Jai Jai Vithoba-Rakhumai - The Divine Pilgrimage to Pandharpur - Pandharichi Wari

                                                                                                                                                   Jai Jai Vithoba-Rakhumai!

                                             Source of the image: Internet

                 The annual 'Pandharichi Wari' i.e. the pilgrimage from Dehu-Alandi to Pandharpur began its journey around two weeks ago. As the Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj 'palkhis' (palanquins) bearing their 'padukas' (foot imprints cast in silver) wind their way through the long and torturous route of approximately 240 kilometers to their final destination, Pandharpur, the divine abode of Lord Pandurang (Lord Vitthal) and his divine consort Goddess Rukmini; the aura is one of infinite patience, perseverance, devotion and faith. Nothing daunts the 'warkaris', the pilgrims in their annual trek. Neither rain nor scorching heat, nor sores on their feet nor worldly troubles; as they have dedicated these 15-20 days to the Supreme Lord who they believe, will take care of them and their fields/ houses/belongings/beloved ones left behind in their native places!

                  They sing 'abhangs', religious hymns and songs, endlessly chant 'Gyanba-Tukaram' and verses from divine scriptures, play traditional instruments, perform folk-dances, enact street-plays with socioeconomically relevant themes and walk on in a blissful trance, (some even with 'Tulsi vrindavans', 'padukas' or the idols atop their heads) till they reach their destination on the auspicious 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' day. When they are at last in the temple in front of their beloved God, nothing matters except the 'Darshan'. They will pray fervently and return year after year.

                  The 'warkaris' are helped in their onward journey by the devout who feed them, provide free medicines, footwear, mobile recharge vouchers and other necessities; in turns, at their various halting places. Thus these Good Samaritans earn divine benediction too!

                   These pilgrims take well-deserved breaks in between, at predetermined places, including Pune; and halt with the sacred 'padukas' for a day or two. Then, refreshed and rested, they begin their onward journey to Pandharpur, where the deities eagerly await their 'Bhakts'. It's said that God doesn't want anything else but the devotee's 'bhakti'. A sense of total surrender to Him, for receiving His blessings manifold!

                   I fervently pray to Lord Vithoba and Rakhumai Devi to bless everyone with a strong sense of ethics, honesty, morals, wisdom, devotion, faith, diligence, patience, perseverance, peace, contentment, happiness, prosperity and success. I strongly believe that the more conscientious, empathetic and compassionate we are, the closer we are to God!

                   Let's just keep walking on the 'right' path in life. God will walk us safely through all our trials and tribulations and make us winners in the truest sense of the word.

                                                   Jai Jai Vithoba-Rakhumai!

              The copyright of this write-up is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Byline and other stories - Foreword - An excerpt

 Dear friends,

What happens when a journalist is deprived of her well-deserved byline? Read on to find out in my e-book titled The Byline and other stories.

This e-book will be available at www.amazon.com for just  $1.99 till 20th July, 2026.

Kindly peruse it and let me have your invaluable feedback. You could even peruse my other 27 books.

Thanks. Happy reading!

Priya

Now it seems as if my story is being enacted in real life too! My book titled "The Trophy Wife" has been substantially plagiarized by the makers of the Hindi feature film - "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya". I had sent a Cease and Desist notice to the offenders on 1st February, 2025.

I will not rest till I bring them to book and get justice for myself .

                                                          Satyameva Jayate

                                            

                                           The Byline and Other Stories

                                       When realization dawns…

                                                            Foreword

          Life teaches us its lessons in the strangest of ways!

          Though all of us keep making mistakes, seldom do we learn from them and stop ourselves from committing them. We are after all human!

          Sometimes we learn soon and at others, too late! The sooner we rectify our blunders, the better. We could always avail of that second chance at turning over a new leaf.

          When we repeat our mistakes ad nauseum, it is frustrating for those at the receiving end of our misdemeanors. Then life steps in to transform us into better individuals and makes us realize our follies.

          When realization dawns, it could be too late to salvage the wayward situation, but we do realize that we wouldn’t ever repeat those follies that caused others and ourselves, such heartbreak!

          Asking for forgiveness and resolving to not repeat our blunders would go a long way in improving our lives, though it is easier said than done! But the day we become courageous and adopt these measures, we will redeem ourselves from all suffering.

                              An excerpt from the short story - The True Wealth

          “Ritesh, just drop everything and rush back to the office.  It is urgent.”

           “But Sethji, I’m waiting in the queue for the formalities and am third in the line.  If I leave now, I’ll have to again join the long queue after about 50 persons and our delivery will be delayed till evening; or even night.”

          “No arguments, Ritesh.  Just do as I say.  The consignment can wait.  Come back at once.  I’ll expect you in 10 minutes’ time. Come home, not to the office.”

          Ritesh was perplexed at the tone of Sethji’s voice.  He sounded frightened and disturbed.  What could be more important than the consignment, he wondered.  But obviously that something would’ve been definitely more important than that consignment for the money-minded Sethji to be so worked up about!  And he had better hurry!  He didn’t want to risk incurring his wrath.  After all he was his boss!  Already 5 minutes were over!

          He drove his motorcycle at break-neck speed and reached Choudhary’s palatial mansion just within the stipulated time. 

                                                              End of the excerpt

Intrigued? Can't wait to find out what happens next? Immediately purchase a copy and settle down for an exciting reading session. Happy reading session this weekend!

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....

         

 

The Byline and other stories - Kindle Countdown Deal - July 2026 - Review

 Dear friends,

What happens when a journalist is deprived of her well-deserved byline? Read on to find out in my e-book titled The Byline and other stories.

This e-book will be available at www.amazon.com for just  $1.99 till 20th July, 2026.

Kindly peruse it and let me have your invaluable feedback. You could even peruse my other 27 books.

Thanks. Happy reading!

Priya

Now it seems as if my story is being enacted in real life too! My book titled "The Trophy Wife" has been substantially plagiarized by the makers of the Hindi feature film - "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya". I had sent a Cease and Desist notice to the offenders on 1st February, 2025.

I will not rest till I bring them to book and get justice for myself . A case is on its way...

                                                     Satyameva Jayate

                                                   

Review of some of my books by my sister, Mrs. Prabha Ravichandran.

Firstly before I write anything about the books read I would like to pen a few lines for the author Mrs. Priya Swaminathan who is also my dear sister. Extremely talented, honest, hardworking, disciplined and v sincere. She puts in a lot of effort in all things she does, has many hobbies and an eye for detail which comes across in her books. My best wishes and prayers that she succeeds in all her endeavours and gets success which she rightfully deserves!

 

I have read three books of hers; each one different and engrossing.

 

The Mysterious Basement of Summer City is an engaging thriller which keeps you hooked to the book till the v end till the mystery is unravelled.

 

God's Will is a nice story set in Kerala. A lot of effort has been put in bringing out each character so vividly that one can actually visualize them as they are brought to life in every novel.

 

The Byline and other stories is a lovely delightful compilation of short stories each one having their own flavour and moral at the end of it.

   

Most importantly all characters in all novels are well etched out.

 

Thanks and once again wishing the very best to the author with blessings. (Sic)

                                                                Mrs. Prabha Ravichandran 

Dear Prabha,

Thanks for this encouraging write-up and constructive review of some of my books. I am sure that you would make a good writer too! Do try your hand at it! And of course, eagerly awaiting your reviews for all my books! Thanks in anticipation.

Your loving sister,

Priya