Joy Ride

This scene was captured on the way to Kunigal. My wife suddenly noticed the dog peeping out its head and having refreshing gaze at the outdoor. Not sure if the dog bears a ticket or its admission is free 😂. I got this doubt since it occupied the seat apparently. Or was it sitting on the lap of owner? Not sure! There may be another scenario where passengers would have forced the owner to take last seat to avoid any untoward incidents. Nevertheless, it was fun to watch the dog absorbing wind and enjoying the KSRTC red bus ride.

Here is a short clip to sum up the tiny fun moment.

Gandhada Gudi 2022 - Beyond the tribute to Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar

I generally do not write movie reviews. Nature being closer to my heart, prompted me to write a brief review of documentary movie Gandhada Gudi - 2022 starring Dr.Puneeth Rajkumar and Amoghavarsha with original identity. The entire natural scenes portrayed in movie is something synchronized with my dreams. I am not sure if my dreams would be realized or not but I have desire to explore breadth and depth of our natural treasure. I have scribbled my experiences from movie in this post. The views expressed here is personal and synonyms are purely co-incidental. At the same time, not intended to hurt anyone's sentiments 🙏.

This is how theatre looked as we entered. It was darn silent as natural world without any watchers. Slowly crowd gathered and screen was full in jiffy.

Gandhada gudi is beyond the final salute to Dr. Puneeth. Be it brilliance of Pratheek's portraying of visuals from our natural treasure or apt orchestral scores of Ajaneesh or those nitty gritty of wildlife narrations by Amoghavarsha, every corner is well knit. But I felt documentary should have been little more descriptive about the birds of the Western ghats ecosystem especially the hornbills and trogons. Perhaps more description should be given as how endangered are these hornbills. Great hornbill need fragile ecosystem to survive. Those tall trees are vital part of their survival. Malabar pied hornbills are benign birds and don't engage in fights. These are hornbill are in endangered list. I have closely seen Malabar Pied Hornbill in my village. When many birds engage in territorial fights, these birds just move away from the chaos.

Similarly the spaces of tiger and elephants. They must be respected. When wild crosses road, respect its privacy. They are crossing road inside forest. The road runs through forest, not other way. It was paining to see the trapping procedure of wild elephants and tuning them to be benign. Such a irony here. The elephants can't be themselves in their own territory but have to adapt to human civilization :-(.

Unfortunately, people wait for star's power packed messages to internalize the importance of wild. People imitate more from cinemas than cognizance hence cinema makers should think through this. Especially the city people do not think beyond the pets they own. A narrow view of conserving pets can brand you with animal lover tag. That mindset should change. The ecosystem is complex and does not comprise only pets. Major balancing happens outside the city in the wild.

While Dr.Puneeth sir has given dire need to conserve wildlife, reducing plastic usage, it is unfortunate that we need star packed messages to educate people. Like city crowd fights to safeguard pets & street dogs during distress, they also need to be sensitive towards wildlife as well. There are animals beyond pets which are greatly endangered and needs attention. When we go an excursion to malnad, it's not our relaxation place. It's the home of wildlife, respect their habitat .

Amogh says nature recovers quickly quoting netranis resurrection. In fact, it takes 100s of years for that beheaded rainforest tree to be restored in full strength before they can underpin the mighty hills. 

"Our customs and traditions saved nature", what a beautiful statement! Similarly nagapanchami in coast. To preserve cobras, nature is must and nagaradhane is synonymous to preserving its habitat which is nature. Hope coastal people are conscious about this fact than constructing concrete abode to serpent god.

Amoghavarsha narration of wild is ready reckoner for wildlife dummies. Below are something worth listening to

The private space for elephants and warning signs from langur monkeys 

Beautiful coral life from Netrani island

About dancing frogs

About snakes and their behaviour

About Malabar pied hornbill (farmers of forest)

Tribals of Kali and their respect to nature

Most of all the hard work of forest guards.

Some of the visually enchanting still in movie

The tiger steps

The relaxing jumbos

Birds including Malabar trogon, Malabar pied hornbill, Great hornbill, junglefowl, crested serpent eagle.

Malabar pit viper

The camp sight inside dense jungle of Western Ghats.

Nerve racking catch of the King Cobra

Beauty of Deccan and bears

Co-existence of humans and wild in Deccan.

The movie is must watch in big screen as per my opinion. Primarily because,

To experience roar of lion and elephants

To experience smooth flight of butterflies

To experience chirping of vernal hanging parrots near agumbe (while capturing king cobra)

To experience acqua world of netrani

To experience the amazing sunset on the banks of Kali river

To experience pearls of monsoon dancing over the tall trees, wiggling through the canopy and slowly bouncing on the floor of rainforest

To experience symphony of rainforest

To experience music of rainforest streams

To experience the dancing sea tides

To experience local traditions

Finally to support the hard working forest guards

Dr.Puneet has shown, to be in wild you need to be common man. It shows his humbleness at the same time. He also reveals truth that never try to be hero in front of wild. Follow the guidelines of experienced wildlife expert! He also has given plenty of messages to people to preserve this Gandhda Gudi. Do watch in big screen to preserve Karnataka natural treasure and simultaneously pay tribute to Dr.Puneeth. Most of all for city people, it shows there is animal life beyond pets.

