ಜಂಬೂ ಸವಾರಿ

ಆನೆಗಳು ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆ. ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಜಂಬೂ ಸವಾರಿಯ ರೂವಾರಿಗಳೂ ಹೌದು. ಆನೆಗಳಿಲ್ಲದ ದಸರಾವನ್ನು ಊಹಿಸಲೂ ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ. ವಿವಿಧ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರಗಳಿಂದ ಎರಡು ತಂಡವಾಗಿ ಆಗಮಿಸುವ ಗಜಪಡೆ, ಕಾಡಿನಿಂದ ನಗರ ಪ್ರವೇಶಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆಯೇ ಮೈಸೂರಿಗೆ ದಸರಾ ಕಳೆ ಬಂದು ಬಿಡುತ್ತದೆ.

ದಸರಾಕ್ಕೆ ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದೂವರೆ ತಿಂಗಳಿರುವಾಗಲೇ ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆಯ ವೀರನಹೊಸಹಳ್ಳಿಯಿಂದ ಬಲರಾಮ ನೇತೃತ್ವದ ಆರು ಆನೆಗಳ ಮೊದಲ ತಂಡದ ಗಜಪಯಣ ಮೈಸೂರಿಗೆ ಆಗಮಿಸಿದರೆ, ಆ ನಂತರ ದಸರಾಕ್ಕೆ ಕೆಲವೇ ದಿನಗಳ ಅಂತರದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿದ ಆರು ಆನೆಗಳ ಎರಡನೆಯ ತಂಡ ಬರುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ಗಜಪಡೆಗೆ ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಅರಮನೆ ಆವರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ದಿನನಿತ್ಯ ವಿವಿಧ ಬಗೆಯ ಭೂರೀ ಭೋಜನ. ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಜಂಬೂ ಸವಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ 750 ಕೆ.ಜಿ. ತೂಕದ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಅಂಬಾರಿ ಹೊತ್ತು ಸಾಗುವ ಬಲರಾಮನಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ ಸತ್ಕಾರಗಳು ನಡೆಯುತ್ತವೆ. ಉದ್ದು. ಗೋಧಿ, ಕುಸುಲಕ್ಕಿ, ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ, ಹಸಿ ತರಕಾರಿಗಳ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಉಂಡೆ, ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಬೆಣ್ಣೆ, ಭತ್ತ, ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ, ಹಿಂಡಿ, ಕಬ್ಬು, ಬೆಲ್ಲ, ಉಚ್ಚೆಳ್ಳು ಮೊದಲಾದ ಸೈಡ್ ಐಟಂಗಳೂ ಇರುತ್ತವೆ. ಇದಲ್ಲದೆ, ಹಸಿರು ಮೇವುಗಳಾಗಿ ಆಲದ ಮರದ ಸೊಪ್ಪು, ಹುಲ್ಲನ್ನು ಆಗಾಗ್ಗೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ದಿನಕ್ಕೆರಡು ಬಾರಿ ಅರಮನೆ ಆವರಣದ ತೊಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಜ್ಜನದ ವೈಭೋಗ.

ಜಂಬೂ ಸವಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ಅಡೆತಡೆಗೆ ಬಗ್ಗದೆ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಯಲು ಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿರಲು ಬಲರಾಮನಿಗೆ ಸುಮಾರು 750 ಕೆ.ಜಿ. ತೂಕದ ಮರದ ಅಂಬಾರಿಯನ್ನು, ಉಳಿದ ಆನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಮರಳಿನ ಮೂಟೆಯನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟಿ ದಿನಕ್ಕೊಮ್ಮೆ ಅರಮನೆಯಿಂದ ಸಯ್ಯಾಜಿರಾವ್ ರಸ್ತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬನ್ನಿ ಮಂಟಪದವರೆಗೆ ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ ಮಾರ್ಚ್‌ಫಾಸ್ಟ್ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ಗಜಪಡೆಯ ಉಸ್ತುವಾರಿಗೆ ಮಾವುತರು, ಕಾವಡಿಗರು ಇರುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಪಶುವೈದ್ಯಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಿಂದ ಆಗಾಗ್ಗೆ ತಪಾಸಣೆಯೂ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ಗಜಪಡೆಯನ್ನು ಜತನದಿಂದ ನೋಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಮಾವುತರ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳಿಗೆ ಅರಮನೆಯ ಆವರಣದಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಶೆಡ್ ಹಾಕಿ ವಾಸ್ತವ್ಯದ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.
ಈ ಬಾರಿಯ ದಸರಾ ಜಂಬೂ ಸವಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಲರಾಮನ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಅರ್ಜುನ, ಮೇರಿ, ಗಜೇಂದ್ರ, ಕವಿತ, ವರಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ, ಶ್ರೀರಾಮ, ಅಭಿಮನ್ಯು, ಹರ್ಷ, ವಿಕ್ರಮ್, ಸರಳ, ಕಾಂತಿ ಸೇರಿ ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಆನೆಗಳು ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳಲಿದ್ದು, ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ಆಗಮಿಸಿರುವ ಬಲರಾಮ, ಅರ್ಜುನ, ಮೇರಿ, ಗಜೇಂದ್ರ, ಕವಿತ, ವರಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಆನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ತಾಲೀಮು ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಉಳಿದ ಗಜಗಳ ಎರಡನೆಯ ತಂಡ ಈ ತಿಂಗಳ ಕೊನೆಯ ವಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೈಸೂರು ಪ್ರವೇಶಿಸಲಿದೆ.

ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದೂವರೆ ತಿಂಗಳಿಗೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕಾಲ ದಿನನಿತ್ಯ ಕಠಿಣ ತಾಲೀಮು ನಡೆಸಿ ದಸರಾ ದಿನದಂದು ಕಣ್ಣು ಕುಕ್ಕಿಸುವಂತಹ ವೇಷಭೂಷಣಗಳಿಂದ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಗಾಂಭೀರ್ಯದ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆಯನ್ನಿಡುತ್ತಾ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಗುವ ಗಜಪಡೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಯುವ ಕುತೂಹಲ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೂ ಇದ್ದೇ ಇರುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ಬಾರಿಯ ಗಜಪಡೆಯ ವಿವರ ಹೀಗಿದೆ.

ಬಲರಾಮ: ಚಿನ್ನದ ಅಂಬಾರಿ ಹೊತ್ತು ಮುನ್ನಡೆಯುವ ಬಲರಾಮ ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದ ಮತ್ತಿಗೋಡು ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದ್ದು, ಈಗ 52 ವರ್ಷ. ಸೌಮ್ಯ ಸ್ವಭಾವದ ಈತ 2.70 ಮೀಟರ್ ಎತ್ತರ ಇದ್ದಾನೆ. ಹದಿನಾರು ಬಾರಿ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಕಳೆದ ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ವರ್ಷದಿಂದ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಅಂಬಾರಿ ಹೊರುವ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದ್ದಾನೆ. ಬಲರಾಮನನ್ನು 1987ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಡಗು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಕಟ್ಟೆಪುರ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿತ್ತು.

ಅರ್ಜುನ: ಕಳೆದ 9 ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಂದ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿರುವ ಅರ್ಜುನನಿಗೆ ಈಗ 49 ವರ್ಷ. ಈತನ ಎತ್ತರ 2.65 ಮೀಟರ್. 1969ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಡಗು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಹೆಬ್ಬಳ್ಳ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಖೆಡ್ಡಾ ಮೂಲಕ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿದಿದ್ದು, ಹಿಂದಿನ ಅಂಬಾರಿ ಆನೆ ದ್ರೋಣನ ನಂತರ ಒಂದು ಬಾರಿ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಅಂಬಾರಿ ಹೊತ್ತ ಅನುಭವವಿದೆ. ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದ ಬಳ್ಳೆ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಈತ ಬಂದಿದ್ದಾನೆ.

ಮೇರಿ: 54 ವರ್ಷದ ಹೆಣ್ಣಾನೆ ಮೇರಿ 2.11 ಮೀಟರ್ ಎತ್ತರವಿದೆ. ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದ ಅಂತರಸಂತೆ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ವಲಯದ ಸುಂಕದಕಟ್ಟೆ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು 1977ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಕನಕೋಟೆ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಇದುವರೆಗೆ 9 ಬಾರಿ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಂಡಿದೆ.

'ಪಟ್ಟದ ಆನೆ' ಗಜೇಂದ್ರ: ಚಾಮರಾಜನಗರ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಕೆ.ಗುಡಿ ಆನೆಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿರುವ ಗಜೇಂದ್ರನಿಗೆ ಈಗ 55 ವರ್ಷ. 2.80 ಮೀಟರ್ ಎತ್ತರವಿದ್ದಾನೆ. ಈತನನ್ನು 1987ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಡಗು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಕಟ್ಟೆಪುರ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಿವಳಿಕೆ ಔಷಧಿ ನೀಡುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಮಹಾರಾಜರ ಅರಮನೆಯ ಪೂಜೆಯ ವಿಧಿ ವಿಧಾನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸುವ ಪಟ್ಟದ ಆನೆಯಾಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಗಜೇಂದ್ರನಿಗೆ 14 ಬಾರಿ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಂಡ ಅನುಭವವಿದೆ.

ಕವಿತಾ: ಕಾಕನಕೋಟೆ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ 1977ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕವಿತಾಳನ್ನು ಖೆಡ್ಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಈಕೆಗೆ ಈಗ 69 ವರ್ಷ. ಸುಮಾರು 2.35 ಮೀಟರ್ ಎತ್ತರವಿರುವ ಕವಿತಾ, ಚಾಮರಾಜನಗರ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಕೆ.ಗುಡಿ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದ್ದಾಳೆ. 5 ಬಾರಿ ದಸರಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಂಡ ಅನುಭವವಿದೆ.

ವರಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ: ಈ ಆನೆಯನ್ನು 1977ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಕನಕೋಟೆ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿದ್ದು, ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದ ಸುಂಕದಕಟ್ಟೆ ಆನೆಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದೆ. 7ನೇ ಬಾರಿಗೆ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ಶ್ರೀರಾಮ: ಇದರ ಅಂದಾಜು ವಯಸ್ಸು 53. ಎತ್ತರ 2.65 ಮೀಟರ್. 1969ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಡಗು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ತಿತಿಮತಿ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಖೆಡ್ಡಾ ಮೂಲಕ ಸೆರೆ ಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಚಾಮರಾಜನಗರ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಕೆ.ಗುಡಿ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿರುವ ವರಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಕಳೆದ 13 ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಂದ ದಸರಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಪಟ್ಟದ ಆನೆಯ ಜೊತೆ ಅರಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪೂಜಾ ಕಾರ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ಅಭಿಮನ್ಯು: ಇದರ ವಯಸ್ಸು 44. ಎತ್ತರ 2.66 ಮೀಟರ್. ಕಾಡಾನೆಯನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿದು ಪಳಗಿಸುವ ಹಾಗೂ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ನೀಡುವ ಕಾರ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ನೈಪುಣ್ಯತೆ ಪಡೆದಿರುವ ಅಭಿಮನ್ಯು ಎಂತಹ ಬಲಿಷ್ಠ ಆನೆಯನ್ನು ಕೂಡ ಎದುರಿಸಿ ಹಿಡಿತದಲ್ಲಿಡುವ ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯ ಹೊಂದಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು 1977ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಡಗಿನ ಹೆಬ್ಬಳ್ಳ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಖೆಡ್ಡಾದ ಮೂಲಕ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. 12 ಬಾರಿ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿರುವ ಅಭಿಮನ್ಯು, ಅರಮನೆ ವಾದ್ಯ ಸಂಗೀತದ ಗಾಡಿ ಎಳೆಯುವ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿಯನ್ನು ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದ ಮೂರ್ಕಲ್ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದೆ.

