വയ്യ, മടുത്തു എല്ലാം,
രാവിലെ എണീക്കലും, രാത്രിയിലെ ഉറക്കവും
നാലു ചുമരുകള്‍ക്കുള്ളിലെ സംക്രമണങ്ങളും!
കാലിപ്പേഴ്സെന്നേനോക്കി ചിരിച്ചു -
വിഷത്തിനായാലും കയറിനായാലും കാശു വേണം.
തൊപ്പിയും ജാക്കറ്റുമിട്ടു തണുത്ത വൈകീട്ടിറങ്ങിത്തിരിച്ചു,
മഞ്ഞയും പച്ചയും നിറമുള്ള ഏ.റ്റി.എമ്മില്‍ നിന്നു
മിനിമം ബാലന്‍സു പൊട്ടിയ്ക്കാന്‍,
മരിച്ചാല്‍ പിന്നെന്തിനൊരഞ്ഞൂറു രൂപ മിച്ചം?
വിഷം വില്‍ക്കുന്ന കടയില്‍
ഇളിച്ചു കൊണ്ടഞ്ഞൂറു നീട്ടി -
“ചെയ്ഞ്ചില്ല സാറേ”,
ഇവനേയും ‘സാറേ’ന്നു വിളിക്കണം,
മടുത്തെന്റ്റെ സാറേ ജീവിതം!
അകത്തേയ്ക്കു പോയ സാറിനെ കാണുന്നില്ല-
“നീയൊന്നകത്തേയ്ക്കു വാ”
“താടിയും കറുത്ത കണ്ണടയും, നീ അല്‍-ഖൈദയാ?“
ട്രാന്‍സാക്ഷന്‍ സ്ലിപ്പു കാട്ടി, സീരിയല്‍-
നമ്പറില്ലാത്ത നോട്ടു കീറി, തടിതപ്പി.
മരിയ്ക്കാനായില്ലെങ്കിലും മഞ്ഞയും പച്ചയും ഏ.റ്റി.എമ്മിനെ-
ക്കൊല്ലാതിനി റൂമിലേയ്ക്കില്ല!
വെയ്ച്ചടിച്ചു ചെന്നപ്പോളവിടെയൊരാള്‍ക്കൂട്ടം -
മഞ്ഞയും പച്ചയും ഏ.റ്റി.എം
ബോംബു പൊട്ടി മരിച്ചു കിടക്കുന്നു!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
ലോഹിണിയുടെ സാന്റ്റാ
ഇന്നു ക്രിസ്തുമസ്. നാടുവിട്ടവരും നാട്ടിലുള്ളവരുമായ എല്ലാ മലയാളി ബന്ധുക്കള്‍ക്കും എന്റ്റെ ഹൃദയം നിറഞ്ഞ ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ആശംസകള്‍!
ഇക്കുറി ക്രിസ്തുമസ് മൌറീഷ്യന്‍ സുഹൃത്തുക്കളോടൊപ്പമായിരുന്നു. അവിടെ അവര്‍ ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ഈവാണ് ആഘോഷിക്കുന്നത്, അതു കൊണ്ട് ഇന്നലെയായിരുന്നു പരിപാടികള്‍. ആറു വയസ്സുകാരി ലോഹിണിയായിരുന്നു എല്ലാവരുടേയും ശ്രദ്ധാകേന്ദ്രം. എല്ലാ വര്‍ഷത്തേയും പോലെ ഇന്നലെയും രാവിലെ എഴുന്നേറ്റ ഉടനെ പപ്പായോടു ചോദിച്ചു, “പപ്പാ സാന്റ്റാ വരില്ലേ?”. ഹര്‍ഷ് മറന്നേ പോയിരുന്നൂ അക്കാര്യം. ലോഹിണിയെ സംബന്ധിച്ചിടത്തോളം സാന്റ്റാ ഒരു സങ്കല്പമല്ല, അവളുടെ ലോകത്തിലെ മനോഹരമായ സത്യങ്ങളിലൊന്നാണ്. എല്ലാ ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ഈവിനും അവള്‍ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നൂ, സമ്മാനങ്ങളുമായി വരുന്ന സാന്റ്റായെ. ഒരു പക്ഷേ അവളിത്രയും കാത്തിരിക്കുന്ന മറ്റൊരു ദിവസവും ഉണ്ടാവില്ല.
ഹര്‍ഷ് ആകെ റ്റെന്‍ഷനടിച്ചു രാവിലെ വന്നു പറഞ്ഞു, “ഒരു സാന്റ്റായെ ഒപ്പിക്കണം”. “ഞാനായാ മതിയോ?” “പക്ഷേ നിന്റ്റെ പാകത്തിനുള്ള ഡ്രസ്സെവിടുന്നു കിട്ടും? തയ്പ്പിക്കാനിനി നേരവുമില്ല.” കഴിഞ്ഞ കൊല്ലം മെസ്സിലെ രാമായണ്‍ എന്ന മൂന്നരയടിക്കാരനായിരുന്നു സാന്റ്റാ. “എന്നാപ്പിന്നെ അവനെത്തന്നെ ആക്കിയാപ്പോരെ?” പക്ഷേ അവിടെയായിരുന്നു റ്റെന്‍ഷന്റ്റെ ആധാരം. രാമായണ്‍ മെസ്സു വിട്ടു. ആ സൈസിനു പിന്നെ കിട്ടുന്നതു പിള്ളാരെയാണ്. അങ്ങനെയായാല്‍ സംഭവം കുളമാകാനാണു സാദ്ധ്യത കൂടുതല്‍. പുതിയൊരാളെ തപ്പണം.
മുങ്ങാമെന്നു കരുതിയപ്പോ സര്‍ എത്തി. ഇനി ഒരു രക്ഷയുമില്ല, നാലു മണിവരെ അനങ്ങാന്‍ പറ്റില്ല. ഹര്‍ഷിനെ സമാധാനിപ്പിച്ചു, ഏതെങ്കിലും മെസ്സില്‍ അവന്‍ അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ അവന്റ്റെ സൈസിലുള്ള ആരെങ്കിലും ഉണ്ടാവും. ഇല്ലെങ്കില്‍ എന്തെങ്കിലും കള്ളം പറയാം.അവനെന്നെ തല്ലിയില്ല എന്നേയുള്ളൂ, ലോഹിണിയുടെ ഏറ്റവും മനോഹരമായ സ്വപ്നം തകര്‍ക്കുന്ന കാര്യം അവനാലോചിക്കാനേ വയ്യ.
നിമിഷങ്ങളെണ്ണി ഹര്‍ഷ് നാലുമണിയെത്തിച്ചു. പിന്നേയും ഒരരമണിക്കൂറെടുത്തു വിട്ടുകിട്ടാന്‍. നേരെയോടി മെസ്സിലേക്ക് - രാമായണെപ്പറ്റി എന്തെങ്കിലും ആര്‍ക്കെങ്കിലും അറിയാമോ? എവിടെ, ഒരുത്തനും ഒന്നുമറില്ല. ചൌക്കീദാര്‍ പറഞ്ഞു ക്യാന്റ്റീനില്‍ അവന്റ്റെ ചാച്ചാ പണിയെടുക്കുന്നുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. നേരെ അവിടേയ്ക്കു വിട്ടു. സമയം അഞ്ചര കഴിഞ്ഞിരിക്കുന്നു, ക്യാന്റ്റീന്‍ പൂട്ടി എല്ലാവരും സ്ഥലം വിട്ടിരിക്കുന്നു. പിന്നെ തപ്പലോടു തപ്പല്‍. ക്യാമ്പസ്സിനുള്ളിലെ മെസ്സുകളോരോന്നായി, ‘നോ രക്ഷ!’.
ആറരയായപ്പോ ഹര്‍ഷ് പറഞ്ഞു അവന്‍ പോകുന്നു എന്ന്. കേക്കും ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ട്രീയുമൊക്കെ റെഡിയാക്കണം. ഞാന്‍ ഒന്നും കൂടി ട്രൈ ചെയ്തു നോക്കാമെന്നു പറഞ്ഞു. പ്രതീക്ഷയുണ്ടായിട്ടല്ല, അവനെ സമാധാനിപ്പിക്കാന്‍ വേണ്ടി.
കുറച്ചു നേരം കൂടി തപ്പി. അവന്റ്റെ കാള്‍ വന്നു, നീ തിരിച്ചു പോന്നേര്. അവിടെ അതിഥികള്‍ എല്ലാവരും എത്തിയിരുന്നു. ലോഹിണി പിണങ്ങിത്തുടങ്ങിയിരുന്നു, പക്ഷെ തണുപ്പത്തിനിയും വൈകിച്ചാല്‍ വന്നവര്‍ക്കൊക്കെ മുഷിയും. വല്ലാത്ത ഒരു നിരാശയും കുറ്റബോധവുമൊക്കെ അവന്റ്റെ ശബ്ധത്തിലുണ്ടായിരുന്നൂ. പത്തു മിനുട്ടിനുള്ളില്‍ എത്താമെന്നു പറഞ്ഞു. ഒരു സമ്മാനം വാങ്ങണം ലോഹിണിയ്ക്ക്, കഴിഞ്ഞ തവണയയും ഒന്നും കരുതിയില്ല. അവളുടെ ‘ഫേവറിറ്റ്’ ചാച്ചായല്ലേ ഞാന്‍. അന്ന് ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ലോഹിണിയ്ക്കിത്രയും പ്രധാനപ്പെട്ടതാണെന്നറിയില്ലായിരുന്നു.
ആകെ തളര്‍ന്നിരുന്നൂ. ‘ആര്‍ച്ചീസില്‍’ നിന്നൊരു ‘സാന്റ്റാ’യെ വാങ്ങി, ഇതെങ്കിലുമാകട്ടെ അവള്‍ക്ക്. വല്ലാതെ വിഷമം വരുന്നുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. ഇങ്ങനെത്തെ സങ്കല്‍പ്പങ്ങളൊന്നും കുട്ടിക്കാലത്തുണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല. സാന്റ്റായെപ്പറ്റി അറിയുന്നതു തന്നെ വലുതായിട്ടാണു. അതു കൊണ്ടായിരിക്കണം ലോഹിണിയ്ക്കു വരാന്‍ പോകുന്ന സങ്കടം മനസ്സിലാക്കാന്‍ ഇത്രയും നേരമെടുത്തത്. തട്ടു കടയില്‍ നിന്നൊരു ചായ കുടിയ്ക്കാമെന്നു കരുതി. അതൊരു പതിവാണ്.
