Coimbatore Easwaran Temple Othakal Mandapam Chithirai Car Festival Satsang

25 April 2015

As in previous years, the Chithirai Car Festival satsang at Coimbatore turned out memorable, going by the hearty participation of a large audience turnout, who relished all the new compositions.

Earlier we were invited to a newly built Nakshatra vanam, a short distance away from the venue. Janma Nakshatra is the name of the constellation in which the Moon was located at the time of one's birth. The concept of Nakshatra vana is based on the belief that there is a correlation between the birth star of the person and the the ruling deity with a related tree. Reverence to environment- plant life is deeply ingrained here.

Coimbatore has always been quick to embrace holistic living practices. Kudos to the Founders of the Star forest for such an initiative. It goes a long way in reducing stress levels in the community as people get to worship and meditate under the trees suitable to their stars.

Pada Yatra with a difference

Zen wisdom would have it that whilst walking, in no time at all, you go home to your body, and get well established in the here and the now. Enjoying the in and out breath, when we walk, we come home to ourselves.

Journey by foot, “Walkathon” of contemporary times, has long been an integral part of Indian culture. It has helped to transform individuals from power and pleasure-oriented rut to a life of purity. A valuable experience to feel the unity in diversity.

Padayatris in India are of different hues and tradition, be they bhakti filled varkaris, pilgrims to Palani and Sabarimala. They usually seek blessings in terms of Svasthi, Shanti and Samriddhi – even to get relief from burden of debts, to get promotion in jobs, to get better education, success in exams, to settle marriage alliances, to win elections, court cases and so on.

17th April 2015: It was enjoyable to be part of a Bangalore pada yatra with a difference undertaken by a large contingent of contented, kindred souls to spread joyful vibes of Happiness in the Community. The exuberant drummers of Dollu kunitha folk tradition of Karnataka (pic) gave us a rousing start.