Monday 5 January 2015

An Ancient Monkey Kingdom & birthplace of a Monkey God

Place: Anegundi, Karnataka

Claim to fame
Birthplace of India’s revered Monkey God, Hanuman. Home to the ancient monkey Kingdom of Kishkinda. Prominent location for turning-point events in the mega Indian epic, the Ramayana. Part of the Hampi World Heritage Site that
dates back to over 5000 years – way older than the ancient Hampi itself! The plateau is said to be the oldest on the planet, over 3000 million years and counting.


Photo: Krishnadevaraya

The Grand Seduction
Anegundi may seem like a tiny, unassuming village, but it has all the  trappings of a grand seduction of an entirely new kind. A beautiful river, coracles floating on its waters and past ancient ruins, electrifying green fields,  gentle hills, and the most distinctive of all – the freaky, outer-space-like boulders that are generously sprinkled all over the landscape. 



A true throwback in time, Anegundi has no dearth of mythological treasures, as it was the cradle of the Krishnadevaraya dynasty, of the glorious Vijayanagar empire. The current generation Krishnadevaraya still lives here and is actively involved in numerous ecological and sustainability projects.




Kingdom of Monkey Princes & Gods
According to the grand Indian epic, Ramayana, Anegundi (formerly known as Kishkinda) was the Kingdom of the monkey Prince #Sugriva.  But it was his brother #Hanuman who got all the glory and emerged as the local superhero and later, a major God for #Hindus. Their allegiance and support to #Rama (the hero) is what lead to the grand action packed, and literally fiery climax if the #Ramayana. 




Here’s what happened in a tiny nutshell. Rama’s wife Sita (the heroine) had been kidnapped by the Ravana, King of Lanka ( the villan). Hanuman and his monkey army helped build a bridge across the ocean, to Lanka.  This enabled Rama’s army and the monkey military to cross over and defeat #Ravana. All of Lanka was burnt to cinder thanks to the cunning strategy of Rama, Laxman (Rama’s brother & sidekick), Hanuman and their men. They finally managed to rescue #Sita, the princess and wife-in-distress. 




This great cross-border “rescue mission” aside, Hanuman also performed awe-inspiring feats like changing form, flying, and carrying an entire mountain that bore a life-saving herb, in order to save Laxman’s life. And all this from the extreme southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, to the Himalayas in the extreme north, and back!  All this won him a coveted place in the Rama’s family drama, and he soon became a permanent character in their family portrait, featuring Rama, Sita and Laxman – with Hanuman bowing down to them on one side as a respectful ideal devotee (usually on his knees).  

Top Devotee turns solo Divine Act  
With time though, this monkey God got his due and managed to transcend from Top Devotee to solo Divine Act.  Countless temples are dedicated to him, and he’s even assigned a day in the week for his worship. The day being Tuesday. 




Almost all depictions of Hanuman show him carrying his mace in one hand and the mountain in the other. This show of strongmanship made him the favored God for wrestlers and all others in need of some extra strength and muscle.  But that’s not all. Synonymous with alpha manhood (although himself  celibate), people also pray to Hanuman for familial happiness and to bear a son -- which in many parts of India is considered one of the same thing. Many worship him for protection from the very ill tempered, wrathful Lord of Planet Mars, called Mangal. Whatever the reason for worship, he remains wildly popular and it’s little wonder that the temple made at his supposed birthplace is a very important pilgrimage spot in Anegundi.

Anjanadri Hill: Birthpalce of Hanuman, The Monkey God
Hanuman’s paternity is somewhat complex and perhaps, disputed. Some verions claim he’s the son of Vayu, the Wind God. While others claim he’s an incarnation of Lord Shiva himself. What we know for sure is that his mother was Anjana or Anjanari. Like with most myths, there’s also a squabble over his birthplace, with enthusiastic claims coming from some other states too. It does seem natural for a monkey superhero to be born in a Monkey Kingdom though, and by that logic, this place seems right. 




Fact or fiction, Anjanadri Hill is either named after his mother or his alias, Anjaneya.  A tiny, modest whitewashed temple stands there, marking his birthplace.  It is a huge contrast from all the other important Hindu temples and it is believed that the structure has been here since the time of the Ramayana.

One has to take a 570 step climb to reach the top.  Devotees of all ages make their way up to seek blessings, and much like the ancient times, an army of monkeys hovers all around the place. Only difference being that the modern day avatar is an army of rouge monkeys, who don’t hesitate to snatch anything they like from the devotees or tourists. Top favorites remain food and beverages, but they may also take a fancy to anything else, so be careful. 




