Sutta-Mutta- Tour Guide!

Cubbon Park, Bengaluru’s Charm- By Gautam Vasuki

The then Chief Engineer of Mysore, Sir Richard Sankey laid the foundation for Cubbon Park in 1864 and was named after Sir Mark Cubbon, the longest serving commissioner of Bangalore.
Cubbon Park acts as a major tourist destination in Bengaluru. Spread over 250 acres, the green park has various attractions such as the rose garden, children’s play ground with toy train and several play equipments, the recently opened doll museum and an aquarium. The roads that cut across the lush green land offers an ideal place for joggers and walkers. One can find people playing games like badminton, cricket and soccer at the open lands of the park and also children enjoying the climb on the natural rocks. The central garden inside the park has an open stage where many free concerts by amateur/professional artists happen.

Beautiful roads, blooming trees and placid plains are spread all around. Cubbon Park is a lush, grassy expanse with flowerbeds adding to the subtle beauty of the park. The park also has several elegant Graeco-colonial style building showing British influence. There are a number of monuments within the park including a memorial hall located at the center of the park. There is also a children’s museum that adds to the aura of the park.

Cubbon Park is losing its old charisma, from being children’s favorite holiday destination to currently being an open place for all nonsense activities; it’s a place being used for illegal activities and it’s a shame that we are letting our parks to be used this way and have a desolated look. It is in our hands to keep our city green and the duty of every resident that he contributes in making Bengaluru a greener and a cleaner place.

General Information

The park has entrances from Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) and the High Court side for vehicles. The park is open for public at all times. The vehicle traffic is closed from 5 AM to 8 AM all days. While visiting the park, one can park their vehicles on the border road inside the park for a nominal parking fee.

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Pyramids near Kanakpura road!- Editorial Tu

Situated 30 kms from Bengaluru stands a massive pyramid which is 160 feet * 160 feet in dimension and it is specifically meant for meditation. Spanned over 30 acres, the structure belongs to “The Pyramid Spiritual Trust (India)” which is founded by honourable Shri Subhas Patri. With a Post Graduation degree in Agricultural science Shri Subhas Patriji started the “Pyramid Spiritual Society Movement in 1990” in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

Shri Subhas Patriji started meditating since 1976, and he believes that the Pyramid is a geometrical structure that collects and radiates cosmic energy drawn from the universe. The energy of the pyramid is obtained through a blending of the radiated cosmic energy with that of the gravitational force of the earth. He also believes that Pyramids are symbols of secular spirituality, where all the people can come, enter, sit together and meditate. Pyramids built with the right technology can provide most effective high energy environment for meditation, also Pyramids help in reducing the level of stress and tension both physically and mentally.

The construction of this Pyramid was started in 2004 and it was opened to public for meditation in 2005, the Pyramid campus at present has accommodation facilities for approximately 250 people along with canteen and dormitories, a nominal charge of Rs. 50/- for accommodation and Rs. 25/- for lunch is charged. At present there are no workshops nor any meditation camps held here, people just visit the place meditate for a while and return back.

Mr. I.V Reddy, the managing trustee here says that the entire Pyramid structure was built by collecting funds from wishful donors; he also specifies that there are no big donors involved as such for now. When B.P asked about the facilities the government has given to this Pyramid structure, Mr. Reddy responded saying that there is no support from the government and even the trust has not approached them for any support, he also mentioned that only thing that they expect from the government is to build a proper connecting road which also has been sanctioned and approved by the Zilla Panchayat.

Mr. Reddy also explained the main reason as to why Pyramid was built for mediation was due to the energy inside the Pyramid that helps in faster healing of wounds, boils, bruises and early recovery of post operation patients. Regular use of Pyramid power reduces problems of obesity and increases resistance to diseases like common cold, asthma, tooth aches, migraine, high Blood Pressure, arthritis, palpitation of the heart, epilepsy and insomnia etc. Mr. Reddy goes on explaining that drinking Pyramid charged water cures conjunctivitis and other eye problems; it also helps in digestion and gives the skin a healthy and youthful glow.

