My thoughts: Independence Day Special: Trip to Sangam

(Vande Mataram)
(Snap taken on our way back from Sangam)

Again I am writing about the 15th August trip after a week. Wish I could have captured my thoughts a lil bit earlier.
On thursday we were deliberating about our Independence Day trip. The destinations which cropped up were Mullaingiri(Thurs afternoon), Nagarhole (Thurs night), Bheemeshwari, Antargange (Friday morning).
As usual I was the first person to be ready for the trip at 6:30 a.m. We got delayed a lot and had to set out for the trip at almost 9 a.m. after our breakfast.
The culprit is on the right hand side of the below snap.

Earlier during our mail discussions, Divya seemed to be the most eager to go on trip and escape the usual kitpit. And sampath, the rotlu in "our" team had his own rona dhona...."I have to stay back.. Have work :( and also lots of pending personal >> work.. RC book.. Passport.. Car repair :(" - Pasted from Sampy's mail.

Eventually we did manage to go out on this trip but not quite escape the kitpit... Suzie, Arvind's car, gave us intermittent doses of her kitpitkitpitkitpitkitpit reverse horn..

We started deciding our trip destination after we set out towards Kanakpura Road. Madhavi's friend suggested this place called as Sangam which is a meeting point for Kaveri and Arkavathi rivers. He also suggested that we take a right turn at Sangama to find really good picnic spots.

Incidentally, Vara mahalakshmi which is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Karnataka was on 15th Aug.

Vara Mahalakshmi (Source: http://www.karnataka.com/festivals/vara-mahalakshmi.html)
Mahalakshmi is the goddess of wealth, auspiciousness and prosperity. She is worshipped for healthy progeny, as well as the health and long life of the husband. Vratha is observed on a Friday that falls before the full Moon day of the month of Shravanamasa (August - September).
The Vratha is as follows. Early in the morning women after taking bath, make a rangoli on the place where the kalasha is placed. They draw a lotus with 8 petals. The sacred Kalasha (brass/copper/silver) filled with rice and topped with fresh mango leaves, a coconut and cloth are placed on the mandala and Lakshmi is invoked. Goddess is invoked by decorating the Kalasa with flowers, jewellery, vastra (new clothes – saree) fruits, dry fruits, fresh grains, sweets and savouries. Some place coins, or rupee notes or make a garland of notes. The Vratha is performed with the beginning of Puja to Lord Ganesha. Then the main worship of Varalakshmi begins. The raksha is worshipped for a second time and tied to the right hand of the woman. Articles are given as charity to sumangalis (married woman).In South India, savouries like obattu, kosumbari, puliyogare, huli anna, hesaru bele payasa are made on this festival. In the evening women visit other houses and exchange sweets and offerings.

Lord Narayana/Vishnu/Hari husband of Lakshmi, an embodiment of Shuddha Sattwa, is the preserver of the world. He is also called the Ashta Lakshmi Padhi. Lakshmi has 8 avthars (incarnation):

Adi (Protector) Lakshmi,
Dhana (Wealth)Lakshmi ,
Dhanya ( Food and Grains) Lakshmi,
Vijaya (Victory) Lakshmi,
Vidhya (Knowledge) Lakshmi,
Santana (Offsprings) Lakshmi,
Dhairya (Bravery and Strength) Lakshmi,
Soubhagya (Sumangali- Long life of husband) Lakshmi.

All becomes the embodiment of a ideal woman.
The importance or significance of the Varalakshmi Vrata was narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvathi in Skanda purana. Those who perform this Vratam will be blessed wtih Dhana(food), Dhanya(food), Aayu(Long life), Aarogya(health), Aishwarya(wealth), Santanana(progeny) and Soubhagya(long life of husband).
According to the legend, once a lady named Charumath lived in the Maratha kingdom. Pious lady, she indulged in whole hearthed worship of the Goddess and took good care of her family- respectful to her in-laws, loving and caring her husband and children. One day she dreamt about Goddess Lakshmi telling her to perform the puja . She, with the consent of her family performed this Vratam and informs other ladies too. With the blessings of the Goddess she, her family and friends will be bestowed with success and wealth. Hence forth they shared their luck many more people.
With the blessing of both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi one can find peace and prosperity in ones life.

We picked up some south indian stuff on the way for lunch.

The below map greets us at Sangam.

At Sangam we took a coracle ride and crossed the river. On the other side buses were exclusively waiting to fill up passengers and go to Mekedatu.

Mekedatu (Source: http://www.nirvanaholidays.org/River%20retreat.html)

Mekedatu is a beautiful picnic spot where the rivers Cauvery and Arkavathi after their confluence at the Sangam, squeeze though a narrow gorge. Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about.

However, we had crossed the river just for the Coracle ride and therefore returned back soon.

Snap taken from Coracle.

We were pretty hungry and our "ideal picnic" spot was not found as of yet. As starters we had omlette and tea at the local shop. Sampath and I also gobbled 3 fish in no time.

Wait your turn?

At Sangama we took a right turn and travelled for 2 kms to Anandadhama.

Road to Anandadhama

Ants

@Anadadhama

Entrance of Anandadhama

Angry?

Siesta

Tents at Anandadhama

Thanks Giving!!!

Independence Day Parade

Ahead of Anandadhama, we found Vanaprastashram.

The four stages recommended in Hindu philosophy for a man’s life(Source :http://www.43things.com/comments/thread/2429215?show_cheers=1)
Brahmacharyam, is the first stage in which the man abstains from luxury and carnal pleasure to pursue education.
Grihastashram, is the second stage in which the man marries, raises a family and fulfills his responsibilities as bread winner and care-giver
Vanaprastashram, is the third stage in which the man and wife embark on a religious pilgrimage, leaving responsibilities to his grown children
Sanyasashram or sanyas, is the fourth stage in which the man renounces worldliness and seeks salvation.

Our "Ideal"Picnic Spot

A Walk in the nature

Celebrating Independence With Suzie

This insect looks like a helicopter when it flies.

Picture of Kingfisher sitting peacefully on a branch

On our way back we stopped by a typical indian farm land. Notice how the small sheep in the below picture is following the farmer. It reminds you of the dog in Hutch advertisement.