Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka

Male Mahadeshwara Hills is nature and pilgrimage tourism site, offering the tourists with the scenic beauty of the lush green nature and the temple of ancient origin called Malai Mahadeshwara Hill Temple

Location of Male Mahadeshwara Hills
Male Mahadeshwara Hills is the hilly town located in the Kollegal taluk of Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka. Male Mahadeshwara Hills is situated at about 150 km from Mysore and about 210 km from Bengaluru.


Male Mahadeshwara Hill Temple in Male Mahadeshwara Hills
The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara is a very popular Shaiva pilgrimage centre. This ancient temple draws lakhs of pilgrims from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Male Mahadeshwara Hill Temple complex was built by a rich Kuruba Gowda landlord called Junje Gowda. Mahadeva is worshipped as the family God of the hill tribes of Male Mahadeshwara Hill like Soligas,

Nature Tourism in Male Mahadeshwara Hill
Male Mahadeshwara Hill also possesses natural beauty in the form of large tracts of forest area. The beautiful landscapes of Male Mahadeshwara Hill and valleys around the hills are covered with extensive forests. These forest types vary from evergreen forests in Ponnachi Boli to dry deciduous forests in most other parts
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Rahul Dravid, Indian Cricket Player

Rahul Sharad Dravid is the famous Indian Cricketer who led the Indian Cricket team from October 2005 to September 2007. He made his international debut in 1996, and since then have been the back bone of the side. Now he became the coach of India A cricket team and U19 Cricket Team.

Early Life of Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid was born in the year 1973 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh into a family of Maharashtrian Deshastha living Karnataka. He grew up in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Dravid studied at the St. Joseph's Boys High School, Bengaluru, where he earned the nickname Jammy, and then went to the St. Joseph's College Of Commerce.

Career of Rahul Dravid
He was selected to enter the Ranji Trophy in February 1991 against Maharashtra in Pune, along with his future Indian team-mates Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath. Dravid made a disappointing start to his career making his debut in ODI against Sri Lankan cricket team in the Singer Cup. He was the third Indian batsman after Vijay Hazare and Sunil Gavaskar to score centuries in both innings of a match during the 1999 New Year's Test match against New Zealand.

Awards and recognitions of Rahul Dravid
Dravid won the award for Wisden Cricketers of The Year in 2000. In 2004, the Padma Shri Award was conferred upon him. In the same year, Dravid also won the inaugural ICC Player of the year award and in addition was named the Test player of the year.



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Temple sculpture of Rajasthan, Indian Sculpture

Temple sculpture of Rajasthan are found in the temples of ancient and medieval times in Bharatpur, Abaneri, Baroli, Ramgarh, Nagda, Ajmer, Chittor. It was not before the 8th century that the temple sculpture of Rajasthan flourished. The Rajput kings use to practised religious tolerance. As a result a number of Jain temples are simultaneously found with the Hindu temples.


Features of Temple sculpture of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is famous for its magnificent architectural monuments made of stone. Forts, palaces and Temples are amazing success of the craftsmen that have few competitors. The features of Rajput sculptures have been greatly influenced by the Mughal sculptures and architectures.


Sculptural temple works of Rajasthan

The common Jain temples have vast sculptures of their tirthankaras preserved in the chamber. The most brilliant examples of Jain temples in Rajasthan are at Ranakpur and at Mount Abu. Ranakpur consists of a fortified complex of temples that arise in Mewar. At the heart of the complex there is the temple of Adinath, one of the largest, most extensive and characterised by excess and profusion of sculpture.

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Janmashtami , Indian Festival

As per the Hindu calendar, the festival of Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Shraavana. Also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, the festival of Janmashtami is particular to the Vaishnavism tradition in Hinduism, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.

Overview of Janmashtami

Known to be one of the most popular Hindu festivals, Janmashtami is celebrated in a huge manner in the historical twin cities of Mathura and Brindavan. It is here that Lord Krishna spent his childhood and thus the festive spirit of devotion runs high among the people.

