Navrang India

Home made filter coffee. indhanaichidharalgal.com

office worker enjoying coffee to burp up frustration.. shutterstock.com

Is drinking coffee conducive to good health? Does drinking coffee really have health benefits? These questions have been more often discussed by many than about other health drinks that are really bad to health.. Until recent past, a large number of research studies were not in favor of drinking coffee. It was thought that drinking coffee in moderation was ok and more than 6 cups of pure coffee a day would promote palpitation and heart problems. In the Indian subcontinents, normally people drink coffee in a different way - more milk in a cup with a small quantity of concentrated pure decoction.

jantoo.com

Across the globe, most people would prefer drinking coffee in the morning and in India coffee is the first choice after getting up in the morning. Coffee culture is closely linked with socializing in many counties and India is not an exception. . If you drop in on your friend's place or if relatives visit your house hot coffee is offered to refresh you and to exchange pleasantries. In a small gathering, it is always nice to have discussion or serious talk on some pressing matter over a cup of coffee to keep up the spirits of the people involved. So, many communities in India are addicted to coffee at least 3 times a day- early morning, afternoon and evening. So, coffee freaks, need not worry about the effects of coffee on your health and there is a piece of good news for you that will make you cheerful. Your daily addiction to coffee is not harming your heart, rather it is offering some protection from heart disease. Coffee drinkers who drink four or more cups a day seem to benefit the most. Please note 01, Coffee is not likely to cause heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). 02. Consumption of coffee has no potential link with the presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) which is an early indicator of coronary atherosclerosis (when arteries become clogged). Arteries get hardened over a period of time by CAC that may lead to blood clot or stroke. Most of the coffee drinkers did not show any sign of heart condition. This is according to researchers led by the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital in South Korea. A cup of coffee is an energy booster and caffeine in coffee is no longer a culprit.

shutterstock.com

It is to be borne in mind: Do not take coffee on empty stomach in the morning after getting up from the bed
cartoonstock.com
because it might release the hydrochloric acid in your digestive system and it will be painful if you have gastritis. It might affect digestion of proteins that may cause inflammation of the bowel. It may increase the level of cortisol, the hormone that helps us stay awake. So, it is good if you drink a couple of glasses of water on empty stomach, five or ten minutes, at least, before you sip your hot brew in the morning .

redbubble.com

Helth benefits of coffee drinking:

01. A number of studies proved that the daily consumption of coffee lowers the risk of some type of cancer. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer.

02. Coffee gives protection against two types of most common cancer - colorectal and liver cancer. As for liver cancer 4 to 5 cups of coffee may lower the risk by 40%; and 15% in the case of colorectal cancer. Coffee also reduces the risk of skin cancer.

03. Coffee has beneficial nutrients and is extremely high in antioxidant that is actually good controlling cholesterol, etc.

04. Research studies show that if people, suffering from type-2 diabetes, drink 5 plus cups of coffee every day it reduces the risk of death by 30%. This is according to a report issued by the American Chemical Society,

05. It also helps improve your memory power and concentration. mentally you become alert and active. This is because coffee helps the brain produce some important neurotransmitters that boost the neurons.

06. Caffeine in coffee may be beneficial to people who have Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

07. A recent research study undertaken by Queen Mary University, London on 8000 people debunks the previous postulation that coffee drinking could lead to arterial stiffness promoting heart condition. Studies claim that coffee is not as bad as it was thought earlier.

In the light of recent studies do not drink coffee with reservation that may put off your joy of sipping a hot brew. Enjoy every sip to your heart's content. If you have known heart disease or heart rhythm problems, it is good to consult your doctor about coffee consumption. If you have no heart condition and are a moderate coffee drinker, then keep it up.
Tit-Bits:

Way back the world did not know much about coffee then. Arabs who were involved in the export of coffee, sold it only in roasted/salted format so that they won't germinate anywhere else. It was one Indian Sufi saint named Baba Budan, accidentally ran into coffee on a visit to Mecca. He saw the dark drink in Mocha, Yemen.

South Indian filter coffee. eatomaniac.com

Driven by fascination, on completion of his pilgrimage, he tied a few beans to his belly with a cloth and smuggled the beans out of Arabia. Legend has it that Baba Budan planted seven saplings in 1670 in places that now form parts of Karnataka State. There they grew to become coffee plantations on Baba Budangiri hills in Chickmagalur. During the colonial period, coffee production grew on a grand scale and the plantations on the hills were owned by the British families and British companies.
http://www.feederbus.com/5-reasons-why-drinking-coffee-is-good-for-your-health/
https://www.sharecare.com/health/coffee-drink-health/is-coffee-good-or-bad-for-the-heart
https://food.ndtv.com/health/why-drinking-coffee-is-good-for-your-heart-744039

Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple temple.dinamalar.com

Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple dedicated to God Vishnu is one of the 108  divyadesam shrines glorified by the Tamil Azhwar saints of the 6th–9th centuries AD in the Divyaprabanda, the early medieval Tamil canon. Located in  in Srivaikuntam, a town in Thoothukudi district in South East Tamil Nadu, here Sri Vishnu's consort is  Lakshmi, also known as Vaikuntavalli. It is an important pilgrimage center for the Hindus, in particular,  Vaishnavas as this temple is one among the Navatirupathi shetrams  revered by saint  Nammazhwar, In terms of importance, it is next only to Alwarthirunagari Temple. Located on the banks of Tamiraparani river, it is also a Navagraha temple associated with Surya, the Sun god.
From the legend we understand that the presiding deity - Lord Vishnu is believed to have slain a demon called Somukasura who stole the four Vedas from Brahma, a Hindu Trinity God. At Brahma's request, Vishnu took the form of a celestial Matsaya and killed the Assura. He retrieved the Vedas and settled down there as Srivaikuntanathar.

Yet another legend has it that in the past during the Pandya reign the deity lay buried in the ground for a long time and, it is said, the rulers's  cow, while grazing the ground, performed ablution daily to the deity. The king and others realized that there was a sign divinity in that spot, and upon digging, they found the stone image of the God. Soon a temple was built to take care people's spiritual needs. Since the image of Vaikuntanathar was revealed by the cow's strange activities, the presiding deity got the name Pal Pandian (pal in Tamil means milk; Pandian refers to the ruler).

Once Vishnu saved the life of a robber from the Pandya ruler, hence the Lord is referred to asKallpiran (Kalla in Tamil means thief). The lord impressed on the king that the ill-gotten wealth won't stay with people for a long period and at one stage it will reach the right person

This perumal temple follows the Thenkalai tradition (Sampradhayam) of worship and among the temple festivals, the ten-day annual Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April - May) and the Nammazhwar birth celebrations with Garudasevai (procession of the lord with his mount Garuda) with all nine temple of Navatirupathi attract huge gathering of people.

Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple findmessages.com

The temple occupies 5 acres (2.0 ha) of land This temple with small shrines and water bodies is enclosed by a granite walls that go around the temple -580 ft (180 m) long and 396 ft (121 m) broad. Inside the sanctum -grabagriha is the image of the lord Srivaikunanatha in standing posture with a club in his hand. Adisesha, the serpent, is seen holding a parasol over his head. As the image is made of Saligrama stone (available in the Himalayan area of Nepal) ablution is normally done with milk. The hall close to the sanctum, the Artha Mandapam houses the festival image (utchavar) of Kallapiran made of panchaloha - an alloy of five metals with images of Sridevi and Bhudevi on either of his sides. An interesting feature of this temple is Adisesha, the serpent, guards Vishnu in standing posture unlike the other places where it is in sitting posture. No other temples have this rare feature. The paintings on the walls of the shrine that are are still present were commissioned the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings.

Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple, Yali sculpture on the pillars. en.wikipedia.org

There are numerous images of yalis, elephants and Devas in the hall, some of which are even 5 ft (1.5 m) wide. The major images seen in the temple are that of Bhikshadana, Venugopala, Madanagopala, Govardhanagiri, Nammazhwar, Manmatha and Rathi. Depiction of Hanuman in various poses can be seen in the temple. The Dwajastamba mandap has pillars with refined architectural features. Tirumozhi mandap has sculptures of monkeys, squirrels and parrots. It also houses images of monkeys performing various activities. The composite columns of

Image of Veerabadra, Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple en.wikipedia.org

Virabhadra holding sword and horn are found to be additions of the Vijayanayagara kings during the early 1500s. The main rajagopuram - tower is 110 feet tall. Thiruvengadamudayan hall built by Vadamalayappa Pillai, an official in the Madurai Nayak kingdom, is an interesting one and it has rare life size sculptures commissioned during the 16th century. There are six inscriptions in the temple and the Pandiya rulers granted lands to the temple for up keep and continuance of Puja rituals. Ruler Maravarman Sundara Pandyan (1216–1238) made offerings to the temple perpetual lighting of lamps. The shrine of Vaikuntavalli came up during his reign.

Tit-bits:

A bit of colonial history. During 1801, when the East India company forces were after Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1790–99), the Palayakarara rule because he refused to pay land taxes, a war broke out. This temple acted as a fort for the British against the forces of Kattabomman. The marks of war and destruction of Pandiyan history by the later rulers were visible in the temple during modern times.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srivaikuntanathan_Perumal_temple

Tara Tarini temple Odisha. taratarini.nic.in

Tara Tarini temple Odisha. tripadvisor.in

The Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha, besides being one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of Mother Goddess is also one of four major ancient Tantra Peetha and Shakti Peethas in India. Located on the Kumari hills on the banks of the River Rushikulya near Brahmapur city (on the eastern coast) in Ganjam District, Odisha, it is Shakti's breast shrine (Sthana Peetha). According to the Hindu mythology, the four major Shakti Peethas are: Tara Tarini (Stana Khanda), near Brahmapur; Bimala (Pada Khanda) inside the Jagannath Temple, Puri; Kamakhya (Yoni Khanda), near Guwahati; and Dakshina Kalika (Mukha Khanda) in Kolkata. Besides, there are 51 other sacred Shakti Peethas, that were formed from the limbs of Mata Sati's corpse when God Shiva was carrying the corpse in the Satya Yuga. The 51 peethas across the country represent the 51 letters in Sanskrit alphabet. At this sthala - Tara Tarini Sati Devi's breasts are believed to have fallen. In addition, there are 29 Upa Peethas across India. These Shakti Peethas owe their origin to the period of Daksha yagna and Sati's self-immolation.

Shiva carrying the corpse of Sati Devi,en.wikipedia.org

The four Adi Shakti Peethas mentioned above are also part of 51 Shakti pithas and are most revered because they represent four major parts of Devi Sati's body. Hence, they are very holy, powerful and believed as adi shakti pithas. Adi Shakti goddesses Tara Tarini are the presiding deities (Ista-Devi) in many parts of India and in most of the Hindu families in Odisha. Adyashakti worship has been here in this part of Odisha for centuries. The goddesses Tara and Tarini are represented by two ancient stone images decorated with with gold and silver ornaments; two brass heads, known as their Chalanti Pratima, or Living Image, are placed between them.