ಹರ್ಷ: ಕೊಡಗಿನ ಕುಶಾಲನಗರ ಬಳಿಯ ದುಬಾರೆ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿರುವ ಹರ್ಷನ ವಯಸ್ಸು 44. ಎತ್ತರ 2.57 ಮೀಟರ್. ಇದನ್ನು 1990ರಲ್ಲಿ ದೊಡ್ಡಬೆಟ್ಟ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಹನ್ನೊಂದನೇ ಬಾರಿಗೆ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ವಿಕ್ರಮ್: ಕೊಡಗಿನ ಕುಶಾಲನಗರ ಬಳಿಯ ದುಬಾರೆ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿರುವ ವಿಕ್ರಮ್‌ಗೆ 38 ವರ್ಷ. ಇದನ್ನು 1990ರಲ್ಲಿ ದೊಡ್ಡಬೆಟ್ಟ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಿವಳಿಕೆ ಔಷಧಿ ನೀಡುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಇದು 9ನೇ ಬಾರಿಗೆ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ಸರಳಾ: ಕಳೆದ ಆರು ಬಾರಿ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿರುವ 69 ವರ್ಷದ ಸರಳಾಳನ್ನು 1977ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಕನಕೋಟೆ ಅರಣ್ಯಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಖೆಡ್ಡಾದ ಮೂಲಕ ಸೆರೆ ಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಗಿದೆ. ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದ ಸುಂಕದಕಟ್ಟೆ ಆನೆಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದೆ.

ಕಾಂತಿ: ಗಜಪಡೆಗಳಿಗೆಲ್ಲಾ ಹಿರಿಯಜ್ಜಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಕಾಂತಿಗೆ ಈಗ 71 ವರ್ಷ. 2.10 ಮೀಟರ್ ಎತ್ತರವಿರುವ ಇದು ಚಾಮರಾಜನಗರ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಕೆ.ಗುಡಿ ಆನೆ ಶಿಬಿರದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದೆ. 1968ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಕನಕೋಟೆ ಅರಣ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಖೆಡ್ಡಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೆರೆಹಿಡಿಯಲಾಯಿತು. ಇದುವರೆಗೆ 16 ಬಾರಿ ದಸರಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದ ಜಂಬೂ ಸವಾರಿ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದೆ.

Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya

Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya
15 September 1860 - 14 April 1962
was a notable Indian engineer, scholar, and statesman born at Muddenahalli, near Kanivenarayanapura, in present day Chikballapur District of Karnataka State. He is a recipient of the Indian Republic's highest honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1955. He was also knighted as a Commander of the Indian Empire by King George V for his myriad contributions to the public good. Every year, 15 September is celebrated as the Engineer's Day in India in his memory. He is held in high regard as the first and pre-eminent Engineer of India..
Early years
Sir M. V. was born to Srinivasa Sastry and Venkachamma at Muddenahalli village, Kanivenarayanapura hobli, Chikkaballapur District of present-day Karnataka, in what was then the princely state of Mysore. His father Srinivasa Sastry was a Sanskrit scholar and an authority on the Hindu scriptures, besides being an Ayurvedic practitioner. Sir M. V.'s ancestors actually hailed from the village of Mokshagundam near Giddalur in the Prakasam District of present-day Andhra Pradesh; they had migrated to Mysore state perhaps three centuries ago. The family name "Mokshagundam", preserves the memory of his association with Andhra Pradesh. His mother tongue was Telugu
The young Visvesvaraya lost his father at the age of 15. The family was resident at Kurnool of Andhra Pradesh when this calamity befell them; they moved back to Muddenahalli thereafter. Sir M. V. attended primary school at Chikkaballapur and high school at Bangalore. He earned his B.A. from the Madras University in 1881 and later studied civil engineering at the College of Science, Pune, now known as the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP).
Career as engineer
Upon graduating as an engineer, Visvesvaraya took up a job with the Public Works Department (PWD) of Bombay now known as Mumbai, and was later invited to join the Indian Irrigation Commission. He implemented an extremely intricate system of irrigation in the Deccan area. He also designed and patented a system of automatic weir water floodgates which were first installed in 1903 at the Khadakvasla reservoir near Pune. These gates were employed to raise the flood supply level of storage in the reservoir to the highest level likely to be attained by its flood without causing any damage to the dam. Based on the success of these gates, the same system was installed at the Tigra dam in Gwalior and the Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS) dam in Mandya but many of them say that it is in mysore
Visvesvaraya achieved celebrity status when he designed a flood protection system to protect the city of Hyderabad from floods. He was also instrumental in developing a system to protect Vishakapatnam port from sea erosion.
Sir M. V. supervised the construction of the KRS dam across the Cauvery River from concept to inauguration. This dam created the biggest reservoir in Asia at the time it was built[citation needed]. Sir MV was rightly called the "Father of modern Mysore state" (now Karnataka): During his period of service with the Government of Mysore state, he was responsible for the founding of, under the aegis of that government, the Mysore Soap Factory, the Parasitoide laboratory, the Mysore Iron & Steel Works (now known as Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited) in Bhadravathi, the Sri Jayachamarajendra Polytechnic Institute, the Bangalore Agricultural University, the State Bank of Mysore, The Century Club, Mysore Chambers of Commerce and numerous other industrial ventures. He also encouraged private investment in industry during his tenure as Diwan of Mysore. He was also instrumental in charting out the plan for road construction between Tirumala and Tirupati.He was known for sincerity,time management and dedication to a cause.
As the Diwan of Mysore
After opting for voluntary retirement in 1908, he took a foreign tour to study industrialised nations and there after, for a short period he worked for Nizam of Hyderabad. He suggested flood relief measures for Hyderabad town,which was under constant threat of floods by Moosi river. Later, during November 1909, Visvesvaraya was appointed as Chief Engineer of Mysore State. Further, during the year, 1912, he was appointed as Diwan or First Minister of the princely state of Mysore. With the support of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore, Visvesvaraya made an arguably unprecedented contribution as Diwan to the all-round development of the state. Not only the Krishnaraja Sagara dam and reservoir, the steel works at Bhadravathi, the Sri Jayachamarajendra Polytechnic Institute at Bangalore, the University of Mysore, Bank of Mysore Limited (now State Bank of Mysore) at Bangalore [1913]Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL) - Govt Soap Factory [1916] and many other industries and public works owe their inception or active nurturing to him. He was instrumental in the founding of the "Government Engineering College" at Bangalore in 1917, one of the first engineering institutes in India. This institution was later named the "University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering" (UVCE) after its founder. It remains one of the most reputed institutes of engineering in Karnataka. He also commissioned several new railway lines in Mysore states.
Honours
In 1915, while he was the Diwan of Mysore, Visvesvaraya was made Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire by the British for his myriad contributions to the public good. After India attained independence, Sir M. Visvesvaraya was given the nation's highest honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1955.
Sir M.V. was honoured with honorary membership of the international Institution of Civil Engineers (based in London) and a fellowship of the Indian Institute of Science (based in Bangalore). He was also awarded several honorary doctoral degrees like D.Sc., LL.D., D.Litt. from various universities in India. He was president of the 1923 Session of the Indian Science Congress. Sir MV was also awarded honorary Membership of London Institution of Civil Engineers for an unbroken period of 50 years.[1]
The family temple at Muddenahalli

Sir M.V.'s mother discovered a stone that had a structure carved on it. One day, when she was returning home by a bullock cart, she noticed a stone lying in a field at the edge of the road. A few days later, she found the stone still there. After several trips past the stone, she stopped the bullock cart and asked the villagers about it.The villagers also had no idea about the stone.The stone was taken to her house and a temple was constructed which exists even to day.



Memorial at Muddenahalli
There is a beautiful and very picturesque memorial of Sir M. V. located on the family-owned land at Muddenahalli, with the Nandi Hills as a backdrop.
Developments in Muddenahalli
In honor of Sir Visvesvarayya, a number of educational institutions are currently being constructed in the Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura region. Among these is the Sathya Sai Baba University and School of Medicine [2], the elite Indian Institute of Technology Muddenahalli, as well as the 600 crore Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology [3][4]. These developments will make the historical town of Muddenahalli the premier educational hub in northern Bangalore

Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple, Srirangapattana

Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple, Srirangapattana , Mandya
Location:
Although situated a mere 19 km from Mysore city, Srirangapattana lies in the neighbouring district of Mandya. The entire town is enclosed by the river Kaveri to form an island, northern half of which is shown in the image to the right. While the main river flows on the eastern side of the island, the Paschima Vaahini segment of the same river flows to its west. The town is easily accessible by train from Bangalore and Mysore and is also well-connected by road, lying as it does just off the Bangalore-Mysore highway. The highway passes through this town and special care was taken to minimize any impact on the monuments here.
History:Sri Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangapatna is considered to be one of the most important Vaishnavite shrines in South India. Built by the Gangas in the 9th century, this temple is noted for beautiful carvings and architecture of Hoysala and Vijayanagar style. The temple is a tribute to Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu) and the idol of Lord Ranganatha is seen in sleeping posture on Kalinga – the seven-headed serpent. Srirangapatna or Srirangapatnam a city situated on the banks of River Kaveri is in Mysore in Karnataka, India.
The temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu as Sri Ranganatha swamy. The lord is resting on adhi sesha here and the temple is on kaveri banks. The temple has a big gopuram and huge walls surrounding it depicting ancient architecture.Srirangapatna is among the Pancharanga kshetram along the river kaveri, others being srirangam, tiruvindalur, kumbakonam and Koyiladi.
How to Reach:
Srirangapatna is on the Bangalore –Mysore State Highway. It is closer to Mysore.
Nearest Rail head- Mysore
Nearest Airport- Bangalore
Sannadhis(other shrines):
1. Sri Ranganatha Perumal
2. Ranganayaki Thayar
3. Panchamukha Hanuman
4. Krishna
5. Lord Srinivasa
6. Alwars
7. Vaishnava Acharyas
Other Temples:
1. God Ganesha Temple In Front of Ranganatha Swamy Temple
2. Gangadhareswara Swamy Temple
3. Lakshminasimha Swamy Temple
4. JyothiMahaswara Temple
5. Bidhcotta Ganesha Temple
6. Panduranga Swamy Temple
7. Sathyanarayana Swamy Temple
8. Anjunaya Swamy Temple in main Road.

