THE CHOLA TIGERS CONTEST ALERT

      

 

• The Chola Tigers is part of Amish’s Indic Chronicles series.

• It is a work of historical fiction, imagining India in 1025 CE, after the Somnath Temple in Gujarat is attacked and the Shiva Linga is destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni. 

• In response to that devastation, Emperor Rajendra Chola — one of the great rulers of the Chola Empire — puts together a diverse group of individuals to launch a bold retaliatory mission into Ghazni’s territory. 

Characters & Their Role

Some of the key players include:

• Rajendra Chola — as the central ruler who drives the mission. 

• A Tamil warrior — representing the martial strength from the south. 

• A Gujarati merchant — showing the mercantile/civil societal side, and regional diversity. 

• A devotee of Lord Ayyappa (from Kerala) — representing religious faith and duty.

• A scholar-emperor from Malwa — adding perspective of intellect/strategy from central India. 

So this is not just a military story; the characters represent various cultural, regional, spiritual, and intellectual strands of medieval India. 

 Themes

Some of the bigger ideas in the book include:

• Vengeance & Justice — The attack on Somnath is a grave injustice, and the story is about a response, a quest for retribution. 

• Unity in Diversity — Different regions, faiths, stations in life coming together for a common cause. It suggests that resistance requires bringing together many kinds of people. 

• Resilience of a Civilization — Even in face of destruction, there is hope, courage, resistance. The idea that the spirit or the culture of “Bharat” wasn’t broken by invasions. 

• Political intrigue, strategy, courage under pressure — Missions into hostile territory, planning, betrayal, risk. 

 Setting & Historical Context

• The year 1025 CE — after Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack on the Somnath Temple. 

• There are movements between the Chola Empire (in southern India) and the Ghaznavid court (in what is now Afghanistan / northern parts of medieval Persia / Central Asia). 

• The Chola Empire under Rajendra Chola was powerful, with military strength (especially naval), cultural achievements, etc. 

What the promotion / AI contest is

• It’s in collaboration with @swell_talk_india. 

• Participants are asked to “bring the epic world of The Chola Tigers” to life using AI (presumably via image-generation or creative content). 

• The prize: ₹10,000 plus a signed copy of the book. 

Check further details in Instagram link here : https://www.instagram.com/swell_talk_india/

The contest is in association with   HarperCollins.  

organized by (aimagine.swellcommunities.com), 

tag  @swell_talk_india, @HarperCollinsIN, 

use hashtag #SwellAImagination.

Register, and then create image using the prompts given to you. share it in the Instagram. 

My entries are 

For the same prompt the following are the images created using my Chat GPT account:

FROM PACKING LISTS TO SOUVENIRS: A PLANNER'S GUIDE TO MEMORABLE TRIPS

 

For me, travel is not just about reaching a destination—it’s about the way I plan, prepare, and enjoy every step of the journey. I am someone who believes in organizing things well in advance. From booking tickets to packing bags, everything begins with paper and pen. Lists are written, checked, and double-checked before I set out. That way, I travel with peace of mind and return with happiness.

Packing and Food on the Go

When it comes to food, I rely on home-cooked meals for the journey until we reach our destination. Once there, I don’t mind trying the local cuisine, but always carefully. If friends or relatives invite us for a meal, I love to join them, feeling safe with their food. Otherwise, I choose clean and hygienic places to eat. Safety and health come first.

Sightseeing at My Pace

I prefer sightseeing in a relaxed, unhurried way. Travel, to me, should be savored, not rushed. Instead of cramming everything into one day with a tourist guide, I enjoy exploring at leisure. In places where going independently is not possible, I opt for government-authorized packages or trusted local tour operators.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Shopping is always part of the fun. But I buy with thought—keeping in mind utility, space at home, and how well it will fit into my living space. Gifts for friends and relatives are a tradition I never miss. In pilgrim centers, I bring home prasad, temple idols, sacred water, kumkum, or holy threads. For children, it’s often toys, chocolates, or small keepsakes. Each item becomes a memory from the trip.