The most breathtaking sunrise and sunsets
Apart from the temple, the climb is a must-do as the top of the hill offers the most spectacular views of  Anegundi and Hampi. A sunrise or a sunset spent here will count as a stand-out moment of your trip. The sunset view point is where a motley crew of characters congregate – hippies, yogis, chillum bearing babas, a local “monkey-man” who displays his jumping skills, an odd musician, photographers and bric-a-bac of others.




Handy Tips:

1. Carry a stick from the start of the climb, and keep it till you return. Just use it to scare the monkeys, not hit them, or you may face the wrath of other devotees, or even worse, the monkeys themselves! 
2. Do not feed the monkeys, even if others are
3. Never look them in the eye…they take it as a direct challenge
4. Don’t go too near to take a picture or shake hands etc. You may land up bruised and bitten
5. Wear comfy footwear, that you don’t mind losing. You will have to remove it once you reach the top and stuff does get lost in the pile sometimes
6. Carry water as you will not get any at the top
7. The rocks get really hot by evening and walking barefoot can be quite a challenge. Take a pair of thick cotton socks, or take a small bag for your footwear. Pack it in while crossing the temple and then wear it once you are on the other side. 
8. Leave once the sun is down and resist any temptation to stay back. It is not safe.
9. Once you are down (try to walk down while others are still around), have a fresh coconut water before heading out.


All content and image Copyrights Reserved by Bindiya Murgai & Soul Sherpa 


Monday 1 December 2014

Snapshots of Hampi, India

Hampi is a small, yet stunning village in #Karnataka, India. Strangely strewn boulders make way for lush paddy fields. Ancient monuments and ruins rise up from earth, creating a time warp that transports you to the medieval times.   The #Tungabhadra River snakes through languidly, adding magic, romance and character to the landscape.
Once  the capital of the mighty Vijaynagara Empire, #Hampi offers a stunning peak into the architectural vision and marvels of the  13th to 14th Century.  However, what predates its political history by many centuries, is its religious history. This has mixed and morphed with mythology, especially the Hindu epic #Ramayana (supposedly written in the 1st century BC) for so long that's its hard to separate one from the other.   
Hindus consider this a very sacred place, while the hippies just love the laid-back vibe and the surreal setting. More of that in later posts as this one is simply to share snapshots of Hampi -- a colorful side that one does not see much of in postcards and promotions. Hope you enjoy them.
The Wishing Tree, Outside a temple in Hampi
People come and tie bags filled with prescribed fillings in order to have their wish fulfilled



Symmetrical doors outside a unusually straight lined building



Calf outside a temple, trying to make its way under a railing



Colour filled house exterior
Notice the blue & pink windows, the green and red door and the colour splashed bicycle



Fashionista
She's rocking on the style meter! Said she's spun the look together on her own. 
Love the rainbow clips, the double crystal bindis, the little lace pin on her dress, 
and most of all the jumbo rose of her head -- totally original spin on how Indian women wear their flowers



Green with envy
Love this bright chroma green house and the vibrant blue, contrasting door
Don't miss the peacock in the window inlay and the geometric circles that bear the colours of the Indian flag 



Hair dressing!
Woman with the beautiful flaming orange flowers in her hair -- so graceful even from the back



Beauty of barren
A dilapidated ruin with bright strokes of colour randomly painted on the inside



The sun pours down like honey...
The early morning sun pouring on to the paddy fields and Hindu prayer ribbons 



Flower spangled schoolgirl
Little girl returning from school with her flowers firmly in place



Stone & plastic
Pile of colourful plastic pots and buckets, stacked in a dark dingy corner of a monument



Foot Rest
Photographed as they were found...looks like the slippers needed to take a break



Gentle looking priest in a temple



Goddess is watching
Changing and clothes drying room for the priests in a Hindu temple



The Gods Must Be Hungry!
Goddess atop a temple, with her bowl and spoon :)



Pilgrims
Women waiting to enter a temple. 
Notice how they have all made an effort to dress well for the occasion



All dressed up & to the farm she must go!
A well decorated tractor, all set to work the land

























Divine Kitchen
A temple cook preparing meals for the priests



Friday 28 November 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 81

Relook at your beliefs about love 

Love does not always come with red roses and mushiness. Yet, it does come to you almost everyday. You simply don’t recognise it as it’s not always romantic love, nor always from the person you expect it from. Often it may not even match the definition you have set in your head. That doesn’t mean it isn’t there. When a parent worries for you, a friend pushes you to leave a bad relationship, another pushes you to reach your potential, yet another tells you an uncomfortable truth about yourself—they are all engaging in acts of love. Notice them, acknowledge them and appreciate the love around you, in every form and from every source. That will soon bring a lot more joy and connectedness, and you’ll realise that you have a lot more than you ever truly knew.  