Brahmapur, Odisha location map. sites.google.com

Mother Tara Tarini is directly attributed to Daksha Prajapati’s Jagna in Satya Yuga is is corroborated by Sacred texts like the Shiva Purana, the Kalika Purana, the Devi Bhagabat (a contemporary text of the Mahabharata written by Shri Vyasa Dev around 6000 years ago) attest this fact. The famous Shakta Peethas of Bimala, Tara-Tarini, Dakshina Kalika and Kamakshi owe their origin to the falling of limbs of the divine corpse of Devi Sati. Lord Sri Krishna before the Kurushetra war had advised Arjuna to offer prayer for victory at Shridevi Kupa or Bhadrakali. It implies that the Shakti peethas have been in existence for more than 6000 years.

Tara tarini temple Odisha. gosahin.com

Kalinga Empire 2300 ago worshipped Tara Tarani as principal deity. When Mauryan Emperor Ashoka defeated the Kalinga Empire, Buddhism became the popular religion. The name Tara (Buddhism), an important deity of Mahayana Buddhist Pantheon, is suggestive of Buddhist influence in this region and it is confirmed by the presence of an image of Buddha in meditation, inside the sanctum of the temple. So it was an ancient centre of the Buddhist Shakta cult. After the fall of Kalinga, for the first time the Mahayana Buddhists accepted the worship of Mother Goddess ‘Tara’. So the Buddhists have learned the ‘Tara’ Puja concept from this shrine. An interesting fact is the maritime history of Kalinga points out worship of Tara by the Sadhavas, merchants and seamen before embarking on their sea voyage from sea ports like Dantapura (Gopalpur), Pallur near Chilika Lake, Kalingapatna and river Rushikulya.

Tara Tarini templetripadvisor.com.

According to the legend once Maa Tara Tarini went as sisters to the house of a learned Brahmin by the name of Shri Basu Praharaj of Kharida Vira Jagannathpur village in Ganjam District. He was a true devotee of Mother Goddess but was child less. The sisters, after staying in his house for some years, disappeared suddenly, causing severe pain and mental agony to the Brahmin family. Some villagers told him the sisters travelled up to the Tarini Parvat/Ratnagiri and disappeared there. Grief-stricken, one night Shri Basu Praharaj had a dream in which he saw Tara and Tarini. They told him that they were not his daughters and were the Adi Shakti. They urged him to renovate the temple on the hilltop of Tarini Parvat and install the deities according to the Vedic tradition. Accordingly he found the traces of an ancient temple onthe hill and with support from the locals rebuilt the temple. Since then this Sthana Peetha (Breast Shrine) of Mata Sati, has become a sanctified Shakti shrine. People come here in large number to get blessed by the mata and to have peace, tranquillity and welfare.

The important festival is Chaitra Parba/Chaitra Mela/Chaitra Yatra. It is held on each Tuesday of the month of Chaitra, i.e., during mid-March to mid-April. Devotees in thousands have darshan of the Tara Tarini and perform their Manasika after fulfilment of their desires.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taratarini_Temple

"On one hand, we are number one in economic growth and on the other we are ranked 100 in global corruption rankings,''................... Prime Minister Mr. Modi.

eenaduindia.com

pragativadi.com

World over, corruption is a menace, but unlike India, it is going on in the shadows. Corporates' money trickles down to so many people in the government, covering the higher-ups down to the peons. It is policians' and civil servants' favorite domain nation wide. According to Corruption Perception Index (CPI) which ranks 180 countries awards India a score of 40, making it the 81st most corrupt country in the world. Corruption is part of life in the last few decades and no body can get past it as it is institutionalised.

Defined by the world bank as the 'misuse of public property for private gain', it involves syphoning off public money and misuse of power amounting to demanding bribes to get the job done. If not, the files will move at a snail's phase. Corruption peculates down to every part of the society and is visible in the administrative corridors of the govt. offices, including govt. hospitals causing mental agony to the ordinary people living on the fringes of poverty. No daily job is done unless you pass the bucks under the table of a govt, servant. Anti-corruption laws have existed since 1968, supported by agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Central Vigilance Commission, but their independence and freedom to take action on the culprits are restrained by certain politicians who serve the vested interest.

No body can imagine the consequence of corruption in the Govt. offices. It adversely affects the economy of central, state and local government bodies. It retards the growth and development of a country and its upward mobility comes to a standstill. In the midst of rampant corruption, economic progress faces road blocks and the tax-paying public suffers a lot as there has been poor infrastructure developments.

slideshare.net

The following are the bad impacts of corruption:

01. Not good for the economy : Corruption Will lead to loss of wealth, productivity and prosperity. At stake will be future growth of the country.

02. Slow down of development projects: contractors don't get the funds right on time and, in the wake of it, important projects move either slowly or put on hold temporarily, causing inconvenience to the people and the workers.

03. Loss of public money and unsolved scams: Several scams involving import of military weapons, leasing of mineral lands, etc result in the loss of billions of dollars of public money. The 2G scam of 2008 involving loss of whooping Rs. one lakh and 70,000 crores during the reign of Congress and its alliance partners took the country by storm. Neither the companies nor the people who masterminded this fraud on the govt are punished. With that huge misappropriated amount, India would have successfully completed certain important infrastructure projects that were beneficial to the people.

04. Compromising on quality: With respect to quality of imported products for the govt. ex. defence items or any local contract work, ex. construction of bridges and a host of other things, quality is sacrificed. Is it in the interest of the nation?

05. Permit raj: For starting new businesses, right from getting permit to buying lands, water and electrical supplies etc., you have to spill extra money for every thing as you progress. This is quite irritating and this may discourage local industrialists and also foreign direct investments in India.

06. Corruption will increase poverty: Funds from the govt. program on eradication of poverty are misused by the middle men and the end result is they do not reach those who deserve it. So, the poor do not see any monetary benefits whereas the rich are well placed. In the case of professionals, scientists and experts in certain fields, their talents are trampled upon by the seniors in the government offices. Disillusioned, most of them go abroad for better jobs. For a developing economy, brain-drain is a problem.

07. Corruption in the exalted halls of judiciary: If corruption takes roots particularly in lower courts, it will put the common man in misery. If lower court judges are bought by certain unscrupulous middlemen in return for favorable court decisions, people will lo longer respect the court and corrupt judges and, at one stage, judicial system will face crisis. In a democracy, an explosive situation will develop that may lead to anarchy.

08. Illegal mining:Illegal mining of coal beds and sands is widespread across India, especially the latter is a menace in Tamil Nadu where several honest govt. officials were killed while on duty by the mafia groups. Goa accounted for large scale illegal mining of iron ores. Because of widespread illegal mining of sands from the rivers, etc., of late, Tamil Nadu is reeling under water scarcity. Hundreds of lakes that carried a large body of water are not de-silted regularly. They have now become either parched or bone dry and the weather has been pretty hot since April.

Choosing of honest political representatives with no criminal record in the past and present, simple govt procedures to get permits, etc, direct contact between the govt. and public to ease red tape, efficient police system, frequent performance evaluation of top government posts by a govt committee, regular evaluation of political representative's work, and most importantly severe punishment for corrupt officials for misusing of public money ----- these steps will solve the problem of corruption to some extent; eradication of corruption 100% is impossible.

In a country like India, it is an Himalayan task to implement the above steps and keep a tab over every govt. department. Part of the blame goes to the public as the people need to be disciplined when dealing with the govt. laws and regulations. As for the leaders with power and authority they should fulfil the promises given to people and try to solve their grievances. They can be stickler for discipline and get rid of corruption and nepotism in their department. If you come down heavily on the corrupt officials, you not only gain respect in the department but also the people's who elected you to power. They will be happy and look upon you with reverence and gratitude. ''Service to humanity is service to god'.'

*********

Below you will find several funny cartoons on corruption appeared in Indian papers, etc. The cartoonists deal with the subject of corruption in a subtle manner:

africanrubiz.org

Corrupt netha is going to jail in style, but the cartoonist going to jail in grief for the simple reason that he has exposed the politician's corrupt practises by way of cartooning.

cartoonstock.com

A memorial to a political leader. During his time in prison the statesman was on his best behavior.

oneindia.com

Why fuss about movie Bahubali making rupees 1000 crores. What about our nethas and their scams involving thousands of crores of rupees. Where do they hoard the money?

defenceforumindia.com

There is no minister or political heavy weight across India whose name is not involved in government scams. That he gets a bad rap is true, but, the important thing is it is the sensationalism that gives him publicity bonanza and takes him to dizzy heights. It is a good idea to modernize the prisons on par with 5 star hotel rooms with A/C, etc. In case scam cases go against him, and if he is not smart enough to get free from them, he will end up spending time in the prison comfortably. Of course, that will be at the expense of public money. Once he is out Scott free, another netha will be in

yogeshdevaraj.wordpress.com

'Political 'tulaparam'. Nathas know the value of adult franchise being enjoyed by the people. Once they get elected to power with money power, they know how to make up the money spent on election trail. It is good to weigh them against sacks of bank bills to get the job done by them

heshoeshinereyes.wordpress.com

When participants in a protest march go against the government and take the extreme step of fasting unto death, the police

take immediate action on them for the simple reason that they've failed to take permission from them. What about thousands of people in the city who have no shelter, no water and no toilet, and who end up starving most of the days?

Corporate money trickling down to various people in the department.

ranchchimpjournal.blogspot.com

This cartoon highlights the victory news with respect to gay marriage in the USA. Texas was tough against the gay marriages. In June 2015 the supreme court ruling was in favor of this. Like in the cartoon, politics can not survive without money power so, in a way money and politics are like a wedded couple (not unisex couple) - inseparable

economist.com

Ghandhiji does not like soiled bills - ill-gotten money ending up in the wrong place - those who serve the people.

Abe Lincoln is quite unhappy about corporate America. tsamoneything.com

In the USA, it is the ''Government of the corporation, by the corporation and for the corporation''. But in a country like India, it is a different story. It is the ''government of the politicians, by the politicians and for the politicians and their families and relatives''!!

pinterest.com

It is nice and isolate the money agents working for the politicians

dailyhaymaker.com

That big money does not stay in one place is quite true. To get a job done by the government agency, it goes through different stages - all under the table. It is a world-wide ritual and nothing will stop it

securetherepublic.com

In some states in India, foolish people chase money thrown by the contesting politicians like the way the animals in the cartoon. The beneficiary is politician who has an easy ride to power and pelf. No sweat.

02varvara.wordpress.com

When the govt. money is syphoned out,this is what money thrown by the culprit does when it goes into silent mode.

pinterest.com

The incredible hulk is a political heavy weight and the pygmies are the people who voted him to power. Now, the denizens do their obeisance to him to get the job done.

cleantechnica.com

There is no way you can get a job done in some govt offices, unless you pass the bucks behind the back on to the right people at the right time.

Furious Gandhi statue. robzone.blogspot.com

Gandhi's statue on the main road has fiery eyes. Do you know why? It is not the Delhi summer that makes his eyes redshot; His eyes spew fire every time some corrupt nethas ride past his statue. He knows our nethas are more preoccupied with their personal wealth and how to save it than in the service of people who voted him to power.

A wrong coalition. www.youtube.com

sites.google.com

The netha admits that his family mmbers are in jail like him. What way to lead a public life? https://www.poverties.org/blog/corruption-in-india
https://www.careeranna.com/articles/corruption-in-india/

Tomb of Adham Khan, Delhitadtoonew.com

Tomb of Adham Khan, Delhi.panoramio.com

Delhi is home to countless historical Islamic monuments dating back to several centuries. Delhi and other parts of India were under the reign of Muslim rulers for centuries during which time they had built several buildings in Indo-Islamic architectural style, Included in these monuments are several Mausoleums, forts and places of worship.