I reiterate once more. Its unfortunate that people find inspiration from reel realms like movies than from natural cognizance. No urban public raised concern over the cruel projects like Yettinahole which severely tampers the fragile ecosystem. Crores of tax payers money has been squandered by governments on this futile project to replenish the arid lake bodies of South Interior Karnataka. South interior karnataka is witnessing record breaking rains from past 3 years. Most of the lake bodies are overflowing including feigned arid regions like Kolar, Chitradurga, Tumakur etc.. The borewells have resurrected and age-old dams have attained full capacity. There is no need for projects like Yettinahole when copious rains have bloomed the arid region. Just conservation of water bodies will suffice. Don't know why Yettinahole is still underway, that too devastating course reversal of Netravati river. None of the city yellers who fight for pets voice against such detrimental projects. 

That's end of one among many reviews of this documentary movie :-). Nothing exotic or surreal content but yet another blabber. One may term review as superfluous or dump as superficial ramblings by a nature rationalist. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed few parts :-D. Once again, beyond Dr.Puneeth's final presence, please pay due respect to entire movie contributors and help to preserve our natural treasure.

Gandhada Gudi picture credits from internet. Poster copyright is with PRK productions

Hesaragatta Lake is nearing full capacity

October 27, 2022

Residing in metro city implies yearning for tranquil weekends. Mind wishes to replace commotions of traffic with chirping birds and tall concrete pinnacles with mighty jungles. It is not practical to plan every weekend to distant getaways. Final expectation is to feel the rural aroma and refresh the soul. This can be realized even with nearby locations which can disentangle the mind and relieve the pressure.

Newspapers reported the event of Hesaragatta lake being on the verge of reaching full capacity (just short of 2feet). What else do we need :-). On this auspicious day of Balipadyami, we marked our journey towards lake to fill the eyes with brimming beauty. Being relatively near to house, our jaunt began at 4PM and reached comfortably by 4:45PM. The winter sunsets are always a hustle. So we had to reach early to offset the early sunset.

The lake was crowded and path was marred with traffic jam. The plan to move away from traffic was spoiled by the scenes which were recreated in this rural village. Nevertheless, the lake view wiped away every trauma that was set on mind.

The Hesaragatta lake is freshwater lake sourced from rainwater and streams of river arkavathi. Its rare to see this beauty reaching highest level primarily due to the source of water. Being spread over large area, the lake needs enormous water source to fill. Arkavati river which originates  at nearby hills, will not have enough water to replenish the mighty waterbody. Only prolonged and monster spells of rains are the hope which did happened this year. Plenty of thunderstorm breaks coupled with heavy rains shoved the lake to reach full capacity. As of now, there are no chances of further healthy rains. Only the upcoming North-East monsoon spells can be of hope. Historically, NEM rains are not that strong in South interior karnataka. Hence chances of filling the 2 feet gap remains weak this year. Only magical spell can help. Otherwise, the wait will extend to monsoon season of 2023.

The positive hope of authorities is laudable. They have built fences recently around the boundary of lake assuming that lake would consistently fill every year! Fences also make sure to control the mad crowd drowning in name of selfies and adventures. Even the steps leading to lake from temple is closed for safety purpose.

You are not allowed to walk towards pumphouse. But one can see the measurement on the walls. Its hardly 2 feet away from completion!

The sun seems to be charming after being eclipsed on previous day. The sky too is clear and calm. The same skies were pouring ferociously a week back deluging the city. These rains were the ones which  ushered the lake to full capacity. Today's skies were as if "My Lord! You see I am clean as Himalayan water. How could I be reason for all the mayhem created" 😁. Not a even single cloud presence in the sky.  The skies roared like lion last week and are now silent like sleeping baby. It is amazing to witness the atmosphere magically turning from rainy to wintery weather in matter of 2 days. The night mercury level which was soaring at 20C is now slumped to 15C. Mother nature can be tremendously quirky. It can deluge the desert and even drought the rainforest!

The crowd was massive today. My wife's conversation with local revealed few information. It seems locals are eager to watch the lake overflowing. It has been long wait. If lake overflows, half of town would be under water but not residential properties. The entrance part of lake is the deeper part. This fills late but the other end is the place excess water flows out of lake. Most importantly, today's crowd is largely from local population. Here is the course when lake water overflows.

The Durgamba Devi temple located amidst the promenade of lake. People on occasion of festival were offering pooja to the goddess. The steps towards lake is closed to pre-empt the untoward incidents. When the lakebed was arid, lake filling to capacity was thought to be absurd. Perhaps, the real estate goons would soon pressurize the governments to mark the area as barren land. Fortunately, the nature turned the table by resurrecting the lake.

Offbeat, one can spot many aquatic birds here. Many raptors were also busy picking their dinner. Yet another reason for bird enthusiasts to be here. May be, we will see plenty of winter migratory birds landing around the lake area this year.

Most disgusting part was trash strewn all over the lake area. Authorities have not kept garbage bins as well. Please do not litter the place, kindly carry your trash bags.