Monday 24 November 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 80

Recognise the love you’re NOT giving

We are all so busy noticing what we are not getting from others that we forget to examine what we are not giving. If you are unhappy about people not keeping in touch or calling, first ask yourself if you are keeping in touch with them. If you want them to be more involved, helpful and participative in your life, then you must be the same way with them. You can’t miss all of your friend’s birthdays and still expect them to show up for yours. Give others what you want to receive from them, be it love, praise, comfort, help or company. Create a two-way flow by recognising and giving all that you are holding back. 



Sunday 16 November 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 79

Initiate meaningful conversations.

When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with someone? More often than not, people land up making conversations about mundane stuff, gossip or things they can’t even remember. So while you don’t need to make each conversation deep and insightful, you must have adequate meaningful conversations with everyone you share  a relationship with. Truly get to “know” the people you interact with .  Ask them about their lives and listen fully to what they are saying. Appreciate their sharing, ask the right questions, show genuine interest and keep the exchange authentic. Some may be more reserved than others, but keep trying because meaningful conversations are the key to meaningful relationships. And do keep in mind that texting, taking calls and being distracted during in conversation that you are trying to make meaningful, is a complete no-no!


Friday 14 November 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 78

What you eat affects your moods & happiness

We all know that eating good food promotes overall health and well-being, but do you know that what you eat also impacts how you feel?  Research proves that your food choices effect your mental health. Brain chemicals  influence the way we think, feel and behave – and they can be affected by what we've eaten. Like sweets give a spike of energy followed by a crashing low, and sugar is linked to addictive eating, and even schizophrenia. Long-term unhealthy diets can cause depression, mood swings and an array of other problems. So consider modifying your eating habits to feel happier and more energised. 

Sunday 9 November 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 77

Have clear intention to set a clear direction.
You will not arrive where you want unless you have the intention to get there first. Sure you’ll get somewhere without an intention, but it will mostly not be where you wish to be, or in a manner that you like. You can only achieve a desired outcome by having a clear intention, so make sure you set one for everything you want in life -- happiness and fulfilment will follow.







Saturday 8 November 2014

What is yoga & what makes it so great

What is yoga?
Over five thousand years ago, Indian sages -- mystics, philosophers and thinkers drew upon life and death to discover  a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that harmonized the body, mind and spirit. This was called #yoga, one of the greatest tools of wellbeing for humanity.

What does “yoga” mean?
The term “yoga” derived from Sanskrit word, means “yoking together” or  “union”. It stands for bringing together, connection and communion. In terms of yoga, the union stands for the ever-present unification of the individual spirit or self, called jiva, and the universal spirit or self, called atman. In a larger sense, it denotes the confluence of individual consciousness with the collective or #UniversalConsciousness. In yogic thought, this state of authentic union is known as enlightenment or self-realization. Through the various practices of yoga we are able to comprehend the divine eternal spirit that connects and flows through all of us.



Is yoga a Hindu religious practice?
Absolutely not. Although it originated in India and was practiced by Hindu sages and then people in general, it can in no way be misunderstood to be a religious practice. At best, you could call it a practice for holistic well-being, which includes spiritual wellbeing. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines religion as “the belief in a God or a group of Gods”. However, Yoga is certainly not connected to any God – although it was so beneficial that even the Gods practiced it! 

Despite the loud hoo-haa, especially in the United States, over banning yoga for being a religious Hindu practice, in reality it’s simply a philosophy aiming at the mystical union of the self with the Supreme Force. And this is done in a state of complete awareness, awakening and tranquility, through certain physical and mental exercises. 

So what’s the big deal about yoga and why is it considered better than regular exercise?
There’s a reason why yoga saw such a tsunamic wave and acceptance across the globe, and why it’s considered much more beneficial than most forms of exercise. While regular workouts are great and serve well in promoting physical wellbeing, that’s all they do – focus only on the physical! Yoga, on the other hand, is a discipline that approaches human wellness in a more comprehensive and holistic manner. It balances the mind and body, along with our subtle energy systems such as the chakras (vortexes of energy or chi). This is done through the use of breath control, simple #meditation, and specific bodily postures, that promote relaxation, peace, equilibrium and good health.