ഹര്‍ഷിന്റ്റെ കാള്‍ വീണ്ടും, “പെട്ടെന്നു വാ”. “ഞാന്‍ ഇതാ എത്തി”. കൈയ്യില്‍ ചെയ്ഞ്ച് ഇല്ലായിരുന്നൂ, ഇസ്ലാം പറഞ്ഞു, “ഹോ ജായേഗാ സാബ്“ “അരെ തൂ കിദര്‍ ഹേ ബോഝടീവാലേ , പചാസ് കാ ചെയ്ഞ്ച് ലേക്കെ ആ!” ഒന്നും പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചു നോക്കിയതല്ല, അന്‍പതു രൂപാ നോട്ടിനു പുറകെ കണ്ണു പോയതാണു. അതാ വരുന്നൂ ലോഹിണിയുടെ സാന്റ്റാ രാമായണ്‍.
ഫ്ലാറ്റിലേക്കു കയറുന്ന പടിക്കെട്ടില്‍ തൊപ്പിയും താടിയുമൊക്കെയായി ഹര്‍ഷ് കാത്തു നില്‍ക്കുന്നുണ്ടാ‍യിരുന്നു. ആകെ മുഷിഞ്ഞിരുന്നതിനാല്‍ ഞാന്‍ അകത്തേയ്ക്കു കയറിയില്ല. ഒന്നു കുളിച്ചിട്ടു പോകാമെന്നു കരുതി. വെള്ളം ചൂടാകാനായി കാക്കുമ്പോള്‍ മനസ്സു നിറയെ ഒരു നിര്‍വൃതിയായിരുന്നു.
ലോഹിണി മുഖം നിറയെ ചിരിയുമായി വന്നു കതകുതുറന്നു. സമ്മാനപ്പൊതി അപ്പൊത്തന്നെ തുറന്നു നോക്കിയവള്‍. “ഹായ് സാന്റ്റാ!” “സാന്റ്റാ വന്നോ മോളേ?” “ങ്ഹാ, ആയാ ചാച്ചാ”, മുകളിലെവിടെയോയുള്ള സ്വര്‍ഗ്ഗത്തിലേയ്ക്കു വിരല്‍ ചൂണ്ടി അവള്‍ പൊട്ടിച്ചിരിച്ചു കൊണ്ടു പറഞ്ഞു. എന്നിട്ടു സാന്റ്റാ നല്‍കിയ സമ്മാങ്ങള്‍ കാണിച്ചു തരാന്‍ അകത്തേയ്ക്കോടി.
ഗുഡ്നൈറ്റ് പറഞ്ഞു പിരിയുമ്പോള്‍ അവള്‍ ഹര്‍ഷിന്റ്റെ ചെവിയില്‍ പിറുപിറുക്കുന്നുണ്ടായിരുന്നു, “ചാച്ചാ കാ ഗിഫ്റ്റ് മുഝെ സബ്സെ അഛാ ലഗാ!”
ഇക്കുറി ക്രിസ്തുമസ് മൌറീഷ്യന്‍ സുഹൃത്തുക്കളോടൊപ്പമായിരുന്നു. അവിടെ അവര്‍ ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ഈവാണ് ആഘോഷിക്കുന്നത്, അതു കൊണ്ട് ഇന്നലെയായിരുന്നു പരിപാടികള്‍. ആറു വയസ്സുകാരി ലോഹിണിയായിരുന്നു എല്ലാവരുടേയും ശ്രദ്ധാകേന്ദ്രം. എല്ലാ വര്‍ഷത്തേയും പോലെ ഇന്നലെയും രാവിലെ എഴുന്നേറ്റ ഉടനെ പപ്പായോടു ചോദിച്ചു, “പപ്പാ സാന്റ്റാ വരില്ലേ?”. ഹര്‍ഷ് മറന്നേ പോയിരുന്നൂ അക്കാര്യം. ലോഹിണിയെ സംബന്ധിച്ചിടത്തോളം സാന്റ്റാ ഒരു സങ്കല്പമല്ല, അവളുടെ ലോകത്തിലെ മനോഹരമായ സത്യങ്ങളിലൊന്നാണ്. എല്ലാ ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ഈവിനും അവള്‍ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നൂ, സമ്മാനങ്ങളുമായി വരുന്ന സാന്റ്റായെ. ഒരു പക്ഷേ അവളിത്രയും കാത്തിരിക്കുന്ന മറ്റൊരു ദിവസവും ഉണ്ടാവില്ല.
ഹര്‍ഷ് ആകെ റ്റെന്‍ഷനടിച്ചു രാവിലെ വന്നു പറഞ്ഞു, “ഒരു സാന്റ്റായെ ഒപ്പിക്കണം”. “ഞാനായാ മതിയോ?” “പക്ഷേ നിന്റ്റെ പാകത്തിനുള്ള ഡ്രസ്സെവിടുന്നു കിട്ടും? തയ്പ്പിക്കാനിനി നേരവുമില്ല.” കഴിഞ്ഞ കൊല്ലം മെസ്സിലെ രാമായണ്‍ എന്ന മൂന്നരയടിക്കാരനായിരുന്നു സാന്റ്റാ. “എന്നാപ്പിന്നെ അവനെത്തന്നെ ആക്കിയാപ്പോരെ?” പക്ഷേ അവിടെയായിരുന്നു റ്റെന്‍ഷന്റ്റെ ആധാരം. രാമായണ്‍ മെസ്സു വിട്ടു. ആ സൈസിനു പിന്നെ കിട്ടുന്നതു പിള്ളാരെയാണ്. അങ്ങനെയായാല്‍ സംഭവം കുളമാകാനാണു സാദ്ധ്യത കൂടുതല്‍. പുതിയൊരാളെ തപ്പണം.
മുങ്ങാമെന്നു കരുതിയപ്പോ സര്‍ എത്തി. ഇനി ഒരു രക്ഷയുമില്ല, നാലു മണിവരെ അനങ്ങാന്‍ പറ്റില്ല. ഹര്‍ഷിനെ സമാധാനിപ്പിച്ചു, ഏതെങ്കിലും മെസ്സില്‍ അവന്‍ അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ അവന്റ്റെ സൈസിലുള്ള ആരെങ്കിലും ഉണ്ടാവും. ഇല്ലെങ്കില്‍ എന്തെങ്കിലും കള്ളം പറയാം.അവനെന്നെ തല്ലിയില്ല എന്നേയുള്ളൂ, ലോഹിണിയുടെ ഏറ്റവും മനോഹരമായ സ്വപ്നം തകര്‍ക്കുന്ന കാര്യം അവനാലോചിക്കാനേ വയ്യ.
നിമിഷങ്ങളെണ്ണി ഹര്‍ഷ് നാലുമണിയെത്തിച്ചു. പിന്നേയും ഒരരമണിക്കൂറെടുത്തു വിട്ടുകിട്ടാന്‍. നേരെയോടി മെസ്സിലേക്ക് - രാമായണെപ്പറ്റി എന്തെങ്കിലും ആര്‍ക്കെങ്കിലും അറിയാമോ? എവിടെ, ഒരുത്തനും ഒന്നുമറില്ല. ചൌക്കീദാര്‍ പറഞ്ഞു ക്യാന്റ്റീനില്‍ അവന്റ്റെ ചാച്ചാ പണിയെടുക്കുന്നുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. നേരെ അവിടേയ്ക്കു വിട്ടു. സമയം അഞ്ചര കഴിഞ്ഞിരിക്കുന്നു, ക്യാന്റ്റീന്‍ പൂട്ടി എല്ലാവരും സ്ഥലം വിട്ടിരിക്കുന്നു. പിന്നെ തപ്പലോടു തപ്പല്‍. ക്യാമ്പസ്സിനുള്ളിലെ മെസ്സുകളോരോന്നായി, ‘നോ രക്ഷ!’.
ആറരയായപ്പോ ഹര്‍ഷ് പറഞ്ഞു അവന്‍ പോകുന്നു എന്ന്. കേക്കും ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ട്രീയുമൊക്കെ റെഡിയാക്കണം. ഞാന്‍ ഒന്നും കൂടി ട്രൈ ചെയ്തു നോക്കാമെന്നു പറഞ്ഞു. പ്രതീക്ഷയുണ്ടായിട്ടല്ല, അവനെ സമാധാനിപ്പിക്കാന്‍ വേണ്ടി.
കുറച്ചു നേരം കൂടി തപ്പി. അവന്റ്റെ കാള്‍ വന്നു, നീ തിരിച്ചു പോന്നേര്. അവിടെ അതിഥികള്‍ എല്ലാവരും എത്തിയിരുന്നു. ലോഹിണി പിണങ്ങിത്തുടങ്ങിയിരുന്നു, പക്ഷെ തണുപ്പത്തിനിയും വൈകിച്ചാല്‍ വന്നവര്‍ക്കൊക്കെ മുഷിയും. വല്ലാത്ത ഒരു നിരാശയും കുറ്റബോധവുമൊക്കെ അവന്റ്റെ ശബ്ധത്തിലുണ്ടായിരുന്നൂ. പത്തു മിനുട്ടിനുള്ളില്‍ എത്താമെന്നു പറഞ്ഞു. ഒരു സമ്മാനം വാങ്ങണം ലോഹിണിയ്ക്ക്, കഴിഞ്ഞ തവണയയും ഒന്നും കരുതിയില്ല. അവളുടെ ‘ഫേവറിറ്റ്’ ചാച്ചായല്ലേ ഞാന്‍. അന്ന് ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ലോഹിണിയ്ക്കിത്രയും പ്രധാനപ്പെട്ടതാണെന്നറിയില്ലായിരുന്നു.
ആകെ തളര്‍ന്നിരുന്നൂ. ‘ആര്‍ച്ചീസില്‍’ നിന്നൊരു ‘സാന്റ്റാ’യെ വാങ്ങി, ഇതെങ്കിലുമാകട്ടെ അവള്‍ക്ക്. വല്ലാതെ വിഷമം വരുന്നുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. ഇങ്ങനെത്തെ സങ്കല്‍പ്പങ്ങളൊന്നും കുട്ടിക്കാലത്തുണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല. സാന്റ്റായെപ്പറ്റി അറിയുന്നതു തന്നെ വലുതായിട്ടാണു. അതു കൊണ്ടായിരിക്കണം ലോഹിണിയ്ക്കു വരാന്‍ പോകുന്ന സങ്കടം മനസ്സിലാക്കാന്‍ ഇത്രയും നേരമെടുത്തത്. തട്ടു കടയില്‍ നിന്നൊരു ചായ കുടിയ്ക്കാമെന്നു കരുതി. അതൊരു പതിവാണ്.