Enjoy the glimpses from our visit

ಬ್ಯಾಕ್ ಟು ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಚಾಕಾಲೇಟ್ ಯುಗ

ಬಹಳ ದಿನಗಳಾಯ್ತು ನೋಡಿ ಕ್ಯಾಶ್ ಉಪಯೋಗ ಮಾಡಿ. ಎಲ್ಲೆಲ್ಲೂ UPI ದೇ ಕಾರುಬಾರು ಇಲ್ಲಾ ಡೆಬಿಟ್ ಕಾರ್ಡ್. ಇದರಿಂದ ನಮಗೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಉಪಕಾರವಾದರೂ ಟ್ಯಾಕ್ಸ್ ಕಟ್ಟದ ಮಂದಿಗೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆ ತಲೆನೋವು. ಕೆಲವರು ಯಾರ್ಯಾರ್ದೋ ಹೆಸರಲ್ಲಿ UPI ಲಿಂಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಸರಕಾರದ ಕಣ್ಣು ತಪ್ಪಿಸುವವರು ಇದ್ದಾರೆ (ಹೆಚ್ಚಲಾಗಿ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಅಂಗಡಿಯವರು). ಇರಲಿ ನನ್ನಂತವರಿಗೆ UPI ಇಂದ ಟಾಫಿ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಣೆ ಕಡಿಮೆಯಾಯಿತು. ಅಲ್ಲಾ ಮಾರಾಯ್ರೇ ಟೋಲ್-ಗೆಟ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕೂಡಾ ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಇಲ್ಲಾ ಅಂತಾ ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ತಿನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆ ತಿಂಗಳ ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಸುಮಾರು ೧೦ರ ವರೆಗೆ ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ಸಂಗ್ರಹವಾಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಇದರಿಂದ ಟಾಫಿ ಕಂಪನಿಗೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಲಾಭ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಅಂಗಡಿಯವರಿಗೆ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ. ಕೆಲವರು ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಇದ್ದರೂ ಟಾಫಿ ಕೊಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಅಂಗಡಿ ಮುಚ್ಚೋವರೆಗೆ ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಬೇಕಾಗುತ್ತೆ ಎನ್ನುವ ನೆಪ ಬೇರೆ. ಟಾಫಿ ಮತ್ತು ಅಂಗಡಿಯವರ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಡೀಲ್ ಇತ್ತೇನೋ ಅನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಕೆಲವರು ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ ಮುಂದೆ ಹೋಗಿ ೫ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಇಲ್ಲವೆಂದು ಮಂಚ್ ಬೇರೆ ಕೊಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ಬೇಡವೆಂದರೆ "ಚೇಂಜ್ ಇಲ್ಲ ಸಾರ್" ಅನ್ನುವ ಧಿಮಾಕು ಬೇರೆ :-(.  ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ಬೇಡವೆಂದಾಗ ಕೆಲವೊಮ್ಮೆ ಅದರ ಬದಲಾಗಿ ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೂ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವ ಸಾಮಾನು ಖರೀದಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆವು. ಇದರ ಮೌಲ್ಯ ೫ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಮೀರುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಅಂಗಡಿಯವನಿಗೆ ಬಂಪರ್ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ, ನಮ್ಮ ಕಡೆಯಿಂದ ಸದ್ದಿಲ್ಲದ ಧಿಕ್ಕಾರ.  ಕೆಲವು ಎಡಪಂಥೀಯ ಮಾರ್ಕೆಟ್ ಬರಹಗಾರರು "UPI ಬಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ಟಾಫಿ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮೇಲೆ ಗಂಭೀರ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಬೀರಿದೆ" ಅಂತಾ ಅದಕ್ಕೂ ಮೋದಿಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಜಾಲತಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ  ಹರಿಹಾಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ 😂😂😂😂. ಅವರಿಗೋ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯತನದ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಹುಳುಕು ಹುಡುಕುವುದೇ ಕೆಲಸ. ಟಾಫಿ ತಿಂದು ಎಷ್ಟು ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಹಲ್ಲು ಮತ್ತು ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಹಾಳಾಗಿದೆಯೋ. ಅಥವಾ ಅದನ್ನು ಪದೇ ಪದೇ ತಿಂದು ಎಷ್ಟು ಜನಕ್ಕೆ ಸಕ್ಕರೆ ಕಾಯಿಲೆ ಅಂಟಿಕೊಂಡಿದೆಯೋ! ಅದನ್ನು ಯಾರು ಬರೆಯುವವರಿಲ್ಲ.

ವಿಷಯಕ್ಕೆ ಬರೋಣ. ಇತ್ತೀಚಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರೆ ತಗೊಳಲು ಮೆಡಿಕಲ್ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದೆ. ಅಪರೂಪಕ್ಕೆ ಕ್ಯಾಶ್ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಮಾತ್ರೆ ಖರೀದಿಸಿದೆ. ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ೧೧ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಬದಲು ೧೦ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಒಂದು ರೂಪಾಯಿ ವಿಕ್ಸ್ ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ಕೊಟ್ಟ. ನಾನು ತಲೆ ಚಚ್ಚಿಕೊಂಡೆ. ವಿಕ್ಸ್ ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ತಿನ್ನುವವರಾರು. ಅದನ್ನು ಬಿಸಾಡಿದರೆ ಒಂದು ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಹಾಳು ಮಾಡಿದಂತೆ. ಸುಮ್ಮನೆ ಉದಾಸೀನ ಬದಿಗಿಟ್ಟು UPI ಮೂಲಕ ಪಾವತಿ ಮಾಡಬಹುದಿತ್ತು. ದುಡ್ಡು ಕೊಟ್ಟಾಗಿತ್ತು ಏನು ಮಾಡುವುದು. "ಯಾವನೋ ಬಕ್ರಾ ಕ್ಯಾಶ್ ಕೊಟ್ಟ, ವಿಕ್ಸ್ ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ಡಬ್ಬವನ್ನು ಕ್ಲಿಯರ್ ಮಾಡೋಣ"  ಎಂದು ಅಂಗಡಿಯವನು ಪ್ರೀ-ಪ್ಲಾನ್ ಮಾಡಿರಬೇಕು. ಏಕೆಂದರೆ ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಇದಿಯೋ ಇಲ್ಲವೋ ಅಂತ ಖಾತ್ರಿ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳೋ ಮುಂಚೆನೇ  ಅವನು ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ಡಬ್ಬವನ್ನು ತಿರುವಲು ಶುರು ಮಾಡಿದ್ದ. ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಮೊಬೈಲ್ ಪಾವತಿ ಮಾಡುವುದೇ ಒಳಿತು ಅಂತಾ ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದೆ. ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ಬೇಡ ಎಂದು ತಿರಸ್ಕಿರಿಸಿ ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಇಟ್ಟುಕೋ ಎನ್ನುವವರು ಇರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದರಿಂದಾಗಿ ಅಂಗಡಿಯವರಿಗೆ ಲಾಭ ನೋಡಿ. ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಇದ್ದರೂ ದುಡ್ಡು ಮಾಡುವ ಕಪಟ ಬುದ್ಧಿ ಇವರದ್ದು.  