Safety and Comfort First

I never compromise on safety. A medicine kit, towels, bedspreads, extra clothes, and even spare bags for shopping always find their place in my luggage. Everything is packed neatly to avoid breakage or mess. This way, I return home with all my things intact, along with a heart full of memories.

Memories That Last

At the end of every trip, what remains is the joy of travel—the laughter, the moments with friends and family, and the experiences collected along the way. Though cameras are now replaced by cell phones, my albums are still filled with countless pictures to look back on. Travel is not just about moving from one place to another; it is about planning well, staying safe, and cherishing the happiness it brings.

 

 What about you? Do you love to plan every detail of your journey like me, or do you prefer traveling more spontaneously?

 

(This blog post is a part of Blogchatter's Bloghop. Details here: https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogchatter-blog-hop-a-new-way-to-write-collectively

AN ANCIENT TEMPLE WITH UDYOGA VIMANAM

  

The Divya Kshetram - TIRUKKARAMBANUR , (Uthamar Koyil) is located closer to Srirangam—just 2 kms away and about 7 kms from Trichy, connected by road, as well as by Uthamar Koil or Pichandar Koil Railway Station.

This is a unique temple wherein shrines dedicated to Vishnu and His consort Lakshmi, Brahma and Saraswathi, and Shiva and Parvathi—called Vadivudaiamman—are located. The temple is also known as Bhikshatanar Koyil. It is believed that Thirumangai Azhwar lived here and supervised the renovation of the Srirangam Ranganathar Temple.

The presiding deity is Purushothaman, and the Goddess is Poonravalli, also called Poorva Devi. The sacred Theertham is Karamba Theertham, and the sanctum sanctorum is known as Udyoga Vimanam.

According to legend, the fifth head of Brahma, which was plucked out by Shiva, stuck to his palms. Only after receiving alms from Mahalakshmi did it come away. Another legend says that Vishnu took the form of a kadamba tree, to which Brahma offered worship, pouring water from his Kamandalu. It is also believed that the sage Kadamba Muni worshipped Lord Vishnu on the banks of the Kadamba Theertham created by Brahma.

Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:
Thirumangai Azhwar has sung about this temple in 1399 Pasurams as found in the Naalaayira Divya Prabandam.

Historical inscriptions pertaining to the Chola and Pandya periods are also found here. The annual Brahmotsavam for Purushothaman Perumal is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April), and the festival for Lord Shiva is observed during Vaikashi (May).

During the Maasi festival, the Utsava Vigraha of Lord Ranganathar from Srirangam temple is brought to Kadamba Theertham for worship.

TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY IN INDIA: FROM FAMILY FUN AND FORGOTTEN PIRATE STORIES

     

 

USUALLY, MY UNCLE, WHEN HIS SON WAS A KID, THEY BOTH USED TO ADDRESS EACH OTHER AS AOOU, ENA YA, ELLEA YA, AYOO, AYAO, and many such funny calls. This playful exchange started because it was International Talk Like a Pirate Day. What began as a joke on one September 19th grew into a tradition—uncle and son continued speaking in this pirate-style banter for years. Later, when the boy grew up and went to school, he gradually left behind the “Aoou” and “Ayoo,” and began addressing my uncle simply as “Dad.”

This little memory shows how special days like these can add lighthearted traditions to our lives.

 What is Talk Like a Pirate Day?

Every year, 19 September is celebrated as International Talk Like a Pirate Day. It’s a day dedicated to fun—encouraging people to greet each other with “Ahoy!”, “Avast!”, and “Arrr matey!”, and even dress up like the swashbuckling seafarers of old.

 Started in 1995 in the US as a humorous idea, the day has since caught on globally thanks to internet culture, memes, and of course, the popularity of pirate-themed movies.

 How It Is Celebrated in India

In India, the day isn’t celebrated on a large scale, but it has a small following. People often:

Share pirate jokes, memes, and greetings on social media.

Use the pirate lingo playfully in schools, offices, or among friends.

Organize fun activities in language or theatre classes.

Families (like mine!) may create their own pirate-style conversations, adding to the laughter of the day.

While not mainstream, it’s a quirky way for Indians to join a global celebration of humor and creativity.