ഹര്‍ഷിന്റ്റെ കാള്‍ വീണ്ടും, “പെട്ടെന്നു വാ”. “ഞാന്‍ ഇതാ എത്തി”. കൈയ്യില്‍ ചെയ്ഞ്ച് ഇല്ലായിരുന്നൂ, ഇസ്ലാം പറഞ്ഞു, “ഹോ ജായേഗാ സാബ്“ “അരെ തൂ കിദര്‍ ഹേ ബോഝടീവാലേ , പചാസ് കാ ചെയ്ഞ്ച് ലേക്കെ ആ!” ഒന്നും പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചു നോക്കിയതല്ല, അന്‍പതു രൂപാ നോട്ടിനു പുറകെ കണ്ണു പോയതാണു. അതാ വരുന്നൂ ലോഹിണിയുടെ സാന്റ്റാ രാമായണ്‍.
ഫ്ലാറ്റിലേക്കു കയറുന്ന പടിക്കെട്ടില്‍ തൊപ്പിയും താടിയുമൊക്കെയായി ഹര്‍ഷ് കാത്തു നില്‍ക്കുന്നുണ്ടാ‍യിരുന്നു. ആകെ മുഷിഞ്ഞിരുന്നതിനാല്‍ ഞാന്‍ അകത്തേയ്ക്കു കയറിയില്ല. ഒന്നു കുളിച്ചിട്ടു പോകാമെന്നു കരുതി. വെള്ളം ചൂടാകാനായി കാക്കുമ്പോള്‍ മനസ്സു നിറയെ ഒരു നിര്‍വൃതിയായിരുന്നു.
ലോഹിണി മുഖം നിറയെ ചിരിയുമായി വന്നു കതകുതുറന്നു. സമ്മാനപ്പൊതി അപ്പൊത്തന്നെ തുറന്നു നോക്കിയവള്‍. “ഹായ് സാന്റ്റാ!” “സാന്റ്റാ വന്നോ മോളേ?” “ങ്ഹാ, ആയാ ചാച്ചാ”, മുകളിലെവിടെയോയുള്ള സ്വര്‍ഗ്ഗത്തിലേയ്ക്കു വിരല്‍ ചൂണ്ടി അവള്‍ പൊട്ടിച്ചിരിച്ചു കൊണ്ടു പറഞ്ഞു. എന്നിട്ടു സാന്റ്റാ നല്‍കിയ സമ്മാങ്ങള്‍ കാണിച്ചു തരാന്‍ അകത്തേയ്ക്കോടി.
ഗുഡ്നൈറ്റ് പറഞ്ഞു പിരിയുമ്പോള്‍ അവള്‍ ഹര്‍ഷിന്റ്റെ ചെവിയില്‍ പിറുപിറുക്കുന്നുണ്ടായിരുന്നു, “ചാച്ചാ കാ ഗിഫ്റ്റ് മുഝെ സബ്സെ അഛാ ലഗാ!”
ഒരു പഴയ കത്ത് - 1
ഒരു പഴയ കത്ത്...ഹാര്‍ഡ് ഡിസ്ക്കിന്റ്റെ ഒരു കോണില്‍ ഒളിഞ്ഞു കിടന്നത്...കുറച്ചു വര്‍ഷങ്ങള്‍ക്കു മുന്‍പെഴുതിയത്. എന്റ്റെ അന്നത്തെ ഒരു നല്ല സുഹ്രുത്തായിരുന്നു, പക്ഷെ വല്ലാത്ത ഒരു നിരാശ R-നെ വേട്ടയാടുന്നുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. വല്ലത്ത self-centered ആയ ഈ വ്യക്തിയ്ക്ക് ഭൂമിയില്‍ മറ്റു മനുഷ്യര്‍ക്കും ദു:ഖങ്ങളുണ്ടാകാറുണ്ടെന്നത് വിശ്വസിയ്ക്കാനേ കഴിഞ്ഞിരുന്നില്ല...R-നു ഞാന്‍ എഴുതിയ ആദ്യത്തെ കത്ത്...തണുപ്പു തുടങ്ങുതിനു മുന്‍പു ഞാന്‍ വടക്കെ ഇന്‍ഡ്യ വിട്ടായിരുന്നു...
DESPIRE HAS A BETTER CHOICE
When winter knocks at your door
Show him my corpse, lying naked-
Just a few yards from your door.
Show him those red flowers which
Still bleed all over me, from my dreams!
Show him the paths i treaded
In search of a better world.
Show him those nights where i wept
All through at the demise of my soul.
Show him those bright lips, where dew drops
Still shine with all its wickedness.
show him those unknown streets, where
I searched but all in vain for you
Tell him that he has a better choice
in me, not in you-
Tell him that i was waiting all my life!
Let him dress me all in white
for my blood will show all through his white...
Then how will he, even think of you?
bye for now. howz the 'lucky plant'? . take care...
DESPIRE HAS A BETTER CHOICE
When winter knocks at your door
Show him my corpse, lying naked-
Just a few yards from your door.
Show him those red flowers which
Still bleed all over me, from my dreams!
Show him the paths i treaded
In search of a better world.
Show him those nights where i wept
All through at the demise of my soul.
Show him those bright lips, where dew drops
Still shine with all its wickedness.
show him those unknown streets, where
I searched but all in vain for you
Tell him that he has a better choice
in me, not in you-
Tell him that i was waiting all my life!
Let him dress me all in white
for my blood will show all through his white...
Then how will he, even think of you?
bye for now. howz the 'lucky plant'? . take care...
Monday, December 24, 2007
ക’ദ’നം
എവിടെ നിന്നെന്നറിയാത്ത കുറെ ചിന്തകള്‍ പിച്ചിചീന്തിയപ്പോള്‍
അവയ്ക്കു തിന്നാന്‍ ഞാന്‍
ഇറച്ചിക്കടയില്‍ മിച്ചം വന്ന
കുടലും കരളും പിടച്ചിട്ടും മരിയ്ക്കാത്ത തലകളും ഇട്ടു കൊടുത്തു...
മരിക്കാന്‍ മടിച്ചു പിടഞ്ഞുപിടഞ്ഞോര്‍മ്മകള്‍ മരിക്കുമ്പോള്‍
ഞാനേമ്പ്ക്കം വിടാന്‍ മറന്നില്ല
നാളെ ജോലിയ്ക്കു പോകണമെന്നും അലാറം വെയ്ക്കണമെന്നും
തീരെയും മറന്നില്ല....
അവയ്ക്കു തിന്നാന്‍ ഞാന്‍
ഇറച്ചിക്കടയില്‍ മിച്ചം വന്ന
കുടലും കരളും പിടച്ചിട്ടും മരിയ്ക്കാത്ത തലകളും ഇട്ടു കൊടുത്തു...
മരിക്കാന്‍ മടിച്ചു പിടഞ്ഞുപിടഞ്ഞോര്‍മ്മകള്‍ മരിക്കുമ്പോള്‍
ഞാനേമ്പ്ക്കം വിടാന്‍ മറന്നില്ല
നാളെ ജോലിയ്ക്കു പോകണമെന്നും അലാറം വെയ്ക്കണമെന്നും
തീരെയും മറന്നില്ല....
Friday, December 21, 2007
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" For everything you have missed, you have gained something else; And for everything you gain, you lose something else. "It's about your outlook towards life. You can either regret or rejoice."
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Chak De India & Heyy Babyy
Chak De India & Heyy Babyy, two Hindi movies which created so much of pre-release hype. While Chak De turned out to be a big hit, Heyy Babyy disappointed turned out to be a big disappointment. In fact, Heyy Babyy seems to be the worst ever remake of 'Three Men and a Baby' made in Indian languages so far. Although there's nothing muc
Friday, August 31, 2007
CASHBACK
CASHBACK
Sean Ellis: 2006
Last night, I watched this movie 'CASHBACK'. I hadn't had the slightest ideas of the magic its going to take me through. Always the more unexpected the pleasure, the more the perceived joy of the moment. It remains frozen in your memory, may be not forever. But what if you could keep them forever and share it to the world. This is what Ben, the protagonist of the movie does. Himself an young aspiring painter, he finds an imaginative way to get over his blues and his sleepless nights. In the short trances of stillness which he takes from his real life, he does just that - his fine brush strokes freezing those moments in canvas. If art is an expression of the energy from an inner self, it should be transformable to another form. You rarely feel this while watching a movie. But here, Sean Ellis gives you the feel that you are reading a fine piece of poetry. Wow, isn't that great - a movie on an aspiring painter making you feel that you are reading a poem! Watch this movie for the sheer joy of frozen happiness it leaves you with. But don't expect something like a classic.
Sean Ellis: 2006
Last night, I watched this movie 'CASHBACK'. I hadn't had the slightest ideas of the magic its going to take me through. Always the more unexpected the pleasure, the more the perceived joy of the moment. It remains frozen in your memory, may be not forever. But what if you could keep them forever and share it to the world. This is what Ben, the protagonist of the movie does. Himself an young aspiring painter, he finds an imaginative way to get over his blues and his sleepless nights. In the short trances of stillness which he takes from his real life, he does just that - his fine brush strokes freezing those moments in canvas. If art is an expression of the energy from an inner self, it should be transformable to another form. You rarely feel this while watching a movie. But here, Sean Ellis gives you the feel that you are reading a fine piece of poetry. Wow, isn't that great - a movie on an aspiring painter making you feel that you are reading a poem! Watch this movie for the sheer joy of frozen happiness it leaves you with. But don't expect something like a classic.
Monday, August 27, 2007
പ്രവാസത്തിരുവോണം
ഇന്നു ‘തിരുവോണം‘.........
ഉറക്കമുണര്‍ത്തിയ ഫോണ്‍കോള്‍ പറഞ്ഞു:
വേറെന്തെങ്കിലും കൂടി കേള്‍ക്കേണ്ടി വന്നാലോ(!) -
ഉചിതമെന്നോര്‍ത്തു കുണ്ടാമണ്ടി ‘കട്ടു’ ചെയ്തു...........
(തുടരും.....)
തുടരാന്‍ വയ്യ, ഓണപ്പനിതുള്ളി കിടപ്പിലായി....
ഉറക്കമുണര്‍ത്തിയ ഫോണ്‍കോള്‍ പറഞ്ഞു:
വേറെന്തെങ്കിലും കൂടി കേള്‍ക്കേണ്ടി വന്നാലോ(!) -
ഉചിതമെന്നോര്‍ത്തു കുണ്ടാമണ്ടി ‘കട്ടു’ ചെയ്തു...........
