Here's my poem, published in the 'Excellence' magazine of L.I.C of India.
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| My Mother (Amma) - Mrs. Sharda Sharma |
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| My Mother and Mother-in-law (Amma squared!) |
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| My Mother-in-law (Amma) - Mrs. Prema Nathan |
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| Amma and I! |
Sunday, 20 September 2026
My Dear Mother!
Laxmi Road - The road to prosperity and bliss!
Laxmi Road, the bustling nerve-centre of Pune, is in the heart of the city and is the most favored destination for shopaholics. It extends from City Post Chowk to Alka Talkies Chowk, approx. for 5 kilometers. Anything and everything from electronic items, clothes, footwear, household items, etc. can be bought here.
The famous Tulshi Baug area is just off Laxmi Road, near Ganapati Chowk/Guruji Talim Ganapati Mandal Chowk. This is another tourist attraction. The renowned jewelry shops of P.N.Gadgil, Ranka Jewelers, etc. add dazzle to Laxmi Road.
The heritage buildings- the Commonwealth Building which houses the L.I.C. of India's Laxmi Road Branch Office, 952 Branch, the City Post Office and the Public Library are important landmarks. There is an ancient temple, the Belbaug Vishnu Temple which is a tranquil haven amidst the chaotic traffic. Several doctors' clinics, eateries and banks dot the road.
Unfortunately, there are no washrooms for the public on this entire stretch, except at the Tulshi Baug and Bhanuvilas Chowk areas. The road is congested as it is heavily encroached upon; by the road-side vendors who do brisk business. The heavy traffic is a bane for young and old alike! Parking problems plague the area.
The first day of the famed Ganeshotsav celebrations in Pune begin with a procession of the five Manache Ganapati (Most Revered 5 Ganapatis) through this thoroughfare. The immersion procession too passes through this busy road. The all-night pageantry and lights and sounds of this area assail our senses, then.
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| The revered Dagdusheth Ganapati - Image courtesy, Internet |
Diwali time is the best to stroll in this area. The twinkling lights and dazzling window-displays are breath-taking. Thus Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, seems to have truly made her home here, as all the businesses, big or small, thrive here! A visit to Pune is incomplete without a visit here.
Review published on website: www.tripadvisor.com on 07072015
The copyright of this review is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
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| Laxmi Roadcha Raja Ganapati |
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| Akhil Mandai Sharada Ganesh |
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| Tulshibaug Ganesh 4th Manache Ganapati in Pune |
These snaps were clicked by Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
Friday, 18 September 2026
Ashta Vinayak Yatra - An Incredible Pilgrimage!
The Ashta Vinayak Sri Ganesha images are courtesy:
https://mahatourism.in/destination/Ashtavinayak/ashtavinayak.html
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A PILGRIMAGE BEYOND COMPARE!
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| Ashta Vinayak Glory |
Legend says that Lord Ganesh, as Mayureshwar (Moresh) or the peacock-rider, vanquished the asura Sindhu, after entreaties by all the Gods.
The temple’s Mughal architecture is distinct. A Nandi sitting in front of the temple’s entrance is unique, as this is found only in front of Lord Shiva’s temples.
We had a plate of hot vegetable pohe and tea for breakfast and then set off for Siddhivinayak darshan at Siddhatek, near Daund. God Vishnu supposedly vanquished the asuras Madhu and Kaitabh after propitiating Lord Ganesha here. This Ganapati has his trunk pointing towards the right, hence is known as Siddhivinayak. Devotees can complete the 5 kms. Pradakshina, only by circumambulating the hill.
When we had earlier visited this temple, we had crossed the swollen Bhima river in a row-boat. But now a bridge over the river has made it possible for the bus to directly reach near the temple and cut down the journey time.
Our co-passengers broke juicy, sour tamarinds from the trees and distributed them. After a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant there, we proceeded further to Theur.
The Chintamani Ganapati of Theur is believed to relieve all the devotees from their worries. The wooden temple has a small stone fountain inside it. A huge paved courtyard, an enormous bell and a Shiva temple, are the other attractions here. It is believed that the Lord retrieved the precious Chintamani jewel from Guna, for Sage Kapila, here. In return, the Sage garlanded him with the jewel and named him as Chintamani Vinayak.