The 16th-century tomb of Adham Khan, a general of the Mogul Emperor Akbar is a protected monument in Mehrauli, Delhi. Who is Adham Khan? Younger son of Maham Anga, Akbar's wet nurse, he Adham Khan was Akbar's foster brother and was part of the royal family. Unfortunately he was executed on orders by Akbar for the heinous crime of killing Akbar’s favourite general Ataga Khan in May 1561. The execution took place on the the ramparts of the Agra Fort. Located in an important part of Delhi, among fine Mogul monuments, the tomb of Adham Khan forms popular landmark north of the Qutub Minar. It was built by Akbar in 1561 after Adham's death and this place and the surrounding areas are being managed by the ASI -Archaeological Survey of India.

Tomb of Adham Khan, Delhi. tripadvisor.co.uk

The history of the the Tomb of Adham Khan will bring to light the hidden revelry and favouritism prevailing within any royal family that sometimes might lead to tragedy. In the case of Mogul rule, subtle enmity among royal members was a known fact because every body wanted to enjoy the power and pelf and the additional trappings and honor. Being a nobleman and a general in Akbar’s army like his shrewd mother Maham Anga, Adham too became over ambitious to enjoy royal patronage. The appointment of general Ataga Khan as the Prime Minister by Akbar in November 1561 in the place of Munim Khan angered Adham Khan. Driven by greed and jealousy Adham Khan in May 1561 killed newly appointed PM Ataga Khan when he was addressing an audience. Akbar happened to be a just Mogul ruler and the murder of his prime minister caused him rage and revulsion. To do justice, he had Adham Khan thrown down from the 40 foot tall barricades of the Agra Fort. Adham Khan's mother Maham Anga was grief-stricken and died on the 40 th day after the demise of her son. The tomb, built by Akbar, houses the graves of both Maham Anga and her son Adham Khan. The tomb lies at the entrance path of Mehrauli Village in South Delhi - north of the busy Qutb-Mehrauli Road
An interesting fact about this place is during the East India company rule, in 1830s a British officer named Blake of Bengal Civil Service, put the tomb for a different purpose that no body would ever think of. He converted this tomb - a place of eternal rest into his residential apartment, besides removing the graves and making it his dining hall. This place late became a rest house for the British after the officer's death. Subsequently, it became a police station and a post office. The credit goes to Lord Curzon, the British officer who loved ancient monuments and their preservation for posterity. He took the initiative and restored the tomb back to glory. The grave of Adham Khan is right below the central dome, though that of his mother MahamAnga never was.

The mausoleum made of reddish grey sandstone has a design different from any other Mogul architecture. The tomb lies on a raised platform with a veranda that has 3 semi-circle openings on each side. Eaves are absent under their parapets. Often referred to as Bhool Bhulaiya due to its series of labyrinths that might cause a visitor to lose his way in the midst of several passages /corridors. Octogonal building style represents that of the Lodhi and the Sayyid dynasty of the 14th century.

Tomb of Adham Khan, Delhi. findmessages.com

An octagonal wall is provided with low towers at the corners. This type of octogonal dome design is rare in Mogul architecture. It is said this type of style for tombs is reserved for traitors!!https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_Adham_Khan

High Court bldg. built by the Nizam, Hyderabad.thewire.in

Telengana High Court buldg. built by the Nizam, Hyderabad. en.wikipedia.org

What is so special about The High Court of Telangana in Hyderabad, Telengana state, India? It was founded by the 7th Nizam H.E.H Mir Osman Ali Khan as the High Court of Hyderabad for the then Princely State of Hyderabad, Deccan. This is one of the impressive buildings in the city, built in red and white stones in Mogul- Saracenic style. The historic building, located on the southern bank of Musi river and built of pink granite and sandstone in Mughal-Saracenic style was inaugurated nearly a century ago - April 20. The main building of the High Court was built in the year 1919 by the then Nizam's Government accommodating six judges besides accommodation for the office staff, record rooms and Advocates' Hal. It was renamed later as the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, as it was set up on 5 November 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Hyderabad Deccan was acceded by Government of India on 17 September 1948 after the Nizam's rule. The Andhra Pradesh High Court was referred to as the High court of Judicature at Hyderabad after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh state. On 1st January 2019, Telangana High Court was bifurcated into Andhra Pradesh High Court and Telangana High Court after the formation of state of Telangana.

The main gate of High Court, Hyderabaden.wikipedia.org/

The building plan was drawn up by one Shankar Lal of Jaipur, an eminent engineer and architect of repute in those days and and by a local engineer Mehar Ali Fazal. An interesting fact is the court building stands on the ruins of the Qutub Shahi palaces, Hine Mahal and Nadi Mahal. Building work was done under the care of its chief engineer Nawab Khan Bahadur Mirza Akbar Baig. The cbegan on 15 April 1915 and was completed on 31 March 1919. On 20 April 1920 the High Court building was inaugurated by the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan.

High Court buldg. built by the Nizam, Hyderabad thehansindia.com

During the Silver Jubilee Celebrations in 1936, a silver model of the High Court with a silver key was presented to the Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan by the Judiciary. The silver model of the buildings perfectly carved in a thick sheet of silver weighing about 300 kg is now in the Nizam's Museum in Purani Haveli.
A nasty fire broke out on August 31, 2009 in the judges' library on the first floor of the main building. Cause: an electrical short-circuit. This historic building was repaired and renovated to preserve its heritage value and old glory and the renovated conference hall and judges lounge were inaugurated on October 13, 2011. In 1956 the court could accommodate only 12 judges. There are currently 20 Court Halls and 24 Chambers located in the High Court main building and Annexe buildings and there is a proposal to increase the number of court rooms and chamber as there has been continuous increase in court litigation's. This historical building is a renowned landmark in this part of the city.
Tit-Bits:

Nizam H.E.H Mir Osman Ali Khan en.wikipedia.org

5th richest man in the world,Nizam Sir Osman Ali Khan.princemaak.hubpages.com

Sir Nizam Osman Ali Khan. princemaak.hubpages.com

Above images: His Exalted Highness Nawab Sir Mir Osman Ali Khan Siddiqi, Asaf Jah GBE (6 April 1886 – 24 February 1967), was the last Nizam (ruler) of the princely state of Hyderabad, Deccan then the largest princely state in British India. Between 1911 and 1948 he ruled the state until it was taken over by the Indian govt. after freedom from the British. He was once featured on the cover of Time magazine of 1937 and labelled as one of the wealthiest people of all time - the 5th richest man in history and the richest Indian ever. Being an effective ruler with charitable disposition he gave due importance to education, science and development. Electricity, railways, roads and airways were developed during his reign. He was the founder of the famous Osmania University, Osmania General Hospital, State Bank of Hyderabad, Begumpet Airport, and Hyderabad High Court. Two reservoirs, namely Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were built during his reign, to prevent another great flood in the city.His philanthropy was quite well-known; he donated millions of rupees to various educational and religious institutions all over India. He was equally known for his eccentricities, as he used to knit his own socks, and borrow cigarettes from guests. He had a large fleet of expensive motor cars and was

a patron of Rolls Royce cars.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telangana_High_Court

https://english.sakshi.com/telangana/2019/04/19/centenary-celebrations-of-high-court-building-in-hyderabad-tomorrow
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mir_Osman_Ali_Khan

Secunderabad Clock Tower panoramio.com

Secunderabad Clock Tower hindi.nativeplanet.com

Secunderabad Clock Tower is a historical clock tower in the suburb of Hyderabad, India. Located in Secunderabad it was built in 1860 on a plot of 10 acres of land and the purpose was to help the people know the time of the day. It was inaugurated on the first of February 1897 in this princely state. Many parts of India were then under the direct administration of the British Crown Government, London.

Based on a firman issued by Nizam Sikandar Jah, the city of Secunderabad was named after him in 1806. The then colonial government stationed British officers there on official duty for the Nizam and was pleased with their work. To honour the progress made by them at Secunderabad Cantonment in Hyderabad, the erstwhile British government established a plot consisting of 10 acres (4.0 ha) of land for this purpose in 1860. To make the 2.5 acres of park attractive, a 120-ft high clock tower was built in 1896. British Resident Sir Trevor John Chichele Plowden inaugurated the clock tower. Thanks to Dewan Bahadur Seth Lachmi Narayan Ramgopal, a businessman. who donated the clock.

Secunderabad_Clock_Toweren.wikipedia.org

This historical clock tower was about to to be pulled down in 2003 to ease the expanding vehicular traffic. With the interference of heritage lovers, the then Andhra govt. took steps to repair and restore it. In 2006 restoration was carried out in such a way, the size of the park was reduced to allot more space for widening the road. The cost of renovation was around ₹10 million (US$140,000). The park was landscaped with lawns and hedges, and a waterfall. Late CM of Andhra state Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy inaugurated the renovated park and tower in 2006.
Yet another attraction is a martyr's memorial inside the park in memory of the first police firing in 1969 during a separate Telangana agitation.,The clock tower was declared a heritage structure in the twin cities of Hyderabad-Secunderabad and efforts are afoot to seek UNESCO Heritage status for Hyderabad. It became a logo in 2006, when the 200-year celebrations of the formation of Secunderabad were organised by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secunderabad_Clock_Tower

https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/clock-tower-park-to-open-finally/article3184360.ece

Mahboob Chowk Clock Tower Hyderabad, India. en.wikipedia.org

Considered to be an important part of Hyderabad architectural heritage, Mahboob Chowk Clock Tower is a five-storied tall clock tower that was built in 1892 by Asman Jah, a palgah noble and Prime Minister of Hyderabad (1887-94). It was built in Indo-European style with a four-faced, free-standing structure, diminishing in elevation and plan from the ground up. It is in the middle of a big elevated garden named after Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, sixth Nizam. It was a gift to the commoners to keep track of the time as there were no wrist watches or table clocks in those days. The Clock Tower, Mahboob Chowk was awarded the INTACH Heritage Award in 2008.

Until recently this 127 year old clock tower was in a state of neglect and decay. It became a hangout for the hobos, junkies and drunks. The plastering on the tower was peeling off and there was a thick growth of vegetation sprouting from the cracks. One could see the growth of moss all around the structure. Now, this heritage structure is back to glory and in October 2018, the clock started ticking after a long gap. Thanks to the restoration work undertaken by GHMC as part of the Charminar Pedestrian Project (CPP).

The five major clock towers in the city, namely the ones at Moazzam Jahi Market, Shah Ali Banda, Monda Market, Sultan Bazaar and Mahboob Chowk, have been lying defunct for several years. The GHMC began the restoration work on Mahboob Chowk Clock Tower after several,complaints.

Mahboob Chowk Clock Tower Hyderabad, India.fourtowers.blogspot.com

The lower two parts have cantilevered balconies all around the tower wall supported by Qutub Shahi style brackets with low intricately wrought metal railings. The architectural attractions are the Clerestory windows above the door openings, the base in dressed granite with a small central portion in stucco and an arch on top. In another part/ stage the corners are decorated with slender detached Corinthian columns and the finial is a cupola of smooth stucco plaster resting on an octagonal base.