Legend behind Janmashtami

Lord Krishna parents were Vasudeva and Devaki, who was the sister of the tyrant ruler Kansa, who wanted to kill Krishna because a prophecy said that his sister’s eighth child will bring his doom. Lord Krishna is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and thus the 8th child of Devaki, who was prophesised to kill his uncle Kansa.

Rituals of Janmashtami

On Janmashtami, devotees keep a strict fast. This is broken only at midnight, the time of Krishna's birth. At midnight, the idol of baby Krishna is placed in a small, decorated cradle Then, 'Panch aarti' is performed and the image is bathed with Gangajal in a mixture of curd, milk, honey, dry fruits and tulsi leaves.

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Vrksasana

 

Vrksasana, or Vrikshasana, is a cultural yoga asana that strengthens the calf and ankle muscles and mimics a tree in the completed posture. Vrksasana means the tree pose in Sanskrit. This Cultural Asana derives its name from the resemblance of the final pose to an erect tree.

Yoga Texts and Vrksasana

Vrksasana was first mentioned in the Gheranda Samhita, a significant Hatha Yogic text first compiled in the 18th century. It was mentioned in subsequent asana compendia. It now finds a place in a number of yoga sequences and is a well known posture.

Effects of Vrksasana

• This improves body-minded co-ordination.
• Thigh and calf muscles, ankles and the spine are made strong.
• Stretches the groins and inner thighs, chest and shoulders
• Improves sense of balance.
• Relieves sciatica and reduces flat feet.

Precautions in the practice of Vrksasana

• Remember to stand erect.
• Folded knee should point toward their respective sides.
• This is a balancing pose. If you feel like losing your balance then come back and practice again.

Practice Vrksasana :
A sequential process for performing Vrskasana follows.

• Stand erect with legs together, hands by the side of thigh, gaze in front.
• Fold your right leg at the knee and place the sole near the left thigh joint.
• Bring both the hands in Namaskara Mudra.

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Amboli, Maharashtra

Amboli is a well-known hill station nestled in the Maharashtra state of India. At a height and altitude of 690 meters, it is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa and relatively unexplored one. It is situated in the Sahayadri Hills of Western India, one of the world's "Eco Hot-Spots" and it therefore is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Historical Significance of Amboli

According to history, the Amboli village came into existence as one of the staging posts along the road from Vengurla port to the city of Belgaum, which was extensively used by the British to supply their garrisons in south and central India. It is also believed that there are 108 temples of Lord Shiva in and around Amboli of which only a dozen have been uncovered, one as recently as 2005.
 
Tourist Attractions of Amboli

The incredibly high rainfall and the plentiful waterfalls and mist during the monsoons are the main attractions of Amboli. Other tourist destinations are Nangarta Falls, Kavleshet Point, Maruti Mandir, Mahadev Gad, Sunset Point, and Shirgaonkar Point.

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Mukhesh Ambani, Indian Businessman

Mukesh Ambani, a renowned Indian industrialist, is the current Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries. It is the largest private sector industry in India. Mukesh Ambani is the eldest son of the business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani who founded the Reliance group of Industries.

Early Life of Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani was born on 19th April 1957 at Aden (Yemen) to Dhirubhai Ambani and Kokela Ben. He did his schooling in Abaay Morischa School and was a brilliant student. After graduating as a Chemical Engineering from the University of Mumbai, Department of Chemical Technology he went to Stanford Business School to pursue a Masters in Business Administration.
Career of Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani joined Reliance in 1981. He took steps to spread the business in other spheres as well from textiles to polyester fibres and further into petrochemicals. It was under his direction world's largest grassroots petroleum refinery at Jamnagar along with petrochemicals, power generation, port and related infrastructure was created.
Personal Life of Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani married Nita Ambani and has three children, Akash, Anant and Isha. They reside in a private 27 storey building in Mumbai named Antilia.

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Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nainital is an ideal lake resort which rises to a height of nearly 1,938 metres or 6,358 feet above the sea level. It is placed in the midst of a valley, which contains a 'pear-shaped lake', with a perimeter of nearly 2 miles.

