shivam “Ammalu, you think I married you as I’m a fool?” “Never. You are wise and hence you knew that you needed a strong support to take you in the right path. I repeat, you are wise and hence you married me” ——————————— Ammalu, don’t create a scene for nothing. I just tapped Ammini’s back, just … Read more
This picture brings to my memory two stories, I have heard about the childhood weddings of olden days. Two brothers were getting married on the same day. The girls were below ten and boys older only by a few years. While the couples turned the street corner holding hands, on their way to the nearby … Read more
“Ammalu, had I arrived one hour late on the day of wedding, your mother would have found another boy for you and I would have been spared from your clutches for ever” “No. I would have waited for my whole life for you. And my mother too” “You both were so enamored by my charm?” … Read more
Rain, Rain go away. When the Mother in law, entered the household as a daughter in law, some thirty years ago, there was no water supply, in the kitchen or anywhere nearby. She had to bring it in a big brass or copper Kodam, vessel, carrying all the way from a distant well, after pushing … Read more
Saranagati or Prapatti or total, absolute, unconditional surrender to the Supreme God, means Mahavishnu and his consort Mahalakshmy, is the core principle of devotion as per the Sri SampradAya of RamAnjacharya. ‘Na Dharma Nishthosmi Na Cha Atmavedi Na BhaktimansTvat Charanaravinde | Akinchanonanyagati Sharanyam Tvat Padamoolam Sharanam Prapadye ||’ I know neither Dharmam nor Dyanam, righteousness … Read more
“Ammalu, when the age mounts, memory slips down. So, in case I forget your name, don’t be angry with me. I may call you, Ammini, Paru, Parukutty or KalyAni, but please respond” “Forget anything, call me by any name, I don’t mind. But never forget to hand over your monthly Pension to me so that … Read more
While treading the tedious, tormenting forests, following her husband’s steps, and even subsequently, the horrible incidents of her last day in the Palace would have been haunting Sita. But, in captivity under the simsupa tree in the the Asoka grove of Ravana, her nightmare might have been the day of kidnapping by the demon … Read more
After mentioning that he was Rama’s messenger and that Rama was eager to secure her from her imprisonment and was fully capable of it, the great Hanuman talks about Lakshmana. लक्ष्मणः च महातेजा भर्तुः ते अनुचरः प्रियः | कृतवान् शोक सम्तप्तः शिरसा ते अभिवादनम् || ५-३४-४ ‘The follower and favorite brother of your husband, the … Read more
Part 1 This is Ramayana mAsam in my native land of Kerala. When the Sun god moves behind the Western ghats to do Sandhya, the great AdyaAtma RAmAyanam hymn, scented by the sacred Name of Rama in every line, overflows from most of the houses. I’m attempting to join the devotees in my own humble … Read more
There was a big rock formation on the main road of the South village, which was removed and the road leveled, by Doriappan mama who also took lead in the construction of a Mantapam for the Krishnaswamy, where the marriage of my first sister took place over five decades ago. He had a small … Read more