 Pirates in India: Stories Worth Remembering

When we think of pirates, Jack Sparrow and the Caribbean often dominate our imagination. But India has its own legendary pirate tales worth recalling on this day:

Kanhoji Angre (1669–1729):  Known as the “Shivaji of the Sea”, Kanhoji Angre (1669–1729) was the most famous naval chief of the Marathas. To Europeans, especially the British and Portuguese, he was a dreaded pirate who disrupted their trade routes. To the Marathas, he was a naval hero who defended Konkan’s coast and ensured Maratha supremacy at sea. He commanded forts, fleets, and seamen who raided foreign ships and collected tribute. His name struck fear in European merchants, yet he is remembered in Maharashtra as a patriot.

 Malabar Pirates:  The Malabar Coast (modern Kerala) was notorious for its Mappila pirates, who preyed on Arab, Portuguese, and later British vessels. These pirates were skilled in navigating the monsoon winds and used small, swift boats that could outrun larger European ships. Their raids became part of the folklore of Kerala’s coastal villages.

 Bengal Pirates:  In the riverine deltas of Bengal, the Arakanese Magh pirates (often in alliance with Portuguese adventurers) raided the Sundarbans and coastal Bengal during the 16th and 17th centuries. They attacked villages, looted wealth, and even captured people for slavery. Mughal officials often called them the “terrors of the Bay of Bengal.”

 Lascar Pirates:  Lascars, Indian sailors employed on European ships, sometimes mutinied and turned pirate when mistreated. Their scattered stories across ports like Bombay, Calcutta, and Singapore remind us that piracy was also an act of rebellion against colonial exploitation at sea.

 These figures may have been called pirates by some, but many were freedom fighters of the seas, defending their coasts and livelihoods.

 Why Remember Them Today?

Talk Like a Pirate Day is meant for fun, but it also gives us a chance to look back at India’s own swashbucklers—men who ruled the seas with daring raids and fearless spirit. Just as my uncle and cousin turned pirate-speak into a family tradition, we can turn this day into a reminder of India’s maritime past.

So today, when you shout “Ahoy!” or “Arrr!”, spare a thought for Kanhoji Angre and the sea raiders of India—our very own pirates who once made the Indian Ocean their playground.

Does anyone in your family celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day in a fun way—maybe with silly greetings, nicknames, or pirate-style jokes? Share your stories below!

 

A SACRED SPREAD : EXPLORING TAMILNADU'S BRAHMIN RITUAL MEALS FOR ANCESTORS

        

Food holds a special place not only in festivals and celebrations, but also in ceremonies. An important annual event observed in memory of ancestors involves offering an elaborate meal, prepared with reverence and care, and shared with close relatives and family members. In Tamil Nadu’s Brahmin homes, this tradition is part of the śrāddham (or tithi) observances, where food is offered to honor and remember one’s forefathers. While the broad framework is common, the details may vary from household to household.

The ceremonial feast is distinctive, as it follows a prescribed set of vegetables and spices. Nearly 9 to 11 vegetables are chosen, each prepared as a separate curry rather than as a mixture. Commonly used are plantain, colocasia, sweet potato, snake gourd, broad beans, ladies’ finger, raw jackfruit, and bitter gourd. Certain ingredients are strictly avoided—such as appalam, pappad, brinjal, onion, garlic, green chillies, and other English vegetables—as they are believed to disturb the sattvic (pure) nature of the meal.

 Similarly, spices like toor dal, channa dal, asafoetida, curry leaves, mint, amla, and coriander are left out. Instead, fresh masalas are pounded in small quantities on the same day to maintain purity and sanctity. Only raw rice is cooked for the meal, symbolizing simplicity and ancestral tradition. All the dishes are served on plantain leaves, which are considered auspicious and eco-friendly.