GURU RAGHAVENDRA

LIFE HISTORY OF GURU RAGHAVENDRA
pUjyAya rAghavendrAya satyadharmaratAya chabhajatAM kalpavR^ixAya namatAM kAmadhenavedurvAdidhvAntaravaye vaishhNavIndIvarIndaveshrI rAghavendragurave namo.atyantadayALuve
(I worship as the Kalpa-vrksha, and salute as the kAmadhenu the esteemed RaghavEndra who is always engrossed in the true dharma;. He is a brilliant sun who destroys the false arguer, and a moon that casts a mellow light upon the ViShNu bhaktas; salutations to that Guru ShrI RAghavEndra; salutations to the one of extremely kind disposition.)
Introduction Antecedents:
It is popular belief, based on testimonials from aparOxa gyAnis, that the incarnations of rAyaru are as follows - Sankukarna – PrahlAda – bAhlIka – vyAsa tIrtha –Guru rAyaru (Guru Raghavendra). Let us take a closer look at each person in the lineage.
Sankukarna was a karmaja dEvata assisting chaturmukha brahma in the pUja of the Lord. One day, he was a little late in bringing flowers for the pooja and brahma cursed him to be born on the earth. Obviously this was a pretense since brahma is beyond flaws like anger, greed etc. The real intention of brahma was to pave the way for the incarnation of narasimha and also to show the world the greatness of sankukarna.
The story of prahlAda is very well known and needs no further elaboration. BAhlIka was a very pious king in dvApara yuga. He was a great devotee of Lord Krishna, but due to circumstances beyond his control he ended up fighting against the pAnDavas. He wanted to die at the hands of bhIma and so challanged him to a fight, but bhIma was reluctant to hurt a devotee of the Lord. BAhLika begged him to kill him so that he could take future births and serve him (bhIma or madhvAchArya) with devotion. BhIma agreed to do that provided bAhlika hit the first blow. When bAhlika did as directed, bhIma hit him gently with his formidable mace. Thus bAhlIka got the death he wanted, a heart full of devotion towards Krishna, and the divine sight of Krishna and bhIma at the time of his death.
BAhlIka was reborn as vyAsa tIrtha, one of the most revered mAdhva saints. He was an excellent writer with several great works to his credit, the chief ones being tAtparya chandrika, tarka tAnDava and nyAyamruta. He was the revered rAjaguru who helped king krishnadEvarAya through several major crisis in his life. He was the jeweler who gave us precious gems like purandara dAsaru and kanakadAsaru, and did invaluable service to the cause of haridAsa sAhitya. Above all, he was a very great devotee of hari and vAyu, who established over 732 hanumanta icons including the famous yantrodhdhAraka temple in hampi, personally worshipped Lord Venkateshwara in tirupati for over 12 years and composed hundreds of devotional songs.
vyAsa tIrtha was reborn as venkaTanAtha (who later became rAyaru), with the special grace of hari and vAyu dEvaru. This belief is based on the testimonial of aparOxa gyAnis and has never been questioned.
ShrI vijaEndra tIrtha and sudhIndra tIrtha:
shrI vyAsa tIrtha had many illustrious disciples, but shri vijayIndra tIrtha was his favorite. VyAsarAyaru was grooming him to be his successor, but destiny willed otherwise. vijayIndraru was handed over to shrI surEndra tIrtharu of vibhudEndra maTha (as it was known then).
Birth and childhood
The fall of the vijayanagar kingdom had an adverse effect on many scholars who depended on royal patronage. Most of them moved south with their families, finding refuge with southern kings and chieftains. One such scholar was Thimmanna Bhatta, grandson of Krishnabhatta, who had tutored King Krishnadevaraya in the veena. Thimmanna belonged to the gautama gOtra and was married to GopikAmba. Initially, this couple had 2 children – GururAja and VenkATamba. Later in 1595, by the grace of Lord Venkateshwara, a third son was born to this couple. They named him VenkaTanAtha (some books refer to him as Venkanna bhatta).
Education
VenkaTanAtha proved to be a very brilliant scholar. This greatness was visible even he was a child. For example, he is supposed to have questioned his father as to how a small object like ‘Om’ could capture the infinite greatness of god. However, his father did not live long enough to see the greatness of his son, he passed away when VenkaTanAtha was still at a very young age.
VenkaTanAtha’s brother took care of his upbringing. The initial portion of his education was under his brother-in-law LakshmInarasimhAchArya of Madurai.
Married life along with continued education
Upon returning from Madurai, VenkaTanAtha was married to Saraswati, who was from a noble family. The Shastras say that for one who has control of his senses, wedded life does not hamper learning. For VenkaTanAtha, most of his learning occurred after marrying Saraswati, through the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. So VenkaTanAtha went to Kumbhakonam, the seat of learning at the time. There he studied dvaita vEdanta, advanced works on grammer and other sastras under sudhIndra tIrtha. He used to stay awake past midnight to write his own comments and notes on the lessons that had been done. He engaged in debate and defeated several scholars of opposing doctrines; one of them was Venkatesvara dIkshita, a famous scholar of the Tanjore court in 1620. Though his victory was not unexpected sudhIndra tIrtha was surprised at his scholarship in grammar, profound knowledge and rare debating skill, and called him "MahAbhAshya VenkaTanAthAchArya". Similarly he explained the significance of taptamudra dhAraNa quoting several smR^iti-s that the opponents had to accept his arguments were irrefutable.
Married Life - utter, dire poverty haunts venkaTanAtha
VenkaTanAtha’s brother arranged for his marriage with saraswathi, a lady from a good family. Saraswathi proved to be an ideal wife to VenkaTanAtha, and the couple had a son whom they named lakshmInArAyaNa.
VenkaTanAtha was a skilled musician and a great scholar, but he never demanded any money for his services and accepted whatever was offered to him. Since this happened very rarely, he had little or no means to support his family and had to endure a life of utter, dire poverty. A description of the hardhips faced by him will melt anybody’s heart. If other families observed EkAdashi twice a month, VenkaTanAtha’s family did that several times in a week. His poverty was so stark that he could not afford a drop of oil to take an oil-bath on a festival day like dIpAvali. His family did not see new clothes for years. Inspite of all this, he never lost his equanimity or wavered in his faith towards the Lord. He continued his self-study, and free teachings, determined to live by whatever came to him unsought and unasked.
Playing with fire - disrespecting a true hari bhakta
VenkaTanAtha once attended a wedding. Since he was poor and not well dressed, the hosts did not treat him well. They thought that he had come for the free food and wanted him to earn his meal. To this end, they asked him to grind sandalwood and generate the paste, to which he readily agreed. Out of habit, he started reciting vedic sUktas while grinding. Soon, the task was done and the paste was handed over to the Brahmins attending the function. When they applied the paste to their bodies, they experienced a strong burning sensation. On further enquiry it was found that unknowingly VenkaTanAtha had recited agni sUkta while grinding the paste. The Brahmins immediately understood that the VenkaTanAtha was a divine personality and his recitation of agni sUkta had invoked the presence of agni in the paste. The host begged VenkaTanAtha for forgiveness and asked him to generate some paste while reciting varuna sUkta. When this paste was applied, the burning subsided. Such was the potency of mantras recited by VenkaTanAtha.
The point to note is that he did not deliberately do this out of anger or sorrow at the host’s disgusting behavior. He took everything with equanimity and did what came naturally to him – pray to the Lord through vedic hymns. It was Divine will that the world at large should learn about the greatness of VenkaTanAtha, and that’s why he ended up reciting agni sUkta.
Return to sudhIndra tIrtha’s care
To add insult to injury, thieves raided VenkaTanAtha’s house one day and looted whatever little he had in terms of vessels, clothes. After this, he decided to seek refuge in shrI sudhIndra tIrtha as there was absolutely no way of maintaining his family.
Entry into asceticism
shrI sudhIndra tIrtha was on the lookout for a suitable successor to carry on the glorious tradition of his maTha. The more he saw of VenkaTanAtha, the greater was his conviction that he was the right successor. One day, he received an indication in his dream that VenkaTanAtha would be the most ideal successor he could get. He was overjoyed and immediately acted upon this suggestion. He communicated his desire to VenkaTanAtha. VenkaTanAtha was on the horns of a dilemma since he was torn between 2 powerful forces – his respect for sudhIndra tIrtha’s words and his responsibilities as a householder. Finally, after great deliberation, he told sudhIndra tIrtha that he could not take up this responsibility as he had a young wife and a son who was yet to undergo upanayanam. sudhIndra tIrtha was disappointed but not disheartened as he knew ultimately Divine will would prevail and VenkaTanAtha would accede to his request.
Becomes sanyAsi after vidyA lakshmi requests him
That night VenkaTanAtha had a very strange dream. Vidya Lakshmi Herself appeared before him and told him, “After feasting on the intellectual treats provided by ShrI MadhvAchArya, jaya tIrtha, vyAsa tIrtha, vAdirAja and others, I am once again starving. The light of tattvavAda created by your beloved shrImadAchArya will be extinguished by the darkness of other philosophies. To prevent this from happening, noble souls like you should shed their material bondage and dedicate themselves to the cause of hari and vAyu. This is both your duty and your destiny. You are a great soul, destined to provide solace and succor to millions of needy people. Accept sudhIndra tIrtha’s request and take up sanyAsa. You are shrI hari’s beloved devotee and this is what He expects from you”. VenkaTanAtha woke up with a start. His dilemmas were resolved and he was sure where his responsibilities lay.
He convinced his wife and communicated his assent to sudhIndra tIrtha. Within a short time, his son LakshmInArAyaNa’s upanayana was performed and everything was set for his entry into asceticism.
Wife becomes ghost, obtains liberation:
The Sanyasa ordination was arranged to take place on the second day of the bright half of PAlguNa mAsa in the year durmati corresponding to the year 1621. The spot chosen was Tanjore, in order to avoid hurting the feelings of VenkaTanAtha’s young wife Saraswati. Finally, the grand day when VenkaTanAtha would relinquish his life as a householder and become a sanyAsi arrived. Saraswathi was required to stay home. However, at the last minute she was seized by a desire to see her husband’s face for the last time before he became totally inaccessible to her. With this feeling, she ran towards the maTha throwing caution to the winds. Unfortunately, she did not see an old and unused well on the way, and fell into it. She died instantly, but because her death was an untimely one, she became a ghost. Even as a ghost, her only desire was to see her husband and so she went to the maTha. By the time she arrived, the function was over and venkaTanAtha had become a sanyAsi with the AshramanAma of rAghavEndra tIrtha, the only solace for the downtrodden, the last resort for those without hope, the only court where every petitioner is guaranteed to get a patient and understanding hearing, the ocean of mercy that will never deny a deserving plea for help.
With his divine perception, rAyaru sensed saraswati’s presence, even though she was a ghost not visible to human eyes. His heart full of mercy, he sprinkled water from his kamanDala on her. The power of his penance was such that she was immediately granted moksha or liberation from the cycle of births and deaths. This was her reward for a lifetime of dedicated and selfless service to a noble soul.
Ascension as pIThAdhipati (throne of Asecitic)
Around 1623 sudhIndra tIrtha shed his mortal coils at AnEgondi. His brindavan was consecrated there and rAyaru became the Head of the maTha. Yadavendra, a senior disciple of sudhIndra tIrtha disputed this, but his claims were set aside by the Ruler of Tanjore, in favor of rAyaru.
RAyaru started his services by teaching all the works of shrImadAchArya to his disciples. He propagated right knowledge and vanquished several opponents. Apart from imparting knowledge and guiding his disciples,he composed works for the benefit of future generations
Pilgrimages
Soon after becoming the pIThAdipati, he began a series of piligrimages that took him to several places. Throughout his life, he kept visiting different centers of learning and religion inspite of the difficulties involved. Consider some of the odds he faced – lack of roads, lack of transportation means (other than palanquins), political problems (since there were so many different kings, some of the muslims, inimical to hinduism), hot weather, lack of maps etc. Inspite of all these difficulties, he covered a vast area geographically. Some of the places he visited are Rameshvaram, Madurai, Srirangam, Vishnumangala (where Trivikrama PanditAchArya had debated MadhvAchArya for fifteen days), Subramanya, Udupi, Bidarahalli, Pandarapur, Kohlapur, Bijapur, Malkhed, Tirupati, Srisailam, Kumbakonam, and Kanchi.
Wherever he went, his agenda was simple – spreading the message of shrImadAchArya, defeating scholars of opposing doctrines, converting deserving people to dvaita, continuing to write commentaries and notes, teaching shAstras to enthusiastic students, and encouraging local scholars. Examples of such events are provided.
He visited Rameshvaram and Madurai. Madurai was the seat of learning in those days, and one of the experts there was Neelakanta Dikshit. After seeing the lucid yet powerful style with which rAyaru debated, he was convinced that rAyaru’s master was really pUrNaprajna. When Neelakanta tried testing him on various sutras, rAyaru showed him the work he had just finished-Bhatta Sangraha. Neelakanta was so thrilled by the depth of this work and how well it propounded shrImadAchArya's philosophy, that he had it placed on an elephant and taken on a ceremonial procession.
At Bidarahalli he met ShrInivasAchArya who was a unique householder. The glosses that he had written were already well known. RAyaru examined his works and was filled with admiration for ShrInivasAchArya, who, though being a householder, dedicated himself completely to the spreading of knowledge and learning. RAyaru bestowed upon him the name shrInivAsa tIrtha, as a mark of his high learning.
He took a vow to write Tippanis for all the Tikas of shrI jayatIrtha. When he had completed tippanis for 17 of the 18 Tikas of ShrI JayatIrtha, his disciple LakshmInArAyaNAchArya showed him his work on Rig Bhashya. The great saint felt that his disciple's teaching should be shown to the rest of the world, so instead of writing a Tippani, he wrote a Rigartha Manjari, a vivritti, which gives the meaning of the first 40 suktas Even though he undertook extensive tours, he did not stop teaching his devotees or stop writing books.
Power to revive the dead
On a hot summer day, rAyaru was on his way home from a pilgrimage. He decided to rest in the shade of a tree at Krishnapuram (near Hubli). While there, he saw the Nawab (Muslim king) of the are walking towards him, with a sad demeanor. The Nawab had heard of his miracles and had come to him as a last resort. He stated that his young son had died from a poisonous snakebite and been buried in a tomb close by. After hearing this, rAyaru contemplated silently for a few moments and then asked the king to take the body out of the tomb. When the puzzled Nawab did as he was asked, rAyaru sprinkled holy water from his kamanDala and prayed to his ArAdhya mUrthy (favorite form of the Lord). Lo behold, the young boy woke up as though he was getting up from sleep. The Nawab was beside himself with joy.