Mahboob Chowk Clock Tower Hyderabad, Indiaen.wikipedia.org

Located in the midst of a garden, the clock tower has four clocks on four sides. So, one could see time from any direction. The clock tower is designed in the Turkish style. Lots of people visit this place as it is close to the Charminar and Laad Bazaar. The Mahboob Chowk was once a commercial community shopping center of the city with shops selling a variety of wares from household items of daily use, etc. Close to the clock tower are some heritage structures like Moti Mahal built in 1880 and the mosque west of the tower. The latter was rebuilt by the VI Nizam Mir Mahboob Ali Khan in 1904http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2018/oct/01/mahboob-chowk-clock-starts-ticking-again-1879387.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahboob_Chowk_Clock_Tower

Interior. Sasbabu temple, Gwalior, MP 10yearitch.com

Sasbabu temple, Gwalior, MP 10yearitch.com

Gwalior city in Madhya Pradesh is rich in tourist attractions that include many forts, museum, palaces and temples. They al'l' bring out the centuries old unique cultural heritage and its bearing on the state of Madhya Pradesh.

No person interested in Indian history will forget the massive Gwalior Fort situated on the top hills near the city This was the place where so many battles taken place between the rulers of states who were after expansion of their power and revenue. It was here Rani Lashmibhai fought against her adversary the East India company who autocratically took her kingdom and finally killed her. Among the fine temples such as Man Mandir Palace, Saas-Bahu Temple, Suraj Kund, etc., Saas-Bahu Temple attracts our attention because it is architecturally rich temple and whose design is different from the Dravidian style of temple architecture. Even, it does not closely resemble Nagara style temple design common in Odi'sha.'

Sasbabu temple, Gwalior, MP.en.wikipedia.org

defaced wallreliefs. Sasbabu temple (big one), Gwalior, MP findmessages.com

This 11th century twin temple in the Gwalior Fort - Sasbahu Temple is also known as the Sas-Bahu Mandir, Sahastrabahu Temple. Dedicated to Vishnu in his Padmanabha form, the temple is in ruins and this being due to its proximity to the fort where many invasions taken place by the Muslim rulers of Delhi. This historical temple was built in 1093 by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata. Inscriptions found in the larger of the twin temple confirm the name of the builder.

Sasbabu temple, Gwalior, MP.10yearitch.com

Local name of the temple is Sasbahu temple (Sasbahu meaning "mother-in-law, bride" or "a mother with her daughter-in-law"). This relationship implies two things - being together and at the same time being interdependent. Between the two temples that are dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Sas temple is larger and older than the other one. The Sas temple has survived in some form, but the other one - the Bahu temple is simply a shell structure of the original one storey building with a highly ornate door frame and its defaced wall reliefs surviving. The surviving features of the Bahu temple at Gwalior suggest that it may have been a smaller version of the Saas temple.
Though the temple's tower and sanctum are damaged, impressive damaged carvings throw light on its past grandeur and beauty. The jagati platform is 100 feet (30 m) long and 63 feet (19 m) wide, on a square plan. This three-story temple that follows a central cluster concept is a model of architectural sophistication. The entrance porch and the mandapa of the original temple remain unaffected during invasions by the Islamic forces. James Harle, an expert in temple architecture says this temple was built in Bhumija style, a feature common in north India. He cites the triple storey plan with a cruciform foundation and balconies to strengthen his theory. Unfortunately the spire - tower called Prasada is missing, apparently ruined in one of the invasions. This Bhumija style, according to Harle, is characteristic of a well proportioned superstructure, its "regularly arranged little subordinate sikharas strung out like gigantic beaded garlands". As in south Indian temples, this one has four entrance on all directions; the fourth one being closed for unknown reasons.

With notably 4 idols of Brahma, Vishnu and Saraswati above its entrance door, the entire temple has fine carvings and those on the pillars are closely related to Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism. Both exterior and surviving interior parts larger carvings of ornamentations.

Sasbabu temple 1885, construction is on. The temple in 1885

Sasbabu templefindmessages.com

The sanctum of Sas temple is square in plan attached to a rectangular two storey antarala and a closed three storey mandapa with three entrances. Four carved Ruchaka ghatapallava-style load-bearing pillars adorn the temple main entrance porch. Intricate carving is found on the walls, lintels, etc but they are much defaced. On the lintel of the entrances, one can see Krishna-Leela scenes carved inside. Whereas on the outer side you can see narration of legends from the Hindu mythology. Located above the lintel is Garuda, the inimitable vahana of Vishnu.

mandapa entrance pillar carvings of women (defaced) Sasbabu temple, Gwalior, MP.en.wikipedia.org

As for the Bahu temple, its sanctum is also square in plan with four central pillars. The main deity Vishnu in the sanctum is damaged. Also in the sanctum are Brahma holding the Vedas on one side and Shiva holding the trident on the other side.. The Maha-mandapa is square in plan with twelve pillars. The roof has two rotated squares that intersect to form an octagon capped by successive overlapping circles. The temple, like most Malwa and Rajputana historic temples, provides multiple entrances to the devotee. The pillars with octagonal bases carry nicely carved women images that are defaced or tampered with.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasbahu_Temple,_Gwalior

Durga temple.Aihole, Karnataka.dreamstime.com

Durga temple.Aihole, Karnataka. lakshmisharath.com

Though worship of Goddess Durga is quite common in West Bengal, it has pan India tradition and there are many Durga temples in Tamil nadu and also in other southern states. In Kerala, Durga is worshipped in the form of Kali. As for Tamil Nadu, it is said Mariamman is a form of Durga.

Goddess Durga , Aihole. .ancient.eu/

Above image: A statue of the Hindu goddess Durga at Aihole, India. 6th century CE. The goddess has her many weapons in her hands, rides her vahana - lion She is seen killing the the buffalo-headed demon Mahisa (bottom right) .........................

The Durga temple in Aihole in the state of Karnataka, India. is a popular medieval Hindu temple awaiting UNESCO world heritage site recognition. What is so unique about this temple? What way does it differ from other Hindu temples across south India? The temple plan is a rare apsidal or round-ended suggestive of the end stage in the transition of the ancient Chaitanya hall tradition to later Hindu temple architecture. However, one see a blend of Dravida and Nagara style in some areas. The largest of a group of over 120 temples at Aihole it was built by the dynasty of the Chalukyas; in the 7th century. This particular Durga temple represents Badami Chalukya architecture. The name Durga is associated with this temple because it was part of fort built by the Marathas. The belief was the goddess would protect the fort and the ruler. So, the temple gets its name not because of dedication. As you may be aware Goddess Durga is symbolic of courage, valor, destruction of the evil over the good and wisdom.

Durga temple.Aihole, Karnataka. en.wikipedia.org

It is believed the original deity of this temple must have been the Sun God or either Vishnu or Shiva; the latter two are trinity gods in the Hindu mythology.

Durga temple.Aihole, Karnataka. en.wikipedia.org

An interesting feature of this old temple is the covered and limited ambulatory around the temple itself. Here on the walls are nicely carved sculptures of different gods or goddesses. The ends at the rear or sanctuary are rounded and include a total of three layers: passage way or ambulatory runs all around the temple with pillars, To have better ventilation inside the temple from the passage, there are stone grilles with various geometrical patterns.This allows fresh air inside. The sanctum/garbagriha is surmounted by a tower and this provision is meant for future higher towers, shikharas and vimanas. The amalaka that once crowned the shikara is on the ground nearby (visible in top picture).

At the front, the porch is accessed by two staircases with many richly carved relief panels, including roundels with groups of lovers. The sober and square pillars are ornate decorated with characters around the porch and the entrance to the peristyle. The parapet has niches with small animals. The pillared mukhamantapa' and "sabhamantapa" can be reached through the porch/ and then on to the sanctuary, garbagriha./ sanctum. As mentioned before, the plan of the temple is oblong and apsidal. The corridor with pillars forms the prakara (path of prathakshna) It allows worshippers to perform the parikrama (circumambulation ritual) with ease.

This temple, unlike other Hindu temple has a peculiar shape called Gajaprasta meaning the resemblance to the back of an elephant. It may be deemed as a departure from the traditional shape of Hindu temples. It is believed it was done on the model of Buddhist Chaitanya halls, The apsidal designs in Indian architecture are not confined to one or two regions and the studies show that they are a pan-Indian tradition, which had been shared by various faiths since the 2nd century BCE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga_temple,_Aihole

Hindu temple plan. pinterest.com

Above image: The plan of a Hindu temple is based on the human body in a lying posture. The feet represent the entrance to the temple. Flag-staff represents the center of the human body. Sanctum and adjacent mandaps (halls) represent the head, and chest and abdomen respectively.........................................

Basic temple parts. godsownweb.blogspot.com

Above image: Entrance gopuram is taller than the tower (vimana) above the sanctum (garbagriha). namaskara mandaba is just away from the sanctum where devotees prostrate before the deity. Many people believe it should be done in a spot on the right side of flag-staff (Dwajasthambam). After doing prayer in the sanctum, the devotee should go round the temple clock-wise. The number of Prathakshna should be in odd number preferably 3 and 9. Prostration of a Hindu devotee in the temple is symbolic of surrender to the Almighty...................................

Though the Indian temples are built in a pattern native to a particular region, the structure of Hindu temples is based on 4 collective principles of human life : they are Artha (wealth, prosperity), Kama (pleasure, sex), Dharma (ethics, values), Moksha (self-realization, freedom from life or reaching heaven!). In this transient world, we must do our duty correctly as we progress in age. Self-contentment promotes happiness.

Sketch of gopura. en.wikipedia.org

Above image: A gopura is an entrance gate, usually ornate with odd number of kalasa on top. It may have one or many storeys. Even the storeys are in odd number. Big temples normally have four towers -entrance gates.; small ones have a single gopura above the entrance gate.................................

Among the parts of a Hindu temple, regardless of style of temple architecture, be it Dravidian or Nagara, Vimana forms an important part. This structure over the inner sanctum/garbagriha is common among the Hindu temples of Nouth India and Odisha in East India. The main garbagriha is the place (in Tamil Karuvarai) where the presiding deity is enshrined. Temple Gopuram through which we get into the temple enclosure, it is believed represents the feet of the divinity and the sanctum / garbagriha represents the sirasu -head of divinity. A devotee bows at the feet of the Lord at the gate as he steps into the temple with humility and proceeds towards the chamber to surrender to him, leaving behind the mundane world of confusion, commotion and contradiction. he is there to be at peace with himself in the sanctified place of worship right before the deity. There is a well known saying in Tamil: "Gopura Darshanam Koti Paapa Nashanam" meaning the darshan of a temple gopuram will get rid of 10 million sins. Hence, temple towers/ gopurams are sacred to the Hindus.

Hindu temple, northern and southern styles. templepurohit.com/

Above image:Dravidian temple design: The temples have pyramid shaped towers and are made of soapstone, sandstone or granite, depending on the availability. The principle part of the temple - Vimana, is a square surmounted by a pyramidal structure. The most pertinent part inside the temple is called the Mandapa (s) (porches)
North Indian temple design: They have a square garbagriha with adjacent pillared mandapas (halls or porches) that are connected to a sanctum by a vestibule (antaralas). Unlike south Indian temples the ones in the north have embellished entrance to the sanctum with figures of deities and geometric ornamentation. The temples usually contain a shrine and a meditation hall to engage in silent prayer and meditation. They are basically squares with several gradual projections in the center of each side. This gives a cruciform shape with a number of re-entrant angles on each sides .