(തുടരും.....)
തുടരാന്‍ വയ്യ, ഓണപ്പനിതുള്ളി കിടപ്പിലായി....
'ബൂലോകാ'വതാരം
ഒരുപാടായുറന്ഗിക്കിടക്കുകയായിരുന്നെ൯റ്റെ കവിത
തെറ്റിയുംതെറിച്ചുമുള്ള സൊറപറച്ചിലായിരുന്നെ൯റ്റെ ബ്ളോഗ്;
ഈ ചിngaത്തിരുവോണ നാളില് എനിക്കൊരു പുന൪ജ്ജനി
'ബൂലോക'ത്തില് എ൯റ്റെ ബ്ളോഗിനൊരു പുനരവതാരം!
നന്ദി സിജു, നന്ദി വിഷ്ണുപ്റസാദ്..........................................
തെറ്റിയുംതെറിച്ചുമുള്ള സൊറപറച്ചിലായിരുന്നെ൯റ്റെ ബ്ളോഗ്;
ഈ ചിngaത്തിരുവോണ നാളില് എനിക്കൊരു പുന൪ജ്ജനി
'ബൂലോക'ത്തില് എ൯റ്റെ ബ്ളോഗിനൊരു പുനരവതാരം!
നന്ദി സിജു, നന്ദി വിഷ്ണുപ്റസാദ്..........................................
Sunday, August 26, 2007
പേരില്ലാക്കവിതകള്‍ - 1
തീവ്രപ്രണയത്തിന്റെ ഒരു നൊമ്പരപ്പൂ
എന്റെ മുന്‍പില്‍ വിരിഞ്ഞു നില്‍ക്കുന്നു -
ഇതു രാത്രിയുടെ പുഷ്പം
അവള്‍ക്കേതു നിറമെന്നറിയില്ലെനിക്ക്;
അതിരുകള്‍ കവിഞ്ഞൊഴുകുന്ന ഈ പ്രണയത്തെ
ഞാനേതു കൈക്കുമ്പിളിലൊതുക്കും?
‘ഓട്ടക്കൈയന്റെ’ വിധിയ്ക്കരെ പഴിക്കാന്‍?
ആദം അബൂവാലാ ഷേയ്ക്കിന്റെ വരികള്‍ മനസ്സില്‍ -
“തും ആയെ സിന്ദഗീ മേ തോ ബര്‍സാത്ത് കീ തരഹ്”
അടുത്ത വരി ഞാന്‍ മനപ്പൂര്‍വ്വം മറക്കുന്നു,
പിന്നെയെപ്പോഴെങ്കിലുമാകട്ടെ, ഇപ്പോള്‍.......:
പകലാവോളം ഞാനീ നൊമ്പരപ്പൂവിനു തണല്‍
രാവിന്റെ മടിയില്‍ തലചായ്ച്ചവള്‍ക്കായ് തേങ്ങുന്നു ഞാന്‍,
Pulariyalavalude.yithalil seshicha kannu neere
Panineerennaro vilichu, athinu sugandhamundathre!!
***********
Punarjaniyude katha padiyethenkilum
Daivamente munpilavatharichenkil!
എന്റെ മുന്‍പില്‍ വിരിഞ്ഞു നില്‍ക്കുന്നു -
ഇതു രാത്രിയുടെ പുഷ്പം
അവള്‍ക്കേതു നിറമെന്നറിയില്ലെനിക്ക്;
അതിരുകള്‍ കവിഞ്ഞൊഴുകുന്ന ഈ പ്രണയത്തെ
ഞാനേതു കൈക്കുമ്പിളിലൊതുക്കും?
‘ഓട്ടക്കൈയന്റെ’ വിധിയ്ക്കരെ പഴിക്കാന്‍?
ആദം അബൂവാലാ ഷേയ്ക്കിന്റെ വരികള്‍ മനസ്സില്‍ -
“തും ആയെ സിന്ദഗീ മേ തോ ബര്‍സാത്ത് കീ തരഹ്”
അടുത്ത വരി ഞാന്‍ മനപ്പൂര്‍വ്വം മറക്കുന്നു,
പിന്നെയെപ്പോഴെങ്കിലുമാകട്ടെ, ഇപ്പോള്‍.......:
പകലാവോളം ഞാനീ നൊമ്പരപ്പൂവിനു തണല്‍
രാവിന്റെ മടിയില്‍ തലചായ്ച്ചവള്‍ക്കായ് തേങ്ങുന്നു ഞാന്‍,
Pulariyalavalude.yithalil seshicha kannu neere
Panineerennaro vilichu, athinu sugandhamundathre!!
***********
Punarjaniyude katha padiyethenkilum
Daivamente munpilavatharichenkil!
To GODOT (Awaiting Godot, Samuel Beckett) 11.4.06
Why don’t I see tears in my eyes?
Is it that they like an unknown demise?
Why don’t I see even my eyes?
Is it that I’m blind?
Why are these fruitless thoughts haunting me?
Where am I being taken to by these goalless dreams?
When am I going to see my passions dead?
(Or else they will take my breath out
And burn my soul out
And then they will place a dried rose on my tomb,
Sure that’s going to drive my tears out!)
Is it that they like an unknown demise?
Why don’t I see even my eyes?
Is it that I’m blind?
Why are these fruitless thoughts haunting me?
Where am I being taken to by these goalless dreams?
When am I going to see my passions dead?
(Or else they will take my breath out
And burn my soul out
And then they will place a dried rose on my tomb,
Sure that’s going to drive my tears out!)
PROBLEMS READING MALAYALAM FONT?
Here is the link to download malayam font
http://www.deepika.com/font.htm
download & save it on your desktop, go to the control panel, double click the 'fonts' icon, copy and paste the font there. contact me if u need any help.
regards
rolling stone
http://www.deepika.com/font.htm
download & save it on your desktop, go to the control panel, double click the 'fonts' icon, copy and paste the font there. contact me if u need any help.
regards
rolling stone
ranjish hi sahi AHMED FARAZ
Ranjish hi sahi dil hi dukhaane ke liye aa
aa phir se mujhe chhod ke jaane ke liye aa
pehle se maraasim na sahi phir bhi kabhi to
rasm-o-rahe duniya hi nibhaane ke liye aa
kis kis ko bataayenge judaai ka sabab hum
tu mujh se khafaa hai to zamaane ke liye aa
kuch to mere pindaar-e-muhabbat ka bharam rakh
tu bhi to kabhi mujh ko manaane ke liye aa
ek umr se hoon lazzat-e-giriya se bhi mehroom
ae raahat-e-jaan mujhko rulaane ke liye aa
ab tak dil-e-khushfeham ko tujh se hain ummeedein
ye aakhri shammein bhi bujhaane ke liye aa
'Ashaar' by Talib Baghpati:
maana ki mohabbat ka chhupana hai mohabbat
chupke se kisi roz jataane ke liye aa
jaise tujhe aate hain na aane ke bahaane
aise hi kisi roz na jaane ke liye aa.
aa phir se mujhe chhod ke jaane ke liye aa
pehle se maraasim na sahi phir bhi kabhi to
rasm-o-rahe duniya hi nibhaane ke liye aa
kis kis ko bataayenge judaai ka sabab hum
tu mujh se khafaa hai to zamaane ke liye aa
kuch to mere pindaar-e-muhabbat ka bharam rakh
tu bhi to kabhi mujh ko manaane ke liye aa
ek umr se hoon lazzat-e-giriya se bhi mehroom
ae raahat-e-jaan mujhko rulaane ke liye aa
ab tak dil-e-khushfeham ko tujh se hain ummeedein
ye aakhri shammein bhi bujhaane ke liye aa
'Ashaar' by Talib Baghpati:
maana ki mohabbat ka chhupana hai mohabbat
chupke se kisi roz jataane ke liye aa
jaise tujhe aate hain na aane ke bahaane
aise hi kisi roz na jaane ke liye aa.
A gem from AHMED FARAZ
hu_ii hai shaam to aa.Nkho.n me.n bas gayaa phir tuu
kahaa.N gayaa hai mere shahar ke musaafir tuu
bahut udaas hai ik shaKhs tere jaane se
jo ho sake to chalaa aa usii kii Khaatir tuu
[shaKhs = individual/person]
merii misaal ki ik naKhl-e-Khushk-e-saharaa huu.N
teraa Khayaal ki shaaKh-e-chaman kaa taa_ir tuu
[misaal = example; taa_ir = bird]
[naKhl-e-Khushk-e-saharaa = dry tree in the wilderness]
mai.n jaanataa huu.N ke duniyaa tujhe badal degii
mai.n maanataa huu.N ke aisaa nahii.n bazaahir tuu
[bazaahir = appear to be]
ha.Nsii Khushii se bichha.D jaa agar bichha.Danaa hai
ye har maqaam pe kyaa sochataa hai aaKhir tuu
'Faraz' tuune use mushkilo.n me.n Daal diyaa
zamaanaa saahib-e-zar aur sirf shaayar tuu
[saahib-e-zar = wealthy]
kahaa.N gayaa hai mere shahar ke musaafir tuu
bahut udaas hai ik shaKhs tere jaane se
jo ho sake to chalaa aa usii kii Khaatir tuu
[shaKhs = individual/person]
merii misaal ki ik naKhl-e-Khushk-e-saharaa huu.N
teraa Khayaal ki shaaKh-e-chaman kaa taa_ir tuu
[misaal = example; taa_ir = bird]
[naKhl-e-Khushk-e-saharaa = dry tree in the wilderness]
mai.n jaanataa huu.N ke duniyaa tujhe badal degii
mai.n maanataa huu.N ke aisaa nahii.n bazaahir tuu
[bazaahir = appear to be]
ha.Nsii Khushii se bichha.D jaa agar bichha.Danaa hai
ye har maqaam pe kyaa sochataa hai aaKhir tuu
'Faraz' tuune use mushkilo.n me.n Daal diyaa
zamaanaa saahib-e-zar aur sirf shaayar tuu
[saahib-e-zar = wealthy]
ഒരു കവിത(?)
മേഘങ്ങള്ക്കുയരെ ന്ജാനൊരു നിമിഷം കടം കൊണ്ടു
അതിലെന്നും ന്ജാനും നീയും, സുന്ദരം!
അതിനെപ്പറിച്ചെടുത്തെ൯റ്റെ കഴിന്ജകാലം
ഓ൪മ്മയാക്കി,
'ഇന്ന'തു സ്വപ്നമാക്കി,
'നാളേ'യ്ക്കതു നിരാശയും!
അതിലെന്നും ന്ജാനും നീയും, സുന്ദരം!