(Editor’s note: There are some very important points to note in this episode. Our shAstras talk about the concept of "Ayushya", defined as the total amount of time that a being is allowed to live on earth, in a particular body. Any death that happens before this time is untimely and is called "apamRutyu". Our shAstras say that once "Ayushya" is over death cannot be prevented, since that is Divine Will. However, "apamRutyu" is a different aspect altogether. Life-histories of oursaints and other great souls are replete with instances where they warded off untimely death in deserving cases. In this case, since the child had suffered apamRutyu, rAyaru used his divine powers to revive it.)
He did a similar thing in another instance. He was visiting the house of a village chieftain (called Desai). Hundreds of people had assembled for the occasion. As part of the food served to the guests, seekaraNe (a thick form of mango juice) was being prepared in a huge vessel. Unfortunately, when nobody was watching him, the Desai’s son fell into this vessel and drowned. When the Desai and his wife came to know about it, they were totally devastated. However, they wanted to hide the news because they did not want to inconvenience everybody who had assembled there. Being an aparOxa gyani, RAyaru sensed the tragedy and asked the grief stricken couple to bring the dead boy before him. When this was done, he sprinkled water from his kamanDala and revived the boy. The joy of the ecstatic parents knew no bounds.
Those who came to humiliate end up being humiliated
There were some evil people who were jealous of the greatness of rAyaru and were always looking for opportunities to humiliate him. When some of them heard of the above incidents, they conspired to come up with a plan to humble rAyaru. They chose a location that was very close to rAyaru’s location that day and asked a person to pretend to be dead. They covered his face and sat by his side wailing as if he was really dead. When rAyaru passed by, some of them approached him and entreated him to revive this “dead” man. RAyaru looked at the body and said “I cannot revive him since his Ayushya is over”. This was what the evil persons wanted to hear. They immediately started condemning him and trumpeted to the world at large “Look at this charltan. He does not know the difference between a living and a dead person. Our friend is pretending to be dead. He is now going to get up and denounce this fraud”. Nothing happened. Then they tried to wake him up, thinking that he was asleep. None of their efforts were successful as the person was truly dead! They realized their mistake and begged rAyaru to revive the person, but he pleaded his helplessness since the person’s Ayushya was really over. The men who came to humble rAyaru were themselves humbled and his greatness became even more enhanced.
A point to note is that rAyaru did not curse the man to die or punish the evildoers. It was again Divine will that the conspirators chose a person whose Ayushya was really over and the timing was perfect to humiliate them. The Lord well and truly protects His beloved devotees.
Three forecasts for the one who took three avatAras
Three famous astrologers, known for their ability to predict the future with unerring accuracy, once came to cast the horoscope of rAyaru. They did it separately and came with 3 totally startingly different numbers – 100, 300 and 700! Each was positive about his calculation, but could not explain the difference. When rAyaru heard about this, he laughed and said “They are predicting 3 different entities. One is predicting the lifespan of my body, another my tenure in the brindAvana and the third the influence of my granthAs (literary works).
Personality that influences even inanimate objects
Once some famous scholars came to meet with rAyaru. One the way they got lost and wanted to ask for directions. They noticed a washerman walking with his load on his head, but before asking him a question, they debated amongst themselves in Sanskrit if it was worthwhile asking somebody who looked like an ignoramus. Imagine their surprise, when the washerman interrupted their discussion by saying in chaste sanskrit “If all that you want to know is directions to meet rAyaru then I should be able to help you”. He then gave directions in chaste sanskrit to the embrassed scholars, and proceeded on his way. The scholars rested for a while and then proceeded to the river for their afternoon sandhya. They saw the washerman sitting on the bank. They politely asked him in sanskrit if it was okay to perform sandhyAvandana there. He gave them a blank look and told them rather crudely in the local language “Look, if you want to speak with me, then use a language I can understand”. Even from his tone and grammar it was obvious that he was an illiterate with little or no command over any language. The scholars were surprised since he had spoken to them in Sanskrit a few moments ago! They dismissed him as a madman and proceeded with their task. The washerman left with his load and started walking back slowly. After a while, the scholars passed him again on the road. This time, he politely asked them in chaste sanskrit if they had had any difficulty in locating the road and if they needed any help. The scholars were totally baffled and practically ran away from there.
When they reached the maTha, they spoke to a knowledgeable person and explained the curious phenomenon they had observed. The person laughed and said “Did the washerman have his load on his head when he spoke to you?” When the scholars nodded in reply, he continued “It was not the washerman talking to you. It was the clothes. He was carrying the clothes that our rAyaru had discarded. As long as he had the load on his head, he was a totally different person. Once the load was discarded he became his normal self”. Such was the power of rAyaru’s personality that even the clothes that he had discarded carried mystical powers.
Village bumpkin becomes prime minister!
Venkanna was a brahmin boy in a small village under the sovereignty of the Nawab of Adoni. Due to family problems, he was not tutored or taught any useful skills. He was assigned to the task of tending the family’s herd of cows, and thus used to spend his entire days in the countryside watching over the cows. He had heard of the greatness of rAyaru and was eager to meet him and seek his blessings. His prayers were heard because one day the retinue of rAyaru passed close by. He immediately ran to the palanquin that rAyaru was travelling in and prostrated before it. RAyaru looked at him and inquired about his antecedents. Venkanna explained his plight and stood with outstretched palms. RAyaru took pity on the boy and gave him some (mantrAkshate) consecrated rice and told him “When you are in real distress and need my help, put this on your head and think of me”. The palanquin moved on. Venkanna tied the precious rice into a bundle and always carried it with him.
One day, Venkanna was relaxing under the shade of a tree when he saw a noble man get down from a horse and rest under the shade of another tree close by. Curious, he watched him closely and immediately realized that the noble man was none other than the Nawab himself! Even as this realization dawned on him, he saw another man on horseback approaching the Nawab. The new person got down from the horse, prostrated in front of the Nawab and handed him a written scroll. Now, both the Nawab and the rider were illiterate and needed somebody to help them. When the Nawab looked around, he saw Venkanna. He also saw Venkanna’s tuft and his sacred thread and concluded that this was a brahmin. Since brahmins are usually literate, he felt that his problem was solved. He beckoned Venkanna and handing him the scroll, commanded him to read. Poor Venkanna was in a dilemma since he was also illiterate. He could not refuse a direct order of the Nawab since that would mean immediate death, nor could he tell the truth that he was illiterate because the Nawab would not believe him and would think that Venkanna was trying fool him. Caught in this deadly trap, he suddenly remembered the kind guru who had promised to help him in his hour of need. He took the consecrated rice and put it on his head. With this mind full of devotion towards rAyaru and his lips secretly muttering “rAghavEndra, rAghavEndra”, he boldly opened the scroll. Lo behold, the characters on the scroll began to make sense and he could read! It was actually a piece of good news, informing the Nawab that his wife had delivered a baby boy, thus making him a father, something that he was passionately yearning for. When he heard the news, he was overjoyed and immediately took out a pearl necklace from his neck and gave it to Venkanna. However, rAyaru sitting in Venkanna’s mind did not allow him to be satisfied with this. He boldly prostrated before the Nawab and told him “If your Highness is really happy with me, then please give me a good job in your administration. I will serve you faithfully and honestly to the best of my ability”. The Nawab was pleased with this answer and accordingly gave him a good job. Through hard work and diligence, Venkanna worked his way up the ranks and in a short time became the Nawab’s trusted divan. Thus a chance encounter with rAyaru transformed Venkanna’s entire life into a bed of roses!
Nawab tests rAyaru and loses
Once rAyaru visited Adoni and accepted Venkanna’s invitation to stay with him. Venkanna waxed eloquent about rAyaru’s prowess to his Nawab and forced him to visit rAyaru to pay his respects. Now the Nawab was skeptical about rAyaru and did not accept any authority other than Allah and his devotees. He wanted to expose rAyaru and score a point on Venkanna. He secretly ordered for three silver plates, full of meat, but totally covered with silken cloth to be prepared. He took this with him and accompanied Venkanna to the pUja. Along with the offering brought by Venkanna, he also offered his covered plates as naivedya for mUla rAma. RAyaru saw through his guile and sprinkled water from his kamanDala on the plates. Later, he ordered the clothes to be removed. The Nawab was waiting for this moment with bated breath. He was licking his lips in anticipation of unmasking this brahmin swAmiji. When the clothes were removed, they revealed 3 plates full of fresh fruits and flowers! The Nawab was astounded and instantly realized the greatness of rAyaru, and the great sin he had committed by testing this man of god. He immediately prostrated before rAyaru and with tears in his eyes begged his forgiveness. The kind and ever merciful rAyaru forgave him gladly. However, the Nawab was not satisfied, he begged rAyaru to accept some offering from him. rAyaru initially refused saying that he was a sanyAsi who had no desire for worldly things, but the Nawab kept on begging him, so finally he had to agree. He asked for the Nawab to give him the village of manchAle on the banks of the tungabhadra. The Nawab was surprised since that was barren land, yielding no crops or revenue. He tried to talk rAyaru into accepting more fertile land, but rAyaru would not accept anything other than manchAle. The Nawab immediately gifted that village to rAyaru.
Two – two – two to enter brindAvana
RAyaru summoned his closest disciples and divan Venkanna and told them of his intention to enter a brindAvana live. The devotees were devastated but they could not change his decision since it was Divine will. They wanted to know when he would do so, but he told them that they would find out at the appropriate time.
One day, rAyaru was sitting outside under a tree, conducting a shAstra pATha for this disciples. He suddenly stood up, looked up at the sky and folded his hands in reverence. His disciples were surprised by this, but they also stood up and did exactly as he was doing. Within a moment, a fragrant tulsi garland fell around rAyaru’s neck. When they pressed him for an explanation, he told them “I just saw Krishna Dvaipayana going in a heavenly chariot to vaikunTha. I asked him when my turn would come and he held up his Index and middle finger three times. He finally blessed me by throwing this mAla on me”. The disciples were greatly intrigued by this and wanted to know the significance of this two-two-two. Rayaru smiled and told them “It means that I have 2 years, 2 months and 2 days left before entering the brindAvana!” The disciples calculated the date and concluded that it would be Virodhikruth Samvatsara, Shravana krishna paksha dwitiya (second day in the dark half of the moon, in the Hindu year Virodhikruth).
RAyaru select manchAle for his brindAvana
RAyaru summoned his closest disciples and announced his choice of manchAle as the spot for his brindAvana live in mantrAlaya. They wanted to know what was special about that spot. RAyaru explained the spiritual significance of manchAle as follows:
In one of his earlier incarnation, rAyaru as prahlAda had performed a large yagna in that spot, sanctifying it forever. When arjuna was on his victorious journey in connection with the rAjasUya yAga being conducted by dharmarAja he fought with a local king at this spot. Since the king’s chariot was positioned over that spot, he was invincible. In panic, Arjuna prayed to Krishna for guidance. Krishna appeared before him and told him to move his chariot a little backwards. The local king also foolishly moved his chariot forward and lost the battle immediately. Such was the power of the spot on which prahlAda had performed his yAga.
Venkanna had a beautiful brindAvana be built for rAyaru. But rAyaru did not want to use that and asked him to reserve it for a future personality. He then took Venkanna to a remote spot and showed a black rock. He wanted his brindAvana to be built using the rock. When venkanna wanted to know what was special about that rock, rAyaru explained “While searching for sIta, Lord rama came here. He rested on this rock for a while. Since it has been sanctified by His touch, this rock is the one I want”. The brindAvana built under Venkanna’s guidance was used for shrI vAdIndara tIrtha at a later date.
Visits manchAlAmma and obtains permission
Before entering the brindAvana in manchAle, RAyaru decided to seek the persmission of manchAlamma, the presiding deity of manchAle. Accordingly, he went to her temple and prayed to her. She immediately appeared before him in person and encouraged him to ask her for a boon. RAyaru stated his desire. The dEvi replied “Once your brindAvana is established here, millions will visit manchAle to seek your blessings. I will be totally forgotten and nobody will associate this place with me! My temple will fall destitute without anybody to care for it”. Rayaru replied “I will not let this happen. Here is my promise. If my devotees visit my brindAvana directly, without going to your temple first, then I will not help them. So, if they need my grace, they have to visit your temple first”. When manchAlamma heard this, she was pleased and immediately granted him permission to enter the brindAvAna in manchAle.
ShrAvana bahula bidige
On the day chosen (Virodhikruth Samvatsara Shravana krishna paksha dwitiya - 1671 A.D.), thousands of people had congregated in manchAle to see this rare event of a person entering a brindAvana alive. It had been done before only once – by vAdirAja tIrtha.
As usual, rAyaru got up before dawn, meditating on ShrI Hari and finished his bath during the early hours itself. After his japa and dhyana he gave a discourse on ShrIimadAchArya’s works to his fortunate disciples for the last time. His disciples were grief stricken at the thought that this was going to be their master's last discourse. The master was filled with an overwhelming desire to teach as much as possible and the disciples were anxious and eager to absorb everything. The subject matter was as usual ShrImadAchArya's Bhashya and ShrI JayatIrtha's commentary for it. That day's discourse was the culmination of his life's mission. For the thousands that had gathered there the realisation that they would not see such a treasure house of knowledge hereafter filled them with pain and agony. The discourse came to an end.
After bathing once again he started the puja of ShrI Rama and other icons of the samsthan. After going through all the details of the puja he blessed the entire gathering with tIrtha, prasad and phalamantrakshata. As the appointed time was nearing he went to the spot that was already chosen and sat in padmAsana. He had his japa mala in his right hand and in front of him were all the moola granthas, sarva moola, tikas and tippanis on the vyasa peetha. For a while he was lost in contemplation; then he started his soul-stirring speech.

