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Today is Mother's Birthday (21st February) - Puducherry

                                                   Puducherry - A Tranquil Haven

Majestic traditional dwelling

We visited the Union Territory of Puducherry on our recent trip to Chennai. It is a four hour smooth drive from the Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai. Since it was an AC bus, the journey was very comfortable and less-crowded. The lush green palm trees and banana plantations, the thatched cottages and farmers working in their fields, made for pleasant sight-seeing. As we neared Puducherry, (curiously, all the localites still refer to it, by its former name- Pondicherry!) the vast, blue bay was visible on both sides of the highway. Many churches were visible en route.

Since it was already 2.30 p.m. when we reached our guest-house, we just spent the afternoon in having lunch and thereafter, a refreshing nap. In the evening, we walked to the bus-stand and made enquiries about sight-seeing trips that we intended to make.
The chaotic traffic and the vehicle riders who were as unruly as the riders back home in Pune, made us nostalgic. Puducherry also has a mix of the old, traditional dwellings and new, swanky buildings. Numerous temples dot the place.

We visited the Manakula Vinayagar temple and offered prayers to the majestic Lord Ganesh. The temple was being renovated and several laborers were busy painting the numerous Ganeshas on the compound’s walls, with bright-colored oil paints. Small shops outside the temple sold puja items, figurines of Lord Ganesh, bangles, etc. I bought some small Ganesh idols for my collection. Among them the unique ones were one made of wood, a fiber one, reading a book and another one with 2 heads (In front and at the back too!).

Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram-Tranquil retreat!

Then we visited the renowned Aurobindo Ashram. We were surprised to see just a crowded book-shop selling pictures and books of the Mother’s and Sri Aurobindo’s teachings, Sanskrit, etc., a small room filled with the pictures of the Mother and her spiritual guru, Sri Aurobindo and a courtyard with a profusion of neatly arranged potted plants with brightly colored flowers. Where was the Mother’s samadhi, we wondered!
The lady at the footwear stand told us that there was another entrance to the Ashram and samadhi and that it was the Mother’s birth anniversary that day. It was the 21st of February. We saw several people patiently waiting in a lengthy queue for tokens to enter the ashram.

The auto-driver was unscrupulous and wanted to take us to Auroville, at a distance of around 13 kms. to get Rs. 800/- from us, so he lied to us that there was nothing else to be seen at the ashram, besides what we had just seen and that the people in the queue were just waiting for food coupons. He even added that the food was bland, vegetarian fare, lest we decided to partake of it, little-knowing that we are vegetarians too! I was suspicious as I instinctively knew that so many people would definitely not wait for so long, just for food!

Splendid Colonial Architecture

Then we went to the Government Museum, passing by the Governor of Puducherry’s elegant colonial mansion, surrounded by verdant trees and colorful bougainvillea. It was a delightful experience. Just at its entrance, is an ancient fossil-wood trunk that is a million years old! We saw a wonderful, priceless collection of ancient coins, statues, quaint means of transportation in the bygone 19th century, geological specimens of rocks and shells, antique furniture, etc. 

The Government Museum-A treasure trove of culture.

When we emerged outside, the watchman informed us that we could click snaps of the Museum’s exteriors. We clicked several snaps of the lush vegetation there as well as the sculptures of various Gods, aesthetically enhancing the tiny garden.

The auto-driver asked us to buck up. We coolly told him to drop us off at our guest-house and paid him Rs. 300/- the agreed amount. He was crest-fallen and tried to persuade us to change our mind and go to Auroville. Since we were convinced that he was unscrupulous, we didn’t relent.

In the evening, I felt restless and told my husband that we’d make another trip to the ashram. We had missed out on the real experience, my intuition told me! Again we hailed an auto and went there. We joined the queue for the token, waited for nearly two hours and finally joined another queue leading into the ashram. Volunteers clad in white, ushered us in. I told one volunteer that the token-system was flawed as people were jumping the queue and the person handing out tokens was giving those people preference. He made a note of it.

I asked him whether there was such a huge rush everyday. He informed us that the Mother’s personal quarters inside the ashram were opened to the public only on the Mother’s birth anniversary, 15th August or on one’s birthday. Only pass-holders are allowed in on other days. We were pleased as punch. We were going to have darshan of the benign Mother’s samadhi, her personal quarters and belongings on her birthday! Boy! Was I glad to have followed my hunch!

Again we waited for an hour to go in, as people were allowed in, only in batches of around 100. We patiently sat on the carpets on the ground, quietly meditating. Silence was compulsory and cell-phones had to be switched off. Some tourists were viewing messages on their mobiles and some were talking in hushed whispers, but by and large, people were silently meditating, thanks to the volunteers hovering there.

