Dittakavi Seshaacharyulu

As Vaishnavite devotees celeberate Shree Raama Navarathri and as I try viewing as many TV programs on Lord Shree Raam, I fondly remember Shree Seshacharyulu, about whom I have written in my earlier posts.

He was my collegaue at a school in Vijayawada, India, many years back. An excellently disciplined gentleman and a very well qualified scholar in Sanskrit, he and his brothers are taking care of a nice Shree Raam temple in Ibrahimpatnam, a few kilometers outside Vijayawada. 

During my professional career, whenever I had to assess teahching skills of teachers, I had always done it with confidence, except when assessing Shree Seshaachaaryulu's classes, for two reasons: My knowledge of Sanskrit was not sufficient enough and Shree Seshaachaaryulu was an exceptionally excellent Sanskrit teacher. In fact his classes sounded more like a Vishnu temple than a classroom. 

I think that it is because of good people like him our world retains some goodness even today when evils are growing.

The Divine Fish

Today is an auspicious day to Hindus. This is the anniversary of Shree Mahaa Vishnu's first incarnation on Earth as 'Matsyaa' millions and millions of years back.

Traditional New Year"s Day

Today marks the beginning of traditional new year to many Indians. It is celeberated in many states in India and abroad. In Southern Indian states of Karnataka, Telengana and Andhra Pradesh, it is observed as Ugaadhi. In Maharashtra, it is celebrated as Gudi Padwa. People like me, whose ancestors migrated to Southern India from Maharashtra, celebrate today as Ugaadhi.

This day marks the beginning of Shree Raama Navaraathri (meaming 'Nine Devine Nights of Lord Shree Raam'). At the end of these nine days/nights, is the day popularly known as Shree Raama Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Shree Raam (an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu) millions of years back in today's Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh in India.

The following image is a handcrafted doll of Lord Shree Raam, His wife Seetha Devi, His brother Shree Lakshman, with Hanumaan, the greatest devotee of Lord Shree Raam, offering his worship to his master.

Divine discourses

It was joy to listen to Shree Suki Sivam's lecture on Sanaathana Dharma with particular reference to the three main yogaas of relevance to devotees of the Almighty. As usual, he explained the concepts with simple examples that are easily understandable by lay people. Thanks to Sri Sankara  TV Channel for it's program 'Bhakti Utsavam' whereby eminent scholars and communicators such as Shree Suki Sivam and Shree Velukkudi Krishnan give valuable divine discourses.

I tried to provide link to Shree Sukam's website (www.sukisivam.com) but it didn't come through. Hence I used another resource.  I hope that you like it.

Odisha Divine Music Fest

This year's annual event of 'Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav' got inaugurated in Odisha a few minutes back. In this festival, performing artistes from different states in India, entertain viewers by letting them enjoy Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Grace through the artistes' performances.

Holi Fest

Yesterday was an auspicious day to Hindus in general and Vaishnavites in particular. It was celebrated as Holi Pournima. I think that today is celebrated as Holi with festivities to commemorate the Divine pastimes of Lord Shree Krishna, an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, in many regions of India and on a global scale in all regions with Hindu population.

As a person who worked in Bhutan for a few years, I have always shared an interest in the region including countries such as Nepal, with strong historic ties with India (besides the important fact that Nepal is the birth place of Seethaa Devi, consort of Lord Shree Raam, an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu). I had the joy of viewing thid year's Holi Fest on Nepal 1 TV Channel.

Charleston and it's Afro-Americans

As a travel enthusiast in my younger days and a fan of travel documentaries at present, I have always liked books and other media on travel. In this way,  Foxlife TV  Channel has been of much interest to me. 

I had the pleasure of watching a program titled 'Padma Lakshmi's Taste of the Nation' in the channel. It featured Charleston, South Carolina, its people and their food. More importantly it gave an insight into how Afro-Americans in the city have contributed to the city's history. 

Such programs are like reading Mark Twain's novels. 

The program reminded me of my good looking caucasian penpal from this historic city, during my college days. I have written about her in my earlier posts.

International women's day

The United Nations Organisation has designated today as International Women's Day. 

Divine Discourse

This afternoon I could derive from joy by viewing Shree Indradev Saraswathiji Maharaj's divine discourse on 'Shreemad Bhaaghavath Kathaa' on Sanskar TV Channel.

Mahaa Shiva Raathri

Today is a very auspicious day to Hindus all over the world. This day is celebrated as Mahaa Shiva Raathri. Vaishnavites like me among the Hindu community use this day to worship Shree LakskshmiNaaraayana who resides in the heart of Lord Shiva.