RAyaru enters brindAvana
RAyaru then took up his veena and started to sing in Bhairavi raaga the famous song,"Indu Enege Govinda" where he extols the Lord as His only Saviour and that he should be pardoned for having led an irreligious life without singing his glories. He ends the song with His mudrika "Dheera Venugopaala Bhaara Kaaniso Hariye". Just as in His previous avatAra as VyAsaraja in this avatara also the blue darling of brindAvan in the form of an icon danced to the melodious of his darling who was going to enter the brindAvan.
After this rAyaru began reciting the pranava mantra. In a very short time he was lost in meditation. He reached the highest point in mediation. His face was serene. He was shining with a rare brilliance.
At one stage the japamala in the master's hand became still. Venkanna and other disciples who understood this sign started arranging the slabs around him. They arranged the slabs upto his head and then as per his earlier instructions they placed a copper box containing one thousand two hundred LakshmInArAyaNa shaligramas that had been specially brought from Gandaki river. Then they placed the covering slab over it and filled it with earth. They poured twelve thousand varahas (abhisheka) over the brindavan that they had built. A grand feast was hosted to commemorate this glorious event.
SAkshI haya syOtra hi
AppanAchArya was rAyaru’s beloved disciple. Most of the sanskrit hymns that we chant today in honor of rAyaru – rAghavEndra stOtra, mangaLAshTaka, danDaka etc – are his compositions. On the day rAyaru was entering the brindAvana, he was on the other side of the tungabhadra river since he had forgotten about the event. When he was reminded of it, he was aghast at his mistake and ran towards manchAle. As he was running, he was composing the famous rAghavEndra stotra (“shrI pUrNabOdha guru tIrtha payobdhi pAra …”). When he reached the river it was in full spate but he did not care and rushed headlong. The power of his devotion was so great that the river parted for him and he reached manchAle quickly. But even this was too late. Just as he came in front of the brindAvana, the last slab had been laid and his beloved guru had vanished from his sight forever. Tears started to gush from his eyes and his voice choked. The stotra had reached its final stanza “ kirtir divijita vibhutiratula ..” but he could not continue further. Suddenly, a voice rang out from the brindAvana "sAkshi haya syOtra hI" (meaning that Lord hayagrIva is the witness to the statements made by appanAchArya in his stOtra, and that He would make them all come true). Even today, anybody reciting this stotra with full faith and devotion gets all the grace of rAyaru.
Last shloka of RaghavendraVijayam.
Santam shrIramaNa priyam yativaram vyAsasya bhAvebrishan
DurvArAmitamAyi bhikshutimire paryasya chandram bhuvi/
Satsandasthutamishta dakshitiruham vandAruvi prAshrayam
Tam NatvA sakalo durUhasudrasham samyAti vidyAdikam//
Those people who bow to Shri Raghavendra, the beloved of the Lord of Lakshmi,
who is a venerable yati (saint), who meticulously follows the words of VEda VyAsa,
who dispels the unbearable, boundless darkness of ignorance caused by illusionist sanyasis just as the moon dispels the darkness,
who is always praised by the noble people, who is verily the wishing tree which satiates all our wishes and
who is always with devout brahmins will their material wants satisfied be endowed with spiritual wisdom, and ultimately get aparoksha JnAna. (Supreme Knowledge)
RAyaru’s literary works
There is a hidden side to the moon that most humans never see or know about. We have a similar side to rAyaru. Most of us know him only as the kind, merciful guru who is always forthcoming in our times of need. There are very, very few people who have not benefitted from his benevolence. One haridAsa says “dhareyoLu gurugaLa more iDalAgada narEre pApigaLella! (those who cannot or do not seek refuge in guru are truly sinners)”. This is the side that is well known. However, there is another side known only to scholars – the writer par excellence who gave us literary gems that would dazzle with their scholastic brilliance. Like the legendary bhagIrtatha maharAja who brought the holy ganga down to earth, rAyaru has made it possible, with his commentaries and notes, for ordinary people to partake of the ambrosia called madhva shAstra. That is why knowledgeable people call him as the “madhva matAmbOdhi chandra” (Moon of the ocean called madhva shAstra).
Over 40 works have been attributed to rAyaru. Most of these are commentaries on the works of shrI MadhvAchArya, jayatIrtha and vyAsatIrtha. The rest include a couple of original works and direct commentaries on the Upanisads and other works. Most of the works are available today, but some are not, and we know of them only through oral tradition i.e., some work or some stOtra mentions a work by rAyaru that is otherwise unknown.
ShrI Rayaru s works are characterized by remarkable clarity of thought, simplicity of expression and compactness. He has brought even very abstruse works of dvaita within the understanding of an average student of the shAstras. This is where the greatness of his success and fame and the universal popularity of his works lies.
The volume of his output is greater. And he brings to bear on the exposition of these texts a profound learning in different shAstras, a clear and simple style and a very lucid way of presenting even the most technical points. It may be no exaggeration to consider him as the foremost among the major nonpolemical writers of the Post vyAsa tIrtha period.

Ganesh Puja

Ganesh Puja or Ganesh Chaturthi is very much a popular Hindu festival, celebrated every year in a grand manner in almost all the states of India. Ganesh Chaturthi is otherwise known as the birthday of Lord Ganesha and the day is recognized for most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August - September) and is observed throughout India, as well as by committed Hindus in all parts of the world.
Lord Ganesha is described and depicted as a God with the elephant head, in Hindu Mythology. God Ganesha is considered primary God and is worshiped first in any prayers.
Myths about Lord Ganesha
Although there are diverse mythological stories exist about God Ganesha, the following story is widely believed to be the relevant one by many Devotees.
When Goddess Gauri (wife of Lord Shiva) once, while bathing, created Ganesha as a pure white being out of the mud of Her Body and placed Him at the entrance of the house. She told Him not to allow anyone to enter while she went inside for a bath. Lord Shiva Himself was returning home quite thirsty and was stopped by Ganesha at the gate. Shiva became angry and cut off Ganesha's head as He thought Ganesha was an outsider. When Gauri came to know of this she was sorely grieved. To console her grief Shiva ordered His aids to cut off and bring to Him the head of any creature that might be sleeping with its head facing north. The servants went on their mission and found only an elephant in that position. The sacrifice was thus made and the elephant's head was brought before Shiva. The Lord then joined the elephant's head onto the body of Ganesha.
Lord Shiva then made His son worthy of worship at the beginning of all undertakings, marriages, expeditions, studies, etc. He intended that the annual worship of Ganesha should take place on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadnpada. Without the Grace of Sri Ganesha and His help nothing whatsoever can be achieved. No action can be undertaken without His support, Grace or blessing.
Names of Lord Ganesha

• Dhoomraketu
• Sumukha
• Ekadantha
• Gajakarnaka
• Lambodara
• Vignaraja
• Ganadhyaksha
• Phalachandra
• Gajanana
• Vinayaka
• Vakratunda
• Siddhivinayaka
• Surpakarna
• Heramba
• Skandapurvaja
• Kapila
• Vignesh Wara
• Maha-Ganapathi
• Pillayar (Tamil)
• Ganesh Puja
• Although Ganesh Puja or Ganesh Chaturthi is famous festival for all Indians, for the Maharashtra state, the festival is a very special occasion that the Hindus in the state celebrate the festival contentedly.
• During the few days of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, magnificently shaped Ganesh idols are set up in the Mandaps (pandals or tents) that are richly decorated, depicting religious themes or current events. There are huge public displays of Ganesh idols with Aarti (song of devotion to God) and loud music and dancing by the devotees.
This activity is most popular in the cities Bombay and Pune
• The Puja can even be a simple one carried out with family members within the household and to the accompaniment of a cassette of Shri Ganesh mantras, or an elaborate one, involving a priest who would come home and perform the puja. 'Modak' is the most famous and most typical food preparation of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the state of Maharashtra. The sweet that made in the southern parts of India slightly differs and the name of the special sweet made on this special occasion here is Kozhukattai (Tamil) and this have different names in other states of South India.
• As long as the Ganesh idol is at home, Aarti is performed morning and evening (dusk, or at the hour when artificial lamps are lighted in the house). At the same time, all the members present throw Kumkum on the idol.
• After the Aarti, flowers, grass (in south India) Haldi (turmeric powder), sandal and Kumkum are offered to the women, and Prasad (made of dried desiccated coconut mixed with castor sugar) is distributed to all those present. During Ganesh Chaturthi, Aarti is performed five or more times to the Ganesh idol, followed by Vitthal, Shankar (Shiva), Devi (Parvati) and Dattatreya (Kartikeya).
• Ganesha as their tutelary deity repeat this Mantra or Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha.
• In his first lesson in the alphabet a Maharashtrian child is initiated into the Mantra of Lord Ganesha, Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha. Only then is the alphabet taught.

