Kanyakumari : The
rich world of cultural and spiritual consciousness, the junction of the oceans fills with mystery and
adventure
New destination, new journey. New experiences, new people. New moments, new dimensions. New morning, new freshness. Lush green fields. Swaying and dancing trees and plants. Faraway mountain ranges. Rising and swirling clouds in the sky. Sunlight and shade on the earth. Waves dancing. Confluence of roaring seas. Incredible beauty of rising and setting sun. Golden sky. Colour changing sea. Holy land. Amazing combination of worship. World of passion and peace. Stage decorated with theatre artists. Loud voices of joy. Incredible silence of meditation. Body and mind full of yoga. Uninterrupted life. Dreams floating in open eyes. Options everywhere. Of ownership and slavery of life. Both opportunities together. Just then, a question flashed in the mind. The inner energy had asked- “What do you want from your life?” A free and carefree life! This answer was available the very next moment. The counter question was- Why do you want such a life? The answer was- Living with your ultimate freedom is the Maharas of life. Every moment is a celebration. Every moment is liberation. Bondage brings the news of slavery. Life wants the freedom to be its own master.
I don't know how many questions had arisen from within
me. Answers also came with them. There was a conflict going on inside me. The
land of Trivandrum radiated a spiritual energy. This energy was communicating
with me during my journey to Kanyakumari. One was outward travel and the other
was inward travel. The personality was divided into two parts. In the inner
life it was the union of the Guru and the disciple. Also an opportunity to look
within yourself, understand yourself and connect with yourself. A different
sound was resonating in my existence. As if someone is saying – “The choices
you make are your future.” You have got what you wanted. And, you will get only
what you have chosen. You are the architect of your life. In the eternal
consciousness of the universe you are endowed with infinite capabilities.
Everything is in abundance here. You have the freedom to choose. You can choose
the life you want.” The wave of mind
said – “Today I have chosen to travel to Kanyakumari and I am travelling.” The
natural beauty in the journey of about 97 kilometers between Trivandrum and
Kanyakumari is captivating. Yes, but even more than that was the inner journey
moving from passion to peace.
Trivandrum had embraced me in its loving arms. The
lamp of peace, beauty and self-realization flickered here. Thousands of hands
of nature were supporting. Therefore, the passion for travel also remained
intact. The walls of language and regional differences had fallen. The language
of feelings had made its home here.I had developed a love and respect for Tamil
and Malayalam culture. How can I forget Padmanabhaswamy? The impurities of the
mind were being washed away just by remembering him. I had seen the eternal
Sanatan culture in the form of temple architecture, tradition and faith. And
also, the concept of Trinity of Sanatan Dharma, where Lord Vishnu is the
sustainer of the universe. The true embodiment of a Karmayogi. In the view of
Tao Physics, they are the energy contained in the molecules of the universe.
Therefore, he is Vishnu. For me, the purpose of enshrining Padmanabhaswamy in
my heart was only one - to live energetically. Wherever there is a collection
of energy in nature, it always has the power of attraction. It was nine in the
morning. I was at Trivandrum Railway Station. Some Malayali children had come
around me. He was pursuing graduation. I was waiting for the train to
Kanyakumari. They mingled in a little conversation. I wanted some information
from him. He acted as a guide for me. A complete roadmap of Kanyakumari was
explained. When my train reached, these same children came to drop me to my
coach. The sparkle in his eyes, expressions of reverence and sweetness had
added another chapter to the memories of Trivandrum.
Mother, I salute to thee !
The journey from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari was very
pleasant. Greenery all around. A series of coconut trees. Flower gardens.
Flourishing paddy crop. Distant small hills. Train passing through tunnels.
Entry into Tamil Nadu from Kerala. It was a strange world. There was a joy in
the heart - to be able to see India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Had several
trips to Kashmir. We have been witness to many inaccessible areas including
Amarnath, Srinagar, Feroze Lake, Gulmarg-Khilmarg, Kargil, Pahalgam, Anantnag
and Baramulla. The trip to Kanyakumari was the first experience of my life.
And, also an emotional moment – to be able to see the whole of India in one
thread. My head was bowed in worship of my motherland full of diversity. I was
reminded of the eminent litterateur and writer of India's national song, Shri
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Today, the passion to sing this song had awakened in
my heart full of joy. This song was-
वंदे मातरम्, वंदे मातरम् !