We saw the quarters housed in that majestic colonial edifice, and her belongings,

 covered in pristine white satin. The rooms were fragrant with incense. There was total silence and the fragrance of the Divine Mother engulfed us. We could feel her presence around us. We silently offered prayers to her, offered donations in the box placed there and walked down the wooden steps to her samadhi. It was a huge block of white marble covered with flowers and incense-sticks. We knelt down and touched the samadhi with our foreheads. Then we meditated in front of the samadhi. It was a very surreal experience.

To be continued.....

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

Why marry?

                                                       VOUCHING FOR MARRIAGE

                “Marriage is for the staid and living-in is for the fun-loving, broad-minded people.” This is what most live-in partners try to suggest, most of the times. In my opinion, nothing can be further away from the truth. The truth is that marriage can be a truly fulfilling experience, when the spouses try to pitch in each others’ time and efforts at making their marriage ‘one for keeps’ and helping their relationship blossom and mature. 

                Now that even in the West, which vociferously espouses the ‘live-in’ culture, more and more couples are going in for marriages, it’s evident that in these uncertain socio-economic times, one wants to be at least certain about one thing; which is his/her partner in life. And what better way, than to tie the knot! Though marriage is a gamble, in the sense that one is never certain whether it would always work, the fun is in the going, the experience and the continuous endeavor to make it work.

               One could achieve freedom and space even in a marriage between two mature partners. Both must be sensitive to each others needs and aspirations. Once equilibrium is achieved, it has to be maintained. Trust and faith, combined with love helps to maintain this equilibrium. Marriage is a commitment to be faithful to each other in mind, body and spirit. To share each others’ joys and sorrows; create a family bonded by love. 

               Besides, the children of legally married partners don’t face any problems in getting admissions into schools, or any ragging by peers when they grow-up, unlike children of live-in parents who are often subjected to mental torture by insensitive people who brand them as ‘illegitimate’, for no fault of theirs! 

               Living-in partners often adopt a ‘no-strings’ attached policy, where each is free to do his own thing. They believe that marriage doesn’t offer freedom, personal space. They believe that they’ll be relieved from the spouses’ nagging, suspicion and bullying. They walk out on each other for flimsy reasons without second thoughts. 

               Often, living-in turns out to be just marriage, without legal sanction, as the woman ends up doing all the chores for her partner who often takes her for granted; and has a great time outside the house with other females, due to his carefree attitude. 

               The partners in the live-in relationship are often insecure, as they feel that their relationship is not permanent and often wonder whether they would have been better off had they married! Many live-in couples end up marrying when the lady partner conceives; just so that the child may get a legitimate father’s name. These couples just don’t have the guts to proclaim to the world, that they are the parents, who never married! 

                In short, the social sanction accorded to marriage and the security which it provides, makes it still relevant in the current times. It’s an institution which has withstood the test of many centuries; and will definitely last till eternity. 

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

Shadows in the Dark - An Excerpt

                                             Excerpt from Chapter 10 - The Bribe

                As he debated his next course of action, Sajjan came and brusquely interrupted the cold silence between him and Shivani.

               “O.K. you two!  We must be getting back now.  It’s getting very late.”     

                “Bhaiyya, we’ve decided to spend the night in Ujjain itself. Rather than making this long trip again tomorrow, we think that it is wise to remain here itself and go back tomorrow evening.” As Shivani firmly briefed Sajjan, Himesh had a sense of impending doom.  

               Clutching at straws, he immediately said, “However, if the Professor doesn’t agree, we’ll return today!” Shivani gave him a dirty look. 

               As Himesh started dialling the Professor’s number, she said triumphantly, “Wait a minute! I’ve already informed him.”

                Himesh and Sajjan looked at each other exasperatedly. Then Sajjan said, “But I must confirm with him, otherwise he’ll be hopping mad at me!”

               “That means you don’t trust me!” remarked Shivani, a trifle loudly.

               “It doesn’t matter what you think of me, young lady, I will do what I must!” he said coolly.

                But when the Professor acknowledged that Shivani had indeed taken permission from him, Sajjan and Himesh could only squirm and remain silent. 

               Then Sajjan said, “O.K. then, I’ll take your leave. I’m going home. Inform me about tomorrow’s plans so that I may come to pick you up.” He left the duo without much ado.

                Now that he didn’t have the tonga-driver’s support, Himesh ridiculously felt as if he had been deserted with a ‘witch’! His mind worked feverishly trying to think about how he could ‘save’ himself from Shivani. He quietly walked with her to the hotel.

               The Gulmohar hotel was a small and cosy one tucked into a by-lane.  There were lush green gulmohar trees all around it, justifying the hotel’s name.   A small portico led to the reception area.  

                           Intrigued? Can't wait to find out what happens next?

Kindly purchase an e-book for just $1.99 at www.amazon.com till the 11th of February, 2023. Peruse it and consider posting your invaluable review online. Your review will be posted on this blog too!