Alongside the curries, raitas are prepared with ginger, plantain bulb, cucumber, and raw mango, while wood apple and its family counterpart, sweet lime, are used in a jaggery-based pachadi. The meal further includes sesame sweet balls, payasam, and moong dal cooked with salt, accompanied by the unique veldt grape chutney. To complete the offering, a wide range of traditional sweets and snacks—such as thenguzhal, vada, seeyam, and sojappam—are prepared, making the spread not only a culinary delight but also a deeply symbolic ritual of remembrance, purity, and togetherness. These ancestral meals remind us that food is more than just nourishment—it is a memory, a heritage, and a bridge connecting generations.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW OF ANOTHER DAY IN LANDOUR : LOOKING OUT OF MY WINDOW

 

In Another Day in Landour, Looking Out from My Window, Ruskin Bond reflects on the realities of ageing, the quiet act of observation, and the value of ordinary moments. As he notes, when advancing years limit one’s ability to move about freely, the window becomes both a literal and symbolic connection to the outside world. For Bond, looking out each day is not merely a habit but a practice of finding meaning—even in gloomier times, there is always something to notice, some thread of positivity to hold on to.

Bond admits that he is philosophical at times, but not spiritual. His reflections remain grounded in life as it is lived—sometimes joyful, sometimes painful, but always honest. He writes openly of the discomforts of age: gout, tooth loss, eye problems, fungal infections. These troubles interrupt his days, yet he finds ways to endure them through reading, writing, and observing the world around him.

Family plays an important role in these writings. He warmly appreciates Beena, Shrishti, Siddharth, and Gautam, acknowledging their presence in his daily life. His musings also stretch outward, to the natural world and its challenges, human suffering, and environmental concerns—especially the damage caused by plastic pollution. These reflections reveal not only a personal record but also a thoughtful engagement with the future of the planet.

Literature, naturally, runs through the book like a familiar companion. Bond recalls other writers and their themes, paying attention to the way rivers, detectives, and other motifs have shaped storytelling. His own long-standing affection for railway stations resurfaces, highlighting their significance both in his personal memories and in his fiction. Interspersed are poems and limericks, lightening the tone while reinforcing his enduring love for words.

The book is richly textured with personal detail. The sound of rain on a tin roof, water dripping into a study-bedroom, the comfort of simple breakfasts, Beena’s fasting, or even his fondness for vodka—all find their way into the narrative. His bond with readers is celebrated through anecdotes of fan letters, house visits, birthday gatherings, book launches, and interviews, which underscore his lasting connection with his audience.

Structurally, the work draws from three broad phases of his life while weaving in journal entries that occasionally acknowledge global events. Childhood memories resurface, creating a bridge between past and present, while long drives with Siddharth bring in another layer of personal warmth.

At its core, Another Day in Landour emphasizes two essential qualities: patience and adjustment. For Bond, these are the keys to living meaningfully in the face of age and limitation. His writing reminds us that while pain and loss are inevitable, they need not diminish the richness of life.

With simplicity, candour, and quiet wisdom, Ruskin Bond offers readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant journal. Not spiritual but gently philosophical, the book reaffirms the enduring power of observation, literature, and memory to sustain a meaningful life.

FRAGRANCE AT A DISTANCE

 

Athar, Javadhu, colognes of delight,
Brut in a bottle, glass catching light.
Fragrances gather, they fill up the air,
A new look is given to all who wear.

Shapes and sizes, so dainty, so tall,
Perfume parades, I admire them all.
Lovely sprays, tiny pots on display,
Mesmerise seekers who pass by their way.

From Parisian fashion to Gulf’s scented art,
Ancient secrets with herbs play their part.
A jar once closed holds a world inside,
A fragrant breeze with the wind will ride.

Yet when I open, a sneeze takes hold,
Nose in protest, blocked and bold.
All ends in rain of sneezes untold—
As I’m allergic to perfumes.

LIFE LESSONS FROM A SIMPLE GIFT : A PINEAPPLE WATER BOTTLE MEMORY

   

A memory I haven’t revisited in a while is from my high school days, when my cousin from Delhi sent me a gift with his first salary—a water bottle shaped like a pineapple and a writing pad. The bottle was unlike anything I had ever seen: a bright red body with a green cap shaped like the crown of a pineapple. At a time when most bottles were plain, cylindrical, and stamped with simple images, this playful, fruit-shaped one felt rare and special. I proudly carried it to school and loved the way my friends admired it.

The writing pad too was different. Though it was of normal size, the clip that held the papers was of a new design, unlike the regular ones. It felt stylish and modern, and I treasured it just as much as the bottle.