Swarna Gowri Pooja

FAQ of Swarna Gowri Pooja:
Disclaimer: Procedures vary from region to region and vary from paddathi to paddati. It is best to consult elders at Home to know about your paddat hi . What ever we have t ried t o Answer here is as I have seen at my home (we are Hindu-Brahmin- Smart ha -Mulakanadu)
1. What direction should the God face:
Pl. keep t he god facing East – Best Opt ion
Or Nort h – Medium Option. Please note that God can be kept facing any in Direction………. “Daivataha : Sarvato mukhaha”….(that means, Gods are facing all directions)……as far as possible, keep god facing in such a way t hat , as soon as somebody ent ers t he house, t hey are able t o see t he god direct ly… it is your convenience….. How ever, You must face t o t he East or North while sitting for pooja and sankalpa that is important.
2. What direction we should sit for pooja:Pl. sit facing East or North Direction.
3.Can I St art t he pooja in Raahu Kaala: Pl. Note that the Raahu Kaala is followed only for Journy purpose and starting any big events. But it is not followed for daily event s and periodical rituals. This is a periodical rit ual (Varshe, Varshe kart avya: …. That means every year rit ual….).. so in my opinion, you need not see rahukaala t o observe his vrat ha. Shara---- Pl. look at rahu kaala if t his is first year of your pooja (newly married first timers)
4.When do I t ake Mangala Snaana: People who are all doing pooja…sumangalis and t he children should t ake mangala snaana on t he previous day of t he pooja…. That is on Bidige(2nd day of the lunar Mont h) …. On t he pooja day (t rit eeya), you should t ake normal bat h…
5.How many Threads should be kept for pooja: It depends on how many people are sit t ing for pooja. Normally Minimum of two threads are to be made……... Suppose, two of you are sitting, then two is enough. If three of you are sitting keep 4 like that.
6.Each Daara should be of how many t hreads, and how many Gant us.(Knot s): t he Shast r a says, Shodasha Grant hi Sanyukt am, Krut am Shodasha Tant ubihi…. That means, it should be made of 16 t hreads and 16 gant us. But Normally, you t ake single t hread hasi daarada unde, make five folds of daara with a length of about little more than a mola and put 16 gantus. Take one Shavantige hoova and tie it at the center of the daara. You need to soak the daara with arishina.. keep it on viledele (2) and adike(2) and dakshine, keep it in a small plat e and pl ace it on t o t he right side of t he Devi and do Pooja.
7.What i s t he pr ocedur e t o t i e t hi s daar a(Door a Gr ant hi ): Normally, aft er t he pooja, if Husband is around, (with Panche and shalya), He will tie this. Give this Daara to him. You keep one t aambula wit h a fruit and dakshine in Bot h of your hands…….. t aambula facing Husband…you facing North or East…and Sit. Husband will show/ t ouch this daara first to right hand, and later left hand (at the place where you tie watch)……like this for three times and finally tie the daara with three knots on to your right hand. After that, he will put arishina and kumkuma to the knot s. You will keep t he t aambula down,…get up and give him akshaat e and do namaskaara.
If Husband is not around, next choice is amma, or atte, or any other sumangali around….The
daara tieing procedure is same.
8.Minimum - How many co-conuts you need for pooja – Tot ally 4……One for Nivedya, one for Poorna Phala… Two for Upayana Daana……… if two of you are sitting, you need to keep two more extra ….. Multiplies of two for any additional Sumangali sitting for pooja.
9.Minimum How many Bananas You need for pooja..About ½ KG Banana t ot aling about 6 in Nos.
10.What i s M adhu par ka:…….. Madhu means .. Honey…. Parka me ans Curds… so t ake a Banana and
peel it from t he flower side of the fruit and immerse it in Honey, Sugar, and Curds and keep it on
beet le leaves and beet le nut s wit h Dakshine and do nivedya aft er shast riji recit ing Mantra……….
11.How many Gow r i s w i l l have t o be kept i n t hi s pooj a ……. One Maralu Gowri (or Mannina Gowri
called saikat a Gowri), One Arishina Gowri(called Daakshayini Gowri)…. Five of Mangala Gowri (if
applicable t o you)…. One Mannina Gowri (called alankaara Gowri)…. One Mukawada (Opt ional)
12.How to decorate the god for this pooja……. It is actually left to your imagination…but I will tell you what I have seen……..The best is t o keep God in a Mant apa(Wooden)… ot herwise, Take a Stool or Teepai(Center Table) Clean it…. Put rangoli on it Asta Dala Padma….……. Take Annada Tappale with big base and small top… Place it on the stool and fill this with Rice to gain Weight ……. And decorat e t his t appale wit h Saree nerige and Blouse Piece…… let t he fall of t he saree come downwards, so that pallu and border are visible… Take one Silver Thatte big and drape arishina (cot t on) blouse piece on the plate and Pour Akki about ½ KG in it …… place the Gowramma on t his. Take small silver kalasha and put ganga/ wat er (aft er gange pooje) in t o t his and decorat e wit h five viledele….keep a small mirror in front of kalasha….Keep the Mukhavada in t he cent er and keep big bindi of kumkum t o t he mukhavada….Keep one Gangast aali and one Annapoorneswari Vigraha for pooja purpose…..keep one set of bale, bichole, kaadige, kannadi and other aabharana items of Gowramma to the right side of Mannina Gowramma……. Keep one belli (silver) Ganesha Vigraha in a separate plate for Ganesha Pooja Purpose….. Now decorat e t he t able wit h Balekambha and t orana (Mango leaves) and put rangoli…Keep Deepada Kambha on eit her side of t he t able (st ool)…Keep one small Devi Vigraha in small silver plat e at the center of the stool on the ground on a Mane or some thing to gain a little height to enable you to do kumkumaarchane……Please take care to bring only Mud type Gowramma and not plast er of paris and ot her mat erials et c.,…. Keep a Devi phot o at t he back t o give more look.. decorate with Flowers, Torana etc.,….
13. .How to get Gange(sacred water collection) for this pooja…….. go near a well or go to nadi(River) , or kere or any good wat er body…..clean t he well area…(earlier days, people used t o whit e wash t he wells for t he pooja day)….. put rangole……. keep deepa(2) t here….. put arishina kumkuma for t he face of t he well……..Do small Ganapathi pooja there… ask his permi ssion to take care of pooja well (NirviGhnam kurume deva, sarva kaaryeshu sarvadaa) …..get the water from t he well soak t he black blouse and whit e piece and squeeze it… keep good quality mud ready (t aken from t ulasi mannu) and lit t le bit of maralu…make maralu gowri and arishina gowri there……… decorate with arishina kumkuma… do small pooja with flowers , gejje vastra etc.,… keep small nivedya as well…. Some people will break coconut here……… make aarathi….with gowri haadu…. Bring it near the door of the house with ghanta naada and haadu etc.,……..do tulasi pooja and hosti l a pooja…. Keep deepa at host ilu….decorat e face of t he house door wit h
gejje vastra….. Do aarat hi for gowramma… wit h gant a naada… place t he Gowramma at pooja place.. adjust t o t he god cent ering et c.,….dry t his black blouse piece and whit e blouse piece and put it on gowramma…some people put kari mani sara also…..place a ganga staali and annapurneswari vigraha… keep one ganesha vigraha also in separat e plate in front for purpose of Ganesha Pooja…. Use the same water for the whole pooja….
14.How many Yele Gejje Vastra Should be there for this vrata…. This is called Swarna Gowri
Vrat a…please make 16 yele Gejje Vast ra….and soak it arishina
15.What ar e t he Ni vedya It ems f or t hi s pooj a………. I will t ell you only what is minimum required…. Hannu (5 t ypes each t wo nos.) …t engina Kaayi (1) …Viledele(16), Adike (16), (Adike Pudi --- if you are doing maha nivedya)…dakshine…..is enough… but normally I have seen… 16 Bele Obbattu, kosambri (2 t ypes), Paanaka, gulpapde….16 nos.-Chigali (16) .. Tambit t u(16)....----Maha nivedya ( wit h full of t he adige what you have prepared …Keep it in silver plat e or Baleyele wit h agra)
16.How t o keep t hese it ems for Nivedya……. Make a Mandala…take water in you hand sprinkle it on t he floor with full of palm facing down…..if you are facing east…use your first three fingers put it on t he ground…start towards your left…….complete to Make a square….. do not lift your hand… make a diagonal to end mandala in north east direction… put akshate in all the four corners of the square and a little at the center. This is called mandala. If you are facing north… use your first three fingers put it on the ground… start upwards… turn right….. complete the square…. Do not lift t he hand…. Complet e t he diagonal wit h nort h east direct ion….. put akshat e as t old above… if you are keeping hannu kayi… keep it on a plat e wit h t aambula and dakshine and keep it at one corner of mandala…… keep fruits also along with it…. All the flowers of the fruits should be looking up…..avoid keeping papaya……papaya not allowed as an item of nivedya....if you are keeping maha nivedya…. Please use t wo banana leaves (some people use wit h only one banana leave.. t his is wrong)…..Banana leave should be wit h agra and place it in front of t he god wit h agra facing as t hough god is eat ing. That means, if god is facing east , t hen agra should come t o nort h…(left hand side of god) ……. first put ghee on t o t he bale yele with help of flower (paatra abhigara)…. Then start serving in bale yele in the traditional way as we do .. with two kosambri, two palya… one payasa.. one chitranna… poppu…maggige huli/ Kuutu.. Obbattu…etc., Lastly serve Anna Two times…now in the end you should put tuppa (abhigaara)….. Please note that tuppa has to be served in t he last aft er every thing is over…..
(t hat means… you shouldnot serve every t hing in t he plat e and put t uppa in t he kit chen and
bring it keep it in front of god)….. all the items like…. payasa lota.. paanaka lota… halu lot a…mosaru lot a.. should come t o t he left corner of bale yele…keep one glass of wat er(silver or copper) at t he right side of t he yele… all t he bakshya like obbat t u, bonda/ bajjji/ Aaambode …. should come below chit ranna…. And in t he end you should put abhigaara t o anna first , payasa next .. and t o bakshya t hird……keep t wo line rangoli in front of yele…. Keep t wo t uppada deepa in front of yele…….Keep viledele (16 or 5 will do) and adike pudi in a separat e plat e ……now you do nivedya as per shast ry ji’s mant ra…….
17.When we have t o give t his shurpa vaayana dana (Baagina).. …. The answer for t his is, soon after the vratha and before lunch… on the same day….. if not possible… you should give this before udwaasana of Gowri …..(t hat is before immersion)