सुजलां सुफलां मलयजशीतलाम्
सस्य श्यामलां मातरंम् .
शुभ्र ज्योत्सनाम् पुलकित यामिनीम्
फुल्ल कुसुमित द्रुमदलशोभिनीम्,
सुहासिनीं सुमधुर भाषिणीम् .
सुखदां वरदां मातरम् ॥
कोटि कोटि कन्ठ कलकल निनाद कराले
द्विसप्त कोटि भुजैर्ध्रत खरकरवाले
के बोले मा तुमी अबले
बहुबल धारिणीम् नमामि तारिणीम्
रिपुदलवारिणीम् मातरम् ॥
तुमि विद्या तुमि धर्म, तुमि ह्रदि तुमि मर्म
त्वं हि प्राणाः शरीरे
बाहुते तुमि मा शक्ति,
हृदये तुमि मा भक्ति,
तोमारै प्रतिमा गडि मन्दिरे-मन्दिरे ॥
त्वं हि दुर्गा दशप्रहरणधारिणी
कमला कमलदल विहारिणी
वाणी विद्यादायिनी, नमामि त्वाम्
नमामि कमलां अमलां अतुलाम्
सुजलां सुफलां मातरम् ॥
श्यामलां सरलां सुस्मितां भूषिताम्
धरणीं भरणीं मातरम् ॥
वंदे मातरम्, वंदे मातरम् !
Kanyakumari:
“Lands of End”
After a journey of
about two hours, we were in Kanyakumari, the southernmost city of India. It also symbolizes “Land’s End”. Despite being a Tamil speaking city, there
were people who understood Hindi. The
accommodation arrangements here were at Shanmuga Residency. A little away from the city. Total solitude. Srinagar-Kanyakumari highway was at a short
distance from here. The beach was about
two kilometers away. And, Swami
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is about half 500 meters away from the coast. The coastline of Kanyakumari extends for
about 72 kilometers. It is the junction
of three seas. These are- Indian Ocean,
Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. The
changing color waves of the ocean give a feeling of Triveni. The city is rich spiritually and culturally. It was once a part of Kerala. That is why, this place has been mentioned in
Malayalam literature for centuries.
Explorers from the western world have also mentioned their memories of
this place. The most important among
them are the Greek philosopher and astronomer Claudius Ptolemy and the Venetian
merchant-traveller Marco Polo. The
Kanyakumari area became part of the Travancore state under the rule of King
Marthanda Varma between 1729 and 1758, with Padmanabhapuram as its
capital. After the independence of the
country, Travancore state merged with the Indian Union. And, in 1956 it became a district of Tamil
Nadu.
Arulmigu Bhagavathi
Amman Temple
The virgin girl is
the goddess here. This city is named
after him. The name of the temple dedicated
to the goddess is Kanya Kumari Temple.
People here call it Amman Temple or Arulmigu Bhagavathi Amman
Temple. We started our Kanyakumari tour
from this temple. As soon as one stepped
into this temple, which is animated with spiritual energy, one's mind was
bathed in the Ganges of peace. The cool
breeze was making me feel connected to the primal power. The view of the sun rays falling on the
picturesque beach and the temple was amazing.
It seemed as if she was worshiping Mother Nature. Mother's idol was picturesque. This idol is made of black stone. Mother was wearing a gorgeous golden ring in
her nose, which was shining beautifully on the black. Rituals have great importance in the
temple. Worship takes place here from 4
am to 8.30 pm. At the core of the temple
complex is a well called Gangateertham from where water for the consecration of
the goddess is brought. The main gate of
the temple opens only on special occasions.
Usually devotees enter the temple from the north gate. Kanyakumari is also considered among the 51
Shakti Peethas of India. It is believed
that the backbone of Sati had fallen here.
There is also a legend that the goddess protected this place from the
demon Banasur. Although the temple is
claimed to be 3000 years old, but from the point of view of archaeologists it
is a temple of the eighth century. The
Pandya emperors might have built it. It
was rebuilt from time to time during the rule of Chola, Cheri, Venad and Nayak
dynasties. The architecture of the
temple is of Dravidian style with intricate and intricate carvings on the black
stone pillars. There is a dome on the
temple. The idols of gods and goddesses
like Ganesha, Surya Dev, Appa Swami, Kaal Bhairav Vijay Sundari and Bal
Sundari etc. are carved on them. The
temple is at some height from the beach.