ಅಂದ ಹಾಗೆ ಈಗಲೂ ವಿಕ್ಸ್ ಚಾಕಲೇಟ್ ಹಾಗೆ ಮೂಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿದ್ದಿದೆ. 

Kalkere Lake near Belur, Hassan District

We frequently stop at this enticing lake located beside the winding road if we opt Charmady route to commute. I can't resist halting my car at this location, inhaling the fresh air and taking picture of this majestic landscape. The mind rejuvenates after beholding refreshing lake. It has splendid landscape bounded by hills, mounted with windmills and abundant nature. During monsoon, cloud kissed hills in background and brimming lake in foreground creates perfect ambiance for landscape photographers :-). During the clear days, the contrast play of azure sky & fresh water is adorable watch. But the best scene is realized when the lake water is calm and sky is covered with interspersed clouds. The reflection of clouds over clouds turns out be my favourite picture of all times. Being August month, the pictures from current visit portrayed typical monsoon views obviously. I have posted the lake photos umpteen times. Here is one more addition to the collection. Not be lazy, I have posted every picture taken here because the place is heavenly!

A short video as well to enjoy!

Hope is always good!

Whenever I lament, things turn around. Two days after I scribed here on dry weather, the skies poured for nearly 90 mins accumulating nearly 60mm rains. The streams are back to life. The humidity is still high. Hope the rains sustain till second week of October. Here is short glimpse of evening rains pounding on serene landscape of verdant village

The morning scenes are enchanting. The Puddles are glorious to watch. Greenery everywhere. The paddy fields are living with standing water again. If the rains continue to fall in this trend, then sourcing from water body will not be needed!

Hope is always good but only in such situations where things are not in our control. The only effort works out here is prayer. In other cases, hope alone does not work. It requires positive effort as well. Hoping for good to happen without effort is utmost stupidity.

ಬ್ಯಾಕೆಂಡ್ - ೨೯

ಹಲವು ಬ್ಯಾಕೆಂಡ್ ಸರಣಿಗಳು ಹಾಗೆ ಉಳಿದಿದೆ. ಆದರೂ ಇತ್ತೀಚಿಗೆ ತೆಗೆದ ಈ ಬ್ಯಾಕೆಂಡ್ ಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನು ಯಾಕೆ ಮೊದಲೇ ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸಿದೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಈ ಬರಹದ ಮೂಲಕ ವಿಸ್ತಾರವಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. ಕೆಲವರಿಗೆ ಇದೆಲ್ಲ ಕಾಲ್ಪನಿಕ ಅನ್ನಿಸಿದರೂ, ಆಟೋ ಹಿಂದಿನ ಈ ಬರಹ ನನ್ನ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಾದ ಕಹಿ ಘಟನೆಗಳನ್ನು ನೆನಪಿಸಿತು. ಮುಂದೆ ಓದಿ!

ಮೊದಲನೆಯದಾಗಿ,  ಆಟೋ ಮೇಲೆ ಬರೆಯಲಾದ ವಾಕ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ನನ್ನದು ೯೫% ಅಸಮ್ಮತಿ ಮತ್ತು ೫% ಸಮ್ಮತಿ ಇದೆ. ಯಾಕೆಂದು ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ! ಆಟೋ ಮೇಲಿನ ವಾಕ್ಯ ಹೀಗಿದೆ.

ಕಷ್ಟ ಆದರು ಪರವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. 

ನೋಯಿಸಿದವರ ಮುಂದೆ

ನಗುನಗುತ್ತಾ ಬದುಕಬೇಕು!

ನಿಮ್ಮ ಖುಷಿಯಿಂದ ಯಾರಿಗೂ ಖುಷಿ ಇಲ್ಲ ತಿಳ್ಕೊಳಿ! ನಿಮ್ಮ ರಕ್ತಸಂಬಂಧಿಗಳೂ ಕೂಡಾ, ಬಹುಶಃ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಹೆತ್ತವರು ಕೂಡಾ!  ಹೌದು ನೀವು ಓದಿದ್ದು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿಯೇ ಇದೆ! ಸಮಯ ಬಂದಾಗ ದೇವರೇ ಅದನ್ನು ನಿಮಗೆ ತೋರ್ಪಿಡಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ! ಬಹುಶಃ ಡ್ರೈವ್ ಮಾಡುವಾಗ ಇದರ ಚಿತ್ರ ತೆಗೆದವರು ಅಂತವರೇ ಆಗಿದ್ದರೆ ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯವೇನಿಲ್ಲ!