18.How t o make r eady Baagi na f or t hi s pooj a……t ake one set Jodi mora…. Decorat e t he same wit h arishina, Kumkuma and color paper et c.,…. Take a small Banana leave and cut it t o size, drape it on one of t he mora…. Put all types of Bele(pulses like t ogari, hesaru, uddu, kadale) in zip lock covers small, Gowri Saamanu, Fruit s 5 t ypes, blouse piece, godhi or rave, bella one acchu, all in small zip lock covers and one lit t le big cover of Rice, bale, bichole.. arisina kumkuma packet, jacket piece,Tengina Kayi, silver bowl (optional), Saree (must for taayi baagina)…. Keep one taambula, with one type of fruit on the top while giving away this baagina…..,
19.How many Baaginas for this pooja…… one t aayi baagina…. One Gowri Baagina… anot her t hree may be optional….. total five…. Keep it ready before pooja and place it to the right side of the teepoi or stool. After taayi Bagina and Gowri Baagina,…. you can rotate remaining three baaginaas bet ween t he guest s….. please do not mix up t aayi baagina.. and gowri baagina…..and don’t ’ indulge in ‘give and t ake’ of t hese t wo baaginaas
20.Can I prepare more baginaas??? How many baaginaas we should keep ready…….. Pl. keep ready minimum two…… or five……if your guest(count sumangalis only) list is more… then do additional…….pl. note first year sumangalis should make ready 16 baaginas…. But the rule is whatever nos, you have prepared are t o be dist ribut ed among sumangalis before udwaasana of Gowri ….. you should not keep it pending with out distributing….
21.How many baaginas for first year(after Marriage) Gowri Pooja..16 (Sixteen) Baaginas …. This t ype you should give 16 baaginaas for cont inuous Five years. If not possible t o give all t he five years, give 16 baaginaas for t he first year, and the fift h year.
22. Should I put Belli Battalu in all the Baaginaas… Yatha shakti… or One minimum….to taayi
Baagina.
23.Is it a Must t o put Saree in all Baaginaas….. Yat ha shakt i… not a must … at least one in Taaayi
Baagina is a must …. Rest all Blouse Piece will do.
24.How t o give baagina t o sumangalis…………….preferably make t he sumangali sit in East or Nort h direction. Give Arishina, Kumkuma, Chandra, Prasadada Hoova ….. take the Baagina…. Keep one Taambula with fruit on the top of baagina try to balace the fruit or try to keep the fruit (tip use your bot h t humbs)…. Take baagina along wit h pallu and hand it over t o t he sumangali….. while holding t he baagina you should swing it sideways t hree t imes and keep it down. Give akshat e and do namaskaara.
25.Should I make baaginas ready for my small daught er/ s also…… yes. We make ready small baaginaas for daughters also. We keep their interesting items like chocolate and small ata samanu in t his…. Not a must …but feels good…….
26.What i s uppakki , Poppakki ……….. Pl. not e t his uppakki and poppakki is kept before t he lunch on Gowri udwasana day….. this is done after punah pooja…..Take one plate of Rice, one plate of bele (t ogari)and keep it ready……Draw go-padma rangoli on a mane (peet ha)……keep t wo plat es on t his mane….keep t his mane near Gowri t o t he right side…….t ake one hand full of t ogari bele in right hand… take a hand full of rice in left hand…..cris cross the hand three times……tell “atthe dhandana galagi” and drop rice and bele in a cris cros way on to the plate on the peetha. Repeat t his t hree t imes. Pl. not e t hat all t he sumangalis who have done pooja, should keep t his uppakki and poppakki, after this, madilut umbuvudu should be done.
27.What ar e al l t he i t ems f or M adi l u t umbuvudu…..blouse piece, t enginkayi(coconut ), bella(achu),
copra, akki, viledele,dakshine, arishina Kumkuma
28.What is the procedure for madilu tumbuvudu….Aft er udwasana and uppakki, poppakki, keep the whole silver plate down along with gowri Sari….. and put the Madlakki items one by one in both hands. Sing Madlakki haadu also…..Gowri seeriyalle madilu tumbuvudu.
29. When is madilu tumbuvudu done… after the udvaasane and after upppakki and poppakki………..Normally udwasane should be done after punah pooja and aarathi and ooota (Lunch) for that day. Please note that all the sumangalis who have done pooja should participate in this.
30.What is the procedure to do punah pooja…… lamp t he deepas…. Do pooja in normal way….. t ake t he poornaphala kept at t he right side of t he god …. Use t he same for Nivedya………. And chant yesyessmrityacha……… anena Swarna Gowri Pooja Vidhanena Bhagavathi sarvaatmikaa swarnaGowri supreet a suprasannaa varadaa bhavat u……. t ake a spoon full of wat er, akshat e,and flower and leave it in anot her bowl. Do aarat hi wit h Mangala Haadu and t hen t ake permission f rom elders at home and do udvaasane.
31. When do you do devara kadalisuvudu.. (Udwasane)….. on an auspicious day as per panchaanga…. This time, since it has come together, we plan to leave on the same day……. Ot herwise, as per panchanga on t he 11th day(2-09-09).
32.What i s t he pr ocedur e t o i mmer se Gow r i Ganesha…. After udvaasane, with ghante and haadu, come near the well … decorate well with rangoli, deepa etc.,.. keep the god to the east direct ion… do t he shodashopachaara pooja… do hannu kaayi nivedya.. and do mosaru avalakki nivedya….. do mangalaarati and end the pooja.. now do aaarathi… take prasada hoova etc.,… now t ake gowramma first along wit h small Ganesha and immerse in wat er aft er t hree rounds of rinsing in water. …Chant Ganapathi mantras and Gowri Mantras… or Haadu… or Ganapathi Bappa mouria, Mangala Moorthy Moria slogan(this is North Style)……. Then take Ganesha and repeat the procedure…. Now take a piece e of gejje vastra and tie it to your taali sara…….. Look at t he wat er in t he well and do t he final namaskaara and come back t o house. Do not clean t he pooja area immediat ely.. clean t he area aft er some t ime…. Or probably t he next day…
33. What is the nivedya at the time of Idol Immersion….. For the immersion day, you should prepare 5 t ypes of rice(chitraanna, puliyogare,shaalyanna,pongal, and normal white rice) this is for Nivedya for lunch…at t he t ime of immersion, aft er t he pooja near well , please keep - mosaru avalakki, hannu kaayi Nivedya.dist ribut e t his mosaru avalakki near t he well aft e r idol immersion.
34.What should be t he mindset of a person, while doing any vrat ha……..Any person doing vrat ha should posses these qualities Kshama(pardon), Satya(truth), Daye(kind to others), Daana(give away), Shuchitva(Cleanliness), Indriya Nigraha(control on your body and soul), Devathaarchane(house hold pooja of your family diety), havana, santhosha(you should be happy), achourya(opp. Of st ealing). This is in general…. At t he t ime of pooja, t he mind should be calm and concentrated towards the god only. Kanniru surisuvudu (crying) and sittu maduvudu(kopa) is totally prohibited. No use of doing vratha in this mind set.(the house hold GAS burner should be off(joke))
35.What i s t he pr ocedur e t o gi ve upaayana daana f or Pur ohi t ……Give gandha, t hen akshat e, t hen
keep some prasaadada flowers in a plate and give. Afterwards, give upayanadana after putting
a drop of wat er on t o bot h of t he co-conut s. Give along wit h dakshine. Do namaskaara. Then,
purohit aru will accept t he t aambula and give you flowers wit h aashirvaada.
Points to note in General:
PS: Please avoid bringing out side food it ems/ ordered food items like obbat t u and Ambode et c., and keeping it for nivedya…. It is advisable t o do t he same at home and keep it for nivedya. Pl. note that Preparing for Nivedya is part of bhakti.
Dress code: Traditional Saree only. (if any other dress like selvar etc.,, it is difficult to give baagina.
Pl. avoid such dresses). Traditional saree means, the one with pallu and border on both top and
bottom.
Hair do:While doing pooja, your hair should be well tied(you should not let loose the hair while
doing pooja. This is as per dharma Shaast ra) and you should wear a flower also.
About Bale: Pl. wear Minimum Jodi bale at least at t he t ime of pooja. (I mention this because, some
wear only one on each hand)
Please avoid keeping bindi while doing pooja…use pudi kumkuma only….
No eat out s please on t his day….
Bhakti Shraddha Gariyasi………. Only Bhakti and Shraadha(devotion with concentration) is
required in spite of all the above procedures………….Pl. keep in Mind….
Om Tat Sat u………. Shubham.. Mangalam…. Kalyanam….. Shivam………Sri Jagambaarpanamast u…

Vishnuvardhan

VishnuVardhan(Sampath Kumar),who later turned out to be the Sampath(Treasure) of Karnataka was born on September 18, 1950.
Late Sri.H.L.Narayan Rao and Late Smt. Kamakshamma were his parents.His father was a famous artist and script writer for movies. Vishnu's family were living in Mysore's Chamundipuram.In those days, his father was well known for his collection of Musical Instruments and taught dancing.Infact one of Vishnu's sister,Smt. Ramaramachandra was a famous kathak dancer, who was praised by the then king of Mysore, Late Sri.Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar.This is ample proof that Vishnu had talent in his blood.
Vishnuvardhan did his primary schooling in Mysore's Gopalswamy School.His middle school in Bangalore's Kannada Madari School.His high School and his degree in the National College, Basavanagudi, Bangalore.
Vishnu was married to Bharati on the 27th of february 1975 at Kuchalamba kalyana Mantapa in Bangalore.