അതിനെപ്പറിച്ചെടുത്തെ൯റ്റെ കഴിന്ജകാലം
ഓ൪മ്മയാക്കി,
'ഇന്ന'തു സ്വപ്നമാക്കി,
'നാളേ'യ്ക്കതു നിരാശയും!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
ahmed faraz
friends, wait for my posts on ahmed faraz, the greatest of contemperory urdu poets.................
ഉദകപ്പോള
പ്റണയത്തി൯റ്റെ ഉദകപ്പോളകള്
എ൯റ്റെ മു൯പില് വിരിയുന്നു, കൊഴിയുന്നു....
പ്റണയത്തിനൊരു അന്ത്യോദകം ന്ജാനെഴുതാ൯ കൊതിക്കുന്നു....
എങ്കിലും മരിക്കാത്ത പ്റണയമാകുന്നൂ നീയെനിക്ക്......
അfഗാ൪ നീ ആരെന്നാരുമറിയുന്നില്ലാ....
നിന്നെ അറിയുന്നവള് നിന്നെ അറിയുന്നുമില്ലാ....
എ൯റ്റെ മു൯പില് വിരിയുന്നു, കൊഴിയുന്നു....
പ്റണയത്തിനൊരു അന്ത്യോദകം ന്ജാനെഴുതാ൯ കൊതിക്കുന്നു....
എങ്കിലും മരിക്കാത്ത പ്റണയമാകുന്നൂ നീയെനിക്ക്......
അfഗാ൪ നീ ആരെന്നാരുമറിയുന്നില്ലാ....
നിന്നെ അറിയുന്നവള് നിന്നെ അറിയുന്നുമില്ലാ....
Sunday, July 15, 2007
ജീവിതം...
അരികിലില്ലാത്ത ഇഷ്ടന്ഗളെയും
അരികിലുള്ള നഷ്ടന്ഗളെയും
ന്ജാ൯ ജീവിതം എന്നു വിളിച്ചു;
ഇതനുവദിച്ചതാണു ജീവിതം എന്നോടു ചെയ്ത ഔദാര്യം!
അരികിലുള്ള നഷ്ടന്ഗളെയും
ന്ജാ൯ ജീവിതം എന്നു വിളിച്ചു;
ഇതനുവദിച്ചതാണു ജീവിതം എന്നോടു ചെയ്ത ഔദാര്യം!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
VARANASI : THE HOLY CITY
VARANASI - THE HOLY CITY
"Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend,
and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Mark Twain.
The city of Varanasi in India is also known as Benares (or Banaras) and to the devout as Kashi - the 'city of light' where Shiva once lived. Built on the bank of the Ganges river, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the most sacred places in India for Hindus. It is believed that dying here allows release from the circle of rebirths and eternal peace for the soul.
Varanasi cannot be described, only experienced. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. The purifying and sacred ghats of Varanasi are well known among the tourist. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists, domestic and international.
Though Varanasi retains its heritage, the city is moving. New markets, commercial complexes and modern hotels make it a melting pot of both. It was previously known as Kashi- the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. At a distance of 12 km from Varanasi is Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after Enlightenment. Here is revealed the eight-fold path to Nirvana.
TEMPLES OF VARANASI
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly known as the 'Golden Temple' due the gold plating done on its 15.5 meter high spire. One tonne of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating of the spire. The temple was destroyed by various invaders and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Today, due to security reasons, metal detectors are placed throughout the temple.
The Vishvanath temple was, however, destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who built the Gaynvapi Mosque in its place. Even today the western wall of the mosque show the remnants of a temple which had very intricate and fine artwork on it. Both the Kashi Vishwanath and the Gyanvapi mosque are adjacent to each other.
Standing on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha. Here gravitate the teeming millions of India to seek benediction and spiritual peace by the darshan of this Jyotirlinga which confers liberation from the bondages of maya and the inexorable entanglements of the world. A simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti. Vishweshwara jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. Tradition has it that the merits earned by the darshan of other jyotirlinga scattered in various parts of India accrue to devotee by a single visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Deeply and intimately implanted in the Hindu mind, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living embodinent of our timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values. The Temple has been visited by all great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and several other spiritual personalities. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts visitors not only from India but abroad as well and thereby symbolises man's desire to live in peace and harmony with one another. Vishwanath being a supreme repository of this spiritual truth thus strengthens the bonds of universal brotherhood and fellow feeling at the national as well as global levels.
On January 28, 1983 the Temple was taken over by the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and it's management eversince stands entrusted to a Trust with Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh. Former Kashi Naresh, as president and an Executive Committee with Divisional Commissioner as Chairman. The Temple in the present shape was built way back in 1780 by Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. In the year 1785 a Naubatkhan was built up infront of the Temple by the then collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan at the instance of Governor General Warren Hastings. In 1839, Two domes of the Temple were covered by gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Third dome but was remained uncovered, Ministry of cultures & Religious affairs of U.P. Govt. took keen interest for gold plating of third dome of Temple.
The Kedareshwar Temple
Kedar means the field where the crop of liberation grows. Therefore, that place became famous as Kedar, both in Kashi and in the Mountains. The original Kedar is high in the Himalayas in the area called Uttara Khanda (North Country). There at an altitude of some 12000 feet sits Kedarnath. The Himalayan Kedara is one of the India's twelve Lingas of Light (Dwadash Joytirlinga) Kashi's Kedar is the anchoring temple of the southern sector of the city, called Kedar Khanda. It is one of the most popular and venerable temples of southern Kashi. Kedar is a river Temple, sitting at the top of an impressive ghat high above the water's edge. From the river, the temple is distinguished by its vertical red and yellow stripes.Kedar is the religious focal point of the southern part of the city. There is a quite and deep piety almost palpable here and it is uninterrupted by the noisy throngs of pilgrims who hurry from Dashashvamedha Ghat to Vishvanath and its surrounding temples. The pilgrims from outside don't generally go there. They don't know about it and the guides don't take them there as the pujaris in the temple don't give any payment for bringing pilgrims. Kedar primarily remains a temple for the devoted residents of that area.
Sankata Devi
Sankata Devi is known in Kashi as one of the most powerful temples in the entire city. Sankata Ji as she is called, is located high above the Sankata Ghat in the labyrinthine lanes of the city. Sankata Devi means "Goddess of Dangers", for she is the one who vanquishes dangers for her devotees. Sankata Devi was originally a Matrika, one of the mothers. In Puranic Stories she is called Vikat Matrika, the "Fierce Mother". Sankata Devi is a self-manifested goddess
Durga Temple
One of the city's busiest temples is that of the Goddess Durga, which sits on the large rectangular tank called Durga Kund in the Southern sector of the city. The Puranas locate Durga Ji (as she is called here) at her present site, and she has kept this place for many centuries. She is said to protect Varanasi from the south, as one of the fierce goddess guardians (Chandikas) of the sacred zone. Durga temple is full of monkeys who make their home in the Shikhar (Top) and porticoes of the temple, peeping and snarling at visitors. According to some who serve this temple, the image of Durga was never established by human hands, but is a self-manifest image. It appeared here of its own accord.
Annapoorna Bhavani
The darshana of Annapoorna always accompanies the darshana of Shiva Vishvanath. Annapoorna is Kashi's queen. She is known in the Kashi Khanda as Bhavani, the female shakti of Bhava, "Being," one of the names of Shiva. Today, she is often called Annapoorna Bhavani. The name Annapoorna means "She of Plenteous Food." She is called the "Mother of the Three Worlds," and she promises to those who come to her what only a mother can give, naturally and freely , food. The present compound of Annapoorna is located near Vishvanath on the opposite side of the lane. Standing in the court of the compound is the temple itself, a small sanctum with a large pillared porch. The image of Annapoorna within the sanctum is a new one, established and consecrated in January 1977 in a series of pratishtha rites conducted by the Shankaracharya of Shringeri
Kaala Bhairava
Kaal Bhairava, the "Black Terror," is widely known as the Kotwal, the "police chief," of Kashi, and the section of the city in which his temple stands is known as Kotwalpuri.
Bhairav is considered a fearsome manifestation of Shiva. He wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. Kaala Bhairava, whose name, Kaala means both Death and Fate, in addition to meaning Black. He is the black one who has also assumed the duties of the God of Death in Kashi. Even Death, it is said, is afraid of Kaala Bhairava. Kaala Bhairava's temple today is one of the most intresting in all Banaras. Entering from the street , through a door guarded by Bhairava's mount, the dog, one finds a fine courtyard, in the center of which is the main shrine of Bhairava. Only the silver face of kaala bhairava, garlanded with flowers, is visible through the doorway of inner sanctum. The rest of Bhairava's image-said to be pot-bellied, seated upon a dog, holding a trident-is hidden behind a cloth drapery. For many centuries, this temple was a spiritual center in Kashi for the most severe of Shiva ascetics, the "Kapalicas" or "Skull-Bearers," and their later descendants, the Gorakhnathis. Today, however, the temple is no longer the exclusive domain of such extremist yogis and is, rather patronized by ordinary householders for his protective blessings. Although this temple is popular and beloved among those who live under its influence in the surrounding Kotwalpuri section of the city, it is not a mandatory stop for pilgrims today. Generally people have darshana of Vishvanaatha and Annapoorna, and then they leave.
Laat Bhairava
Laat Bhairava, known to the Puranas as Kapali Bhairava, is of particular intrest. This image of Bhairava is a pillar, encased in copper and s,eared with vermilion. Thus it has the name Laat, the staff of Bhairav.This pillar once stood in a Hindu temple complex, but in the time of Aurangzeb the temple was destroyed and the site became a muslim tomb site. The pillar, however, was wisely left intact. Muslims continued to permit some access to the pillar and received part of the offerings in return. The pillar was once much taller than today. A French traveller tavernier saw the Laat Bhairava in 1665, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and described it as being thirty two to thirty five feet high . In 1809, it was toppled during a spate of Hindu-Muslim rioting. The Laat was pulled down and its broken pieces hauled away. Only a stub remained, and it is that remainder, now capped in metal and covered on special accasions with a cloth sleeve, that is honoured today. One hundred and ninty years after this violent communal disturbance, the Laat Bhairava area is still vulnerable to communal conflict, and a police guard is permanently stationed there to patrol the area of Bhairava's Laat.
Sankat Mochan
Sankat Mochan temple, dedicated to the god Hanuman. The name Sankat Mochan means "Liberator from Troubles". The temple is at a walking distance from Durga temple.