ನೋಯಿಸಿದವರ ಮುಂದೆ ಯಾವತ್ತೂ ನಿಮ್ಮ ನಗುವನ್ನು ಪ್ರದರ್ಶಿಸಬೇಡಿ ಪ್ರಮುಖವಾಗಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಒಡಹುಟ್ಟಿದವರ ಬಳಿ. ಯಾಕೆಂದರೆ ಶತ್ರುಗಳಿಗಿಂತ ಹಿತಶತ್ರುಗಳು ಬಹಳ ಅಪಾಯ! ತುಂಬಾ ಖುಷಿಯಾಗಿದೆನೆಂದು ಇರೋ ಬರೋ ಸ್ಟೇಟಸ್-ನಲ್ಲಿ ತೋರಿಸಿದರೆ, ಹಿತಶತ್ರುಗಳು ಹಿಂದಿನಿಂದ ಏನು ಪ್ಲಾನ್ ಮಾಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೋ ನಾ ಕಾಣೆ.

ಅಷ್ಟೊಂದು ಹೆದರಿಕೆ ಯಾಕಪ್ಪಾ. ಅದನ್ನ ಧೈರ್ಯದಿಂದ ಎದುರಿಸಬಹುದಲ್ಲವೇ? ಯಾಕಿಲ್ಲ? ಆದರೆ ಅದರಿಂದ ಸುಮ್ಮನೆ ನಮ್ಮ ನೆಮ್ಮದಿ ಹಾಳು. ನಮ್ಮ ಖುಷಿಗೋಸ್ಕರ ನಗುವುದೇ ವಿನಹಾ ಬೇರೆಯವರಿಗೆ ತೋರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಅಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ನಾವು ಅರಿತುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು. ನಿಮ್ಮ ಖುಷಿ ಮತ್ತು ನಗು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಬಳಿಯ ಇದ್ದು ಆನಂದಿಸಿ. ಬಹುಶಃ ಪ್ರೀತಿಪಾತ್ರರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹಂಚಿಕೊಂಡರೆ ಸಾಕು! ಒಡಹುಟ್ಟಿದವರೆಲ್ಲಾ ಪ್ರೀತಿಪಾತ್ರರಿರಬೇಕೆಂದಿಲ್ಲ. ನಿಮಗೆ ಕಷ್ಟ ಬಂದಾಗಲೇ ಪ್ರೀತಿಪಾತ್ರರು ಯಾರೆಂದು ತಿಳಿವುದು. 

ಹಿತಶತ್ರುಗಳ ಬಳಿ ಖುಷಿ ಹೇಳ್ಕೊಂಡಿಲ್ಲ ಅಂದ್ರು ಪರವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ, ಕಷ್ಟ ಹೇಳಿಕೊಳ್ಳಿ. ಹಾಗಾದ್ರೆ ಕಷ್ಟ ಯಾಕೆ ಹೇಳ್ಕೊಬೇಕು? ಈ ಆಂಗ್ಲ ವಾಕ್ಯವನ್ನು ಓದಿ ನಿಮಗೆ ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತದೆ!

"At your lowest, you realize a lot!"

ಹೌದು! ನಿಮ್ಮ ಬದುಕು ನೆಲಕಚ್ಚಿದಾಗಲೇ ನಿಮಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ತಿಳಿವುದು ಮತ್ತು ಜ್ಞಾನೋದಯವಾಗುವುದು. ಆಗಲೇ ಜೀವನದ ನೈಜ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಹೊರಗೆ ಬರುವುದು! ನನಗೆ ಇದರ ಕಠಿಣ ಅನುಭವವಾಗಿದೆ. ಆವಾಗಲೇ ನಿಮಗೆ ತಿಳಿವುದು "ಯಾರು ನೈಜ ಬಂಧುಗಳು ಯಾರು ಹಿತಶತ್ರುಗಳು ಎಂದು" :-(. ನನಗೆ ಇದರ ಅನುಭವ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಆಗಿದೆ. ಅತಿಯಾದ ನೋವನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ಈಗಲೂ ಅನುಭವಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ.

೫ ಮತ್ತು ೧೬ ವರುಷದ ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಹೋಲಿಕೆ ಮಾಡಿ, ೫ ವರ್ಷದ ಮಕ್ಕಳನ್ನು ದೂಷಿಸುವುದನ್ನು, ಗೇಲಿಮಾಡುವ ಮತ್ತು ಕಡೆಗಣಿಸುವ ರಕ್ತ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಗಳನ್ನು ಕಂಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ರಕ್ತಸಂಬಂಧಗಳೂ ಕೂಡಾ ದುಡ್ಡಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಬೆಲೆ ಕೊಡುವವರೆಂದು ದೇವರು ನನಗೆ ಮನದಟ್ಟು ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇಂತಹವರು ನಾವು ನಗುವುದನ್ನು ಕಂಡಾಗ ಅಥವಾ ಖುಷಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾಗ ಅವರ ಅಸೂಯೆ, ತಾರತಮ್ಯ ಇಮ್ಮಡಿಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಪಾಪ ೫ ವರ್ಷದ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೇನು ತಿಳಿಯಬೇಕು. ಕಷ್ಟ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲದಕ್ಕೂ ಅವರ ಬೆನ್ನೆಲುಬಾಗಿ ಇದ್ದು ಕರ್ತವ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ನನ್ನ ಕಷ್ಟಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಲೆಕ್ಕ ಇಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡು ಬೆನ್ನಿಗೆ ಚೂರಿ ಇಟ್ಟರು. ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಹಿಂದಿನ ಜನ್ಮದ ಪಾಪವೆಂದು ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು. ಹಾಗಂತ ಸುಮ್ಮನಿರದೆ ಮುಂದಿನ ಜಾಗ್ರತೆ ನಮ್ಮದಾಗಿರಬೇಕು.

