy song and Dile hain mere deewna kay from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum. Though not in a mood to come back to Bangalore, still we have to come back. To start again the normal activites. The memory of excellent art of Mysore palace, Brindavan garden would remain as the life time visit places in my life. 

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My views on Jodhaa Akbar – Historic Movie

March 31st, 2008 3 comments

History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are. ~David C. McCullough:

I have been planning to Watch “
Jodhaa Akbarfrom the day it got released. This has been postponing like my blogging. I do not remember when my last post was. Only plan…no implementation. Happy and satisfied that at last happened to watch Jodhaa Akbar on a beautiful Sunday.  Brought DVD and thak God!!! got good quality DVD. One more and important reason to be happy is – no longer I got to hear the complaints from my wifeJ 

A great historic movie by Ashitosh Gourikar. Once again Ashitosh proved he is classic director with creativity. His handling of the subject is absolutely great. Historical love story of Akbar and Jodhaa. The movie has been in the making for the last 2 and a half years. Movie goes back to 16th century of Mughals era.The film is perfect blend of real hero (Hrithik Roshan), gorgeous actress (Aishwarya Rai), a creative director and spectacular music.

I knew my history was bad…after watching JA, I realized its worst !!! Mainly because I did not knew Akbars name was
Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar. My memory has vanished after writing exams in my school days.. he was the son of  son of Nasiruddin Humayun. Jahangir was Akbar’s son. I am carried away so much in present activities that I usually did not think of knowing about these.  The film has given me thought about how important to know about History.  History of our ancient religion, Hinduism, Indian civilization, scientific research done on those days!! Etc etc…

History was very always boring subject for me from my school days. I was of the bad illusion that syllabus of history is just to pass exams and teachers had chance to reduce my marks. They cannot reduce marks if I write the math subject correctly. Oh!!! How bad was my thinking!!. I even did not make any serious effort to learn history.

I got bored of the long songs and long fighting between Jodhaa and Akbar. These kinds of masalas, sometimes make me think!! Was it happened really??? Also film was long!! And this we feel probably because we are not used to the habit of watching looong.. historic movies.   I am surprised to know in the film.. Akbar was illiterate!!!! He did not know to read Urdu. Is this so?????????  I have to explore more for this… This film reminds me of the another film.. Ashoka. Thought both are historical movies… one can clearly see the difference between directors who make films for commercial and directors who make film for passion and art. Though Ashoka was a good movie… more of a commercial film and nothing apart from it. Good thing to know in JA is Akbar’s role was perfectly suited for Hrithik. Instead of Shahrukh khan, if Hrithik was in Ashoka, that would have been more justified in terms of personality and not overactingJJ Jodhaa Akbar is divided into two parts – the political saga and the romance between the couple. A brilliant film in all respects. This historical has all it takes to prove the first blockbuster of 2008. Akbars role was a perefect match!! chiseled to fit the handsomest mould. Hands off to Hrithik for justifying Akbars role. I think one should not miss this movie. Aishwarya Rai (Jodhaa) is wonderful in scenes together with Hrithik. On my rating this film is 4 out of 5.

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Airtel Broadband – Bangalore

June 6th, 2007 6 comments

Here I want to highlight the comparision of Private with Government in Internet – Broadband connection. This is one of the experience I had when applying for the Broadband connection in the Banashankari area Bangalore.

I heard of very good service of BSNL broadband connection. After some enquiries on internet, suggestions from friends, I decided to apply for broadband connection in Banashankari area – Bangalore.

On March 17th Saturday,I approached BSNL office. At the counter I was happy by the warm welcome from the BSNL staff at the cash counter.
Kiran: Sir, I am looking for the Broadband connection. So I want to apply for the Landline telephone.
Officer: Ok. You can fill this form and submit along with the DD of Rs 500. Thats it.
Kiran: How long will it take to get the Broadband connection?
Officer: We don’t know about it. First you have to apply for Landline then oly you will get Broadband.

I thought he is right and better to follow up for internet after the landline connection.
I knew that BSNL takes minimum around 1 month to max 2 months. I decided apply and wait for max 2 months. Atleast after 2 months there will not be any speed/maintainance problem.

Coming back to the business, I got the landline in 2 days (After a bit of follow up and phone calls to the Lineman. Requesting to please do the needful:))

Quite happy about landline in 2 days. I became more optimistic and thought that I might get the connection in 1 around one month… (Better to be optimistic but not Over optmistic:()

It’s almost 2 and half months, there is no news of any connection to my home. Enquired copple of times and ultimately was late to the office with frustation. Next time, when I asked for the Telephone directory, I was made to look for 4-5 people without any results. Lastly came to know that concerned JE (Officer) hasnot yet arrived. It was already 11.30 AM. I have been told that for new directories, JE has the authority  to issue. As I was experienced now to see these things happening, I went to office as if I have nothing to loose or gain:)

I started to look for alternative connections. Eliminated all other options like Tata Indicom (Worst experiece I ever had – I will share about it sometime),Reliance.  Left with only Airtel. I heard there Airtel connection is good. So started to look for the concerned person.

Well… easy way to do this is don’t go anywhere and google it. And hey!! I was right there in the airtel website. I gave my contact details on Friday and I was told by customer support that they will be contacting in 2 working days. Then Airtel officer will look at the address. If connection is available, it wil be done in 7 workinfg days.
At the first instance I thought one week is too late as I needed something urgently..Remebered BSNL and thought oh!! AIRTEL are really fast, they claim to install in only one week.

On Saturday 1.30 PM got a call from AIRTEL.. I thought its a junk call for promotional activity of airtel mobile. Caller informed that he is incharge for Airtel Broadband connection in Banashankari. We spoke about our home location, tariffs etc etc. We decided to meet at 2.30 PM. Though he told 2:30, I was expecting him to be not before 4.00 PM. It’s wonderful, he was sharp at 2:30 after finding my home address in Bangalore:).

We discussed about plan, I handed over the document with 500 rs Cash(For installation). Monday afternoon AIRTEL guys came in, connected the internet and given one free Landline number too:):) which is a Bonus.

It’s Wednesday and I am quite happy of the splendid support of AIRTEL and it’s economical too. Earlier I was under the impression that nobody is cheaper and best thatn BSNL. I was wrong. I am quite happy with the speed, airtel support and airtel guys. They really did all the connections fast and everyhting was like a plug an dplay….

Thank you AIRTEL for all the great service,…. Hope I will be continued to receive the same kind of great service from AIRTEL all the time!!!

KUDOS to AIRTEL BROADBAND!!!!!!!!!!!

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