Bharat Mata Temple
This temple is dedicated to Mother India. Just one kilometer from the Varanasi station. The temple is built in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth which was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 so that the citizens could respect Mother India in statue form. The statute is built in marble. The statue is a replica of undivided India in three dimension which has the mountains, plains and oceans in right proportion.
Tulsi Manas Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is built in the place where Goswami Tulsidas composed the epic 'Ramacharitramanas' which provides us with detailed description of the history and deeds of Lord Rama. Tulsi Manas Temple was constructed by a philanthropist family in 1964.
MUSEUMS
Bharat Kala Museum
The Kashi Hindu university has a museum which has a very rich collection of precious and rare historical artifacts, statues, pictures, paintings and manuscripts. This small but very well maintained museum gives an over view of the ancient city of Varanasi. Entry in the museum is free but check out the timings.
Ram Nagar Durg
2 kms from the Kashi Hindu university, across the Ganges is located the ancestral house in the fort which was built by the former rulers of Kashi. In one of the sections of the fort is the museum which displays the royalty which was once part of the kingdom. This museum gives an insight into the grandeur which once prevailed in the fort. On the Ramnagar Pandav road is a beautiful Durga temple. This temple has very delicate and intricate carving done on stone. These carvings are worth giving
OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF VARANASI
Benaras Hindu University
This is the largest and oldest university in north India. Spread over an area of 2,000 acres, this great place of education was established by Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya. Today the campus has faculties of Arts, Science, Music, Sanskrit, Languages, Engineering, Statistics and Medical to name a few of them. The university also has the huge Vishwanath temple which was built and maintained by the Birla family. The Sunderlal Medical center has all the modern facilities of medical field is also located in the university campus.
Nandeshwar Kothi
Nandeshwari Kothi, designed by James Prinsep is a typical building of the early 19th century in Benaras.
Jantar Mantar
The ruler of Jaisingh built an observatory in Varanasi in line with those built in Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur observatories. The Varanasi observatory has all the instruments which were required to record the motion , speed and properties of various stars and planets and other cosmic objects. The observatory was built in 1600 and still the instruments give the exact measurements which can match any modern instrument.
EXCURSIONS OF VARANASI
Chunar
Chunargarh of 'Chandrakanta', the classic novel by Babu Devakinandan Khatri is 40 kms from the city of Varanasi. Today the place is known as Chunar. Along one of the meanders of Ganges, where the Kaimur Hills are taking a North face, are built the imposing fort of Chunar.
Sarnath
About ten kms from Varanasi, is the place where lord Buddha after enlightenment gave his first sermon or as the Buddhist say set the wheel of dharma or law rolling. Today Sarnath is considered as one of the richest place to have antiques since the Ashoka period to the 12th century. Suggested reading on the Buddhist places in Uttar Pradesh.
Jaunpur
In 1360 Feroz Shah built this town to guard the eastern side of his Delhi sultanate. Jaunpur is located 65 kms from Varanasi. Jaunpur is bisected by the river Gomti and the two sides are connected by the massive Akbari Bridge. This bridge was designed by an Afghan and was built in the 16th century. The fifteen stone arches of the bridge have withstood earthquakes and floods. On the southern end of the bridge is the sculptures of a lion tussling with an elephant. This marked the provincial milestone. Other places to visit in Jaunpur are Sheetla Chowkia Dham, Yamdagni Ashram, Atla Mosque and Char Anguli ki Masjid.
Vindhyachal
There are many Shaktipeeths in India. These are the places where the Goddess of power is said to be residing and people worship her viz- Goddess Durga. Vindhyachal is one of such peeths or abode of Shakti. The place is 90 kms from Varanasi. The temples of Vindhyavasini Devi, Asthbhuja and Kalikhoh are a must visit here.
Kaushambi
The mention of this town can be seen in the Mahabharata. It is said that the Pandav brothers lived here. Budhha visited this place many times and the gave sermons after his enlightenment in 6th and 9th century. Kaushambi developed as a major center for Buddhism. The ruins of an old fort tells the saga of the towns antiquity. Kaushambi is 185 kms from Varanasi.
Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1997,Chandra Prabha Sanctuary, a small sanctuary sprawling over an area of 78 sq. kms, is located on Naugarh and Vijaigarh hillocks in Vindhya forest range, in Chandauli district.
Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Kaimoor sanctuary, located on the Uttar Pradesh - Bihar border, is spread over an area of 500 sq. kms.
SHOPPING IN VARANASI
Varanasi or Banaras, since ages has been famous for the handicraft items. The delicate and intricate work on the sarees, carpets, wooden works are unmatched. The famous Banarasi Silk Sarees and Brocades are every women's dream. The local silk weavers produce the silk which are in demand not only in India but across the world. The Bhadohi carpets can match the delicacy of weaving in any part of the world. Banaras has been famous for the 'Gharanas' in the Classical Music and Singing. These styles of singing and music have been amply supported by the musical instruments which are manufactured in Varanasi.Apart from the Silk Sarees, Brocades and Carpets Banaras also offers you Brassware, copperware, Ivoryware, stone inlay work, Glass beads and bangles, wood and clay toys, Zari work and exquisite gold jewellery. The main shopping areas of the city are the City chowk, Godoulia, Vishwanath lane, Gyan Vapi, Thatheri Baazar, Dasashvamedh, Goldhar and Lahurabir. The Emporia and Souvenir shops approved by the UP tourism are good place to look for genuine and good stuff too purchase.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS OF VARANASI
Kartik Purnima
Celebrated in the month of November-December is the sacred day, when the ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of brightly-lit earthern lamps.
Buddh Purnima
This festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety in Sarnath. This day Lord Buddha was born. A large fair is held in Sarnath and the relics of Buddha are taken out in a procession for public viewing on this day. Buddh Purnima is celebrated during the month of May.
Ganga Festival
A festive experience like none other awaits you at Ganga Festival at Varanasi.
The Ramlila
The Ramlila of Ramagar is famous far and wide. The Ramlila is based on the Ramcharitramanas by Tulsidas. The month ling festival is usually held during October / November and it sees the performance of many ancient rituals.
Bharat Milap
Around Dussehra a fair is held in Nati Imli which celebrates the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile. His reunion with his younger brother Bharat is celebrated as Bharat milap. This festival is attended by the king of Kashi in royal flavour. The festival is attended by at least a million devotees. It is held in the month of October / November.
Hanumat Jayanti
This festival is celebrated to mark the birth of the monkey God Hanuman . The five day long festivities are held at the Sankat Mochan temple. During this festival many plays are staged based on the Saraswati, Ram, Krishnalila and Hanuman Charitra.
Nakkatyya
This festival again is based on the Ramayana. There is an episode in the epic where the sister of Ravana tries to influence Lakshmana to marry her but instead Lakshman chops off her nose. On hearing this Ravana vows to take revenge against the brothers. This incidence in the epic is one of the reasons why Sita was abducted by Ravana. The festival is held in Chetganj with much fan fair.
Mahashivratri
Though Mahashivratri is celebrated throughout India, Varanasi has some special charm in the celebration the festival. During the festival a procession is taken out from the Maha-Mritunjaya temple to Kashi Viswanath Temple.
Panch Koshi Parikrama
The procession has got the name because it passes through five places. These five places are Kardmeshwar, Bhimchandi, Rameshwar, Shivpur and Kapildhara. The parikrama has special importance in the ancient parikramas of India. The procession starts and ends at Manikarnika Ghat.
The Dhrupad Mela
In the month of March a five day long music festival is organised on the Tulsi Ghats. during the five days renowned artists from all over the country perform Dhrupad here. This festival is one of the major tourist attraction of Varanasi.
CITY HILIGHTS
Varanasi is the city of LORD SHIVA
Varanasi is the Capital of all Knowledge
Varanasi is the city of Light
Varanasi is the Religious and Spiritual City
Varanasai is the city of death and liberation
Varanasi is a City of Ghats of Holy Ganges
Varanasi is a City of Temples, Ashram and Muth
Varanasi is Holiest for all Pilgrimages
Varanasi is a City of prominent personalities in area of Music , Dance & Literature
Varanasi is a City of narrow lanes
Varanasi is a City for study of Astrology, Sanskrit Literature, Yoga, Music & Dance
Varanasi is famous for Banarasi Saree
Varanasi is famous for Banarasi Pan
Varanasi is famous for own life style .
Varanasi is famous for handicrafts (Banarasi silk, banarasi jari, wooden toys, Carpets)
"Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend,
and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Mark Twain.
The city of Varanasi in India is also known as Benares (or Banaras) and to the devout as Kashi - the 'city of light' where Shiva once lived. Built on the bank of the Ganges river, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the most sacred places in India for Hindus. It is believed that dying here allows release from the circle of rebirths and eternal peace for the soul.
Varanasi cannot be described, only experienced. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. The purifying and sacred ghats of Varanasi are well known among the tourist. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists, domestic and international.
Though Varanasi retains its heritage, the city is moving. New markets, commercial complexes and modern hotels make it a melting pot of both. It was previously known as Kashi- the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. At a distance of 12 km from Varanasi is Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after Enlightenment. Here is revealed the eight-fold path to Nirvana.
TEMPLES OF VARANASI
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly known as the 'Golden Temple' due the gold plating done on its 15.5 meter high spire. One tonne of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating of the spire. The temple was destroyed by various invaders and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Today, due to security reasons, metal detectors are placed throughout the temple.
The Vishvanath temple was, however, destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who built the Gaynvapi Mosque in its place. Even today the western wall of the mosque show the remnants of a temple which had very intricate and fine artwork on it. Both the Kashi Vishwanath and the Gyanvapi mosque are adjacent to each other.
Standing on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha. Here gravitate the teeming millions of India to seek benediction and spiritual peace by the darshan of this Jyotirlinga which confers liberation from the bondages of maya and the inexorable entanglements of the world. A simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti. Vishweshwara jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. Tradition has it that the merits earned by the darshan of other jyotirlinga scattered in various parts of India accrue to devotee by a single visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Deeply and intimately implanted in the Hindu mind, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living embodinent of our timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values. The Temple has been visited by all great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and several other spiritual personalities. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts visitors not only from India but abroad as well and thereby symbolises man's desire to live in peace and harmony with one another. Vishwanath being a supreme repository of this spiritual truth thus strengthens the bonds of universal brotherhood and fellow feeling at the national as well as global levels.
On January 28, 1983 the Temple was taken over by the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and it's management eversince stands entrusted to a Trust with Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh. Former Kashi Naresh, as president and an Executive Committee with Divisional Commissioner as Chairman. The Temple in the present shape was built way back in 1780 by Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. In the year 1785 a Naubatkhan was built up infront of the Temple by the then collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan at the instance of Governor General Warren Hastings. In 1839, Two domes of the Temple were covered by gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Third dome but was remained uncovered, Ministry of cultures & Religious affairs of U.P. Govt. took keen interest for gold plating of third dome of Temple.