Movies List

1. Vamshavraksha Girish Karnad 1972
2. Nagarahavu Puttannn Kanagal 1972
3. Seethe Alla Savithri Jayalakshmi 1973
4. Mane Belagida Sose Shrikanth 1973
5. Gandhada Gudi Vijay 1973
6. Bhoothayana Maga Ayyu Siddalingaiah 1974
7. Professor HucchuRaya A.R.Vittal 1974
8. Anna Athige A.R.Vittal 1974
9. Devaragudi R.Ramamurthy 1975
10. Koodi Balona A.R.Vittal 1975
11. Kalla Kulla K.S.R.Das 1975
12. Bhagya Jyothi K.S.L.Swamy 1975
13. Nagakanye S.V.Rajendrasingh Babu 1975
14. Onde Roop Eradu Guna A.M.Samiullah 1975
15. Devaru Kotta Vara R.Ramamurthy 1976
16. Hosilu Mettida Hennu V.T.Thyagarajan 1976
17. Makkala Bhagya K.S.L.Swamy 1976
18. Bhangarada Gudi K.S.R.Das 1976
19. Bhayasade Bhanda Bhagya R.Ramamurthy 1977
20. Sose Thanda Soubhagya A.V.Sheshgiri Rao 1977
21. Nagarahole S.V.Rajendrasingh Babu 1977
22. Chinna Ninna Muddaduve A.M.Samiullah 1977
23. Shrimanthana Magalu A.V.Sheshgiri Rao 1977
24 Sahodara Savaal K.S.R.Das 1977
25. Shani Prabhava Rathnakar-Madhu 1977
26. Galate Samsara C.V.Rajendran 1977
27. Kittu Puttu C.V.Rajendran 1977
28. Hombisilyu Geetapriya 1978
29. Sandharbha Gaurisundar 1978
30. Kiladi Kittu S.V.Rajendrasingh Babu 1978
31. Vamshajyothi A.Bhimsingh 1978
32. Muie Ge Muie Y.R.Swamy 1978
33. Siritanakke Savaal T.R.Ramanna 1978
34. Prathima T.R.Ramanna 1978
35. Nanna Prayaschita Ugranarasimha 1978
36. Sneha Sedu V.Madhusudhan Rao 1978
37. Kiladi Jodi S.V.Rajendrasingh Babu 1978
38. Vasanth Lakshmi A.V.Sheshgiri Rao 1978
39. Amarnath Manimurugan 1978
40. Bhale Huduga T.R.Ramanna 1978
41. Madhura Sangama T.P.Venugopal 1978
42. Singaporalli Raja Kulla C.V.Rajendran 1978
43. Asadhya Aliya Bhargava 1979
44. Vijay Vikram V.Somashekar 1979
45. Naniruvude Ninagagi A.V.Sheshgiri Rao 1979
46. Manini K.S.Sethumanadhavan 1979
47. Nentaro Gantu Kallaro A.V.Sheshgiri Rao 1979
48. Nanna Rosha Nooru Varusha Joesimon 1980
49. Rama Parushurama Vijay 1980
50. Kalinga V.Somashekar 1980
51. Hanthakana Sanchu B.Kishan 1980
52. Makkala Sainya Lakshmi 1980
53. Biligiriya Banadalli Siddalingaiah 1980
54. Simhajodi Joesimon 1980
55. Rahasya Rathri M.S.Kumar 1980
56. Bhangaradha Jinke Nagabharana 1980
57. Driver Hanumanthu K.S.L.Swamy 1980
58. Mane Mane Kathe Rajachandra 1981
59. Naaga kala Bhairava Tiptur Raghu 1981
60. Mahaprachandaru Joesimon 1981
61. Guru Sishyaru Bhargava 1981
62. Snehitara Savaal K.S.R.Das 1981
63. Avala Hejje Bhargava 1981
64. Preetisi Nodu Geetapriya 1981
65. Pedda Gedda Bhargava 1982
66. Sahasa Simha Joesimon 1982
67. Karmika kallanalla K.S.R.Das 1982
68. Oorige Upakari Joesimon 1982
69. Jimmi Gallu K.S.L.Swamy 1982
70. Suvarna Sethuve Geetapriya 1982
71. Onde Guri Bhargava 1982
72. Kallu Veene Nudiyithu Tiptur Raghu 1982
73. Sididedda Sahodara Joesimon 1983
74. Muthaide Bhagya Chandrashekar Sharma 1983
75. Gandharva Giri Dhananjaya 1983
76. Gandugali Rama Bhargava 1983
77. Chinnadantha Maga K.S.R.Das 1983
78. Simha Garjane S.V.Chandrashekar 1983
79. Prachanda Kulla P.S.Prakash 1983
80. Rudranaga Manimurugan 1984
81. Khaidi K.S.R.Das 1984
82. Benki Birugali Tiptur Raghu 1984
83. Indina Ramayana Rajachandra 1984
84. Bhandana S.V.Rajendrasingh Babu 1984
85. Huli Hejje K.S.L.Swamy 1984
86. Chanakya V.Somashekar 1984
87. Aaradhane Deepakjalraj 1984
88. Madhuve Madu Tamashe Nodu Sathya 1984
89. karthavya K.S.R.Das 1985
90. Mahapurusha Joesimon 1985
91. Veeradhi Veera Vijay 1985
92. Nee Bareda Kadambari Dwarkish 1985
93. Mareyada Manikya Vijay 1985
94. Nanna Prathigne K.S.R.Das 1985
95. Jeevana Chakra Bhargava 1982
96. Nee Thanda Kanike Dwarkish 1985
97. Karna Bhargava 1986
98. Kathanayaka P.Vasu 1986
99. EE Jeeva Ninagagi V.Somashekar 1986
100. Sathya Jyothi K.Rangarajan 1986
101. Krishna Nee Begane Baro Bhargava 1986
102. Malyamarutha Ravi 1986
103. Premaloka Ravichandran 1987
104. Saubhagyalakshmi Bhargava 1987
105. Karunamayi Bhargava 1987
106. Jayasimha P.Vasu 1987
107. Aaseya Bhale Rajkishore 1987
108. Jeevana Jyothi P.Vasu 1987
109. Shubhamilana Bhargava 1987
110. Sathyam Shivam Sundaram K.S.R.Das 1987
111. December31 Manobala 1988
112. Olavina Aasare K.V.Jayaram 1988
113. Nammora Raja Bhargava 1988
114. Jananayaka Bhargava 1988
115. Suprabhatha Dinesh Babu 1988
116. Krishna Rukmini Bhargava 1988
117. Dada P.Vasu 1988
118. Mithileya Seetheyaru K.S.L.Swamy 1988
119. Ondhagi Bhaalu K.S.R.Das 1989
120. Hrudhaya Geethe Bhargava 1989
121. Rudra K.S.R.Das 1989
122. Deva Vijay 1989
123. Doctor Krishna Paniramachandra 1989
124. ShivaShankar Bhargava 1990
125. Mutthina Hara S.V.RajendraSingh Babu 1990
126. Mathe Hadithu Kogile Bhargava 1990
127. Lion Jagapathirao Saiprakash 1991
128. Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare Dhore-Bhagwan 1991
129. Jagadeka Veera Bhargava 1991
130. Police Mathu Dada Thulsi-Shyam 1991
131. Rajadhi Raja Bhargava 1992
132. Ravivarma Joesimon 1992
133. Harikeya Kuri K.S.L.Swamy 1992
134. Nanna Shatru Bhargava 1992
135. Sangarsha Sunil Kumar Desai 1993
136. Vyshakada Dinagalu Katte Ramachandra 1993
137. Naanendu Nimmavane Paniramachandra 1993
138. Rayaru Bhandaru Mavana Manege Dwarkish 1993
139. Vishnu Vijaya Keshu 1993
140. ManiKantana Mahime K.Shankar 1993
141. Nishkarsha Sunilkumar Desai 1994
142. Time Bomb Joesimon 1994
143. Kunthi Putra Vijay 1994
144. Samrat Naganna 1994
145. Mahakshatriya S.V.RajendraSingh Babu 1994
146. Halunda Thavaru D.RajendraBabu 1995
147. Kiladigalu Dwarkish 1995
148. Kona Edaithe Bharavi 1995
149. Yamakinkara Prabahakar 1995
150. Mojugara Sogusugara Vijay 1996
151. Deerga Sumangali D.RajendraBabu 1995
152. Bangarada kalasa Bhargava 1995
153. Thumbida Mane Umesh 1995
154. Karulinakudi V.P.Sarathy 1995
155. Himapatha S.V.RajendraSingh Babu 1995
156. Appaji D.Rajendra Babu 1996
157. Hello Dady Naganna 1996
158. Karnataka Suputhra Vijay 1996
159. Dhani Balajisingh Babu 1996
160. Jeevanadhi D.RajendraBabu 1996
161. Balina Jyothi Dwarkish 1996
162. Mangalasoothra Balajisingh Babu 1997
163. Ellaranthalla Nanna Ganda Umesh 1997
164. Shruthi Hakida Hejje Dwarkish 1997
165. Janani Janma Bhoomi Bhargava 1997
166. Laali Dinesh Babu 1997
167. Nishabdha Dinesh Babu 1998
168. Yaare Neenu Cheluve D.Rajendra Babu 1998
169. Simhada Guri M.Narayan Rao 1998
170. Hendithge Helthini Dinesh Babu 1998
171. Veerappa Nayaka S.Narayan 1999
172. Habba D.Rajendra Babu 1999
173. Suryavamsha S.Narayan 1999
174. Premotsava Dinesh Babu 1999
175. Soorappa Naganna 2000
176. Deepavali Dinesh Babu 2000
177. Nanna Hendthi Chennagiddale. Dinesh Babu 2000
178. Yajamana. Seshadri & Radha Bharathi 2000
179. Diggajaru. D.Rajendra Babu 2001
180. Kotigobba. Naganna 2001
181. Parva. Sunil Kumar Desai 2002
182. Jamindarru. S.Narayan 2002
183. Simhadriya Simha. S.Narayan 2002
184. Raja Narasimha. Muthyalu Subaiah 2003
185. Hrudayavantha. P.Vasu 2003
186. Kadamba. Suresh Krishna 2004
187. Apthamitra. P.Vasu 2004
188. Sahukara. Om Prakash 2004
189. Jyeshta. Suresh Krishna 2004
190. Varsha. S.Narayan. 2005
191. Vishnu Sena. Naganna. 2005
192. Nenello Nanalle. Dinesh Baboo. 2006
193. Sirivantha. S.Narayan. 2006
194. Ekadantha. Sachin 2007
195. Mathad Mathadu Mallige. Nagathihalli Chandrashekar 2007
196. Ee Bandhana. Vijaylakshmi Singh 2007
197. Nam Yajamanaru. Nagabharana 2009
198. Master. Dinesh Baboo 2010(Released after Ballary Naga)
199. Ballary Naga. Dinesh Baboo 2009
200. Aptarakshaka - Last Movie. P.Vasu 2010

Ashadh and marriage...Logical reason

Dear Friends,
Ashadha Masa has been much maligned for doing any good thing , leave alone
marriage.
Only logical reason that can be put forward is,

"India is an Agarian society where over 80 percent of people are involved in
agriculture"
Ashadha is the time when first rains are received and crop sowing/replanting
rice takes place.

Most of the society is involved in the farming work.
With rains coming down and people absenting themselves to be either in the
fields or confined to homes due to rains, marriages are ruled out.
Almost all activities except planting of crops came to a grinding halt in south
India(Especially).

So our ancestors declared Ashadha Masa to be not a good month to do any SUBHA
things.

Charli Chaplin

Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot

The Kid (1921)

Many of Chaplin’s admirers regard The Kid as his most perfect and most personal film. Yet it seems to have been born out of a state of acute emotional turmoil in his private life.

In October 1918 Chaplin had compromised himself into a hasty marriage with a 17-year-old actress, Mildred Harris. The couple had little in common, and Chaplin’s personal boredom and frustration resulted in an acute creative block.

He later wrote : ‘I was at my wits’ end for an idea’.
Mildred became pregnant and gave birth to a malformed boy, who died after only three days. Chaplin evidently suffered acute trauma from this loss. But the responses of the creative mind are unpredictable. Only ten days after his own child was buried, Chaplin was auditioning babies at his studio. Suddenly the creative block seemed overcome. He was absorbed and excited by a new plan for a story in which the Little Tramp would become surrogate father to an abandoned child. The film would be called The Waif.

By chance, he visited a music hall where a virtuoso dancer was performing. At the close of his act, the dancer brought on his four-year-old son – a beautiful, sparkling little boy called Jackie Coogan. Chaplin had found his co-star. Jackie was a born mimic, and could perfectly imitate any action or expression Chaplin showed him. This made him the perfect collaborator. Chaplin was the supreme and sole creator of his films. His colleagues all agreed that if he could have done so, he would have played every part in every film himself. Failing this, he looked for actors and actresses who could and would faithfully and unquestioningly copy precisely what he showed them. In Jackie Coogan he found his ideal actor.

His inspiration seemed never to slacken during the shooting, which extended over most of nine months. The only interruption was when Chaplin took a couple of weeks off to knock out a cheerfully uncomplicated comedy, A Day’s Pleasure, to calm his distributors, who were desperate at the slow delivery of new pictures. Chaplin never seemed more dogged in his characteristic quest for perfection than in making The Kid He patiently shot scenes again and again until he was fully satisfied. In the end he had filmed more than fifty times the length of film that appeared in the finished picture. Such a shooting ratio – it was precisely 53 to 1 – was far higher than for any other film he ever made.

The Kid is perhaps Chaplin’s most potent marriage of comedy and high emotion. The story relates how an unmarried mother abandons a baby, which is found and unwillingly adopted by the Tramp. As the child matures to five or six years old, the two form a profitable business partnership: the boy goes round breaking windows, and his friend follows, earning an honest living by mending them again. The Tramp ferociously opposes the efforts of social workers to take the boy into public care, and finally he is reunited with his mother, now a successful opera singer.

The emotional element of the film reaches a peak of poignancy in the scenes where the social workers try to take the boy away to an orphanage. The anguish and ferocity of the Tramp’s fight to keep him are unquestionably inspired by memories of Chaplin’s own childhood heartbreak at being taken from his mother at seven years old and placed in a home for destitute children.

By the time shooting had ended, Chaplin’s now irretrievably estranged wife Mildred had begun a suit for divorce. Terrified that her lawyers would try to seize The Kid Chaplin and his most faithful associates fled California. The film was edited in secret in a hotel in Salt Lake City and an anonymous studio in New York. There were further financial problems with the distributors but when The Kid was finally released in February 1921, it was an instant triumph everywhere it was shown, perhaps the greatest triumph of Chaplin’s career.

Jackie Coogan, at 7, became a world celebrity, honoured by princes, presidents and the Pope himself when he embarked on a European tour. He enjoyed a brief film career as a child actor, but, as Hollywood wits declared, «senility hit him at 13 years old». As a young adult he found himself penniless: his mother and step-father had mismanaged his childhood earnings, and what little money was left was eaten up in legal battles.

The one good outcome was that Jackie’s much publicised problems led to the introduction of a law to give financial protection to child performers: into this day it is known as «The Coogan Act». In later life, Jackie, once the most beautiful child in the world, achieved very different new fame as the nastiest of old men, Uncle Fester in TV series The Addams Family.

All this though was still hidden in the far-off future in 1921, when The Kid gave Chaplin the only true co-star of his career, and brought both Chaplin and the child to an unparalleled peak of world fame and affection.

Text by David Robinson
Copyright 2004 MK2 SA