The last Ganapati darshan for that day was of the huge Ranjangaon Ganapati known as Maha Ganapati. This Ganapati had aided Lord Shiva in fighting the demon Tripurasura. This idol is believed to have 10 hands and 20 trunks. The sun’s rays fall directly on the idol, at a particular time of the day.
Security being strict, none of the pilgrims was allowed to carry anything inside the temple. Hence we visited the temple by turns.
Then we went to Lenyadri, watching the movie “Oh My God” enroute; again had a sumptuous buffet dinner and spent the night at the Lenyadri Ganapati Devasthan Trust’s lodgings. The room was very neat, with clean bed-sheets, pillows and blankets. The attached toilet - cum- bathroom was also spic and span.
Next morning at 5.30 a.m., we had tea and started climbing the steep 283 steps to Lenyadri, the 3rd century, Buddhist-cave shrine of Girijatmaja Ganapati. The idol is carved on the stone wall of the cave and faces eastward, with its trunk turned to the left, with Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman on either side. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati created her son Ganapati by bringing a clay idol to life there. Lord Ganapati had supposedly spent his childhood days there.
We saw the glorious sunrise with a panoramic view of the surroundings from the temple’s precincts. We participated in the 7 a.m. aarti, clicked photos of the 6 stone pillars, with carvings of cows, elephants, etc. and started descending.
A huge horde of monkeys was making its presence felt there. One huge monkey leapt at me and vigorously tugged my carry-bag, denting it. As my husband shooed it off, it retreated reluctantly. A baby monkey clambered on to a man’s back and sat cutely on his head. That man didn’t seem to mind it! We warily descended the hill.
We had a breakfast of piping hot upma and tea at the same restaurant where we had had dinner, shopped for collectibles and resumed our pilgrimage to Ozhar.
The Vighnaharta/Vigneshwara Ganapati of Ozhar relieves one of all the obstacles in one’s life. Lord Ganesha killed a demon named Vighnasur, hence the name. The idol has gems for its eyes, on its forehead and on its navel. Brass statues of His divine consorts Riddhi and Siddhi flank the idol. The temple, with its gold dome, twin deepastambhs (stone pillars for holding oil lamps) and two life-sized, stone-carved, dwarapalas (guards); is awesome.
Behind the temple, was a huge lake. It appeared misty and tranquil. As there wasn’t any time for boating, we started for Mahad.
Mahad, is very far, about 200 kms. from Ozhar. It was a 4- hour journey to this place in Raigad district. En route, we saw fresh sugarcane crop being harvested and ferried for crushing by trucks, tractors and bullock-carts. The cleaner of our bus adeptly pulled some sugar-cane from the passing vehicles and gave them to some passengers (who had strong teeth!).
We passed by horticulture farms. The farmers were busy in their fields as we feasted our eyes on the lush greenery all around. Nature was kind to this part of the state, it seemed, as abundant water was visible in the water-bodies there.
This travelogue was published in the Sakal Times' Spice edition dated 28th June, 2015.
We had a plate of hot vegetable pohe and tea for breakfast and then set off for Siddhivinayak darshan at Siddhatek, near Daund. God Vishnu supposedly vanquished the asuras Madhu and Kaitabh after propitiating Lord Ganesha here. This Ganapati has his trunk pointing towards the right, hence is known as Siddhivinayak. Devotees can complete the 5 kms. Pradakshina, only by circumambulating the hill.
When we had earlier visited this temple, we had crossed the swollen Bhima river in a row-boat. But now a bridge over the river has made it possible for the bus to directly reach near the temple and cut down the journey time.
Our co-passengers broke juicy, sour tamarinds from the trees and distributed them. After a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant there, we proceeded further to Theur.
The Chintamani Ganapati of Theur is believed to relieve all the devotees from their worries. The wooden temple has a small stone fountain inside it. A huge paved courtyard, an enormous bell and a Shiva temple, are the other attractions here. It is believed that the Lord retrieved the precious Chintamani jewel from Guna, for Sage Kapila, here. In return, the Sage garlanded him with the jewel and named him as Chintamani Vinayak.
