New Year Trip - 2

The next day, Jan 1, 2006, we left early to go around Mysore. We decided to start the day and the year by visiting Chamundi Hills and have adarshan of the Goddess Chaamundeshwaree. This temple is situated on topa hill just outside Mysore. A distance of about 8-10 kms from the heart of the city.

The climb to the top of the hill is really beautiful. It was misty and a bit chilly that day. Though we were early, there were a few braver souls than us that day. A small queue had formed even before the temple was open. On the way up to the shrine, we were over taken by a couple on a
bike. The guy was driving really well, his bike a off the shelf 100 cc one. The lady on the pillion caught the eye of Nalin my companion and we raced them to the top.

After darshan, by coincidence, we both - us and the couple - started togather and rode. We just waved and stopped alongside them. Got to know that they were brother and sister and had come to the temple for darshan. Ms. P and Mr. N helpled us with an itenary for visits to places around Mysore.

This photo was taken from a ledge above the Nandi that is situated on the way down from Chamundi Hills.

From there we went to Srinrangapattina which was the capital and strong hold of Tipu Sultan. This place is about 30 kms from Mysore on the way to Bangalore. Srirangapatna is an island on the river Kaaveri. There is a Ranganaatha Swamy temple located here. Another interesting place to visit is the Sangamam where the two branches of the river meet. This place is about 3 Kilometers from the temple.

At the sangamam one can have a Parisal ride to the mid of the river and back. The cost is about 30 - 40 Rs. for the ride. A Parisal is a saucer like boat made of reeds woven togather. Depending on its size, it can carry between 5 -20 people.

The ride is really harrowing if the water is swift and with a large number of swirls and strong current.

The parisal ride took us to a small lingam situated at the middle of the river. The photos show the progress. Note how close we are to the water. A fully loaded parisal rides low, really low - a bit scary at times.

The following photos were taken during the Parisal ride at Sangamam at Srirangapattinam.

All photos taken by a Nokia 6600 mobile phone.

New Year Trip - I

On the way to Mysore to welcome 2006, me and my colleague Nalin stopped at Kanva to find it rejuvinated. After spending some time there we proceeded to Melkote for a darshan of Cheluva Naaraayanar. A few things about Melkote.

Melkote is located about 45 / 50 kilometers from Mandya and about 60 / 70 kilometers from Mysore. It is a lovely village located at the foot of a hill. This village is very important pilgrim center for us Sri Vishnavaas as it is the place where our Guru Raamaanujar stayed for a period of time.

The lord appears as Cheluvanaaraayanar at Melkote and is a sight that cannot be described. Atop the hill is the sannidhi (sanctorum) of Narasimhar. A climb of about 100 steps lead you to this temple.

The road from Melkote to Mysore through Paandavapura is not very good. We had a few escapes during this journey as the road was being laid afresh.

We stayed overnight at "Nalapad Residency" in Mysore. Decent accommodation at exorbitant rates (was this due to the New Year ???). However, the room was neat and hot water was available.

A party was going on at the hotel and we went. Loud music, drunken dancing, insipid food is what I remember of this evening. Left early so that we could leave early for our Mysore tour.

All photos taken with my Nokia 6600 mobile.