History of Nainital

Popular myths is commonly related to Nainital's origin. In Indian mythology, Nainital is regarded as one of the 64 Shakti Peethas. Moreover in the Manas Khand of the Skanda Purana, Nainital Lake is known as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, which provides hint of the story of 3 sages (or rishis).

Tourism in Nainital

popular hill station Nainital receives visitors almost throughout the year. Most important places to visit are the Naini Lake and Tririshi Lake. The Cheena Peak or the Naina Peak is the other captivating place. The snow-clapped mountain ranges of Himalayas and the Nainital Valley are also popular with the tourists. Besides, there is Hanumangarh temple for devotees to explore. One can offer prayer and also enjoy the sunset from the temple premises.

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Muktasana, Meditative Asana

Muktasana or the 'free pose' is a yoga posture practiced by many for attaining various health benefits. Muktasana differs from some other meditative asanas by its peculiar arrangement of legs, arms and fingers. Muktasana offers the same beneficial effects as the Siddhasana and must be practiced with much the same caution.

Yoga Texts and Muktasana

A yoga posture named Muktasana is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, although it is merely considered another name for the more famous basic posture, Siddhasana. A number of the Yoga Upanishads mention the Muktasana (while omitting the Siddhasana), and the matching descriptions further indicate that the posture known as Muktasana was merely Siddhasana under a different name.
 
Benefits of Muktasana

• This asana exercises the abductors, flexors; external rotates of the hip and the ankle plantar frelxors.
• It helps to direct the energy from the lower psychic centres upwards to the spine. This process produces a stimulus to the brain calming the entire nervous system.
• It also helps to calm the mind and get rid of negative thoughts.
• It improves concentration and memory.

Steps of Muktasana

The steps of Muktasana are simple and it can be performed by anyone. However, beginning the asana under the guidance of yoga expert is a good idea.

• As in the Siddhasana, sit with legs fully stretched out.
• Bend the left leg at the knee joint slowly and tactfully as in Siddhasana.
• Then fold it in such a way that the left heel is placed directly over the genitals.
• Now place the right heel exactly over the left one, as if both are one.

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Rudraksha, Astrology

Rudraksha is one of the miraculous creations of nature, where the seed is shaped by number of clefts on its surface. These clefts are known as ‘Mukhis’, or faces. There are about 1 to 38 Mukhi rudraksha present. In most cases, 1 to 14 Mukhi rudraksha are used for astrological purpose. A particular Mukhi rudraksha is believed to encounter the malefic effects of a specific planet.
Etymology of Rudraksha

Rudraksha is termed by joining the 2 words - "Rudra" and "Aksha". ‘Rudra’ is one of the avatars of Lord Shiva and ‘Aksha’ means tears. The legend goes that the Shiva had to counteract powerful Demons in the ongoing war against gods. When the entire destruction was settled down, Shiva opened his eyes and shed tears. The legendary tree of Rudraksha was born on the very place those tears fell.

Power of Rudraksha

Rudraksha carries within itself unique electro-magnetic properties, which in turn empowers the possessor when in touch with human body, or, even when it is safely kept in the house. Rudraksha enhances the effects of a weak planet, and streamlines the effects of a malefic one into a positive energy.
Types of Rudrakshas

Rudraksha are classified into 27 different types on the basis of mukhis. In ancient epics like ‘Shiva Purana’, ‘Srimad Devi Bhagwat’ and ‘Padma Puran’, Rudraksha upto 14 Mukhis have been described along with their effects and purposes for which they are useful. Higher Mukhi Rudraksha from 15 to 27 Mukhis have also been found in the later texts like ‘Katyayani Purana’. Beads higher than 27 Mukhi have also been found in recent years. There are other Rudraksha like Gauri Shankar, Ganesha, Sawar and Trijuti.

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History of Srinagar

History of Srinagar can be traced back to the ancient ages, around the 3rd century BC. The term Srinagar is a derivation of two Sanskrit words, 'Sri' which implies Lakshmi and 'Nagar' meaning city. Some historians are of the view that the city of Srinagar had been created by Ashoka, who was a Pandava ruler.

