Whenever there is a decay of dharma (righteousness), O Bharata
and the good are persecuted, then I manifest myself! ~ Shri Krishna to Arjuna in the Srimad Bhagvad Gita: 4:7
Krishna Vandana – Tribute to Krishna
Krishna is the most beloved of Hindu Gods and a popular avataar of Vishnu, the eternal soul of the Universe. While other incarnations of Vishnu crystallize divine traits in ordinary beings, Krishna’s life and experiences on earth symbolize the humanness of the divine.
Krishna takes a human birth in a prison cell in the city of Mathura, as the son of Devaki and Vasudeva. Spirited away, Krishna was raised in Vrindavan by foster parents Yashoda and Nanda. His childhood antics endear him to his friends and later devotees, even earning him the epithet of makhan chor – stealer of butter! A baby Krishna digging into a pot of freshly churned butter is commonly depicted in devotional art. At a young age, Krishna subdues the vile snake Kaliya; humbles the Vedic God Indra; defeats his evil uncle Kamsa and liberates his parents.
As a skilled strategist, Krishna plays a central role in the epic Mahabharata; helping the Pandava brothers win the war of dharma. His advise to Arjuna at the beginning of the battle is encapsulated in the Bhagvad Gita (Song of the Blessed One) – one of the most important and popular Indian philosophical treatises. It is in the Bhagvad Gita that Krishna succinctly explains the diverse paths to eternal salvation and harmonizes their ultimate goal of spiritual union with God.
When a young Krishna in Vrindavan plays his flute, the gopikas (milkmaids) are maddeningly drawn by the magical notes and forget their daily chores. Radha in particular, even goes against social norms and secretly pines for union with Krishna. Their ability to intensely love Krishna and be forever devoted to him, even sacrificing other relations, is the exemplary centerpiece of bhakti. In the Bhagvad Gita, Krishna reveals that bhakti – reverent devotion to God, is the easiest path to enlightenment. He implores Arjuna, “Fix your mind on me; be forever devoted to me and you shall come to me. I promise you this, for you are dear to me.” (18:65)
Its been a while since I shared pics of Meera. So here is Meera visiting one of our friends in Mumbai. She loved this day bed and ruled from it.
In other news, Meera is now enrolled in Bharatnatyam (Indian classical dance) classes on the weekend. It’s only been a few weeks and Meera’s loving it. As parents are not allowed in class, we have no idea how she is doing.
And I sent her a few packs of Silly Bandz (zoo & farm animals).
After 63 years of Indian Independence, there is a sense amongst Indians and even the rest of the world, that India is not living up to its potential ‘completely.’ There is a lot more it could have done, but is unable to get it done.
What is the reason for this? Who is letting India down?
I don’t do weights! But my trainer friends urge me to build muscle tone. “It will help your running,” they argue. I do anything which helps my running. Continue Reading »
Kailash Parbat in Colaba is certainly one of our favorite restaurants in Mumbai. We end up there at a drop of a hat. It is walking distance and close to the Maruti Mandir that we try and visit every day. Importantly, Meera is very comfortable there and their wait-staff are quick to bring her a small dish of kurmura (puffed rice). Below, you can browse some of their other dishes from prior visits.
A couple of our favorite dishes:
Pav Bhaji! I get a few extra ‘pav’ (bread). Notice the butter soaked in the bread. Continue Reading »
True Mumbaikars know the place for delicious sweets, desserts and even milk is Parsi Dairy Farm on Princess St, Mumbai; at the ramp for the Marine Lines Flyover. Milk was delivered by their dudhwallahs in khaki shorts and cobalt blue shirts. They’d balance the handa (milk pot) on their thigh and carefully measure out the milk.
Their sutarfeni (sweet, shredded, flaky, rice dough, topped with almonds & pista) helped with many celebrations. To this day I am partial to Parsi Dairy sutarfeni, despite many of our family’s shifting allegiance to D Damodar (see earlier post).
As Meera grows up, I want her to experience the little joys I had. Thus on every visit we retrace the steps of my youth. On my last visit, I took her to Parsi Dairy. Their offerings have changed slightly and now include misti dohi – sweet curds (or yogurt) set in tiny clay pots.
Here is one of their dudhwallahs ready to help. A sweet curd pot (500 gm) was Rs 53. Interestingly, Meera prefers their plain curds and mumbles “yummy” in between stuffing her face. Continue Reading »
For her Play School Annual Day, Meera was given the part of Shakuntala. Teachers were coaching the kids for 2 months, mainly teaching them NOT to run off stage when they see their parents. Continue Reading »
Fascinating to keep up with this Hawk’s nest. Even after I got back from Mumbai, the Hawk babies were still in the nest. Now the babies are larger and ready to fly out. Also, tragedy.
I am updating this older post with new pics as the Hawks grow up. So please visit often.
And for Father’s Day, A tribute to Mr Hawk!
Arun
Thursday, June 17th, 2010 For Father's Day, My Tribute to Mr Hawk for taking care of his young ones! I hadn't seen any adult stop by the nest. This morning, the male (father) stopped by the nest, dropped off something, hung around on the rails for a few minutes and then flew away. What a magnificent bird. It appears the chicks are nearly as large as the adult male. Two of the bigger birds in the nest appear to be female. The third is a smaller fe … Read More
Growing up, most evenings we’d end up around Colaba Market. It was centrally located and many friends lived around there. Even today, when we go for a walk with Meera, we shop our way through the market enroute to Kailash Parbat for some chaat.
It is refreshing to see baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables on the road sides. The produce here is local, seasonal and helps local workers. Better carry a shopping bag. The best part – you only buy what you need for a day or two. Then come again.
