Udupi Krishna Temple

Date: 26th Dec 2016

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi, Muthusamy, Vijayalakshmi and Harsh

Fee: None

Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Anadhana Timings: 12 Noon to 3:00 PM and 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Main Deity: Lord Krishna

We left Sringeri around 8 AM on 26th and went to Udupi. We reached around 10:30 AM and went to the temple. The entrance and darshan queue was bit confusing. Already a big queue was formed and the darshan delayed because of some VIP visit. After having faster darshan previous day this one took us 2 hours. The issue was people dont follow queue and trying to cut in. There was heated argument for few minutes. This was the second time we faced issue because of VIP visits. First time in Tirupathi we stood for 4 hrs and still couldnt have darshan of Lord Balaji. The VIP should be allowed early or late in day so it doesnt affect general public. When the VIP visit was over the line started moving fast and we had a good darhsan of lord Krishna. The specialty of the temple is the main deity faces the window on the west side. The interesting story behind this can be found here.
When we came out there was a much bigger queue standing outside for anadhana in the temple. We decided to go out and have lunch. Another thing we noticed in these 2 days was that there was absolutely no rush in ATM's and no cash crunch anywhere. We got change for Rs 2000 also in all hotels.

Few pics from the visit.

Grand entrance to the Matha.

Temple pond.

Gopuram on the west side above the window.

The smaller gopuram at the main entrance.

A unique temple that should be visited. We also visited chandramouleeshwara and anantheswara temple close by.

Sringeri Sharadamba Temple

Date: 25th Dec 2016

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi, Muthusamy, Vijayalakshmi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timings: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Jagadguru Darshan: 10:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Main deity: Sri Sharada.

After visiting Annapoorneshwari Temple, Horanadu we reached Sringeri. We checked into the hotel and freshened up and went to Sri Sharadhamba temple. The temple complex houses Sharadha temple, vidhyashankar temple, ganapathi temple and across the bridge is the sharadha peetham. We reached the temple around 5 PM. There was not much crowd in the main sharadha temple. We had a good darshan and came out to visit the vidhyashankara temple. More info about the sharadha temple can be found here. The vidhyashankar temple is a much older one built in 1338 AD. The magnificent architecture of the temple is a major attraction in the complex. There are carvings of hindu gods on all sides of the temple wall. The temple is built on higher platform and the shape of the temple is much different from the other temples. The main deity here is lord shiva. More about the vidhyashankara temple can be found here. After visiting the two temples we went to river tunga which is home for plenty of fishes. Many people get puffed rice sold outside to feed the fishes in the river. Kids enjoy seeing those fishes jumping to eat food. We then crossed the river via the bridge and reached the sharadha peetham to have darshan of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji. Swamiji gives darshan to devotees in morning and in evening. There was a long line inside the big hall to get the blessings of Jagadguru we just sat inside the hall and left as we were too tired after a long journey. We came back again to the river and sat on the steps for some more time. We thought of having dinner at the temple but harsh was very hungry and there was one more hour to go for annadhana. We went outside to hotel Ganesh and had a good dinner. That brings end of first day of our temple trip.

Few pics from the temple.

9 layer goupram at the entrance.

Vidhyashankar temple

The carvings on the walls of the temple.

Another angle.

The guardians at the door.

Fishes in Tunga river.

Hall for Swamiji darhsan.

Sunset at Tunga river.

Sharadha temple at night.

Vidyashankar temple at night.

One of the must visit temples in Karnataka. 

210 Year old Hallimane, Horanadu

Date: 25th Dec 2016

Visitors: Arun. Shilpi, Muthusamy, Vijayalakshmi and Harsh

Famous for: Special natural drink.

Cost: Rs 20

Location: On the way to sringeri from Horanadu.

After visiting Annapoorneshwari Temple, Horanadu we left for sringeri. On the way we saw many flex boards saying if you are in horanadu you should not miss this special drink and things. There were so many boards and we got curious so decided to stop and try the drink. It was an old house but well maintained. It had lot of wooden articles in good condition. There is also a shop that sells all type of spices, dry fruits, medicinal oil and few handcraft items. The special drink is masala soda with 6 spices and 18 herbs mixed. The drink was good harsh liked it so much he had 2 cups. We purchased few spices. The staff were courteous. They accept all card which was most important at this time.

Few pics from the place.

Front view of the house.

Main door.

Old household items.

Wooden dewan.

Wooden desk and chair.

Rows of soda bottle used for the drink.

One can try out the drink if you happen to go on the way.

Shri Adhishakthyathmaka Annapoorneshwari Ammanavaru Temple, Horanadu

Date: 25 Dec 2016

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi, Muthusamy, Vijayalakshmi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timings: 6:30 AM till 9:30 PM

Main deity: Sri Annapoorneshwari

We planned to visit Sringeri and other surrounding temples for 2016 winter vacation. Kalasa was the first temple we planned to visit but unfortunately we were bit late reaching there so we decided to visit Horanadu annapoorneshwari temple first. We reached the temple around 12:30 PM. There was ample parking. The temple is located in the beautiful western ghats surrounded by natural forest. The original temple was built by Agasthya Maharishi many centuries ago. The temple was later expanded during the period of 5th Dharmakartharu. More details about the temple and its seva can be found in temple website. The word Anna means food and ishwari is the counterpart of divine lord ishwara. There were around 50 steps to climb and then reach the temple complex. It was not crowded when we reached and we had a peaceful darshan. Shri Annapoorneshwari was decorated with beautifully with gold ornaments and flowers. The temple provides food for the devotees all three times a day and throughout the year. We had a filling lunch in annadhana hall. Donation for annadhana can be paid with card also. One can also give rice and other food items as donation to the temple for the food.