The last Ganapati darshan for that day was of the huge Ranjangaon Ganapati known as Maha Ganapati. This Ganapati had aided Lord Shiva in fighting the demon Tripurasura. This idol is believed to have 10 hands and 20 trunks. The sun’s rays fall directly on the idol, at a particular time of the day.
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| The awesome entrance arch of Ranjangaon Temple |
Security being strict, none of the pilgrims was allowed to carry anything inside the temple. Hence we visited the temple by turns.
Then we went to Lenyadri, watching the movie “Oh My God” enroute; again had a sumptuous buffet dinner and spent the night at the Lenyadri Ganapati Devasthan Trust’s lodgings. The room was very neat, with clean bed-sheets, pillows and blankets. The attached toilet - cum- bathroom was also spic and span.
Next morning at 5.30 a.m., we had tea and started climbing the steep 283 steps to Lenyadri, the 3rd century, Buddhist-cave shrine of Girijatmaja Ganapati. The idol is carved on the stone wall of the cave and faces eastward, with its trunk turned to the left, with Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman on either side. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati created her son Ganapati by bringing a clay idol to life there. Lord Ganapati had supposedly spent his childhood days there.
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| The steep climb to the cave-shrine at Lenyadri |
A huge horde of monkeys was making its presence felt there. One huge monkey leapt at me and vigorously tugged my carry-bag, denting it. As my husband shooed it off, it retreated reluctantly. A baby monkey clambered on to a man’s back and sat cutely on his head. That man didn’t seem to mind it! We warily descended the hill.
We had a breakfast of piping hot upma and tea at the same restaurant where we had had dinner, shopped for collectibles and resumed our pilgrimage to Ozhar.
The Vighnaharta/Vigneshwara Ganapati of Ozhar relieves one of all the obstacles in one’s life. Lord Ganesha killed a demon named Vighnasur, hence the name. The idol has gems for its eyes, on its forehead and on its navel. Brass statues of His divine consorts Riddhi and Siddhi flank the idol. The temple, with its gold dome, twin deepastambhs (stone pillars for holding oil lamps) and two life-sized, stone-carved, dwarapalas (guards); is awesome.
Behind the temple, was a huge lake. It appeared misty and tranquil. As there wasn’t any time for boating, we started for Mahad.
Mahad, is very far, about 200 kms. from Ozhar. It was a 4- hour journey to this place in Raigad district. En route, we saw fresh sugarcane crop being harvested and ferried for crushing by trucks, tractors and bullock-carts. The cleaner of our bus adeptly pulled some sugar-cane from the passing vehicles and gave them to some passengers (who had strong teeth!).
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| The magnificent entrance to Ozar temple |
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| The serene lake behind Ozar temple |
The elongated idol of Varada Vinayak at Mahad is benign and this is the only Ganapati in this yatra that can be touched by the pilgrims. We can personally offer garlands and flowers here. This idol is swayambhu and had emerged from a pond behind the temple.
Then it was time for the last of the Ashta Vinayaks, the Ballaleshwar temple at Pali. This is the only Ashta Vinayak Ganapati named after an ardent devotee of the Lord. The idol in this temple is attired in traditional clothes, as he appeared to Ballal, in the form of a Brahmin. The prasad offered here is besan laddu, instead of the customary modak. The Dhundivinayak Ganapati must be visited before the Ballaleshwar Ganapati, as per tradition.
A refreshing glass of kokam sarbat was served to us instead of tea.Then we returned to Pune at 7.30 p.m.
We had already vowed to return for the pilgrimage at the earliest; as the pilgrimage had satiated our souls.
The copyright of this travelogue and photographs (apart from the first one), are with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
This travelogue was published in the Sakal Times' Spice edition dated 28th June, 2015.
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The resplendent Sri Sharada Ganesh deities in a temple in Rasta Peth, Pune,
decked up in black colored garments and 'til' (sesame) ornaments, especially for Makar Sankranti festival and surrounded by colorful kites which are usually flown during that season.
We wish all those who are celebrating the festival, a very happy 'Ganeshotsav and Gauri Pujan'.
