....in Chicago
It was another beautiful birthday with so many wishes from loved ones from India over phone, e-mail, chat and on my blog, a special milk payasam (pudding) prepared for me here, quiet meditation and just the bliss of being.
There was a big birthday gift that Chicago could offer and that was a visit to the Aurora Venkatachalapathi Temple through beautiful inter-states, where the bright sun had no power to melt the snow on the grass and trees on either sides, a view of the beautiful houses and silent roads despite the traffic congestion at some points.
Standing before the mighty idol of Lord Balaji, all alone, is indeed a very rare experience for someone from India. It just felt like being in front of the idol in Tirupati or before a similar idol at the now famous Santhana Sreenivasa Perumal Temple in Chennai's Mogappair - the deity who got this name because he is believed to bless couples with the wealth of children - Santhanam.
I have now words to describe the silence and meditation that happened at the temple in front of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavathi Devi, Andal, Ganesha, Muruga, Dakshinamurthy, Shiva and Parvathy and Hanuman. It was a feeling of meeting all your loved ones beneath the same roof. The temple is a happy marriage of Indian spirituality and American organisation and cleanliness. The feeling inside was just indescribable.
Nothing more to say beyond this....
*****
10 comments:
Yes Miss Divine,
I heard it all before,
I have spoken about thee in my blogsite,
Please do visit and read,
For on your birthday,
Your sishya has a gift,
THE ACQUAINTANCE.
Oh thank you robbie. I'll read it.
Happy Birthday! just bloghopped n landed here.. If Swahilya is your name, its very mellifluous to pronounce. Nice post...!
Swahilya, what a beautiful spirit you are, and reading your blog, Aksharoham, I am amazed how kindly you view America. We become used to being viewed negatively (deservedly so in most cases), yet you see us positively. From my heart, thank you. I see a strength in the people of India which inspires me to become a better person. Your blog, and others, are portals to understanding, love and compassion between cultures. Keep posting and touching our lives.
@brotherbill: America has all that materialism can offer and India has all that the wisdom of the spirit can give. With a warm hug and a heartfelt handshake, both countries can make this world a beautiful space.
Yes Swahilya, great posting.
Brother Bill its really great knowing you. I was just telling my daughters about you
See the miracle of the spirit. I have not seen, you yet know you too!!
Thanks Kitchennette.
Dear Swahilya,
I am so sorry, I did not know ur birthday. Many many best wishes on your birthday, rather belated :-)
May Lord bless u with lots of love, happiness and Silence...
BTW, The Aurora temple played a major role in my life. That temple was a major turning point in my life. I adore that place like anything.. I remember the little pond with beautiful birds also around it, I am sure this winter would have covered it with Snow.
Have a wonderful time...
with best wishes
Suman
Thank You Suman. Yes, it's really cold outside and the snow is heavy.
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