Few pics from the visit.

Sunrise on the way.

Main arch at the temple entrance.

Entrance to the main shrine.

View of the beautiful western ghats on the background.

View from parking lot.

A weekend getaway from Bangalore that should not be missed. Temple along with sringeri and kalasa can be visited in 2 days.

Weekend Getaway: 33. Devarayanadurga and Namada chilume

Date: 13th Nov 2016

Visitors: Full Family.

Fee: Rs 5 entry fee for Namada Chilume.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM.

Distance: Around 70Km from Bangalore.

Road Condition: Very good.

On a fine Sunday morning with nothing to do we decided to go to Devarayanadurga and Namada Chilume. Devarayana durga is a twin temple located on a hill. The temple at the base of the hill is Bhoga Narasimha and the temple at top is Yoga Narasimha. Since we started bit late we reached the temple when its was bit too hot. We visited Bhoga narasimha temple first and then reached the hill top. There were around 200 steps to climb and we decided not to climb as it was too hot. But Shilpi and Bhabhi said they wanted to visit so we all waited in the car while they went up. They came back with in half hour and said the steps are not much and the climb was easy one. However there was the problem of monkey. There were too many monkeys on the top and ready to snatch any food or water. From the hill we next visited Namada Chilume. It was  around 5 Kms from the hill. It was famous for the water hole on the rock which flows throughout the year. There is a interesting story behind the water flow.  It was said Lord Ram shot a arrow on the rock to get water to apply tilak. The water flow from the rock its running ever since. There is also a small deer park at the entrance which kids would enjoy watching.

Few pics from the visit.

Bhoga Narasimha temple gopuram.

Fire under the stambha.

View  of Yoga Narasimha temple from the parking.

View from the hill top.

Road leading to the hill top.

Namada Chilume entrance.

Deer at the park.

Water flowing from the rock and protected with fence.

Kids playing on the small rocky hill.

Selfie time.

One another weekend Getaway from Bangalore for family. Need start early and visit the Yoga narasimha temple next time. The road was too good and lot of place to park and relax. Carry food and make it a mini picnic.

Weekend Getaway: 32. Parasailing in Bengaluru

Date: 4th June 2016

Adventurers: Arun, Shilpi, Sourav, Chintu, Chanchal, Swetha, Sarika, Meenakshi.

Fee: Rs 1000 for two (Tandem) and Rs 600 for single.

Timings: Starts at 7 AM.

Duration: 3 min including the preparation.

Location: Jakkur airfield.

Organizer: Horizon adventure via Clear Trip activities

Finally after 6 months got to finish writing about our first adventure activity in Bangalore.

Kids have come to their grandma home for vacation. They were tired of seeing the malls and parks every year. This year we decided to take them to something different. I came across this parasailing in cleartrip activities app. Booked it via clear trip easily and got the slot confirmed for saturday. Left Harsh and Aarush at home and we started of around 6 AM. Reached the venue within half hour as there was not much traffic. The weather was bit gloomy and we were worried if the ride will happen or not. The instructors came on time. They confirmed the weather was fine. The instructor and his assistants were very kind. We were bit scared of the adventure but their encouraging words helped a lot. Shilpi and I went first. They tied the harness to us and other end to the jeep. Then the jeep took off and so did we. The ride was an amazing one and it lasted just couple of minutes. I am sure it is not as great as the ones done in some hill stations and greater height but for the first timers it is a wonderful experience. It was a nice adventure activity in Bangalore. The parasailing activity is organised by many in and around Bangalore.

Few pics from the field.

Good adventure parasailing in Bangalore for the beginners.  

Weekend Getaway: 31. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple

Date: 11th Dec 2016

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Timing: 6 AM to 9 PM

Fee: None

Distance: 60 Kms

Road condition: Excellent NH 44 and then the road towards Nandhi hills in good.

Main Deity: Lord Shiva

We have not been going out much lately due to Harsh school and other events. I was not writing regularly the smaller trips that we go. Decided to get back to writing to break from monotonous office home routine. So first post after a break. Sunday morning we were ready and thinking about what to do for the rest of the day. Did a quick search in google and decided to visit Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple near Nandhi hills in the chikbalapur district. Though there was more people than we expected it was not over crowded. We parked the car under the tree behind the temple and walked to the temple. We were surprised by the small entrance to the huge temple and after entering we saw it was the side gate and there was another bigger entrance to the complex. Once entered the complex has a huge green lawn. Then few stone structures that are in ruins. There were 3 shrines inside the temple. Arunachaleshwara and bhoga nandheeswara shrines built by the cholas on two sides and uma maheshwara temple built by Hoysalas in the center. The ornate pillars in the uma maheshwara temple is built or black stones. There are few more shrines besides the main temples.

Few pics from one day trip around Bangalore.

The side entrance to the temple.

Mahanavami Dibba.

Ornate pillar in Uma Maheshwara temple.

Nandhi.

Stone Umbrella.

Other pillars.

Arunachaleshwara shrine.

Outer view of the main temple. The windows with deity structures.

Yalli pillars.

View of both the vimanas. The view doesn't show case the great carvings on top.

Stone water outlet.

Vasantha Mantapa. There were a group of people cleaning up the entire area so could not get inside the mantapa. The pillars of the mantapa are the main attraction.

The beautiful temple tank.

Another view of the kalyani.

Inside view of the temple entrance.

Stone wheels placed outside the temple.

The lawn and the four trees in the temple complex.

Selfie time in the lawn.

One of the must visit places around Bangalore. Other attractions like nandhi hills, Visvesvaraya birth place, Tipu's summer palace can be combined and made into a one day trip from Bangalore.