Ancient History of Srinagar

Srinagar was known by numerous names in the ancient ages. Certain historical records claim that King Pravarasena II had created Srinagar more than 2,000 years ago and referred to the city as Parvasenpur. During that time, Srinagar was a portion of the Maurya Empire and the religion of Buddhism was ushered here by King Ashoka.
Medieval History of Srinagar

Srinagar continued to be administered by the Buddhist and Hindu rulers till the 14th century, when the city of Srinagar and the Kashmir valley was acquired by Muslim rulers. When the Mughals arrived in India, they gained control of Srinagar.

Modern History of Srinagar

On 17th August, 1947, villagers residing near the Poonch valley rebelled against the continuous rule of the Maharaja, when India had attained independence from the British Raj. Pashtun tribes like 'Afridi' and 'Mehsud' entered Srinagar from the Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to conquer it on 22nd October.

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Naukasana

In modern yoga, Naukasana or Navasana is a seated asana and is beneficial to cure many physical disorders. Naukasana is a cultural yoga asana with a fairly recent history, first being described in a 19th century text. It is a fixture of contemporary yoga programs.

Variations of Naukasana

During the Naukasana, the person has to balance entirely on their buttocks and the body forms into a V shape. Other variations of the Naukasana include the Ardha Navasana which is half boat pose and the Ekapada Navasana pose.
 

Benefits of Naukasana
The Naukasana helps in strengthening the abdominal muscles, the legs and the lower back. It improves the health of all organs in the abdomen especially the liver, pancreas and kidneys. Naukasana helps in regulating blood flow at sugar level and toughens muscles of neck.

Precautions of Naukasana
1. Do not bend legs at the knee.
2. Release the Asana before there is any pain in abdominal muscles.
3. Those suffering from hypertension, heart disease and lumbar spondylosis should not practice it.

Practise of Naukasana
1. Lie straight on the abdomen and chest with the forehead resting on the floor.
2. Keep the feet together and the arms on the sides.
3. Stretch out the arms on both sides of the head and keep them parallel.
4. Turn down the palms on the floor with fingers close together.
5. Keep the forehead on the floor between the upper arms.

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Rajasthani Cuisine, Indian Regional Cuisine

 
Rajasthani Cuisine has been influenced by Rajput and Brahmins as well as by its arid topography. It is a place known for its variety of lip smacking snacks. Rajasthani Cuisine consists of food that stays for long and requires less or no heating. The cuisine of Rajasthan is a delectable blend of multiple regional cuisines such as Mewari, Marwari, Shekhawati and Bikaneri. 
Features of Rajasthani Cuisine

A lot of ghee is a prerequisite to most Rajasthani dishes. Besan is another ingredient that Rajasthani people relish. Use of milk and milk products instead of water is unique to this part, as it curtails water consumption and adds that extra flavour to the dish.


Various Delicacies of Rajasthan

The signature delicacies of Rajasthan are ‘Dal Baati Churma’ and ‘Kachori’ to sweets like ‘Ghevar’, ‘Imarti’ and ‘Malpua’. Dal Baati Churma and Bikaneri Bhujia have garnered both national and international popularity. ‘Bajre ki Roti’ is very popular and healthy flat bread that is relished across Rajasthan.

Marwari Cuisine of Rajasthan

Marwari Cuisine of Rajasthan comes in two varieties i.e. the food eaten by the common man that includes use of various spices and herbs and the food of the Marwari Jains that is prepared without using onions, garlic or for that matter any ingredient growing under the soil except for ginger and groundnuts.

Desserts of Rajasthan

Besides spicy flavours, each region is well known for its popular sweets. Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are famous for ‘Laddoos’, Pushkar for ‘Malpua’, Bikaner for ‘Rasgulla’, Udaipur for ‘Dil Jani’, Jaipur and Alwar for ‘Mishri Mawa’ and ‘Ghevar’, Jodhpur for ‘Mawa Kachori’, Ajmer for ‘Sohan Halwa’ and the famous ‘Jalebi’ can be found in all cities of Rajasthan.

Read more : Rajasthani Cuisine, Indian Regional Cuisine