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

                   This poster has been designed by me with the help of Canva. Thanks, Canva!

                              Did you like it? Do let me know. Thanks in anticipation. Priya

Shadows in the Dark - Kindle Countdown Deal

  Shadows in the Dark - An enigmatic thriller! 

(Recd. a 5 star rating at amazon.in. Do read the review at the end of this post.)

Its e-book will be available for just $ 1.99 at www.amazon.com from 4th to 11th February, 2023 under a Kindle Countdown Deal, at a whopping discount of 72%! 

Do consider buying a copy. Enjoy reading it and post your invaluable review online at www.amazon.com. Your review will also be posted on this blog.☺

E-book

Dear friends,

Often, the questions that niggle one are "Who am I? Where do I come from? Where do I go henceforth?"

Why these questions keep recurring in one's mind is beyond anyone! But when they do rear their heads regularly, the quest begins earnestly.

To find out more about the answers. To ensure peace. Not only with oneself but with one's milieu.

In this intriguing novel, Dr. Ajoy Mitra is one such troubled soul who is at great pains to unearth secrets. Of the past!

Caught willy-nilly in his life's mission are his clever protégés, Himesh and Shivani. And a host of other enigmatic characters!

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Do purchase this suspenseful, thrilling e-book, read it and find out! In case you are a die-hard fan of a hard copy paperback, (Who isn't?), you could opt to purchase one so that you could keep reliving the excitement of reading this thriller all over again. And again...
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Thanks. Happy reading! Have a great day ahead!

Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Here's the e-book's link! Preview a sample of the book for free....

Shadows in the Dark

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Shadows in the Dark Paperback – Large Print, July 1, 2021

by Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan (Author)

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Excerpt

                 Suddenly a thump landed on his back. It was Shivani. “Hey, why are you quiet, man? Say something. Isn’t it beautiful here?” Himesh looked around at the gulmohar trees slowly wobbling by, in full bloom, a gorgeous whir of green and orange; and felt the cool breeze ruffling his hair. 

               Shivani also looked very pretty in a cream tank top paired with black jeans. Her thick, shoulder-length hair blew around her face, making her look innocent and charming. Her lips had a hint of pale pink lip balm. Her eyes flashed brightly, further accentuated by an eye-liner. She had definitely dressed up to impress him!

               “Yes, very pretty,” he drawled meaningfully. She blushed delightedly. “Me or the scenery?” she asked coquettishly. 

               “Both” he said, with a slight grin. Shivani fawned at him obviously. Probably she was making some headway with him! 

                Then just to tease her, he remarked “But Mira is beautiful. You know what I mean!” She gave him a vicious look. 

               “No need to rub it in,” she said peevishly. As tears stung her eyes, she impulsively grabbed the whip and reins of the horse from Sajjan after roughly pushing him aside. He was stunned. So much strength for a chit of a girl! 

               As she started lashing the whip, Himesh lost it. He wasn’t going to tolerate her tantrums, that too on an official trip. The tonga was lurching ahead violently, with the horse bucking up and protesting under the sudden and unprovoked onslaught by a stranger. 

               A car swerved with a squeal of brakes, from the path of the unsteady tonga. As its driver swore at the tonga’s occupants, Sajjan helplessly looked at Himesh, as if pleading for his intervention! Now it was his turn to snatch the control of the tonga from her.

               He abruptly grabbed the whip and reins from her, steadied the panicking horse and slowed the pace of the tonga. Then he urged the horse to halt. Now Shivani was glaring daggers at him, gritting her teeth. 

               Suddenly Himesh grinned. “You resemble a wild cat now!” 

               Even as he said that, she flew on him, pounding her small fists on his face and head. He expertly caught both her wrists with one hand and slapped her with the other. She shrieked loudly and started bawling. 

    END OF EXCERPT

Intrigued about Dr. Mitra and his quest? Do purchase a copy and read it to find about about what happens next! Don't forget to post a review at the Amazon website. Thanks in anticipation. Priya

https://www.amazon.in/Shadows-Dark-Priya-Ramesh-Swaminathan-ebook/dp/B098JPZNL3/

 Shadows in the Dark

by Priya Ramesh Swaminathan  | 1 July 2021

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Top review from India

Rajni

 5.0 out of 5 stars

 0 out of 5 stars5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery novel at its best

Reviewed in India on 31 August 2021

Dear mystery aficionados! You are in for a treat! Author Priya Ramesh Swaminathan has concocted a tale of an anthropologist researcher and his two dedicated assistants. The other characters in the plot add to the suspense and strange things happening at the site. The author has played with words and adds her inimitable style to the setting of the story. So what are you waiting for? It's time to read and unravel the secrets to fully solve the mystery woven in this gripping novel. Best wishes to the author and the readers.

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