There is a wall of about 12 to 20 feet around it.
Thanumalayan: Temple
within a temple
We reached Suchindram
from Kanyakumari temple. There was
Thanumalayan temple here. People here
also call it Sthanumalayan Kovil Temple.
It was another unique example of Tamil and Kerala architectural
style. The temple complex was spread
over an area of about two acres. There
were two entrance gates (gopurams). We
entered the temple through the eastern gate.
The eastern gate was 11 storeys high.
The tower was about 144 feet high.
The facade of the temple was covered with statues. The pillared corridors of the temple were
awe-inspiring upon entry. The carved
sculptures of gods and goddesses on them were astonishing. When we reached inside through the long
corridor of the temple, there was a world of temples within the temple. Everyone had their own religious
significance. This was a bright glimpse
of Sanatan culture. There was a
wonderful combination of Shaiva and Vaishnav sects in this temple dedicated to
the Trinity. The main idol of
Jyotirlinga in the temple represents Shiva (Sthanu), Vishnu (Mala) and Brahma
(Ayana). On the basis of these the name
of the temple is Thanumalayan. The
concept of representing the three central deities of Sanatan Dharma in one
linga made it unique.
The second attraction
of the temple was the idol of Anchaneya or Hanuman. The mind was stunned to see this 22 feet high
statue carved from granite blocks. It
can be said to be one of the tallest statues of its kind in India. Similarly, the 21 feet high statue of Nandi
made of mortar and lime was also surprising.
It is one of the largest Nandi statues in India. Various scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata
were also depicted on various pillars of the temple. Reflecting the Kerala and Tamil architectural
style, the workmanship on the stones of this temple was amazing. As such, there were four musical pillars
carved from a single stone. These were
about 18 feet high. These were in the
Alankara Mandapam area. The special
thing was that when they were hit or a thumb or finger was placed on them,
musical notes started emanating. This
area, known as the Dancing Hall, contained an additional 1035 carved pillars.
It is said that this
place got its name from Suchindram Sthal Purana. According to Hindu mythology, Indra, the king
of the gods, was liberated from a curse by the location of the main linga in
the temple. The present masonry
structure of the temple was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th
century. Later expansion is attributed
to Thirumalai Nayak and the Travancore Maharajas. The region has many inscriptions from the
period of the early and medieval Cholas as well as other Pandya rulers and
Chera rulers. There are two inscriptions
of Kopparakesarivarman, who captured Madurai and Ezham (Sri Lanka) in the 30th
and 40th regnal years of Parantaka I (907–950 AD). The present temple was renovated in the 17th
century. The temple was administered and
controlled by "Thekkumon Madam", a famous Namboodiri priest
family. Now the maintenance and
administration of the temple is under Dharmapuram. Six daily rituals take place in the temple at
different times from 5:30 am to 9 pm.
Legacy of Swami
Vivekananda
While roaming around
we reached Vivekananda Kendra. Calm,
beautiful and pleasant environment. We
were moving towards the campus from the entrance gate. The mottoes of Swami Vivekananda written on
the walls were showing us a path. This
was the way to live a strong and prosperous life. To expand your infinite capabilities. To understand the most powerful power in the
universe, the mind. Because, we become what
we think. We are there, as are our
thoughts. We all have the power to
change our lives and create our future. The power of positive thoughts transforms
life. There was a long series of
inspiring ideas. In the clean and
peaceful green campus, I was experiencing the cool rain of peace in my
passionate mind. Everything was
organized here. It was a center of transmission
of Indian culture and tradition.
Programs on Yoga, Spirituality and Vedanta continue in this center
throughout the year. It is a heaven for
those interested in yoga. This center
represents the legacy of Swami Vivekananda.
It was conceived in 1972 by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh preacher Eknath
Ranade. Today its huge campus is like a
small township. Now it is recognized in
the country and the world. Spirituality
lovers keep coming here throughout the year.