Mr. Prasad, Project Engineer of the Pyramid structure believes that Meditation can be done anywhere, the effect will be more if it is practised inside a Pyramid, he also stresses the point that any one can build Pyramid and take all the advantage of it, people can build Pyramids at their own houses, they just have to know the Base (B) measurement alone and one can calculate the rest, that is the side (S) and height (H). Mr. Prasad mentions that the “King’s Chamber” inside the Pyramid is located at the centre and exactly at 1/3rd the height from the base of the Pyramid, he says that the energy will be maximum at the Kings chamber.
Mr. Vinayak, a Civil Enginner at the Pyramid site believes that Meditation brings lot of changes in one’s life and it is important for all to follow it.

When asked about the future plans and future programs at the Pyramid site, Mr. I.V Reddy mentioned that from December 25th 2008 to January 31st 2009 a global congress for spiritual scientist will be held inviting spiritual scientist from all over the world to exchange their spiritual views. Six spiritual specialists will hold classes for six days continuously; the work shop will cost approximately 20,000/- which includes accommodation, food and transport.

“Dhyana Mahotsav” an annual festival will be held in Bengaluru at National high grounds where people of all cast and creed can participate.

“Bengaluru is globally known and it has very good connectivity and excellent climatic conditions which is the main reason for the start of Pyramid spiritual Movement in Bengaluru” states Mr. I.V Reddy.

With no religion constraints and no class distinctions the Pyramid now stands with a sole intention of propagating peace and integrity, the people there believe that Subhas Patri, the founder is a “Friend of all”.

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HESARAGHATTA

Tranquil waters in our own backyard

Getting to Hesaraghatta Lake can be tricky and will surely test your navigation skills. Tucked away amid a series of terrains, this man-made lake is picturesque nevertheless. There’s no better place for adventure aero-sports either.

The visitor is awash by a sense of tranquillity after stepping on the lake bund. The experience is all the more precious as the lake is just a stone’s throw away from the city’s bustle. Though silting has resulted in the lake, collecting water quite erratically and driving away birds, it is an ideal place for weekend picnics.

Besides, concerted efforts by the villagers and concerned citizens have done wonders for the lake and it has begun to regain its lost glory.
The 1,200-acre lake was built by the Dewan of Mysore in 1894 to cater to the drinking water needs of Bangalore. But in 1925, when the lake began drying up in summer, the city had to come up with plan B for a more lasting solution, which resulted in the Thippagondanahalli reservoir. But Hesaraghatta continues to attract its own fans, not least the variety of birds.

Adventure enthusiasts also use the lake for boating and wind-surfing, while a brisk walk around the lake is on the cards for those interested. It is also a favourite destination for bikers from the city. When the water level rises, entrepreneurial villagers offer boat and coracle rides to visitors, but these are at best quite erratic.

Near the lake is a dairy and horticultural farm, which also harvests fishlings. Those interested in water pets can buy guppy, carp and other types of fish here. A host of other central and state government research organisations, especially related to poultry and dairy, have also made their home around the lake.
A trip to Hesaraghatta is not complete without a visit to Nrityagram (5 km), the famous dance village set up by the late Odissi danseuse Protima Bedi Gauri, which used to host the annual all-night long cultural extravaganza
Vasantahabba.

FACT FILE

Distance: 27 km from Bangalore

How to reach: Take Tumkur Road out of Bangalore and take a right turn at Hesaraghatta Circle. Ask for directions from passers-by since there are hardly any signposts and too many forks and turns

Transport: There are regular BMTC services, but it is best to travel on your own

Nearby: Nrityagram

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Swananda ashrama- By Sagar Moudgal

“Brahmange Brahma loka, Vishnuge Vaikunta, Shivange Kailasa, Indrange Swarga Loka etc etc” like wise all hindu gods have their own address but what about our most adored one? Aadi pujya , Sarwa sankata hara, Sawra siddi Ganesha..

Indian Mythilogy says that above Swarga loka in the midst of Ikshu Sagara (Ocean of sugar cane juice), on a Swetha Kamala (White lotus), upon a Ratna Gambali (Silk sheet) is rested our Ganesha in the form of a 9 yr old boy being pampered and served by Ashta Siddis. Along side is Samaveda Purusha reciting Sama veda. This brings in a amount of self joy (SWA-ANANDA).This is the whole concept of a place called Swananda Ashram.