Normally, a gopura is built with an enormous stone base in a rectangular plan and a superstructure of brick above it with support. It is topped by a barrel-vault roof crowned with a row of finials. Height, size, etc differ from temples to temples. But the main plan of the temple is the same. It is quite interesting to note that the height of Vimana over the inner sanctum is not uniform across India. Among the temples of East India where Kalinga style of architecture is predominant, the Vimana is the tallest structure. This is also true of north and West India where the tower with Vimana rises to a great height above the sanctum. On the contrary, in most of the south Indian temples, the Vimana over the inner sanctum is very much shorter than the entrance gate tower or towers (gopuras) on all four sides - East, west, north and south. With exceptions, this is a typical Dravidian style of temple architecture.

The terminology also differs as in the case of the superstructure over the garbhagriha, it is referred to as a 'shikhara'. But, as far as south Indian temple architecture is concerned, the term shikhara means a dome-shaped crowning cap above the Vimana. Among the entrance gate towers -gopura at four directions on the outer most walls, the East one is the main entrance to the temple. Rest of the gateways under the gopura are opened on certain auspicious days. The belief has been that if you choose one of these gate ways, you are assured of salvation, a place in heaven (Swargham) - meaning no rebirth will haunt you.

The tower/ vimana over the inner sanctum does not get as much importance as the entrance gate towers on the outer walls. In a few temples the roof of the sanctum assumes much importance regardless of its size, shape and height.

tower above the sanctum, Thanjavur big temple. trekearth.com

In the case of the world famous UNESCO recognised heritage site - Brihadeeshwara temple of Thanjavur, TN, the inner sanctum where lord Shiva is enshrined in the form of a giant lingam, has a granite stone tower above it - 206 feet tall and perhaps the tallest tower -vimana above the sanctum in India.

Tall Main Tower, Srirangam Ranganathar temple, TN anubhavtyagi.com

Srirangam temple. small gold-plated tower above the sactum shtadevata.com

At Ranaganather temple Srirangam,TN above the main sanctum where lord Vishnu is worshipped with his consorts, the gold plated vimana is a small one.

The gold plated above sanctum. tall tower is the entrance tower hdnicewallpapers.com

At Tirupati Venkateswara temple the Ananda Nilayam, the gopuram of the main shrine occupies a very special place in the temple's history and identity. So is the gold plated small vimana above the sanctum.

Golden roof above sanctum, Chidambaram Nataraja temple.tripadvisor.com

At the famous Sri Nataraja temple, Chidambaram, TN the garbagriha assumes a different configuration. The roof of the kanaka-sabai (Golden Stage) here is entirely covered with thick golden plates. King Parantaka I funded to cover this vimana with ornamental gold and it retains its glory even today; the structure being massive in size not in terms of height, when compared to most other vimanas.

Madurai Meenakshi temple. towers above the sanctum are very small. tall entrance towers. flickr.com

At Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple there are two sanctums one for the lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) and another for Parvati (Meenakshi). Both vimanas over the sanctms are small and gold plated.

Puri Jagannath temple, odisha tower above sanctum commons.wikimedia.org

At the Jagannath Temple, Puri, there is the Neelachakra on the sikhara, i.e., the top of the Vimana. It is symbolic of God Vishnu's most powerful weapon, the sudarshana chakra. The toweis above the sanctum.

https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple-architecture/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopuram

A town without a library and a temple is as bad as an arid land. We need them to expand our knowledge and improve our spiritual experience. ''Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body'' according the English essayist Sir Richard Steel. The Thrissur Public Library was opened during the princely State rule in the late 19th century to serve the local community.

Among the libraries of south India during the colonial period, the Public library at Thrissur, Kerala is one of the oldest ones. When Kerala was the princely State, during reign of the British raj, it was started by Diwan Sankunni Menon (A. Sankarayya?) in 1872. Because of inadequate space, it began functioning at St. Mary's College. It was in 1939, the library was shifted to the first floor of the Thrissur Town Hall that had a floor space of 1,200 square feet space enough to meet the initial demand by the public. Thrissur Library has the unique honor of being the first one to have been computerized in Kerala as far back as 1996. Credit goes to Sri. K Karunarakaran, the former chief Minister who granted Rs. 5 lakhs for this purpose. This money came from his MP funds.

Town Hall, Tirussur Public library, Kerala en.wikipedia.org

Town Hall, Tirussur Public library, Kerala mapio.net

Diwan of Cochin in 1873 arranged for a meeting with a handful of 21 youths and had a wide discussion with them as to how to put the library to maximum so that the public will be benefited by it. From utilitarian point of view it was a good move on the part of the Dewan who was very particular about proper use of the library.

American Novelist Sidney Shelden. quotesgram.com

In those days, the print media comprising books and magazine had a limited audience because of cost and even the elite of the society had hesitation in either buying them or getting subscription. The printed materials were far beyond the reach of people from middle and lower middle classes. The Diwan had a fruitful discussion and made a decision to start a reading room in a public building where all sections of the society could access the printed materials and get benefits. That public building is the place where the St. Mary's college library stands today. Keen readers made a beeline to this reading room, but had to be content with few journals and books of the old type, The library slowly grew in stature and functioned there for more than six and half decades on the same premises. Serving a large section of reading public in an old building was obviously beset with some inconveniences.
Thanks to the steps taken by the then ruler of Cochin who had a plan to build a Town Hall in 1938, to conduct public meetings, conferences, etc. Upon its completion, the Maharajah had the library - actually a reading room shifted to the front of the Town Hall located in the middle of a 4 -acre square compound. This beautiful building is an impressive landmark of Tirussur city to day. Not only did the ruler bear the cost of shifting - Rs.1200.00 the library to a new location, but also generously provided plenty of wood, etc to build long reading tables and chairs.

With the passage of time and good growth of print media, the space in the town hall was not adequate for the readers. After India's freedom from the British, Monarchy was replaced by democracy. Realising the shortage of space and increasing readership,

Sri. C Achutha Menon, the then visionary chief Minister of Kerala granted more space for Trichur Public Library in the upper story of the building.

With old racks and cramped space the ambiance was not conducive to good readership. By 2004, the Tirussur Public library saw vast improvements. Besides getting a face lift a separate section called Central Library of Science and Technology (CLST) for the promotion of scientific and technological research had begun to function. All the major reference books, magazine, etc in science, engineering, medicine and allied subjects were made available at the CLST, including those magazines, newspapers and other publications printed and published in India and abroad. They had a plan to open a separate section for the young children to encourage them to improve their knowledge and to equip themselves to face new challenges in the frontier of modern acknowledge, engineering and science. Kudos to the then Diwan, the then Maharajah and the politicians who evinced keen interest in the successful functioning of well-equipped public library, because they were aware of the dictum that ''Access to knowledge is the supreme act of great civilization. Of all the institutions that purport to do this, free libraries stand virtually alone in accomplishing this mission.''
https://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/27/stories/2004062706150300.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrissur_Public_Library

Narasimha temple, Thuravoor, kerala hindu-blog.com

Thuravoor (25 km from Kochi), Kerala has the most sanctified places of Hindu worship. Often referred to as Mahakshethram, here, within the same compound, there exist two temples with two sanctums/ garbagrihas (locally called srikovil) in a single Nalambalam, with two very tall gold-plated flag masts - dwajasthambams, a majestically tall and Anapandhal (elephant shed - the largest in Kerala). Two separate temples in close proximity within the same compound wall - Is it not a strange one far removed from the Hindu temple tradition?

Of the two temples here, one is dedicated to to Sudarsanamoorthy and the other being Sree Narasimhamoorthy. The former is far older than the other one, whereas the latter is several centuries old. Though there is no valid record on the origin of temple- Sudarsanamoorthy, it is said to be over 1300 years old. Some scholars suggest that the circular-shaped Srikovil belongs to the Thretha Yuga. Other researchers are of the view that the temple origin goes back to the Dwapara Yuga. As of today, the exact origin of this temple remains a riddle. With respect to the idol of Sree Narasimha moorthy, it is a unique one and is believed to have come from Kasi (Varanasi) where it was worshipped by great saint Adi Sankara's (of Kalady), principal disciple Swami Padmapadar (8th century AD). The temple came into being during the reign of a Chera king named Keralendran in the the 7th century AD. His mentor/ Guru happened to be one Muringottu Adigal, a reputed priest and scholar.

big temple tank to keep the Narasimhamoorthy ‘cool’ shrinarasimha.com

The temple priests here are expected to be steadfast in their observance of certain vrathas - fasting, etc and religious rites, particularly in conducting daily pujas and periodic rituals associated with festivals.  Melsanthi (chief priest) has to maintain absolute celibacy; During his tenure, he must stay within the temple compound and lead a life of austerity and strict regimen religious duties. All through the year, religious discourses and chanting of
Vedic hymns and mantras are observed strictly. Hence lots of devotees come here to seek the blessings of the almighty as the atmosphere here is charged with religious fervor and dedication, adding sanctity to the places of divinity.

The other deities in the temples include the shrine of Ganapathy within the Nalambalam, on the southern side of the inner courtyard,  Sastha and Bhagavathy are housed in the shrines outside the two srikovils. The place is also called ‘Surapuri’ - as the twin temples have numerous powerful deities - both gods and goddesses.
Legend has it that one Namboodri Brahmin on a visit to Kasi from Angamally had a divine dream, In his dream, he saw a south westerly moving beam of light slowly descending on the earth. He patiently followed it and saw the light falling on a particular spot and later disappeared into the earth. The spot was in a village called ‘Poothanilam’ in central Kerala. Suspecting divinity in that spot the Brahmin priest had the ground dug. At last he found a  beautiful and resplendent idol of Mahavishnu in Anjanakallu (a rare kind of black stone) buried underneath. The Vishnu idol was later called  sree Narasimhamoorthy and later a temple came up to house the lord close to  the sanctum of Sudarsanamoorthy. Bhagavathy Amman idol enshrined in that part was relocated to another shrine west of it. That the multi-tiered bronze lamp in front of the Narasimhamoorthy temple has the image of a lion - the vahana of Goddess Bhagavathy confirms the presence of Bagavathy Amman in the present spot.

The twin temples have a common wall, but are interconnected. Narasinhamuthy temple has a square-shaped, copper-roofed Sreekovil made of granite stones.The  Namaskara Mandapam has many nice sculptures of lotus blooms and ornate stone pillars. The sculptures and murals on the outer walls of the Sreekovil are attractive and the entire temple reflects the beauty of Kerala style architecture. The sculptures of elephant heads at regular intervals attract the visitors. The depiction of Sree Poornathrayeesa, the family deity of the Cochin royalty is suggestive of the royal patronage. An interesting feature is the depiction of Demigod Indira in the presence of Ugranarasimha with one thousand eyes. It is a rare piece of work seen in a Hindu temple.

The Garbhagriha/sanctum with two antechambers houses a four-armed idol of Mahavishnu in a standing posture. Here, he is referred to as as Ugranarasima (implying his ubiquitous nature). You can worship him through a window.

