Fun times in the beach

My daughter Pavithra's friend, Parvathy (Pachu) was to stay with us over the week end and Pavithra was gung-ho about Pachu's visit. On Friday, the 9th April, Pachu came home - she too was excited to come back to the place where she had stayed earlier and meet all her friends. From then on, it was only play, play and more play. They quickly had dinner and again went down to meet the gang, rather the SJC GANG !



Both the girls got up early (no wonder, coz they had to go to play !), checked whether their friends had got up - what with the mobile & free intercom facility within the apartment. Came back for breakfast, quick shower, play, lunch, Computer games & then the much awaited beach visit.



Pavithra, Pachu, Subhadra & Jemi along with the responsible adults (!) my hubby Anand & me went to Besant Nagar Beach on 17th April evening. The girls started talking ninteen to the dozen & clicking photos in the car itself. We enjoy being with Pavithra & her friends.



Once in the beach, we straight went to the water, Mr.Clean, Anand, did not like the idea of his feet & pant being wet & then walking on the sand. So, while he stayed away from water, the girls and me had a blast in the water. The waves became boisterous as time passed. The sound of waves, unrestrained laughter, loud screams in between (while some twig came near our feet) and the numerous photos taken while in the water with various hilarious poses - wow, that was fun, UNLIMITED FUN. Anand had his share of fun talking to his friend non stop on the mobile (what with the wife & daughter not around to interrupt the talk !)



After being completly wet, we came towards the parapet wall near the road & had ice candy. By then Pachu's sister, Gayathri & their father joined us. Going to the beach & not having Maanga & Corncob - how can that be? Gayathri bought raw mango & corncob with a dash of lime & salt - ummm. Spent some time watching the group of elderly ladies playing some games (backward walking, kho-kho) - what indefatigable spirit.

Gayathri & her father went back home while the rest of us headed to Mast Kalandar for dinner.

All of us thoroughly enjoyed the outing. We decided that we will once again come to the beach with a much bigger group.

Journey to God

It is more than 2 months since we undertook this trip - somehow I was not able to write about it ....here I go......

We had planned to spend Pavithra's (darling daughter) birthday in Swami's presence. Train/bus tickets were booked, and we left for Prashanti Nilayam on 12th Feb. Reached Prashanti Nilayam by around 10.30 AM on the 13th Feb. Though my colleague Prashanti had given the key to the house in Puttaparthi (owned by her Parents), our first preference was to stay within the Ashram. 12th Feb being Shivarathri, we were anxious if we will get accomodation in Prashanti Nilayam. Thankfully, due to Swami's grace, we got a very nice room in West Block. Expecting a long queue in the North Indian Canteen, we had our lunch in the Western Canteen. Had Swami's darshan in the afternoon - the hall was packed to capacity. We were amazed at how the foreigners were able to chant the rudra with ease without seeing the book ! There was no morning darshan on the 14th Feb. We had Swami's darshan in the evening and we got Prasadam and calendar blessed by Swami. The musical offering by the Anantapur students was too good - just meant for the God. Though I did not have a close darshan, I thought we were fortunate to be in his Darbar that evening (as Anand says). Met Ashwin in the hostel and spent some time with him.

No divine darshan on the 15th, which was very very disappointing. But the happiness that we get by just being in the Ashram is something that cannot be explained. 16th Feb being Pavithra's birthday, we were hoping that he gives his divine darshan. But Swami did not come in the morning of 16th. Special pass will be given for devotees spending their birthday or wanting to give wedding invitation, etc. Knowing this, we requested Mr.Unnikrishnan in the Accomodation Office to extend the pass to Pavithra (we had with us her passport for proof of birthday). Mr.Unnikrishnan spoke to Pavithra, wished her, gave her Vibhuti and Swami's photo and gave the pass for all 3 of us - wow, we were so excited. We quickly had our lunch and left very early towards the special pass queue. In fact we were the first in our queue and we were seated in the 2nd row. I was praying that Swami bless Pavithra by giving his darshan. Swami gave us his divine darshan on 16th evening.

No darshan on 17th morning. We had to leave by the afternoon bus to Bangalore and then by train to Chennai. This time, while in Prashanti Nilayam, Anand & I did some service in Western Canteen - served food. Felt really good after the service. Though we were fortunate to have Swami's darshan, not many darshans that we had - hence not a very satisfying trip when compared to the earlier trip.

Reached Bangalore in the evening, did some quick shopping, dinner at Woodys and boarded the train. Reached Chennai early morning and back to the daily grind ! Where does all the peaceful feeling vanish once out of Puttaparthy???