Ramayana Darshanam
and Bharat Mata Sadanam
There was a beautiful
park in the Vivekananda Center campus and a very beautiful building. This was both a modern temple and a tourist
spot. There was a meditating statue of
Lord Shankar in the park. A stream of
water was flowing from his locks. The
second idol was of archer Shri Ram. At
the entrance of the temple, there was a 27 -foot -high granite stone statue of
Shri Hanuman. It was a wonderful use of
the sculptor's imagination. Sri Ramayana
Darshanam was located in a two -storey building of a beautiful building in this
temple complex, spread over an area of three and a half acres. The scene inside the temple was
surprised. 6 x 4 feet size (panel) 86
paintings had a great performance of Valmiki Ramayana's episodes, while 22
panels showed the importance of Ramayana in shaping India's price system. It was an exhibition that was the result of
deep research on Rama and Ramayana.
Whether it is the concept of Ramrajya, or Kavita, prose or drama written
in all the languages of the country through Valmiki, Kamban and Goswami
Tulsidas. Ramayana -based life was also
described in Asian countries such as Iran, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Burma, Philippines, China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan. Many of the Ramayana described in the folk
literature of seven states of Northeast India were included. A panel was mentioned on Swami Vivekananda's
views in the context of Ramayana. The
group of marble of Shri Ram Panchayatan was adding beauty to the beauty of the
exhibition. The upper floor of this
complex was-India Mata Sadanam. It was
showing Indian motherhood in Vedic, mythological and historical times. The statue of Bharat Mata was installed here. Apart from these, statues of Shri Padmanabh,
Natraj, Swami Vivekananda and Mata Kanyakumari were also cherished here. Famous mothers (1) Shakuntala (2) Jijabai,
(3) Parashakti (4) Yashoda, (5) Mata Sarada (6) Mata Sarada (6) Mata
Amritanandamayi and (7) Pictures of Gaidinalu were presented as beautiful
pictures. The credit for the illustrated
presentation of modern acrylic paintings of Ramayana Darshanam goes to the
famous artist Shri T. Bhaskaradas, while the temple complex was given by the
architect Shri K.K. Designed by
Dakshinamurthy and Shri Ganeshmurti.
Sunrise of spiritual
energy
It is a beach on
Bharatbhoomi, where sunrise and sunset fills with the secret of nature. My second day was in Kanyakumari. The eye was opened before dawn. Had to see sunrise. We reached the beach before six o'clock in
the morning. There was a redness on the
horizon of Sagar at around six o'clock.
The sun was rising. It seemed,
the sun is coming out from the deep sea.
This wonderful and indescribable scene once again turned me towards the
unresolved mysteries of the universe. It
was undoubtedly a moment of good fortune.
The eyes imprisoned the moment with the unique beauty of sunrise for a
lifetime. Connecting with the Sun means
connecting with your soul. And, as soon
as we connect with our soul, our energy starts to get rhythm in the vast existence
of the universe. All the anguish
disappear automatically. The reason is,
sunrise is also sunrise in the inner life.
Self -light eradicates the lack of lack.
It uses the creation of creation.
Where there is no lack, it is natural for life to be prosperous.
Sunset of divergence of views
In the evening we
came to see the sunset about five kilometers from Kanyakumari. There were stones and large rocks along the
ocean. There was a fair of tourists
here. The wind was very strong. There was aggression in the waves. Waves colliding with rocks were
shocking. It was evening. His roar could be heard far and wide. It was a thrilling experience to see ten-ten
feet of water jumping due to the clash of waves. We had moved forward through some
stones. A group from Gujarat was with
us. We were all imprisoned in the
unforgettable moments mobile. The sun
was hiding slowly. The waves were
changing color. There was a blur in the
vyom between the clouds. Sometimes our
eyes used to stand towards the sun, sometimes towards the sea. Both were about to settle in the eyes for a
moment. The mind had gone beyond
time. Along with the sunset of the
earth, the deviation of my thoughts was also getting sunset. The body and mind had become lighter. A relaxation was coming. It was a surety- to live life in its own
way. To flow in your nature. To live free.
This world is a theater and all of us artists. We have a role. This role is the purpose of living life. A purposeful life is also meaningful for
itself and also for others. Thinking
about Rangkarma and art, we walked on the same side.
Kathakali and Bharat
Natyam
It was night with
sunset. The theater was waiting for
us. About five kilometers from
Kanyakumari. It was a very beautiful
theater. The best combination of light,
sound and smoke. This was my first
experience to see Kathakali, Bharat Natyam and dance drama with classical
fusion. Classical dance, which started
with Dev Aradhana in the traditional style of Kerala, had taunted the stars of
the heart veena. For about ten minutes,
the fusion of classical and modern had waged such a tone that the imagination
of heaven on earth had come true. The
stamped footsteps, expressions and postures were telling the mysterious world
of rasa-rang hidden in humans. Bharat
Natyam was focused on watching. The
entire combination of the juicy Kathakali was focused on Sita Swayamvar. Different patterns of music. Real acting.