Out of the bustling life of Hectic Bangalore off kanakpura road is a holy land of Ganesha. On Kanakpura road two KM from NICE road intersection (if you are coming from Banashankari side) take a right turn further drive down four KM to reach Agara Village there you can find a beautiful divine holy land of Ganesha. Spread over sprawling land of over 9 acres of farm land .

On April 27 1990 what began as a humble beginning by a hand-full of highly passionate Ganesha bhaktas today has grown as a major institution in itself. We can find lots of Ganesha worship places at every nook and corner across the city but what makes this place unique is the very concept of worshipping Ganesha. The first step into the ashram you feel blissful. What catches your eye is Swananda Bala Ganapathi temple, a very rare form of Worshipping Ganesha. You can find Ganesha idol in a very fun loving form. In the midst of Ikshu Sagara (Ocean of sugar cane juice), on a Sweha Kamala (White lotus), upon a Ratna Gambali (Silk sheet) is rested our Ganesha in the from as a 9 yr old boy being pampered and served by Ashta Siddis. Along side is Samaveda Purusha reciting Sama veda. This brings in a amount of self joy (SWA-ANANDA). You cant stop yourself from admiring this from of Ganesha, it makes you feel that he is a small boy playing in your own court yard with his friends. Small kids feel so attracted and start thinking he is not GOD but their own friend. (Well a first sign of being happy). Moving on to the left we find the main ashram the prime idol Panchyatana Ganapathi. Homas Hawanas are held regularly. Next to it is Bhojana shale, Smaskruta Paata shale follows it. Vast greenery with coconut plantations, a Ayurveda Wana, other Flora and fauna are bound to catch your attention. The most important fact is the MAHA Ganapathi complex.

Karanataka has its own major share in Indian history, the Hoysalas were one of the prime kingdoms who encouraged art and culture, the live examples being many temples and other architectural monuments built during their regime. Their kind of architecture in itself became a brand called Hoyasala Style, well this style has been well appreciated by art lovers and architecture lovers. After around 740 years an attempt is here to build a whole temple complex in the Hoyasala Architecture form. The very intricacy is the methodical construction of each step of the temple. Rules of Shastras are to be followed at every single step. The main concept of this mega project is the temple complex whish houses Ganesha in 37 forms, 32 according to Mudgala Purana, 4 yuga Ganapathis, and the main deity Swananda Bala Ganapathi, sculpting each idol has its own procedures, right from the sketching verifying that the sketch to match the SUTRAS of the avatara, than traditionally sculpting it makes the thing complete, any violation any where is bound to lead to falters. Of the 37 deities a majority of them have already been completed and the rest are going to arrive at the earliest, The main temple in Hoysala style is already operational the rest of the complex is going to come in the following years.

Swananda culture believes in worshipping GOD not jus by mantras, homas hawanas, but its concept is to serve the society. Swanandites believe that pleasing GOD in kaliyuga is the easiest of all the other yugas, only thing you gotta do is to serve the society. With this very own concept is the VIDYA CHETANA – Swanandites have taken up task of educating children of around 6 villages in and around Agara village, free text books uniforms are distributed to children. Sanskrit Is being thought in ashram itself. Social causes like water projects (in association with WHO) are being taken up regularly, Appreciating the various forms of art from pencil sketching, painting, classical music dance, instrumentals be it any art form there is appreciation and encouragement in plenty.

Annual fest is held to encourage this even at school levels. On annual day Kalamahotsawa a platform is provided to showcase the talents and Kalashri awards are given to the deserving lot. Bhajans are held at different parts of the city every week. Ganesha Research centre is an interesting chapter which aims at research on Lord Ganesha.

Apart from these the various other projects are a full fledged Ayurweda Wana, to encourage Indian Medicine practice, A bigger ghoshale, Parna kutira, Swananda Bhavana, Bhojans shale, etc

The vision, the dream is to build a holy land for Lord Ganesha in the most traditional form with rich culture and architecture with social causes as a major aim along side the spread of Ganesha worshipping. This whole dream has been spearheaded by his holiness SRI SRI MATH GANGADHRENDRA SARASWATHI MAHASWAMIGALU of Swarnawalli mutt, Sirsi. His wishes are taken as orders and religiously carried out with more than cent per cent dedication an ddevotion by people like Om Ganesh, Mr Santosh Raval, Mr C.S. Srikanta Sharma, Mr Prasad etc along with hundreds of devotees

To witness HISTORY in the making, to be a part of a major revolution happening visit this holy land called SWANANDA LOKA.

