Short trip to Chikka Tirupathi

End of May brought small showers to Bangalore. In anticipation of a good monsoon this year, we decided that we should go for a quick trip to temple nearby before schools start for kids. Since we stay towards east of Bangalore, we thought that a trip to Chikka Tirupathi would be ideal.

Unlike other trips, we started a bit lazily without any hurry. Had early breakfast at home and started at around 8.45 am. Thanks to the newly built flyover after Bellandur, we zipped to Sarjapur in no time. It is 30 kms from Bellandur and took us around 45 mins to reach.

Bellandur circle -> Wipro office -> Sarjapur -> Take left towards Hitech Telecom City -> onto NH 207 -> Take right near Mugalur, Keep on NH 207 -> near Jagadenahalli

You can see the temple gopuram from the road. Not much rush though it is a Saturday.

A little background on the temple: The main diety is Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy. Agni, Lord of Fire, lost his brightness due to the curse of Takshaka, King of snakes. It is said that Agni, did penance for Lord Vishnu at this place to get back his brightness. The grateful Agni then installed this idol.

The idol at Tirupathi has the right palm downwards called ‘vaikunta hasta’ whereas in Chikka Tirupathi, the right palm is upwards called ‘abhaya hasta’. There are no separate temples for the two devis of Lord. 

After darshan, we stepped out to check out farmers mandi with fresh vegetables right beside the temple compound. Loaded with fresher and cheaper veggies, we returned home by noon.

Half-day Trip to Kurudmale and Avani

Took me long to write this .. but still here it goes…

We went on a short trip to Kurudmale and Avani couple of months back. We packed breakfast and lunch from home and started around 8am.

Bangalore -> Hoskote -> Kolar -> Mulbagal -> Kurudmale  . Approximately 110 Kms. There are signages that lead you to Mulbagal. From there you have to take a left turn to reach the place.

Took us 2 hours since we stopped on the way on the highway to have breakfast (approx.. 20 mins).

Kurudmale Ganesha is a famous place locally. It is in Kolar district. The temple is believed to be constructed by Vijayanagara kings. The idol is around 13 feet in height. As per mythological story, Ganesha’s idol was installed by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This place is believed to be the meeting place for all devathas. Hence locally people come here for worship before they start any important work or new job or marriage, etc. The temple is mostly in ruins.

There is a 750 years old Shiva temple (Lord Someswara) right opposite to the Ganesha’s temple. The low ceilings of the temple remind you of a cave temple. There is another Ganesha’s idol at the entrance and a Nandi on the side.

From Kurudmale we proceeded to Avani. Hardly 20 kms from Kurudmale. This is to the left when you are going towards Bangalore. There is signage to guide you.

Avani is known as Gaya of the south. Avani is famous for its Sita temple situated on a hill. There are temples of Ramalingeshwara, Lakshmaneshwara, Bharateshwara and Shatrugneshwara. It is said that Sage Valmiki stayed here and Sita Devi gave birth to twins here.

Beware of the monkeys, if you intent to eat anything within temple premises.

After temple darshan, we stopped near the fields at the outskirts of Avani for quick picnic lunch. We drove back to Bangalore and were home by 3pm.

Sale ! Discount ! Offer of the day!

Those words send a chill up the spine of a man and a tingling sensation in the purses of women. The never ending sale is everywhere and all through the year now. “Retail revolution” – oh yes, we ladies know all about it.

There was a time when little nooks and corners of the city were explored by ladies who loved window shopping more than anything else. There always were ‘wise’ aunties who knew where to buy the cheapest and best wares ranging from freshest paneer to right sized knitting. Kitty parties were full of discussions about the shopping trips made and to be made. Shopping expedition was a time for female bonding just like any other social function. Harass the shop keeper for hours for the right size/ shade. Check out almost whole stock before walking out to another shop. (So much of footwork !!)

Retail landscape changed over time which put the wise aunties out of their wisdom and the small shops out of their business. Ladies went mall-hopping (with or without kids/ husband in tow) and gathered knowledge about all products and sales. Print media screamed ‘sale’ to lure more foot falls. Ladies surely bought (unnecessary) things and of course bragged about how they got a good bargain. They found more fun in actually trying out the products (which is not allowed in smaller shops). Wear that forbidden silk dress once like a dream, no need to buy. Get a makeover free and don’t actually buy the whole makeup kit. Sales are more frequent and discounts are norm of the day.

e-Commerce further changed things. An email or newsletter or facebook like is enough for ladies to check out the product and open their purse (for credit cards). No commuting time, no physical verification of shop and stock. Window shopping is now completely online. (I call it ‘website-hopping’). The fun of being with friends is all gone. From shoes to jewellery everything (almost) is sold online. In return to what we spend, we get redemption vouchers, points, club memberships, discount coupons, etc. All these make us spend more.

We are certainly spending more but having less fun doing it. (I certainly am !!) Any of you feel the same? Aren’t you missing the gossiping, the cribbing, the sharing of style tips, the planning of outing, the fun in harassing the shopkeeper, the thrill of trying out new clothes, etc and best of all bonding with your friends?

Same question must have given some e-commerce sites an idea and they started ‘social shopping’. Send online updates about what products you are checking out or buying. Take tips from friends or even borrow money online. Oh Well… in a world where friendships are only online, this should not come as a surprise. Nevertheless, I am speechless.

I am off to make myself some coffee to digest this now. Till next time.