ಕೊನೆಯದಾಗಿ ಶೇಕಡಾ ೫ ಸಮ್ಮತಿ ಶತ್ರುಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಸೀಮಿತ. ನಿಮಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಿರುವ ಶತ್ರುಗಳ ಮುಂದೆ ಮಾತ್ರ  ಕೃತಕವಾದರೂ ನಗುನಗುತ್ತಾ ಬದುಕಿ! ಶತ್ರುಗಳಿಗಿಂತ ಹಿತಶತ್ರುಗಳು ಬಹಳ ಅಪಾಯ ತಂದೊಟ್ಟುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಯಾವಾಗ ಕಷ್ಟ ಇರುವುದೋ ಆವಾಗಲೇ ಕೈ ಬಿಡುತ್ತಾರೆ (ನಿಮ್ಮ ರಕ್ತಸಂಬಂಧಿಗಳೇ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ!). ಕೊನೆಗೂ ಉಳಿಯುವುದು ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣನ ಕೃಪೆ ಮಾತ್ರ!

ಚಿತ್ರ ತೆಗೆದಿದ್ದು, ಉಪ್ಪಿನಂಗಡಿ ಬಳಿ. ಉಪ್ಪಿನಂಗಡಿ -ಸಕಲೇಶಪುರ ರಸ್ತೆ ಗಬ್ಬೆದ್ದು ಹೋಗಿದೆ. ಉಪ್ಪಿನಂಗಡಿಯಿಂದ ಗುಂಡ್ಯದವರೆಗೆ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ರಸ್ತೆ ಸರಿ ಇದೆ, ಹೊಸ ರಸ್ತೆಯು ಆಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಘಾಟಿ ರಸ್ತೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ನಾಶವಾಗಿದೆ. ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಅಲ್ಲ ಮಾರಾಯ್ರೆ, ಕೊನೆಯ ೧೫ ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಮಾತ್ರ. ಇನ್ನೇನು ಸಲೀಸಾಗಿ ಕಾರು ಸಂಚರಿಸುವಾಗ, ಕೊನೆಯ ೧೫ ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಕಂಟಕವಾಗಿ ಎದುರುಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತದೆ. ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಷ್ಟಗಳೂ ಹಾಗೆ! ಎಲ್ಲವು ಸುಗಮವಾಗಿ ಸಾಗುವಾಗ ಒಮ್ಮೆಲೇ ಮೈಮೇಲೆ ಕಷ್ಟಗಳು ಬರುತ್ತವೆ. ಕೆಲವನ್ನು ತಪ್ಪಿಸಬಹುದು ಆದರೆ ಹಲವನ್ನು ದಾಟಲೇಬೇಕು, ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಘಾಟಿ ರಸ್ತೆಯಂತೆ. ಕಡೆಯ ೧೫ ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಕ್ರಮಿಸಲು ಹರಸಾಹಸವೇ ಪಡಬೇಕು. ಎಲ್ಲೂ ರಸ್ತೆ ಸರಿ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಧೂಳಾಗಲಿ, ಮಳೆಯಾಗಲಿ, ಹೊಂಡವಾಗಲಿ, ರಸ್ತೆ ದಾಟದೆ ಬೇರೆ ಆಯ್ಕೆಯೇ ಇಲ್ಲ.

ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣನ ದಯೆಯಿಂದ ಒಡಹುಟ್ಟಿದವರು ಕೊಡುವ ನೋವನ್ನು ಸಹಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಶಕ್ತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿದೆ.  ಆಟೋದ ಬ್ಯಾಕೆಂಡ್ ಬರಹ ಹಲವು ದುಃಖದ ಸಮಯಗಳನ್ನು ನೆನಪಿಸಿತು. ದುಃಖಪಟ್ಟವರಿಗೆ ತಿಳಿದಿದೆ ಅದರ ನೋವಿನ ಬೆಲೆ :-(. ಇಷ್ಟು ಸಾಕು ಬಿಡಿ ಸಧ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ!

Narahari Parvata Shri Sadashiva Temple, Bantwal

29th December 2021

Every occasion on my way to Bangalore via Mangalore, the gaze at the arch of Narahari Parvata left a backlog on my must visit place. The ritual went on for years and finally almost dropped since I changed my drive route. Today, we made up mind to visit this place alongside Karinjeshwara temple and felt blessed. Here is short post with pictures. This was exclusive visit to Karinjeshwara temple, Narahari temple and Polali Shri Rajarajeshwari temple from our native village.

Narahari Parvata is renowned temple of Dakshina Kannada district having history which dates to DwaparaYuga. It seems like Pandavas visited here along with Krishna. Krishna created four teethas shanka, chakra, gada, padma. The four teerthas are formed in same shape as Krishna's weapons. Pandavas took bath in holy teerthas to ward off sins of war. Later Pandavas installed shiva linga and performed pooja to both Shiva & Krishna. Henceforth, the hill is named as Narahari parvata or Narahari Sadashiva Parvata. Here is the kannada version from temple placard.