May Lord Ganesha, Lord Shankar, Lord Karthik, Goddess Parvati-Gauri Ma, Goddess Laxmi Ma and Goddess Sharade Ma bless us all with abundant peace, wisdom, knowledge, insight, good sense, prosperity, success, good health and happiness!
Do consider enrolling for any of our online courses and feel the difference in your lives.
The details are there in the previous posts, as are the fantastic reviews/testimonials by our dear students.
Priya's Vision Academy - Makes Your Life Blossom.
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha! Ganpati Bappa Moraya! Mangal Murti Moraya!
Past Year's Display .... 2019  |
| Bhau Rangari - Sheesh Mahal |
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| Dagdusheth - Pune's pride! |
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| Sri Vighnaharta - Sus Road's pride! |
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| Jilbya Maruti Ganesh |
Come Ganeshotsav, we eagerly welcome our favorite Ganapati Bappa home and then set off to visit the famed 'dekhavas' - displays of tableaux at various renowned Ganesh mandals in Pune.
The energy, hope and enthusiasm in the air as we stroll on the streets are truly infectious and give us lots of positive vibes.
The aura of the omnipresent Lord engulfs us in its warm and benevolent embrace as we forget all our worries and grievances and watch the displays; awe-struck and delighted!
Some interesting displays are being shared here. Hope you enjoy them!
Ganapati Bappa Moraya, Mangal Murti Moraya!
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| Eco-friendly Bappa at home! Save Planet Earth! |
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| Akhil Mandai Ganpati Mandal |
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| Guruji Talim - 3rd revered Ganesh |
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| Tulshibaug |
Wednesday, 9 September 2026
'The Celestial Souls of Khambetka' - An Excerpt
We often go through our lives with lots of fear and anxiety, hopes and ambitions, desires and wishes. Some wishes may be fulfilled during our lifetime and others may remain pipe-dreams!
Do some paranormal experiences jolt us out of our mundane routine? Does a divine entity, sometimes, enable us to accomplish our desires in our lifetime itself? What happens when a lifetime isn’t enough to do all the things that we want to do? Or atone for our sins? Do we return to earth invisibly and finish our work?
The paranormal stories in this novel delve into all these aspects. Above all, these stories have soul!
Read on to discover new dimensions of the soul…
Excerpt from the story titled 'Unfinished Business' in my e-book titled 'The Celestial Souls of Khambetka'
Unfinished Business - An Excerpt
I had earlier avoided the irresistible urge to break out into peals of laughter when a lady Executive Director had attempted sitting on a chair on which I was seated. I had quickly slid down
and vacated the chair, just in the nick of time! Then I had safely hung from the railing of the navy-blue velvet curtains that swathed the huge windows of the board-room. I could peer down at the deceitful, unethical gang of people without an iota of conscience...
Of course, they weren’t the same persons, per se, but persons occupying those posts! The Managing Board of Directors of ‘The Life Company’. Probably, the chair corrupted the person occupying it, I thought. Or on other thoughts, power! Unbridled power!
I could only sneer at the selfish, unscrupulous, rude and arrogant people disguised as civil, sophisticated business magnates! Corporate sharks. My upbringing couldn’t make me swear at them, raise a hand on them or harm them in any way. I was way too civilized for that!
End of the Excerpt
Intrigued? Do buy and read this e-book, available for just $2.99 at www.amazon.com till 10th September, 2026 under a Kindle Countdown Deal. Hurry!
This book has received a 5 star rating at Goodreads.com.
The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Excerpt From The Story - 'My Big Boss Up There!' - The Celestial Souls of Khambetka - Kindle Discount
Excerpt from the story titled 'My big boss up there!' in my e-book titled:
The Celestial Souls of Khambetka
Manoj would remark, “It’s high time you stopped looking at your father’s photo! Now you should be looking at mine!”
He started keeping an unbearably repulsive, close-up shot of his, in an equally hideous and unimaginative frame, on our bedside table. I had politely declined to frame one of our ‘lovey-dovey’ shots from our honeymoon, as it was something that I didn’t want to be reminded of!