The Kedareshwar Temple
Kedar means the field where the crop of liberation grows. Therefore, that place became famous as Kedar, both in Kashi and in the Mountains. The original Kedar is high in the Himalayas in the area called Uttara Khanda (North Country). There at an altitude of some 12000 feet sits Kedarnath. The Himalayan Kedara is one of the India's twelve Lingas of Light (Dwadash Joytirlinga) Kashi's Kedar is the anchoring temple of the southern sector of the city, called Kedar Khanda. It is one of the most popular and venerable temples of southern Kashi. Kedar is a river Temple, sitting at the top of an impressive ghat high above the water's edge. From the river, the temple is distinguished by its vertical red and yellow stripes.Kedar is the religious focal point of the southern part of the city. There is a quite and deep piety almost palpable here and it is uninterrupted by the noisy throngs of pilgrims who hurry from Dashashvamedha Ghat to Vishvanath and its surrounding temples. The pilgrims from outside don't generally go there. They don't know about it and the guides don't take them there as the pujaris in the temple don't give any payment for bringing pilgrims. Kedar primarily remains a temple for the devoted residents of that area.
Sankata Devi
Sankata Devi is known in Kashi as one of the most powerful temples in the entire city. Sankata Ji as she is called, is located high above the Sankata Ghat in the labyrinthine lanes of the city. Sankata Devi means "Goddess of Dangers", for she is the one who vanquishes dangers for her devotees. Sankata Devi was originally a Matrika, one of the mothers. In Puranic Stories she is called Vikat Matrika, the "Fierce Mother". Sankata Devi is a self-manifested goddess
Durga Temple
One of the city's busiest temples is that of the Goddess Durga, which sits on the large rectangular tank called Durga Kund in the Southern sector of the city. The Puranas locate Durga Ji (as she is called here) at her present site, and she has kept this place for many centuries. She is said to protect Varanasi from the south, as one of the fierce goddess guardians (Chandikas) of the sacred zone. Durga temple is full of monkeys who make their home in the Shikhar (Top) and porticoes of the temple, peeping and snarling at visitors. According to some who serve this temple, the image of Durga was never established by human hands, but is a self-manifest image. It appeared here of its own accord.
Annapoorna Bhavani
The darshana of Annapoorna always accompanies the darshana of Shiva Vishvanath. Annapoorna is Kashi's queen. She is known in the Kashi Khanda as Bhavani, the female shakti of Bhava, "Being," one of the names of Shiva. Today, she is often called Annapoorna Bhavani. The name Annapoorna means "She of Plenteous Food." She is called the "Mother of the Three Worlds," and she promises to those who come to her what only a mother can give, naturally and freely , food. The present compound of Annapoorna is located near Vishvanath on the opposite side of the lane. Standing in the court of the compound is the temple itself, a small sanctum with a large pillared porch. The image of Annapoorna within the sanctum is a new one, established and consecrated in January 1977 in a series of pratishtha rites conducted by the Shankaracharya of Shringeri
Kaala Bhairava
Kaal Bhairava, the "Black Terror," is widely known as the Kotwal, the "police chief," of Kashi, and the section of the city in which his temple stands is known as Kotwalpuri.
Bhairav is considered a fearsome manifestation of Shiva. He wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. Kaala Bhairava, whose name, Kaala means both Death and Fate, in addition to meaning Black. He is the black one who has also assumed the duties of the God of Death in Kashi. Even Death, it is said, is afraid of Kaala Bhairava. Kaala Bhairava's temple today is one of the most intresting in all Banaras. Entering from the street , through a door guarded by Bhairava's mount, the dog, one finds a fine courtyard, in the center of which is the main shrine of Bhairava. Only the silver face of kaala bhairava, garlanded with flowers, is visible through the doorway of inner sanctum. The rest of Bhairava's image-said to be pot-bellied, seated upon a dog, holding a trident-is hidden behind a cloth drapery. For many centuries, this temple was a spiritual center in Kashi for the most severe of Shiva ascetics, the "Kapalicas" or "Skull-Bearers," and their later descendants, the Gorakhnathis. Today, however, the temple is no longer the exclusive domain of such extremist yogis and is, rather patronized by ordinary householders for his protective blessings. Although this temple is popular and beloved among those who live under its influence in the surrounding Kotwalpuri section of the city, it is not a mandatory stop for pilgrims today. Generally people have darshana of Vishvanaatha and Annapoorna, and then they leave.
Laat Bhairava
Laat Bhairava, known to the Puranas as Kapali Bhairava, is of particular intrest. This image of Bhairava is a pillar, encased in copper and s,eared with vermilion. Thus it has the name Laat, the staff of Bhairav.This pillar once stood in a Hindu temple complex, but in the time of Aurangzeb the temple was destroyed and the site became a muslim tomb site. The pillar, however, was wisely left intact. Muslims continued to permit some access to the pillar and received part of the offerings in return. The pillar was once much taller than today. A French traveller tavernier saw the Laat Bhairava in 1665, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and described it as being thirty two to thirty five feet high . In 1809, it was toppled during a spate of Hindu-Muslim rioting. The Laat was pulled down and its broken pieces hauled away. Only a stub remained, and it is that remainder, now capped in metal and covered on special accasions with a cloth sleeve, that is honoured today. One hundred and ninty years after this violent communal disturbance, the Laat Bhairava area is still vulnerable to communal conflict, and a police guard is permanently stationed there to patrol the area of Bhairava's Laat.
Sankat Mochan
Sankat Mochan temple, dedicated to the god Hanuman. The name Sankat Mochan means "Liberator from Troubles". The temple is at a walking distance from Durga temple.
Bharat Mata Temple
This temple is dedicated to Mother India. Just one kilometer from the Varanasi station. The temple is built in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth which was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 so that the citizens could respect Mother India in statue form. The statute is built in marble. The statue is a replica of undivided India in three dimension which has the mountains, plains and oceans in right proportion.
Tulsi Manas Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is built in the place where Goswami Tulsidas composed the epic 'Ramacharitramanas' which provides us with detailed description of the history and deeds of Lord Rama. Tulsi Manas Temple was constructed by a philanthropist family in 1964.
MUSEUMS
Bharat Kala Museum
The Kashi Hindu university has a museum which has a very rich collection of precious and rare historical artifacts, statues, pictures, paintings and manuscripts. This small but very well maintained museum gives an over view of the ancient city of Varanasi. Entry in the museum is free but check out the timings.
Ram Nagar Durg
2 kms from the Kashi Hindu university, across the Ganges is located the ancestral house in the fort which was built by the former rulers of Kashi. In one of the sections of the fort is the museum which displays the royalty which was once part of the kingdom. This museum gives an insight into the grandeur which once prevailed in the fort. On the Ramnagar Pandav road is a beautiful Durga temple. This temple has very delicate and intricate carving done on stone. These carvings are worth giving
OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF VARANASI
Benaras Hindu University
This is the largest and oldest university in north India. Spread over an area of 2,000 acres, this great place of education was established by Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya. Today the campus has faculties of Arts, Science, Music, Sanskrit, Languages, Engineering, Statistics and Medical to name a few of them. The university also has the huge Vishwanath temple which was built and maintained by the Birla family. The Sunderlal Medical center has all the modern facilities of medical field is also located in the university campus.
Nandeshwar Kothi
Nandeshwari Kothi, designed by James Prinsep is a typical building of the early 19th century in Benaras.
Jantar Mantar
The ruler of Jaisingh built an observatory in Varanasi in line with those built in Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur observatories. The Varanasi observatory has all the instruments which were required to record the motion , speed and properties of various stars and planets and other cosmic objects. The observatory was built in 1600 and still the instruments give the exact measurements which can match any modern instrument.
EXCURSIONS OF VARANASI
Chunar
Chunargarh of 'Chandrakanta', the classic novel by Babu Devakinandan Khatri is 40 kms from the city of Varanasi. Today the place is known as Chunar. Along one of the meanders of Ganges, where the Kaimur Hills are taking a North face, are built the imposing fort of Chunar.
Sarnath
About ten kms from Varanasi, is the place where lord Buddha after enlightenment gave his first sermon or as the Buddhist say set the wheel of dharma or law rolling. Today Sarnath is considered as one of the richest place to have antiques since the Ashoka period to the 12th century. Suggested reading on the Buddhist places in Uttar Pradesh.
Jaunpur
In 1360 Feroz Shah built this town to guard the eastern side of his Delhi sultanate. Jaunpur is located 65 kms from Varanasi. Jaunpur is bisected by the river Gomti and the two sides are connected by the massive Akbari Bridge. This bridge was designed by an Afghan and was built in the 16th century. The fifteen stone arches of the bridge have withstood earthquakes and floods. On the southern end of the bridge is the sculptures of a lion tussling with an elephant. This marked the provincial milestone. Other places to visit in Jaunpur are Sheetla Chowkia Dham, Yamdagni Ashram, Atla Mosque and Char Anguli ki Masjid.
Vindhyachal
There are many Shaktipeeths in India. These are the places where the Goddess of power is said to be residing and people worship her viz- Goddess Durga. Vindhyachal is one of such peeths or abode of Shakti. The place is 90 kms from Varanasi. The temples of Vindhyavasini Devi, Asthbhuja and Kalikhoh are a must visit here.
Kaushambi
The mention of this town can be seen in the Mahabharata. It is said that the Pandav brothers lived here. Budhha visited this place many times and the gave sermons after his enlightenment in 6th and 9th century. Kaushambi developed as a major center for Buddhism. The ruins of an old fort tells the saga of the towns antiquity. Kaushambi is 185 kms from Varanasi.
Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1997,Chandra Prabha Sanctuary, a small sanctuary sprawling over an area of 78 sq. kms, is located on Naugarh and Vijaigarh hillocks in Vindhya forest range, in Chandauli district.
Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Kaimoor sanctuary, located on the Uttar Pradesh - Bihar border, is spread over an area of 500 sq. kms.