The primary sanctum houses Lord shiva facing east. Serpent ganapathi shrines are faces the primary sanctum which face west. The temple is under renovation which is temporarily stalled due to fund crunch.

Alighting around 50 steps, you find rest 3 theerthas. A small walkway over the rocky base leads you to view point where one can enjoy the mesmerizing views of nature sitting on bench. This would be enchanting during monsoon season or during sunset.

Some wisdom from temple. View and read from extra large pixel!

Beware of monkey menace at temple premises. They not even spare sanctum. The priest closes the sanctum periodically since monkey throng and spoil the sanctum. The monkeys also threaten the visitors to grab their eatables.

The cars were not allowed till hilltop owing to space issue. The parking lot is now occupied by construction raw materials. The last few meters are steep to drive which one needs to be attentive especially during monsoon season, The space at hilltop is also limited and precarious. If you can climb steps, then the base of temple has ample parking space.

The Narahari Parvata is easy to visit. Along Bangalore-Mangalore national highway around 2kms from Bantwal towards Mani, you can view the temple arch welcoming the devotees. From here, a steep drive towards hilltop for 2kms, will lead you to temple.

Here is short video from our visit. I dont have pictures of teerthas. Kindly watch the video to get glimpse of all theerthas.

ಸೆಕೆ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಇವನದೊಂದು ಕಾಟ

ಮಳೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಯ್ದ ಭತ್ತ ಗದ್ದೆಯ ಕಾಲುದಾರಿ (ಕಾಲುಜಾರಿ ಅಥವಾ ಕಾಲುಜಾರು  ಅನ್ನಲೂ ಬಹುದು) ಮಧ್ಯೆ ನಡೆಯುವುದು ಅಷ್ಟು ಸುಲಭವಲ್ಲ. ಒಂದು ಕಡೆ ೬೦೦mm ಲೆನ್ಸ್ ಗರ್ಭಧರಿಸಿದ ಧಡಿಯ ಕ್ಯಾಮರಾ ರಕ್ಷಿಸಬೇಕು ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಕಡೆ ಬೆವರನ್ನು ಕೆಳಗಿಳಿಸಬೇಕು. ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕಮ್ಮಿ ಆದರೆ, ಗದ್ದೆಯ ಕೆಸರಿಗೆ ಬಿದ್ದು ಕ್ಯಾಮರಾ ಮಟಾಶ್ ಮತ್ತು ಕಾಲು ಉಳುಕುವ ಅಪಾಯ ಬೇರೆ. ದುಬಾರಿ ಕ್ಯಾಮರಾಗೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಹಣ ಹೂಡುವಷ್ಟು ಶ್ರೀಮಂತ ನಾನಲ್ಲ ಬಿಡಿ :-D. ಗದ್ದೆಯ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಇಷ್ಟೆಲ್ಲ ಜಾಗ್ರತೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ತೂರಾಡುತ್ತಾ ನಡೆದರೂ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕುವುದು ಒಂದೆರಡು ಹಕ್ಕಿಗಳು. ಇರಲಿ ಬಿಡಿ ಒಳ್ಳೆ ವ್ಯಾಯಾಮ ಆಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ ಸೌಂದರ್ಯ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಆಯಾಸವನ್ನು ನಿರ್ನಾಮ ಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ! ಕಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಹಕ್ಕಿಗಳು  ಸಿಗುತ್ತವೆ. ಆದರೆ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿತ್ರ ಹಿಡಿಯೋಣವೆಂದರೆ ಹಾವುಗಳ ಕಾಟ.

ಹಕ್ಕಿಗಳ ಚಿತ್ರ ತೆಗೆಯಲು ಹೊರಟ ನನಗೆ ಬೈಲಿನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ವನಜಕ್ಕನ ಮನೆಯ ಬೆಕ್ಕು ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿತು. ಸುಡು ಬಿಸಿಲಿಗೆ ಮೈಯೊಡುತ್ತಾ ತನ್ನ ದೇಹವನ್ನು ನೆಕ್ಕಿ ನೆಕ್ಕಿ ಶುದ್ಧಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ನಾನು ಬಂದಾಕ್ಷಣ ಅದಕ್ಕೇನು ಅನ್ನಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲ ಆದರೆ ಕ್ಯಾಮರಾ ಮೇಲೆತ್ತಿದಾಗ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ದಿಗ್ಭ್ರಮೆಗೊಂಡಿತು. ತದನಂತರ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ತಿಳಿಯಿತೇನೋ ಇದು ಚಿತ್ರ ತೆಗೆಯುವ ಉಪಕರಣವೆಂದು :-). ಹಿಂಬದಿ ಕಪ್ಪು, ಬೆಕ್ಕಿನ ಬಿಳಿ ಬಣ್ಣ ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಸ್ಟುಡಿಯೋ ತರಾನೇ ಮ್ಯಾಚ್ ಆಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಹಕ್ಕಿಗಳು ಸಿಗುವುದು ಅಷ್ಟು ಸುಲಭವಲ್ಲ ಸರಿ ಇದರ ಒಂದೆರಡು ಮುಖಚಿತ್ರ ತೆಗೆಯೋಣ ಎಂದು ಶುರು ಹಚ್ಚಿಕೊಂಡೆ. ಅದರ ಕಾಲ್ಪನಿಕ ಬರಹ ಹೀಗಿದೆ ನೋಡಿ. 