In line with the Ganesha festival Swananda Loka is organizing a Swananda Ganeshotsawa 2009 from 23 Aug to 3 rd Sep. apart from various events is the musical concert by Dr L Subramaniam and Kavitha Krishnamurthy on 29 th Aug.

For further details do visit the website www.swananda.org.

For queries mail to jaiganesha@swananda.org

Address

#12, Agar , Tataguni, Kanakpura road, Bangalore South 560 062. Tel : 28435853

Banagalore office :

No 327, 36^th ‘A’ Cross, 9^th main road, 5^th block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 041.

Ph 26634590, Mobile 93412 13104.

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WADDERHALLI LAKE- By Sagar Moudgal

Location : Off Kanakapura road, around 20 kms from K.R.Circle, take a left turn towards Wadderhalli village, from where the lake is approximately 3 kms.

Mode of Transport: Private vehicles like bikes and cars are very convinient to reach the lake, public transport , though found are very rare. BMTC buses are available only till the Wadderhalli village , from there is a kuchha road leading to the lake which is around 200 mts i.e a ten minute drive from there.

This unexplored calm and serene lake is the best suited place for a one day trip. It is definitely one of the hot favorite place for nature lovers , who would like to spend a day out amidst the hills surrounding the lake, far from city’s jhanjat , pollution n traffic.

Walking on the lake bed , on one side you can enjoy the vast lake n admire its silent beauty and on the other side are green farms. A bit of trekking work needs to be done to get down into the chilling water.
This is the best place for you people to dtretch out your arms, relax and have masti. Swimming , fishing , boating can all be done but you are responsible of what ever you do!!! N ya, be careful! You may find aligators there.! Finding lots of people there would be very rare. due to sparse population. So enjoy the privacy with your close buddies!

Few things which you have to take with you to that place is food. So parcels of crunchy munchy food items are strongly recommended. A music system with you will surely add a lot to your joy!!!!

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Honnemardu- By Sagar Moudgal

Honnemardu camp is managed by a dedicated team of nature enthusiasts called ‘Adventurers’. The group has its office in Bangalore and to go to Honnemardu we need to book our seats 2 weeks in advance.
Honnemardu is not a resort. It is just 2 small houses in the middle of the forest and nothing else except water and forest. You don’t even have loos there.You literally/virtually live in the forest world. After some quick breakfast,get ready to enter the enticing waters. This place will definitely not disappoint u. The reservoir is some 80KMx50KM and you can see water until your sight gets lost. The water is pretty clean and left virtually untouched. Nowhere will you find traces of human interference especially of plastic type of interference. After an initial ‘how to use’ session with life jackets,you can get on your own swimming to a nearby island, of course with your jackets on Evening time is ‘Coracle’ time. ‘Coracle’ is a big round tub like thing with seats. Two people row it and it was a good first time experience with a boat:) Nearby there is a tiny island for the night’s stay.Don forget to carry your tents!! It’s a real expedition in your life. Pitch your tents, collect firewood, make the campfire, sing dance n chat away to glory. After dark, we can see the beautiful lit Linganmakki Dam. It is a sight to watch (though our cameras could not capture it).
Try all sorts of diving straight, deep, reverse, somersault, blah blah blah. We had group diving sessions too !!
Next in store is ‘Canoe’ing. Canoe is the normal rowing boat. This moves much faster than a Coracle but is very unstable. So, some slight imbalance will topple it and you’ll have to push the boat and the paddles back to the mainland.
There are facilities for kayaking and Wind Surfing too.A perfect destination for a weekend!
FACTFILE
LOCATION: ‘Honnemardu’ is a village submerged under the Linganmakki reservoir in Shimoga district. A night’s journey from Bangalore.
BEST MODE OF TRANSPORT: There are KSRTC buses which go till THALAGUPPA, from there Honnemardu is 12KM by road (you can hire a Jeep) and about 7 KM by foot.