I just softly told him, “That’s personal Manoj. Let it remain only between the two of us. A private remembrance!” Inwardly, I snidely remarked, “A private joke!”
Surprisingly, Manoj hadn’t persisted. He had instead, plastered the walls and the cupboards’ doors with huge posters of .....
They were definitely a ‘better-watch’ than his plain Jane of a wife! Needless to say, there was no love lost between the two of us.
END OF THE EXCERPT
Intrigued? Do buy and read this e-book, available for just $2.99 at www.amazon.com till 10th September, 2026, under a Kindle Countdown Deal. Hurry!
Your precious online reviews are most welcome!
Thanks in anticipation! Priya
The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
The Celestial Souls of Khambetka - 5 Star Rating - Kindle Discount Offer - September 2026
Dear friends,
What happens when one's wishes are not fulfilled in one’s lifetime?
Read on to experience it in my thrilling e-book titled The Celestial Souls of Khambetka. It is a collection of unusual paranormal stories that will surely capture your imagination!
This book has received a 5 - star rating at www.goodreads.com.
Here's the link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44653148-the-celestial-souls-of-khambetka#
A Kindle Countdown Deal is on from 3rd to 10th September, 2026 at www.amazon.com for this e-book. It will be available at a whopping discount, of 41% for just $2.99. You could peruse a free preview of the e-book at the website.
Here's the link : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MNM7ZGP
Kindly purchase the e-book, read it and let me have your invaluable feedback. You could even peruse my other 24 books at Amazon.
Kindly post all your reviews directly at www.amazon.com. Happy reading!
Thanks.
Priya
List of other books by the award-winning author,
Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan:
The Enigma and other stories 3 star rating at Goodreads.com
The Obsession
The Mysterious Basement of Summer City (Prize- winning, debut novel) 5 star rating at Amazon.in
Wow! Wrong Number
You Compromise, I Won’t!
Unconditional Love in Exchange
Just Not Meant For Marriage!
The Byline and other stories
A Good Old Rumor! and other stories 3 star rating at Goodreads.com
The Trophy Wife 5 star rating at Amazon.in
Of Siblings and E-Friends
The Trophy Wife 5 star rating at Amazon.in
Of Siblings and E-Friends
Dad's Great, Boys! (ebook only)
(also available at www.draft2digital.com)
God's Will
Neha's Quest
S Ghosts of the Past
The Unending Nightmare
My Life, My Way!
Everyone
Once again
The Long-distance Relationship
When Chikoo Was Very Bitter... 5 star rating at Amazon.in
Operation Chikoo' 5 star rating at Amazon.in
Chikoo Saves Chikki
Shadows in the Dark - 5 star rating at www.amazon.in.
S All these ebooks and paperbacks have been released worldwide, and are available at www.amazon.com and Amazon's other marketplaces.
My ebooks at other sites:
A Suitor for the Princess (radiantpriyasvision.blogspot.com)
The Love-addict (www.freeditorial.com)
No Mother-in-law, Please! has been serialized at www.wattpad.com. Read it for free and feel free to comment on or like it.
**********
The Celestial Souls of Khambetka - Free the spirit!
Let's make peace with our souls and free our spirits!
In keeping with this theme, may I suggest that all of us could volunteer for body-donation (dehadaan) or organ donation; the ultimate gift to mankind!
Let's live on, long after we have gone from this planet...
My husband and I have pledged for dehadaan/organ donation.
The copyright of all the above-mentioned books is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
Plagiarists, BEWARE! You will be prosecuted for Copyright Infringement.
One such case is already on its way....
If any of the readers would like to enroll for Priya's Vision Academy's Exclusive, Online Creative Writing Course-cum-workshop, do get in touch immediately. Become a professional writer and embark on an exciting and satisfying hobby or career!
Kindly peruse the glowing reviews of this course, written by students; on this blog.
Blog posts:
Testimonials by students of Priya's Vision Academy - Blog post dated 25th July, 2020
Testimonial of a Student of our Online Creative Writing Course - Priya's Vision Academy - Blog post dated 14th August, 2024
Just call up: Mrs. Priya Swaminathan
Mobile No. 9067138313
Priya's Vision Academy - Makes Your Life Blossom.
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