The fascinating feature is here, you can see nine different perceptions of including Ugranarasimha, Lakshmi Narasimha and Yoga Narasimha.  East facing gold-plated Garudadwaja and a massive temple tank measuring 100 x 80 meters are an integral part of the temple. Cool breeze from the tank is believed to calm down the lord who assumes a ferocious form to kill a demon king.

The other srikovil has a different form of Vishnu  Sudarsanamoorthy with four arms, each carrying a different object: a conch shell, a chakra (discus), a gadha (mace) and a lotus bloom. Close to it is the  Namaskara mandapam where the people prostrate before the lord. This hall has many impressive carvings of which Ashtadikpalakas (guardians of the eight directions) with Lord Brahma in the middle will never fail to get the attention of the visitors.   Unlike the sanctums of Tamil Nadu temples or elsewhere, the ones in Kerala have 3 large enclosures. This one has two prakaras or prthakshana paths to go round the temple clock-wise.

On the ceiling of this Mandapam are exquisitely carved figures of Ashtadikpalakas (guardians of the eight directions) with Lord Brahma in the middle. One of them has granite pillars to support the roof. Adjoining the srikovil within the veranda one can see the sentinels - Dwarapalas. The outer walls of the srikovil have  intricately carved woodwork. The sculpture of Devi breastfeeding Ganapathy is a rare one.There are images depicting  frozen dance-and-music extravaganza. Ganapathy is depicted in many rows. The images of entourage of servant gods and the tall  gold-plated flag mast (dwajasthambam) on the eastern side are worthy of mention, This flagstaff is taller than the one at the Narasimha temple.

An interesting fact related to the Cochin royalty was though the temple site belonged to the Cochin princely state, the administration came under the Travancore princely state. However, if a royal member of Travancore made a visit to this temple, the temple would follow the protocol of the Cochin state. On account of this proviso in the protocol, there was no visitor from the Travancore royal family to this temple until 1951 when  the merger of Travancore and Cochin states took place. Sree Chithira Thirunal visited this temple for the first time.

The temples conducts several Utsavams and festivals and, of them, the 9-day utsavam during the month of Thulam (October) is the most important one. Valiyavilakku is held on the Diwali day. The Arattu festivities (holy bath in the river before the closing ceremony) at the temple coincide with the birth of Sree Chithirathirunal Maharajah. On the day of Pathamudayam, the idols of the two temples are taken out in a ceremonial procession till the spot where Sree Narasimamoorthy’s idol was first sighted.

http://shrinarasimha.com/sn_thuravoor.html

Aanayoottu at Vadakkumnathan Temple thenewsminute.com

travel.manoramaonline.com

No other animals play a greater role in the culture of Kerala than the elephants which are considered sacred by the Hindus. The trained elephants form an integral part of the age- old temple tradition of Kerala. Though they are also associated with certain Hindu temples of the adjacent state of Tamil Nadu, their presence in festivities is on a low key there, and there are no temple events exclusively linked to elephants. In Kerala, in majority of temples, the procession deities are taken out on the caparisoned elephants. In the Aarattu function, the procession deity is taken ceremoniously to the near-by river for a bath and then taken bath to the temple often accopanied by music and beating of drums. So, participation of elephants in traditional temple festivals in Kerala is essential and no doubt, their majestic presence enhances the grandeur of such events.
The Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur comes alive on two occasions - during Thrissur pooram day and  Aanayoottu or 'grand feast' for elephants. Actually, Aanayoottu at this Shiva temple is a an interesting ritualistic ceremony (locally known as Aanayoottu) in which the elephants are treated to sumptuous healthy food. It is for them to eat to their heart's content. The feeding ritual takes place inside the temple premises. Perhaps you may be wondering why elephants are given a grand feast that might need tons of vegetables, etc. It is a way of expressing our gratitude to these giant animals that are helpful to the humans at the temples and also in the lumber industries. This ceremonial feeding has close links with  Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, who purports to remove obstacles ('Vinayaga' meaning Venai theerpavan) in one's life. God Ganesha will be happy and blesses those who will treat elephants with reverence and feeding them well with healthy and delicious food.

The Aanayoottu ceremony is based on the principles of Ayurveda which considers the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam as a month of rejuvenation for elephants. So, the Ayurvedic tradition of rejuvenation is extended towards elephants as well. The festival of Aanayoottu is normally held on the first day of the month of Karkkidakam (the Malayalam calendar), which coincides with the month of July. This year it will be held on the 19th of July. On the festival day, the elephants are brought to the premises of the Vadakkumnathan Temple for the special feast. This temple has hosted this feast for the big animals in the last few years. On the day of  Aanayoottu, every year, Gaja pooja is conducted by priests to propitiate God Ganapathy. The elephants will be bathed, garladed and treated to aarti.  Once the puja is over, the pachyderms are taken into the temple compound where they are lined-up in a single row and thousands of people will be feeding them.

The feeding session begins with an offering by the chief priest of the temple.  Normally, calf. Sugarcane, ghee rice, coconut, jaggery and Ayurvedic medicines form the major ingredients of the special feed for the elephants. It is said that "Each elephant was given around 30 kg of feed''. Feeding the elephants is a great holy act and it is a way of expressing our gratitude to these animals that are actively involved in various festivals. Now, they deserve rest, relaxzation and delicious healthy food for rejuvination. The number of elephants to be participated was reduced following directives given by the district administration regarding parading of elephants for temple festivals. Fifty elephants had participated in the festival held in 2003.0 It has come down to 30 in the recentpast.

Aanayoottu (feeding of elephants) ritual is also held at the Chilavanoor Ponnethkavu Bhagavathy temple and also at the  Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple at Pattambi in the Palakkad district. Aanayoottu is a unique ceremony native to Kerala that gives importance to the physical and mental health of elephants that play an active role in the Hindu festivals. The temple festivals of Kerala assume charm and fascination with the active participation of traineed elephants.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aanayoottu
.https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/aanayoottu-held-at-ponnethkavu-temple/article27449319.ece

ranklinliquors.wordpress.com

Gandhiji happened to be a simple, modest man against non-violence and alcoholic drinks. Never had he lost sight of honesty and integrity in political life and morality in social life. Unfortunately, he became a center of controversies that were thrust upon him. That he came out unscathed is a different story. During election times, his name is more often than not is linked to some topics that become subjects of discussion across the Indian states. About 4 years ago in the USA, Gandhiji became a subject of serious debate for altogether different reasons. Can you believe that a brewery on the US east coast created a branded beer and named it after 'Gandhi'? Gandhiji was not new to controversies because he never created them.

In the political arena in India, almost every month or two Mahatma Gandhi's name is dragged by our politicians regarding matters related to people's welfare and governance and we have a fracas over them. During the recent election campaign for the Parliament in May this year, party leader Kamal Hassan (Makkal Needhi Mayyam) and a Tamil matinee idol dragged the name of Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse and tagged him as the 'first Hindu terrorist'. This created a storm among level-headed politicians across India as there was not a modicum of truth in it. Godse committed murder, then surrendered to the police and finally was put to death by the court. Godse was neither a human bomb nor had he had any criminal records to prove that he was a terrorist.

When talking about creation of Pakistan, majority of people of the nation did not like it. A large section of people put the blame on Gandhi who was soft on Indian Muslims and the adamant leader Mohd. Ali Jinnah who became a puppet in the hands of the British and created Pakistan. Gandhi supported and eventually got the whole country divided into two
Gandhiji created another storm when Pakistan govt. under Jinnah demanded additional sum from the Indian Govt, led by Nehru.Jinnah wanted 50 thousand crore rupees (?) from India for Pakistan's development (I'm not sure about the exact figure).
Gandhiji strongly advised Nehru to provide additional sum to help Pakistan tide over the financial glitches in the initial stages. Gandhiji was not even a member of the cabinet.

Gandhiji's advice in this regard was not very much appreciated by many politicians as the British Govt. before leaving India for good, looted every thing and kept the coffers almost empty. With crump in the treasury, the responsibility fell on the new Indian govt. to take care of weak economy, refugees problems from Pakistan and vast emaciated Indian population. During partition of India, when refugees from Pakistan were not allowed to stay in the Mosques in Delhi or elsewhere, again he became a controversial person as there was no reaction coming from him. Perhaps he might have become mute and tongued-tied over the spate of violent political situations created by partition.

jansatta.com

Again, recently when the central govt. was talking about three language policy, mention was made by a large section of people that Gandhi wanted Hindi to be our national language because majority of Indians speak that language.

The above references to Gandhiji remind me of a funny, but serious subject related to him. There are countless names in this world as there are stars in the sky and it is a strange thing that the Woodbridge (Connecticut, USA) based New England Brewing Company chose the name of Mohan Das Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi), the apostle of non-violence to name its new variety of brew called Gandhi Beer. This highly hopped beer had been on the market for roughly 5 years after Gandhiji's image on the beer can was noticed by some Indians.

The company went ahead and came up with a different sales pitch for the new product to get the attention of the beer-lovers. The company's website promoted it as  "fully vegetarian" and "an ideal aid for self-purification and the seeking of truth and love''. Website further stated: “Gandhi-Bot is an intensely hopped double India pale ale with a blend of three varieties of American.''

Consequently, the small Hartford, CT brewing company saw their sale of beer going upwardly. It is nice to recall, in the early colonial rule in India in the early 19th century, the British Bobs had difficulty in getting beer from England to wet their dry mouth in a tropical place. Part of the reason was long sea journey from England and beer's poor shelf life. Then highly hopped beer India Pale Ale was introduced for the British India which quenched their heart an soul in the midst of hot summer days and monsoon rains. Later English Ale became popular across the globe.

It was only after a long time toward the end of 2014, when the Indians (from the subcontinent) saw the beer carrying the computerised image of Gandhiji, they were aghast and upset. Like Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that 'peace icon Mahatma Gandhi abhorred drinking, many Indian protested against naming the beer after him and carrying his weird image. Several people from India and the US wrote to the brewing company to change the name as it it hurts the sentiments and legacy of a man who struggled hard in the Indian freedom movements and who was against drinking alcohol. The Beer can shows Gandhi’s sketch with one hand raised as if he was blessing the drinker. He was assassinated in January 1948, months after India got the independence and was jailed on many occasions by the British India Govt.

Associating Gandhiji with an alcoholic brew was trivializing his loft principles and philosophy in order to give wide publicity to a new variety of beer. It exposes the greed of competing companies to have an edge over the other brands.  The company, which is one among the 20 reputed breweries, is a craft brewery that began operation in 2003. Considered as the only second craft brewery on the entire East Coast to have its beer for sale in cans, and “bring passion for flavor”. The company's founder/owner was Rob Leonard and the man who created  Gandhi-Bot beer was one Matt Westfall, a head brewer. They never thought that their popular vegetarian beer would face rough headwinds. At last, the company withdrew the name and was contemplating to give a different, but appealing name. The debate began with a  filed a petition in a court in Hyderabad (now in Telengana), alleging that carrying Gandhi's image on alcohol cans was "condemnable" and punishable under Indian laws.
The following famous people were fond of beer, how come the American brewery chose Gandhi's name over them ?
For a quart of Ale is a dish for a king” ... ...William Shakespeare

“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.”...........Abraham Lincoln.

“Most people hate the taste of beer—to begin with. It is, however, a prejudice.”..............................Winston Churchhill.