I still remember the joy and surprise when my uncle handed me the gift, saying it was from my cousin. The happiness of receiving something so unique was boundless, and the memory of that moment still warms me. Growing up, my parents always reminded me to be thankful for every gift, no matter how small, and to care for it with respect.

Looking back, I realize those gifts were more than just a water bottle and a writing pad—they were lessons in gratitude, care, and thoughtfulness. They taught me that even the simplest gestures carry deep meaning when given with love, and that joy is found not in the size of the gift but in the sentiment behind it. By cherishing and safeguarding them, I learned to value relationships, nurture memories, and hold on to the kindness that makes life truly memorable.

 

SPORTS IN MY LIFE : FROM PARTICIPATION TO ADMIRATION

 

Sports held a special place for me during my school days. I was more inclined towards athletics than any other specific sport or individual activity. The annual sports meet was always something to look forward to, and winning prizes brought immense joy and pride.

However, after leaving school, my relationship with sports changed. Participation gradually gave way to observation. Today, sports have become something I watch and admire rather than actively take part in.

Among the sports I enjoy as a spectator, cricket takes first place, followed closely by tennis. I have been a big fan of cricketers like Mohammad Azharuddin, Manoj Prabhakar, Waqar Younis, Robin Singh, Shane Warne, and Ajay Jadeja. In tennis, my admiration has always been for legends like Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Michael Chang.

During those years, Doordarshan’s live telecasts of major tournaments like Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and the French Open made the experience unforgettable. Whether it was grass or clay, the thrill of watching tennis legends battle it out was unmatched.

Cricket, on the other hand, gave me countless memorable moments. The batting of Azharuddin and Jadeja, especially during tense chases of difficult targets, often turned matches into nail-biting spectacles. Sitting as part of the audience, I felt every emotion—from anticipation to exhilaration.

Sports may have shifted in my life from active participation to passionate following, but the joy and excitement they bring remain unchanged.

VISITING MAHAKALESHWAR IN MONSOON

 Visiting Mahakaleshwar during the monsoon (June-September) offers a lush, peaceful, and less crowded experience. Still, it requires precautions like carrying waterproof gear and sturdy footwear for slippery paths and potential waterlogging. 

Pros of a Monsoon Pilgrimage

Tranquility and Spiritual Connection:

Fewer crowds allow for a more intimate and peaceful experience with the divine, creating a stronger spiritual connection.

Lush Greenery:

The monsoon season brings a refreshing, lush, and green landscape to Ujjain.

Holy River dip:

The monsoon brings rain to Ujjain, making it a good time to take a holy dip in the Shipra River.

Cons and Precautions

Slippery Paths: The monsoon rains can make paths and areas around the temple slippery.

Waterlogging: Some areas might become inaccessible due to waterlogging during the rains.

Sudden Weather Changes: Be prepared for unexpected changes in weather conditions.

How to Prepare

Waterproof Gear: Carry waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

Early Arrival: Arrive early in the morning, possibly around 3:30 AM, for popular rituals like the Bhasma Aarti.

Modest Dress: Dress modestly for the visit.

Temple Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the temple's rules.

Be Mindful of Items: Mobile phones, bags, and cameras are usually not allowed inside the sanctum.

Check Temple Timings: Confirm the daily operating hours for the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.

 To prepare, arrive early for the BHASMA AARTI, dress modestly, check the TEMPLE TIMINGS, and be mindful of the potential for sudden weather changes.        

THE GIFT OF A SAFE SPACE IN RELATIONSHIPS

 

“Emotionally safe, judgment-free, and mature enough to speak calmly about any troubling issue”—these are not just qualities we expect from a loved one; they are the very foundation of meaningful human connection. If you have such a person in your life, you know how special that bond truly is.

In today’s fast-paced world, people are often caught up in flattery, judgment, selfishness, jealousy, and envy. Against this backdrop, finding someone who listens without prejudice, who stands steady without wavering, and who offers comfort without conditions feels like a rare blessing.

Such people are not just companions; they are pillars of support. They remind us that love is not about perfection but about presence, patience, and understanding. Having them in our lives is something to be thankful for, not just in fleeting moments but forever.