A Good Old Rumor! and other stories - Hurry! Discount Offer, Only For You!

 Dear friends,

                        Have you ever come across a rumor? Have you ever realized what havoc a rumor can play in one's life? Have you ever spread a rumor, just for fun or out of pure malice? How was the experience?

                        My book, a collection of slice-of-life stories deals with rumors and a lot more! A Kindle Countdown Deal will be on from 24th September to 1st October, 2026 for my e-book 'A Good Old Rumor! and other stories' at www.amazon.com. This e-book will be available for just $1.99. 

                        Now this is NOT a rumor! Ha ha!

                        So hurry! Kindly consider purchasing an e-book. Read and review it and post your invaluable review at www.amazon.com. Eagerly awaiting your honest feedback!

                       Thanks in anticipation.

                       Priya 😁😃

Foreword

            All of us go through life, taking it for granted. Sometimes an event occurs, that jolts us out of our complacency. We then feel as if we have lost our moorings.

            A few of us rise above the disruption and emerge unscathed, whereas for others, life may never be the same again. They regret the unfortunate turn of events and feel that they probably, unwittingly contributed towards it. Some may even be beset by the “Why me?” Syndrome.

           Yet others feel that whatever has happened is for the best. In fact, they consider it as a blessing in disguise and set about their tasks with renewed vigor! They grab the golden opportunity and improve their lives.

           Thus while some go from bad to worse, others are transformed and reformed!

           This collection of pithy stories depicts various characters and their reactions to life-changing situations.

           How do they deal with unforeseen events in their lives?

           Read on to find out…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38135747-a-good-old-rumor-other-stories#CommunityReviews

This book has received a 3 star rating at Goodreads.com. Here's the link:

A Good Old Rumor! & other stories: Just spicing it up.....

Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

3.00

1 rating 0 reviews

Welcome to the world of renowned author, Shweta; winning jockey, Manglu; fading superstar, Suraj Kumar; ailing model, Seema; wannabe actor, Aishwarya; obsessive patient, Alan; greedy son, Biju; repentant mother, Mira; and a vengeful father’s spirit! Read this collection of pithy stories and find out how they deal with life-altering situations! Save your reactions for your invaluable reviews! Happy reading, folks!

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2017

The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Plagiarists, BEWARE! 

You, (as well as anyone who aids and abets you), will be prosecuted for Copyright Infringement.

One such case is already on its way....

My Dear Mother!

     Here's my poem, published in the 'Excellence' magazine of L.I.C of India.

My Mother (Amma) - Mrs. Sharda Sharma

My Mother and Mother-in-law (Amma squared!)

My Mother-in-law (Amma) - Mrs. Prema Nathan

Amma and I!

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.

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.

Laxmi Roadcha Raja Ganapati

Akhil Mandai Sharada Ganesh

Guruji Talim Ganesh
3rd Manache Ganapati in Pune

Tulshibaug Ganesh
4th Manache Ganapati in Pune

                          These snaps were clicked by Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Ashta Vinayak Yatra - An Incredible Pilgrimage!

 The Ashta Vinayak Sri Ganesha images are courtesy:

https://mahatourism.in/destination/Ashtavinayak/ashtavinayak.html

                                             A PILGRIMAGE BEYOND COMPARE!

 

Ashta Vinayak Glory

  Our Ashta Vinayak pilgrimage was a 2-day, one night journey. Braving the wintry chill, we set off at 7 a.m. by bus. The first stop was at Morgaon, for darshan of the Lord Mayureshwar, as Lord Ganpati is known here. The idol has the Naga Raja’s hood on its head. It is believed that Lord Brahma had constructed this temple. 

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.

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.
                                                                                              

The steep climb to the cave-shrine at Lenyadri

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!).

The magnificent entrance to Ozar temple

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.

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.

**********

               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.

Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha! Ganpati Bappa Moraya! Mangal Murti Moraya!

Past Year's Display .... 2019 

Bhau Rangari - Sheesh Mahal

                                                       

                                                          Dagdusheth - Pune's pride!

Sri Vighnaharta - Sus Road's pride!

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!

Eco-friendly Bappa at home! Save Planet Earth!

Akhil Mandai Ganpati Mandal

Guruji Talim - 3rd revered Ganesh

Tulshibaug

'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.

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!

 

      This book has got a 5 star rating at www.goodreads.com.
     

     Your precious online reviews are most welcome!

     Thanks in anticipation! Priya

                                                                               

The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.