Perhaps Gandhi-bot beer might have touched the heart and soul of the drinkers.

https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/NRI/2015-01-06/Gandhi-beer-upsets-Indo-Americans-in-Connecticut/124574
"https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-30677661

The Yale university, New Haven, CT, that has a historical link with Chennai (Madras) city, Tamil Nadu, is one of the nine Colonial Colleges chartered before the American Revolution with assets including an endowment valued at $27.2 billion as of June 2017. This popular university having the second largest endowment of any U.S. educational institution was in the middle of controversy and debate a few years ago because of its connection with slave holders or slave advocates in the colonial past. Elihu Yale, benefactor of Yale University was himself a slave trader in the Indian subcontinent. The story of Elihu Yale after whom the university is named is a tale of deceit, dishonesty and outright cheating. So is that of John Caldwell Calhoun, an old avatar of Klu Klux Klan, an American statesman on the Devil's side.

n.wikipedia.org

John Calhoun quotesgram.com

Above image: John Caldwell Calhoun (March 18, 1782 - March 31, 1850), a Democrat and political theorist from South Carolina, served as the seventh vice president of the United States from 1825 to 1832. A pro-slavery politicians and racist. He is remembered for advancing the concept of minority rights in politics, in terms of protecting the interests of the white South. The southern pro slavery population was outnumbered by Northerners. He began his political career as a nationalist, moderniser, and proponent of a strong national government and protective tariffs. In the late 1820s, he strongly advocated states' rights, limited government, racial segregation, etc and wanted the Northern states to accept his policies as a condition of the South remaining in the ''Union''. His beliefs and warnings heavily impacted the South's secession from the Union in 1860–1861. He died at the Old Brick Capitol boarding house in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 1850, of tuberculosis, at the age of 68. He was interred at the St. Philip's Churchyard in Charleston, South Carolina. Suspecting possible desecration of his grave by Federal troops, his close friends, during the night, removed his coffin to a hiding place under the stairs of the church. After1871, it was again exhumed and returned to its original place. ''The day that the balance between the two sections of the country - the slave holding States and the non-slave holding States - is destroyed is a day that will not be far removed from political revolution, anarchy, civil war, and widespread disaster''. John. C. Calhoun (brainyquote.com)................................

Calhoun College, a residential college at Yale. nytimes.com

In 1933, the under graduate college was named after John Calhoun Their stories, that take us to the past dark colonial era, throw light on their connection with slavery and how they made heaps of money selling humans like cattle in a Mela or Fair. The former was the Governor of Madras Presidency, South India under the East India company; the latter a Yale valedictorian-turned-politician from South Carolina and one of the 19th century’s foremost white supremacists, who promoted slavery as “a positive good.”

Calhoun College (Yale univ.) carrying the new name. playbuzz.com

Yale university had a tradition, apparently not rooted in slavery by which the heads of colleges should be addressed as masters. Decision was taken to do away with this tradition that subtly points out Yale's connection with slavery. In Feb 2017 the residence hall was named after Grace Murray Hopper, a Yale alumnus and computer scientist. It is to be noted that the Yale administrators pointed out 'this name change was not meant to obliterate history but to inscribe different values into Yale’s present'. Masking the history of a nation or an institution is not conducive to healthy atmosphere.

At the global level there had been relentless protests against slavery in the past by a section of people including whites. But they failed to create a big impact on lucrative slave trade. Unlike German and Dutch Quakers who in 1688 protested against slavery and later cut off their ties to slavery in the eighteenth century, people from southern states of America, England and other countries were actively involved in slave trade, not in the least realizing that they were degrading, ill-treating and humiliating fellow humans just because they happened to be not "White". That Yale university is deeply implicated in the institution of slavery can not be ignored and the institution is very much linked with the scourge of slavery in the past era and can not be erased that easily.
The name change was effected because John C. Calhoun’s legacy as a white supremacist and his view on slavery ''conflicts with Yale’s mission and values."

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/12/nyregion/yale-in-debate-over-calhoun-college-grapples-with-ties-to-slavery.html
http//navrangindia.blogspot.com/2018/07/elihu-yale-slave-trader-and-exporter.html

Big sanctum of Thanjavur Brihadeeshwar temple, TN.isatsang.blogspot.com

Chennakeshava Temple, Beluen.wikipedia.org

Above image: It is a small sanctum/ garbagriha. Take note of the fine decorations on the wall above the and around the entrance door. Devotees offering prayers in front of the main Garbhagriha in Chennakeshava Temple, Belur, which houses the icon of the god Vishnu...............................................

Garbhagriha (Sanskrit words garbha for womb and griha for house; sanctum sanctorum) is the most important part of a Hindu.It is akin to a dark cave in a mountainous area. Jain and Buddhist temples do have a sanctum. It is here resides the murti (idol or icon) of the primary deity of the temple. Generally in Hinduism only 'priests' (pujari) are allowed to enter this chamber and have the rights to touch the enshrined idol and carry on the daily puja protocol, etc. Garbhagriha is known as karuvarai in Tamil meaning "womb chamber". The word'karu' means foetus and arai means a room. It is a primordial womb and Moksha (salvation) implies merging with this womb and there is no rebirth

Rooted in Vedic traditions, a Hindu temple structure is designed as to promote a link between human beings and gods together. It is symbolic of God's residence in Vedic form composing circles and squares, depending on the style being followed. In a Hindu temple, you can see the incorporation of all elements of Hindu cosmos - presenting the good, the evil and the human, besides elements of Hindu concept of cyclic time and the essence of life. Symbolically a man has to go through different phases in his life time - dharma, kama, artha, moksa, and karma.

slideshare.net

The sanctified space in a Hindu temple is symbolic of the link among man, deities, and the Universal Purusa. It represents the triple-knowledge (trayi-vidya) of the Vedic vision. Here are found all cosmic elements that are essential for sustenance of life. Here, you will find fire to water, images of nature to deities, male and female forms, all kinds of fleeting sound and finally eternal emptiness to cosmic energy. According to ancient Indian texts on temples: A temple is a place for Tirtha - pilgrimage, it is a sacred site with unique ambiance that reverentially condenses the ideal tenets of Hindu way of life. The deepa Aradhana - waving of light in front of the deity symbolises the eternal flame or the unfathomable source of energy that keeps the universe going.

Hollow tower above sanctum, Brahadeshwar temple, Thanjavur, TN,.quora.com

Thanjavur big temple inner view of the tower, and lingam below. .quora.comquora.com

The temple is like a human in a lying position with the head forming the sanctum and the feet forming the entrance point, symbolic of journey into self-realization after passing through various phases in our life.

slideshare.net

Sanctum -doors are closed Doddabasappa temple,Karnataka rakeshholla.blogspot.com

Thanjavur Shiva linga in natural form.in the sanctum Divya Darisanam

The sanctum has a single entrance, normally facing East direction to allow early rays of the sun to enter and dispel the darkness. It has no windows on all the walls around. In the Dravidian style of architecture, the tower (Vimana) over the garbagriha is small with exceptions like the Thanjavur Big Temple dedicated to God Brihadeeswar (Lord Shiva). Here, it is a tall tower reaching 206 feet made of interlocking granite blocks. So, from inside you can see a hollow space. As for temples of Bihar and northern states, the tower (Shigara) above the sanctum is deliberately a tall one.

slideshare.net

Garbhagriha is symbolic of dark cosmos that envelops the world after 'pralaya' (dekuge) - total annihilation marking the end of a cycle of creation. The hidden source of light and creation in the darkness is what is called  Brahman -  the supreme existence or absolute reality. Mind you, it is formless. In Hinduism this formless reality takes a form to get embedded in devotees' mind. Depending on the nature of temples that ''form'' is enshrined in the sanctum in accordance with Agama sastras. The tradition has been that garbhagriha is seldom renovated, however it is not so in the case of outer walls of garbagriha.

An oil lamb is continuously kept going day and night in the sanctum symbolic of driving away the dark evil forces (negative charges). The sanctum, deity's vahana (mount), Nandi in the case of Shiva or Garuda in the case of Vishnu), the flag-staff  and the entrance gate with gopura (tower) over it, all fall on the same horizontal East-West axis.

Garbagriha is an independent structure and the deity is set in such a way, it receives the cosmic energy coming down right through the top of vimana above. The center of Vimana and the center point of the deity will be on the same axis.

In some sanctums you may find main deity with other sub-deities, ex. Vishnu with his consorts and Garuda. Invariably in most garbagrihas, you will find only one deity. There is only one entrance to the sanctum. In some temples, the procession god(s) -utchavars may be kept inside the sanctum and offerings will be made to them instead of to the main deities (Moolavars). During festive times, utchavar deities are kept outside the sanctum in a near-by hall (mantab) where the pujas are done as usual.

The sanctum is deliberately kept free from natural light and there are two reasons for it : To help the devotees concentrate on the deity and the other possible reason is this most sanctified place on the temple premises is charged with positive energy. The belief is this positive energy will help devotees gain confidence and face the worldly problems with disciplined and positive mind. Harboring selfishness, ego, arrogance, etc while on the temple premises, will affect the flow of positive energy and meditation.

Garbhagriha may have a  square, round or oval plan . You can see sculptures or paintings related to the Hindu mythology. Invariably, the inner walls of Garbagriha are plain and devoid of any sculptures and embellishments implying its emptiness.

The temple authorities will not make any compromise on the divinity and sanctity of the sanctum as it is a source of positive energy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garbhagriha
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple

Scott Christian College, Nagarcoil. kumaripages.blogspot.com

First day cover 2018, Scott Christian College, Nagarcoil. stampdigest.in

Scott Christian college in Nagarcoil in the southern most tip of India was started during the early colonial period, but it saw better growth during the British Raj. The missionaries wanted this institution to cater to the educational needs of students from all sections of the society. Though the traditional education was available, it did not benefit the people from the lower strata of the society. At that point of time, the Raj was particular about imparting western education to the Indians and started colleges and universities for the natives. The reason was they wanted to employ educated Indian natives in certain departments to avoid paying big salary to the British officials. Scott Christian College is one of the earliest colleges in India like Fort William College, Calcutta that functioned from 1800 to 1835, the Hindu College established in 1817 (which was later named as Presidency University) Calcutta, the Serampore College, Calcutta established in 1818 and the Bishop’s College, Calcutta (1820). East India company had a major mercantile trading activities in Bengal, hence many colleges came up close to Calcutta (Kolkata) city in the early part of 19th century.

Scott Christian College, which is an autonomous, co-educational, arts and science college in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu is one of the oldest colleges in this state and was the first one in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Founded in 1809 at Mylaudy by Rev William Tobias Ringeltaube, the pioneering missionary of the London Missionary Society in South Travancore, it was  Rev. Charles Mead, who in 1818,   shifted the  Central School or Seminary to Nagercoil town.

In 1860, Dr James Duthie headed the seminary and was instrumental in converting it into a college. Thanks to the generous contribution of 1000 pounds from the Septimus Scott family and a grant from the princely State of Travancore towards the development of this humble institution.  It was in 1893, it became a  second grade college  affiliated to Univ. of Madras. When Rev Dr James Duthie was the principal, there were just 12 students. So, the college, as you may see, had a humble beginning tracing back its origin to a village church. The institution grew under Rev Duthie till the Rev George Parker had taken charge in 1901. The institution saw rapid growth after 1901 and intermediate course was introduced in 1904 in place of FA - First in Arts.  Science block came up in 1908 - 1910. Funds from the princely state, Rev. Parker's father-in-law and others were helpful in buying land to build recreation facilities for the students. The college gave equal importance to physical activities of the students so that they could develop better mental health.

