Skandasramam, (Temples Of Tamil Nadu)

The view from the temple

Skandasramam, lies on Salem-Attur route of Tamil Nadu. Located in serene surroundings amidst hillocks, two kilometres away from Udayapatti of Salem Town, is this temple complex with shrines to Skanda (Lord Muruga) and other deities.

Everyday at 8.00 a.m.and 11.00 a.m. Abishekam and special puja are performed. The uniqueness of this temple is that neither camphor is used nor archanai is  done by the devotees.
The importance of the temple is that both the presiding deities Lord Muruga (Skanda) and Skanda Mata stand face to face. As a result of this, Lord Muruga possesses immense powers as He faces His Mother.
Lord Muruga is worshipped first followed by a darshan to Devi. Devi possesses eighteen hands and is also known as ‘Ashtadasa’. She has various weapons in each of Her hands.
The navagrahas along with their wife are seen around the sanctum sanctorum. All around the temple are sayings of Sathguru Santhananda painted on wall in Tamil. These are with regard to how humans should behave and live peacefully in the world.
 

There is also a yagasala where Ganapati homam is performed daily and yagam on auspicious days. 

The Hanuman shrine in the outer sanctotum

Skandasramam holds shrines of deities : Panchamukha Anjaneya, Panchamukha Ganapati, Swarnakarshanabhairavar (Bhairavar with His Consort), on the outer side of the sanctum sanctorum.

This place is complete in serenity embedded on the hills and is at the same time holding a stature of religious importance. Skandashraman is one of the few places unexplored by many yet holding a place of importance in its own way.

The shrine of Lord Ganapathi

Pykara, Tamil Nadu (Travelogue)

Pykara is a small remote village located 19 km from Ooty in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is named after the sacred River Pykara which rises from the Murkurti peak and flows through Pykara and Glen Morgan Dams, the two  important  hydro-electric power project in these hills.

The catchment at the Pykara dam forms a beautiful lake and offers a scenic spot for the tourists. The mist lifting like a curtain over the lake during the wee hours of the morning leaves one dumbstruck at the marvels caused by nature. This blue lake shimmering under the rays of the mountain sun lies 21 km from Ooty on the Ooty Mysore highway.

Kayaking at Pykara

The main attraction at Pykara lake is undoubtedly boating. One can enjoy the beauty of this lake by strolling through the dense trees around the lake and  trekking through the muddy tracks to the falls.

Pykara Falls is the last leg of the river. The falls is approximately 6 km from the bridge on the main road. The more adventurous nature lovers can spend a night at the Forest rest house or the Defence Guest house at Pykara Lake on prior requests.

Ride By The Motor Boat - The View Of The Defence Guest House At The Back 

The boat house on the Pykara reservoir is another added attraction for tourists.

Enroute to Pykara lake lies a vast expanse of grassy meadows, the Wenlock Downs. It is an ideal place to  walk and relax a mist the soothing greenery and is a  favorite spot for picnickers and movie makers.
This remote area of Pykara set in the Nilgiri hills, boasts of  everything a tourist would look for - a well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, large grassy meadows and a touch of wildlife everywhere and is  an ideal get away from the crowded town of Ooty during the vacation  and seasonal months.

A Prayer (Just For Laughs)

This was sent to me by a friend, just sharing it through my blog .... to see you smile :)

TO: God.Com
Dear Lord,

Every single evening
When I lie here in bed,
This tiny little Prayer
Keeps running through my head:

God, bless all my family
For they're so close to me
Keep them safe and warm
And from all evil and no harm.

And, there is one more thing
Hope you don't mind me asking,
That I  know you will graciously do:
God! Please bless, my gadget, too...

I know that it sounds pretty odd,
So let me explain it Lord,
For inside this tiny compartments,
Rests so.. many long lost friends.

Please take an extra minute
From your duties beyond limit,
To bless those in my friends list
And those to whom request sent.

Bless all those in my message inbox,
And the clever ones who helped me unlock
The games I could never clear...
Especially the ones, who hit- 'like' n 'share'.

Bless the ones who never missed 
My Birthday which was lovingly wished
And all those who sent me a smiley
Or a joke, a link, a thought, almost daily.

Please do save this little prayer
In your grand heavenly computer
For it to be stored in the CD ROM 
As an earnest message to God.com
Amen