Dialogue with eyes. Gestures from
Bhrkutis. Explaining the story, they are
feeling emotions. The unique
coordination of dance, music and acting made Kathakali juicy. It was a tableau of the same juice form,
which the Taittiriopanishad Upanishads the formula. The formula is-
““रसो वै सः। रसं ह्येवायं लब्ध्वानन्दी भवति।"
He (God) is the form
of juice. Wherever there is juice in
life, there will be pleasure. And, where
there is joy, God shows his glimpse.
Seeing Kathakala Dance and Bharat Natyam, the mind became
different. A unique incident took place
before the show concludes. The show's producer
suddenly called me to the theater. One
by one, he introduced all the artists, with them our photo session was also
done. It was a memorable moment. It was late at night. The organizers had made arrangements to get
me up to my residence.
Swami Vivekananda
Rock Memorial
Today was my last day
in Kanyakumari. It was nine in the
morning. I had to go to Swami
Vivekananda Rock Memorial. There was a
large crowd of steamer tickets.
Everything was organized.
Steamers and Ferry ships standing on the coast were engaged in bringing
people to the rock memorial. In about
fifteen minutes we reached Vivekananda Rock.
In the midst of the ocean, this rock was doing a hypnotic. The saffron flag was waving on the dome of
the Dhyan Mandap on Rock. The dome of
this monument made of blue and red granite stones was about 70 feet high. The memorial surrounded the Lakshadweep
Sea. The confluence of the Bay of
Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea was being held nearby. From here, the mind was destroyed by seeing
the blue ocean and the blue sky. The
cursory sea air was filled with freshness.
The tunes of classical music in a dim voice were awakening the energy of
the inner being. We climbed the stairs
and reached the meditation pavilion. As
soon as we entered from the door, there was a statue of Parivrajak Swami
Vivekananda in front of us. This eight
and a half foot statue on a four -foot platform is made of bronze. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial itself is
timeless like a sage. It is believed
that Swami Vivekananda swam and reached this island situated in the middle of
the sea. He meditated on the rock for
three days and nights, until he received enlightenment there. Swamiji reached Kanyakumari in 1892.
Power of mind is
related to the universe
Swami Vivekananda
thoughts came alive in the quiet campus of Dhyan Mandap. Swami ji used to say- “Listen to your heart
in the struggle between heart and mind.
There is a way to get out of every problem-make your mind powerful. All the minds in the universe are connected
to each other. By controlling your mind,
everyone's minds are controlled. Your
will power/determination power communicates continuous divine energy to you.
”Swamiji's motto was showing me my future.
This sentence was- "Untitat Jagrat attainable
varnibodhat." Wake up, wake up and
do not stop until the goal is achieved.
Quitting the balance of the middle of the Vivekananda Shilas and the
lord of the Swami was now in the heart.
Saint Thiruvalluvar
statue
The statue of Tamil
poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar was reminiscent of the statue of Statue of
Liberty located in New York Harbor. The
statue standing on a 38 -foot platform is about 95 feet high. The head of the idol is at an altitude of 61
meters above sea level. Thiruvalluvar was
the identity of religion and morality.
He is the author of the Tamil Granth Thirukkural. The first of the three books of Thirukkural
represents 38 chapters of virtue. The
second and third book represents wealth and love. The design of the idol shows his message that
wealth and love can be earned and enjoyed on the foundation of solid
virtue. The three fingers of the right
hand of the idol point towards the sky.
It tells about the three cantos of the Thirukkural book which are the
basis of virtue, wealth and love. This
idol, with a slight twisting around the waist, reminds of the dance posture of
Hindu deities like Nataraja. This statue
of about 7,000 tonnes is the pride of Tamil culture. This statue could be seen from any coast of
Kanyakumari. Vivekananda Rock Memorial
and Murthy's architecture is in the same style.
This idol is a cultural mixture of architecture. At night, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the
idol of Saint Thiruvalluvar take a bath in colorful lights.
No comments:
Post a Comment