One Rev R. H. Eastaff joined the institution on 3 Feb. 1921 to assist Rev Parker and, in the same year, he became the principal as Rev Parker left on furlough. Rev. Eastoff took the credit for starting the Scott Christian College and School Magazine that was published every term during his period of service in the College till Nov. 1923. Later, Eastoff became the head of  the Divinity School in Trivandrum. when Rev. Parker rejoined the college. In 1827 Sir G. H. Marsden took charge of the college and improved the facilities in the science department. He also started an Intermediate College that had 140 students initially. For the first time women were admitted to the college. Playing games was made compulsory for the students. Lord Irwin the Viceroy with Lady Irwin paid a visit to the College on 9 December 1929. In 1934

When the University of Travancore came into being in 1938, the Scott Christian College was affiliated to it. By 1943 the number of students in the College had increased to nearly 300 including about 20 women. After 1948, the college saw good progress and the strength of the Intermediate Classes was doubled as a prelude to the introduction of degree classes later. When Kanyakumari District became part of Madras state (now called Tamil Nadu), this college was affiliated to the Univ. of Madras . Sir Marsden retired from the services in 1957. Mr. B. Arumai Raj took charge of this historical college.

Only in the early 1950s degree courses were offered and then this college was affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj university; first affiliation was granted in 1966. In 1970-71 new campus came up to accommodate more students and degree courses. In the same period PG courses were introduced. When Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli was started in 1990, this institution became affiliated to the new university. Now there are many departments that have research facilities and in 2005 it became an autonomous institution in April 2005 and NAAC gave this college A Grade accreditation.  Marsden Hostel built in memory of the past principal, was expanded in 2009 and could accommodate more than 500 students.
http://www.istampgallery.com/scott-christian-college-nagercoil/

Hislop College , Nagpur. nagpurkamptee.blogspot.com

Hislop College, Nagpur. bschool.careers360.com

A young Scottish missionary called Stephan Hislop chose India as his destination to carry on his humanitarian activities in tune with Cristian spirits for he knew that '' service to people is service to God'. Stephen Hislop (1817–1863), was not only a noted evangelist and educationist but also a geologist. He carried on his missionary and educational work for 18 long years in the Vidarbha Region (region around Nagpur) along with one Robert Hunter, editor of the Encyclopedic Dictionary. His unabiding enthusiasm , coupled with motivation led him to start a Boy's school in 1846 in Sukrawara area, old Nagpur (now in Maharastra), then part of Central provinces and later Hislop College in 1883. This college that had begun functioning in the Mahal area (now called civil lines) in the early period of the Raj, has become one of the finest institutions in central India with 5000 plus students. It is co-educational, catering to the needs of women as well to prepare them for tomorrow's challenges. It was the first educational institution in the Vidarba area in those days. The college was affiliated to the University of Calcutta until 1904, and later to Allahabad University. In 1923 it was one of six colleges affiliated to the University of Nagpur.

Hislop College, Nagpur. getmyuni.com

Under the management of the Church of North India Synod, the college that is on a plot of 8 acres of land is being run by Hislop Educational Society. With Grade A accreditation by the NAAC, in 2009, the college celebrated its 125th anniversary. Yet another credit is the college got a special Heritage Status Grant from the UGC (University Grants Commission) as it is one of the pioneering institutions in this part of Maharastra. the college offers Arts science and Commerce courses- both under and post-graduate degree courses. Recognised by the Rastrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur university, the college has good facilities and faculty members to guide doctoral candidates in many fields. Another plus point is the college is running coaching classes to help the students prepare for central govt. sponsored competitive exams that need good preparation and knowledge.
Hislop Inst. for Social action and research (HISAR) is a unique outreach program to help the underprivileged people in the society. Besides, the college adopted an impoverished area in Bhandewadi
and and ran learning centers, offering free courses in tailoring, etc to women. They also teach the poor children in that area so that they can stand up on their own when they grow up.

Keeping in mind the vision of the founder Missionary Stephen Hislop, the college does not compromise on quality of education and gives necessary training to the students so that when they leave the portals of of this age-old institution, with the knowledge, skills and training gained here, they can serve the society and the country well.

http://www.istampgallery.com/hislop-college-nagpur/

Tipu Sultan thefamouspeople.com

During the reign of Tipu Sultan toward the last phase of the 18th century (210 years ago), tragedy followed by gloom struck on the evening of Deepavali - Hindu festival of light. Hell's gate was broken wide open when Tipu's army raided on a congregation of 700 Mandhyam Ayyangars at Narashimhaswamy temple on the banks of Cauvery at Srirangaptna town, capital of Tipu Sultan. With drawn razor-sharp sword in their hands, the rampaging soldiers made the unexpected, bewildered and frightened crowd run halter-skelter fearing for their lives. In the wake of this unprovoked raid on innocent, quiet people, there was a trail of destruction, chaos and killing no body ever saw in this part before. In a jiff, an occasion of joy and fun turned into an atmosphere filled with crying, waling and weeping over the dead and severely injured. The Sultan's army had just committed massacre - the worst one on the soil of what is now called Mandya district of Karnataka.

Certain Hindu organizations in Karmnataka protest every year when Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary is observed across this state. He was a good, intelligent and innovative warrior who terrorized the British besides having a good rapport with the Sankaracharya of Sringeri. Tipu provided grants to some Hindu temples in his kingdom. The killing of 700 plus Manhyam Ayyangars and the 15 year imprisonment of Mangalore Catholics numbering about 60000 at Srirangapatna remain an enigma. The indian history text books , as usual, do not give clear picture of certain past events.

What made Tipu Sultan, a courageous Muslim ruler, commit this kind of heinous crime against innocent, quiet Brahmin community native to that region? Historians say that this extreme step was taken by Tipu because some members of the Mandhyam Ayyangar community wanted the Mysore kingdom restored back to the Wodeyar family and, in this regard, not only this community supported Maharani Lakshmi Ammani but also went a step further and colluded with the British to find a suitable political solution. This is the view of Lakshmi Thatchar, a Sanskrit scholar and a researcher. Consequent upon this mass killing by Tipu, a section of people from this community never celebrated Deepavali for more than two centuries, said Thatchar.

History never remains static and it keeps changing. So is the political history of a kingdom. Hyder Ali, Tipu's father rapidly
rose to power at the Mysore court by dint of hard work and commitments when the Wodeyars were the rulers. Soon he became prime minister and general of the king. From 1761 onwards, he took defacto control of the throne of the Mysore Kingdom through the Wodeyar dynasty - Immadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar II, The chaotic internal turmoil in the Royal family of Wodeyar ended in favor of him. Later Hyder Ali captured the throne of Mysore to the dismay of the royal family. The family members - hereditary rulers of Mysore kingdom were kept under house arrest.

lament of Native American Indians. History keeps changing. relatably.com

But the queen of Wodeyar family, Lakshmi Ammani Devi, a woman of guts and wisdom never gave room to defeat. Undeterred by the tough political situation created by Hyder Ali, she made up her mind to get the kingdom restored back to the royal family. She began negotiating with the East India company's officials in 1760’s secretly with the help of her trusted Pradhan, “Tirumala Iyengar”. When Hyder Ali came to know about it, he was upset and put the relatives of Tirumala Iyengar in the jail. As far as Hyder Ali and Tipu, the English were their sworn enemy and were against their hegemony. Hence, he had military alliance with the French Army.

Years later when Tipu took over the reins and came to know that an political agreement between General Harris, the then Governor of Madras Presidency and the queen was either made or on the anvil with the help of one Shamaiah Ayyangar and Tirumala Ayyangar, he was in rage. Just because two men from the Mandhyam Ayyangar community acted against him - to topple him from power, Tipu took refuge in 'vigilante justice' and decided to suppress the entire community His army as mentioned earlier killed 700 persons, including women and children. The inhuman slaughter turned the village into a place of desolation and gloom
on the Naraka Chaturdashi day (Deepavali).

satyavijayi.com

Tipu, historians say, is not anti Hindu or anti Christians, but would become vicious against those who supported his arch enemy - the British who took away the lands from various rulers in the north. As for destruction of churches and temples in Kerala and elsewhere and the killing of  Nairs and others, Tipu's assumption was that they supported the ruler of Tranancore who was an alley of the British. In the case of Christians - both Mangalore Christians
and St. Thomas Christians, his suspicion was that being members of the same faith, they were loyal to the foreigners and wanted to topple him. This suspicions led him to wage wars against the kingdom of Travancore and certain people. To put an end to the
future uprisings  against  his rule Tipu massacred the  Mandhyam Ayyangars.  Queen Lakshmi Ammani's possible alliance  with the British was the root cause of this mass killing.

Tit-bits:
Who are Mandyam Ayyangars ?  The Mandhya Ayyangar community members were converted to Vishnavism long ago by the great seer Sri Ramanujacharya who was on a visit to the Hoysala kingdom. It is believed he converted Hoysala ruler Bittideva from Jainism to Vishnuvardhana of Vaishnavism. In course of time, Melkote or Melukote became a seat of Mandyam.. Like Smartha or Vaishnanavite Brahmins of Tamil Nadu, they were in charge of conducting pujas in the temples and performing Vedic rituals. Though they have been here for centuries, these people who follow Thenkalai sampradhyam, speak Tamil at home and are well versed in Kannada. They spoke Tamil in addition to Kannada. I understand that famous Kannada writer Late Maasthi Venkatesha Iyengar (6 June 1891 – 6 June 1986); recipient of  a Jnanpith Award and a special title Rajasevasakta by then Maharajah of Mysore Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadeyar) and Tamil and Kannada scholar late A.K. Ramanujan of Univ. of Chicago, USA belong to this community. Popular former CM of Tami Nadu late Ms. Jayalalitha and Famous Hindi and Tamil actress, and a great Bharatanatyam exponent Mrs. Vaijayanthimala Bali also hail from this community.

It is said that Saint Ramanuja stayed at Melkote for twelve years and the famous temple called Cheluvanarayana Temple has a shrine dedicated to Ramanuja after he had left this place for Srirangam. Temple rituals and worship are followed here as prescribed by Sri Ramanujacharya himself. Thus Melcote is just like Srirangam, Tirupati, Kanchipuram and to some extent Kumbakonam and is an important seat of Vaishnavism. These people were called as Mandyam Ayangars and they lived between Mandya and Srirangapatnam area, mainly in Melkote.

The Cheluvanarayana temple was patronized by many rulers Vijayanagara, Mysore Wadiyars . Raja Wadiyar donated lands and jewels. Ornaments Rajamudi and Krishnamudi. Tipu Sultan also gave many grants to this temple.

https://www.esamskriti.com/essays/docfile/1352.jpg
https://postcard.news/tragic-story-of-mandyam-iyengars/
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2016/nov/09/the-two-sides-of-tipu-sultan-1536521.html
https://satyavijayi.com/why-tamil-nadu-cm-jayalalitha-cannot-celebrate-deepawali-history-behind/
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.religion.hindu/-eptV6WCkqE

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