Yoga also helps in eliminating a variety of health problems related to almost all our body parts and functions, such as the heart, circulation, digestion, respiratory, endocrine and reproductive organs. As well as psychological issues such as depression.

Yoga & the importance of physical awakening
Physical awakening is the first step in the yoga journey. Yoga merges the movement of breath with our consciousness, while the physical body merges with the movement and stillness of asanas or postures. This creates physical, mental and emotional balance, and well-being.  It harmonizes the body, mind and spirit that promotes better healthy and a more vibrant, energized state of being.

Yoga as an inner journey
The nature of yoga is revealed to us through practice. It is a non-verbal process, an inner journey to the true center of the soul, which is the source of all happiness and ultimately the union or non-separateness. This inner journey follows many simultaneous paths. The key ones are the pursuit of personal integrity and moral restraint, physical exercises and breathing techniques, and the development of concentration or “one-pointedness” – that leads us to meditation, and through that, with regular practice its helps us attain the ultimate bliss of self realization. 

How does meditation help in yogic practice?
Meditation helps us expand our awareness of ourselves and the ways in which we relate to the universe and its creations. It enables us to live fully in each moment with joy, contentment, serenity and love. It stills the endless mental chatter that saps our energy and creates stress and negativity. Regular practice can transform our relationships and renew our energy. By freeing the mind from the daily noise and clutter, we can find spiritual wisdom in a state of expanded awareness. 

How many styles of yoga are there and how do I choose?
Today there are over 800 styles of yoga. These are versions promoted by different gurus and the range of styles vary from the traditional #Ashthanga, #Iyengar and #Kundalini yoga  to the more trendy versions like hot, power, yin, aerial and #BikramYoga.   Many of the new-age variations are hybrids that take the essence of yoga and combine it with different elements like ramped up cardio, overheated studios, and even martial art forms. 

It’s important to research the styles carefully before choosing one. Begin by defining your goals and what you hope to achieve through the practice.  Talk to the instructors and get a clear understanding of how that particular style will match your goals and help you. Do not get swayed by trends, gimmicks and advertising drives. Personally, I am a big fan of the traditional styles, but finally it’s your body, your goals and your choices. Choose well and enjoy the absolutely marvelous benefits of yoga.

All Rights Reserved 






Wednesday 5 November 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 76

Give people space. Be soulmates, not cellmates!
Even if you are soulmates, you are not cellmates! Weather you are lovers, spouses, parents or friends, it’s important to know the value of giving people their space. No matter how close or intimate your relationship with another may be, you have to allow others and yourself some time to be alone or with other people – doing things other than being with you! This allows you both to grow, develop and flourish as people. It also creates more mutual respect and ensures a healthy long term relationship.


                                                        Photo: Steven Depolo

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Tuesday 4 November 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 75

When you hurt someone, do it gently and with decency.

We all get hurt sometimes. We also knowingly hurt others, at some point or the other. For example when we break up with someone because we are “over” them, or it’s just not working for us. Or when we fire somebody who is a great person but just not right for the job. 

Now, we may not be able to control causing hurt, but the important thing is that while doing so, we do it as gently and kindly as possible. Be compassionate, praise the person for all the good things they have done. Offer an honest explanation so they can have closure. Apologise if needed. If the situation is conducive to maintaining contact, offer help in any way possible. Most importantly, be decent. Don’t get defensive, obnoxious, break the other person's confidence or useful things they have shared in confidence with you.









Monday 3 November 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 74

Accept that your partner is not perfect. Nor are you!

Have realistic expectations of your partner. Don’t expect them to read your mind. Or live up to an unrealistic list of qualities that your “ideal partner” was meant to have. It’s hard to find a person who has it all -- looks, intelligence, romance, humor, success, patience, culinary skills, knowledge, ability to a good parent, and whatever else you list comprises.   In all likelihood, you not quite that perfect yourself.  So instead of sulking, feeling let down or complaining, appreciate your partner for who they are. Looks for traits that really matter. Like compassion, understanding, kindness, humaneness, generosity and a loving heart.


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Thursday 30 October 2014

100 Rules of Happiness: Rule 73

Put your heart out there!
If you have never loved -- in the true, deep, crazy, irrational, passionate & heartbreaking way -- then you have never lived. So go on, put your heart out there. Take some chances. It’s never too late. Don't be afraid because it's truly better to have loved and lost, than never have loved at all.

                                 
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