"ಸೆಕೆ, ಬೆವರು, ನೆಲ ಕುದಿತಾ ಉಂಟು ಮಾರ್ರೆ. ಅದರ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಪೋಸ್ ಬೇರೆ ಕೊಡ್ಬೇಕು ಇವ್ನಿಗೆ. ಈ ಜನಕ್ಕೆ ಬೆಳ್ಳಂಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾಡಕ್ಕೆ ಬೇರೆ ಕೆಲ್ಸಾ ಇಲ್ಲ ಅನ್ಸುತ್ತೆ"  😂

ಒಂದೆರಡು ಬಾರಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿದಾಗ ಆಚೆ ಈಚೆ ತಿರುಗಿತು. ಯಾವುದಕ್ಕೂ ಮೂಡ್ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲ ಅದಿಕ್ಕೆ. ಮೈ ನೆಕ್ಕುವುದನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರೆಸಿತು. ನಾನು ಕದಲದ ಕಾರಣ ಅದಕ್ಕೂ ತಲೇಕೆಟ್ಟಿತು ಅನ್ಸುತ್ತೆ! ತಾಳ್ಮೆ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡು "ತಗೋ ಒಂದು ಪೋಸ್. ತೊಲಗು ಆಮೇಲೆ" ಎಂದು ಮುಖ ಸಿಂಡರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ನೋಡಿತು.

ಕೊನೆಯದಾಗಿ, ಊರಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಹಕ್ಕಿಗಳು ಕ್ಯಾಮೆರಾ ಸೆರೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದವು. ಅದರ ಸಣ್ಣ ಬರಹ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ! ಕರಾವಳಿಯ ಮಳೆ ಹಾಗು ನವರಾತ್ರಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ ವೀಕ್ಷಣೆಯ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಹಕ್ಕಿ ವೀಕ್ಷಣೆಗೆ ಸಮಯ ಸಿಗುವುದು ಕಷ್ಟವಾಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. 

Birding after long gap

Its has been long time since I went for exclusive birding walk. Primarily due to limited scope in Bangalore and rains in native. The Navaratri visit to native turned out to be productive in terms of birding during last day of stay. Before that I had captured few pictures but were limited. I had surprise visitors to flaunt during my concluding day at native. Lets begin the avian series

Someone got overly soaked in overnight rains. The fearless Asian Koel was in extended basking mode today.

The Malabar pied hornbills are not unheard of in our village. We hear them daily and at couple of times, I had watched them closely, unfortunately without camera. I managed to get dark images during sunset for my record. Here are they!

Flame throated bulbuls were singing at eye level which I term as utmost bad luck. Again no camera, here is rough video from mobile.

The racket tailed drongos are common site in village. Yet another mobile camera capture due to missed camera.

The golden fronted leafbird is yet another shy bird. I was fortunate to get the glimpses on bright day.

The vernal hanging parrots are omnipresent in Udupi district right from busy highways to busy human presence. I found them chirping even in Udupi town, busy kumbhasi highway, beaches of Hejamady and forests of Neelavara. My village has them plenty in number but hard to capture. Even the Hosaadu village has abundant presence of these cute little parrots foraging on coconut trees. Here is one from Hosaadu village! Only picture from my stay unfortunately.

During my concluding day, the vernal hanging parrot was right above our house but by the time I brought camera, the bird had flown away.

Freedom as real, and as clean as blue sky! It is common sight here in Hosaadu to watch the flock of egrets flying over open paddy fields synchronously. Similar scenes can also be related to flock of cormorants. I managed to get single picture during my morning hunt for birds! Looks like they were flying to backwaters to start the morning routine.

A day before concluding day, I captured the Jacobin cuckoo. This is my first spotting in village. I managed to get few shots before bird flew away. They are known as harbinger of rains but despite being hot, it did not rain. Nevertheless, I was happy with their maiden spotting

The next one patiently basking stork billed kingfisher. I never knew that these birds are this bold. They allowed me to capture closely without any hesitation. Here are the clear pictures for you.

The shy rufous woodpecker was gracious enough to pose for a while in open from a distance. The bird is daily visitor to our coconut plantation but hidden inside the tree top. I was surprised with its long stay in open, perhaps it did not notice me. Its difficult to get a slew of pictures like below. I have uploaded all to express my gratitude to the bird

This egret was curiously seated behind the foliage on tree branch. Quite unusual to see egrets perching on trees. A cattle was grazing near to it. Perhaps the bird spotted me and wanted safer location than being near to cow.

I staggered through the trails of paddy field to see if any interesting birds show up. That was worth the effort. I heard the busy voice of Baya weavers engrossed in nest building to impress their future partners at nearby Palmyra tree. You can easily spot the hanging nests from the tree. One of them was away from the tree and perched on electric line. The bird was busy preening which allowed me to capture few!

The Brahminy Kite was looking for opportunity amidst the territorial fight of Baya weavers and mynas. The plan was distracted by ambushing racket tailed drongos chasing raptors away from their territoy

Last but not least, how do I forget the fearless jungle babblers! Picture taken just before I started the drive to Bangalore. Everyday the flock visit our house to check for snacks. This bird seemed to be in pondering mode 

Offbeat, this cat was cleaning its body and exposing to sunlight. Perhaps that is his way to keep healthy. His apathetic look to my photographic session was worth the capture :-). He was like "Under the hot sun and humid weather, this photographer has no other job!"

Amidst the sweltering weather, greenery to brighten up the day!

Check out my Bird Series blogs here : NKBirdSeries