SHOPPING IN VARANASI
Varanasi or Banaras, since ages has been famous for the handicraft items. The delicate and intricate work on the sarees, carpets, wooden works are unmatched. The famous Banarasi Silk Sarees and Brocades are every women's dream. The local silk weavers produce the silk which are in demand not only in India but across the world. The Bhadohi carpets can match the delicacy of weaving in any part of the world. Banaras has been famous for the 'Gharanas' in the Classical Music and Singing. These styles of singing and music have been amply supported by the musical instruments which are manufactured in Varanasi.Apart from the Silk Sarees, Brocades and Carpets Banaras also offers you Brassware, copperware, Ivoryware, stone inlay work, Glass beads and bangles, wood and clay toys, Zari work and exquisite gold jewellery. The main shopping areas of the city are the City chowk, Godoulia, Vishwanath lane, Gyan Vapi, Thatheri Baazar, Dasashvamedh, Goldhar and Lahurabir. The Emporia and Souvenir shops approved by the UP tourism are good place to look for genuine and good stuff too purchase.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS OF VARANASI
Kartik Purnima
Celebrated in the month of November-December is the sacred day, when the ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of brightly-lit earthern lamps.
Buddh Purnima
This festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety in Sarnath. This day Lord Buddha was born. A large fair is held in Sarnath and the relics of Buddha are taken out in a procession for public viewing on this day. Buddh Purnima is celebrated during the month of May.
Ganga Festival
A festive experience like none other awaits you at Ganga Festival at Varanasi.
The Ramlila
The Ramlila of Ramagar is famous far and wide. The Ramlila is based on the Ramcharitramanas by Tulsidas. The month ling festival is usually held during October / November and it sees the performance of many ancient rituals.
Bharat Milap
Around Dussehra a fair is held in Nati Imli which celebrates the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile. His reunion with his younger brother Bharat is celebrated as Bharat milap. This festival is attended by the king of Kashi in royal flavour. The festival is attended by at least a million devotees. It is held in the month of October / November.
Hanumat Jayanti
This festival is celebrated to mark the birth of the monkey God Hanuman . The five day long festivities are held at the Sankat Mochan temple. During this festival many plays are staged based on the Saraswati, Ram, Krishnalila and Hanuman Charitra.
Nakkatyya
This festival again is based on the Ramayana. There is an episode in the epic where the sister of Ravana tries to influence Lakshmana to marry her but instead Lakshman chops off her nose. On hearing this Ravana vows to take revenge against the brothers. This incidence in the epic is one of the reasons why Sita was abducted by Ravana. The festival is held in Chetganj with much fan fair.
Mahashivratri
Though Mahashivratri is celebrated throughout India, Varanasi has some special charm in the celebration the festival. During the festival a procession is taken out from the Maha-Mritunjaya temple to Kashi Viswanath Temple.
Panch Koshi Parikrama
The procession has got the name because it passes through five places. These five places are Kardmeshwar, Bhimchandi, Rameshwar, Shivpur and Kapildhara. The parikrama has special importance in the ancient parikramas of India. The procession starts and ends at Manikarnika Ghat.
The Dhrupad Mela
In the month of March a five day long music festival is organised on the Tulsi Ghats. during the five days renowned artists from all over the country perform Dhrupad here. This festival is one of the major tourist attraction of Varanasi.
CITY HILIGHTS
Varanasi is the city of LORD SHIVA
Varanasi is the Capital of all Knowledge
Varanasi is the city of Light
Varanasi is the Religious and Spiritual City
Varanasai is the city of death and liberation
Varanasi is a City of Ghats of Holy Ganges
Varanasi is a City of Temples, Ashram and Muth
Varanasi is Holiest for all Pilgrimages
Varanasi is a City of prominent personalities in area of Music , Dance & Literature
Varanasi is a City of narrow lanes
Varanasi is a City for study of Astrology, Sanskrit Literature, Yoga, Music & Dance
Varanasi is famous for Banarasi Saree
Varanasi is famous for Banarasi Pan
Varanasi is famous for own life style .
Varanasi is famous for handicrafts (Banarasi silk, banarasi jari, wooden toys, Carpets)
why these ants don't die?
i thought they were dead long back. i've not seen seen them for long, i mean since the last winter. in the midst of last summer i shifted to my present room, 29. it was full of these red ants then. every nook and corner of the room belonged to them. they considered me as an intruder and attacked me with their painful stings at every possible instance. i initially thought, what these little ants can do to me? but when they decided to claim my bed and computer table too, the latter of which disturbed me most, i declared war on them. my lobby servant, gopal - who like my mom used to when be i was back home - is so meticulous about the cleanliness of my room, told me they will remain this whole summer but would die as soon as the winter sets in.
the winter came soon (or rather, last summer was so eventful that it went very fast) and the ants slowly disappeared. i searched for them everywhere - they were not there , not even inside the switch-box (in fact, i opened that too....did i miss them, then?)
then came spring....summer...now its autumn...i had forgotten them by then. i was waiting for the monsoon, which arrived late this season, but with a bang...i know its grossly incorrect to call the rains here 'monsoon'; being a malayali (keralite) i should call these 'mango showers', the ones we get every afternoon during summer. yet, this time it was better than last time. like those mango showers, the monsoon showers here comes in the evening. but, its one of the most enjoyable moments you ever to get have in your life, particularly if you have decided to spend your life as a 'garshom' (did they have a choice, let Moses answer!), but had a childhood in one of those tropical paradises on earth.
but it was yesterday only that i noticed those ants coming out of a crevice in my supposed to be computer table. Omg, where were they all these days? now , where have they come back from? i donno? do you? if yes, please share....now, i'm in my friend's room ....i see them here too, he's also wondering-where these 'bloody' creatures 've come back from? he says, "i can't even leave a ............... on my table!".
the winter came soon (or rather, last summer was so eventful that it went very fast) and the ants slowly disappeared. i searched for them everywhere - they were not there , not even inside the switch-box (in fact, i opened that too....did i miss them, then?)
then came spring....summer...now its autumn...i had forgotten them by then. i was waiting for the monsoon, which arrived late this season, but with a bang...i know its grossly incorrect to call the rains here 'monsoon'; being a malayali (keralite) i should call these 'mango showers', the ones we get every afternoon during summer. yet, this time it was better than last time. like those mango showers, the monsoon showers here comes in the evening. but, its one of the most enjoyable moments you ever to get have in your life, particularly if you have decided to spend your life as a 'garshom' (did they have a choice, let Moses answer!), but had a childhood in one of those tropical paradises on earth.
but it was yesterday only that i noticed those ants coming out of a crevice in my supposed to be computer table. Omg, where were they all these days? now , where have they come back from? i donno? do you? if yes, please share....now, i'm in my friend's room ....i see them here too, he's also wondering-where these 'bloody' creatures 've come back from? he says, "i can't even leave a ............... on my table!".
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
MIRZA GHALIB
Mirza Azadullah Khan Ghalib...
He needs no introduction. If you still need one, read it in his own words...
''hai aur bhi duniya mein sukhanwar bahut ache!
kahte hain ki Ghalib ka hai andaz -e- bayan aur!!"
Sharing some of his famous ghazli -shers here.....
"ragon mein daudte phirne ke hum nahin khayal,
jub aankh hi se na tapka tho phir lahoo kya hai?"
"hazaron khwahishen aise ki har khwahish pe dum nikla,
bahut nikla mere arman, phir bhi bahut kum nikla"
"khaasid ke aate aate, khat ik aur likh rakhun,
mein jaanta hum jo woh likhenge jawaab mein!"
"kab se hum, kya bataawun jahaan mein kharaab mein,
shab ka ye hijr ko bhi rakhun gar hisaab mein!"
"tha phir na intezaar mein, neend aaye umr bhar,
aane ka eh.d kar gaye, aaye jo khwaab mein!"
"ghalib chuti sharaab, par ab bhi kabhi kabhi,
peeta hun roz-e-shab-o-mahtab mein!"
"huyi muddat ke ghalib mar gaya, par yaad aata hai,
woh har ik baat pe kehna ki yun hota tho kya hota?"
"yeh na thi hamari kismat, ke visaal-e-yaar hotha,
agar aur jeete rehte, yehi intezaar hotha!"
"kahun kis se mein ki kya hai, shab-e-gham buri bhala hai,
mujhe kya bura tha marne, agar ek bhar hotha!"
"koyi mere dil se pooche, tere teer-e-neem-khash ko,
yeh khalish kahan se hoti, jo jigar ke paar hota!"
that's all for today guys. i'll update this soon....
He needs no introduction. If you still need one, read it in his own words...
''hai aur bhi duniya mein sukhanwar bahut ache!
kahte hain ki Ghalib ka hai andaz -e- bayan aur!!"
Sharing some of his famous ghazli -shers here.....
"ragon mein daudte phirne ke hum nahin khayal,
jub aankh hi se na tapka tho phir lahoo kya hai?"
"hazaron khwahishen aise ki har khwahish pe dum nikla,
bahut nikla mere arman, phir bhi bahut kum nikla"
"khaasid ke aate aate, khat ik aur likh rakhun,
mein jaanta hum jo woh likhenge jawaab mein!"
"kab se hum, kya bataawun jahaan mein kharaab mein,
shab ka ye hijr ko bhi rakhun gar hisaab mein!"
"tha phir na intezaar mein, neend aaye umr bhar,
aane ka eh.d kar gaye, aaye jo khwaab mein!"
"ghalib chuti sharaab, par ab bhi kabhi kabhi,
peeta hun roz-e-shab-o-mahtab mein!"
"huyi muddat ke ghalib mar gaya, par yaad aata hai,
woh har ik baat pe kehna ki yun hota tho kya hota?"
"yeh na thi hamari kismat, ke visaal-e-yaar hotha,
agar aur jeete rehte, yehi intezaar hotha!"
"kahun kis se mein ki kya hai, shab-e-gham buri bhala hai,
mujhe kya bura tha marne, agar ek bhar hotha!"
"koyi mere dil se pooche, tere teer-e-neem-khash ko,
yeh khalish kahan se hoti, jo jigar ke paar hota!"
that's all for today guys. i'll update this soon....
child labour in north india
guys, indian law strictly prohibits child labour. But, take a walk along the streets of north india and then you'll see how blatantly the law is being misused. Everone prefers children for work as you get them for cheap (those who work in shops get 30 Rs a day), do whatever you tell them and if they protest, 'bus do teen thapad maaro!'. Even educated people keep children for household work. The worst part is that these children often pick up or are pushed into psychoactive substance abuse. Most of them use 'surti' (nicotine) and as they grow up, get into other things like cannabis and alcohol. Legal restrictions do not seem to be a solution because many of these children are the breadwinners of their family or they have no other means for survival. What seems to be necessary is an active effort by the government and other concerned authorities to sensitise the society about the monstrocity of the problem along with measures to strengthen its on going programs like adult education, family planning, improving the health standards of rural population and a sincere effort to raise the age of marriage. more later......
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