Just About Everything

With Ganesh Chaturthi, the festive season begins, and I simply wait for this season. Not because of religious reasons ...but because of the joy festivities generally bring... people are happier, the weather improves, there is delicious food, and there are so many reasons to wait for this season... Ganesha is worshipped for wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. But what interests me more is the deeper spiritual meaning that Ganesha conveys, and celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi is a sort of a reminder to us about the true significance of Ganesha. To me it is very simple really...whenever there is a celebration of some kind; it brings in togetherness, happiness, joy, love, and well-being. If we were to look at Ganesha, who has an elephant head, is pot-bellied, and has a mouse as his vahan, what would anyone think? Not the best looking God, right? But if I were to describe Ganesha from a more spiritual perspective, I see Ganesha as one who epitomises inclusiveness, oneness, humili...

The flower show at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru is worth visiting. It usually happens in January and August every year, and incidentally the 2014 August flower show was the 200th show! It was indeed a wonderful treat to see such beautiful flowers displayed so creatively! We also saw a wonderful collection of medicinal and herbal plants!

Pataleshwar cave temple I am deviating a bit from my US and Europe trip, I have to share this unusual ancient temple in Pune, India. Even though I have been to Pune several times, I never visited this ancient temple before, I am happy I could visit it this time. If you like ancient temples, next time you are in Pune, or if you are visiting Pune in Maharshtra, India, for the first time, don't miss this temple. This is quite an unique temple. It is a rock cut temple dating back to the 8th century, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the Jungli Maharaj Road in Shivaji Nagar.It is easy to locate; any auto will take you since it is quite a popular temple. I found some very interesting carvings and drawings in the temple. Entrance to Pataleshwar temple Nandi Mandapa Nandi Passage inside the Pataleshwar temple Carvings on the wall Carvings on the wall of the temple Drawings on the floor of the temple Draw...