Kanheri is the only clue of the rise and fall of Buddhism in Western India
The Kanheri caves are located 10 km away from Borivali, and in the midst of the Sanjay GandhiNational Park, Maharashtra.
Here there are 109 tiny rock-cut cells, carved into the side of a hill, located on the border of one of the worst slums in Asia. Unlike the elegant splendor of Elephanta Caves nearby, these are
sparten and unadorned. Each cave has a stone plinth for a bed. A congregation hall with huge
stone pillars contains the stupa, a Buddhist shrine. Farther up the hill are the remains of an
ancient water system, canals and cisterns that collected and channeled the rainwater into huge
tanks. [2] These caves are dated from 1st Century B.C. to 9th Century A.D. Most of them are the Buddhist Viharas which was meant for their residence, study, and meditation. A few Chaityas are seen containing rock-cut stupas meant for congregational worship. The large number of Viharas obviously prove a well-organized existence of Buddhist monks' establishment, which was also connected with many trade centers such as the ports of Sopara, Kalyan, Nasik, Paithan and Ujjain. Kanheri was a well-flourished University center at that time when the area was under the rule of the Maurayan and Kushan empires. The caves lie , a National Park in northern Mumbai.
The caves are at a height of about 450 metres (1,500 feet) above sea level and command a
panoramic view of the surroundings. The Arabian Sea, and the Vasai Creek can be seen in the distance. In fact, Kanheri is probably the only clue to the rise and fall of Buddhism in Western
India."
There are many sculptured statues of Buddha, on the outer sides of the wall, mainly in the
Avalokiteswara incarnation. There are, nevertheless, difference in the artistic representation, when contrasted with one another, may be due to the difference of time when they were built.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 8:32 AM,
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Jade Goody will not be given special treatment, clarifies tourism ministry
The Indian government Thursday clarified that the controversial British TV star Jade Goody,
accused of hurling racist abuses at Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, would not be an official
guest if she visits the country, but could come and 'cleanse' herself.
Goody, who has reportedly approached the Indian high commission in Britain for a visa after the
country's tourism office invited her, can visit India 'just like any other tourist', said Tourism
Minister Ambika Soni.
Reports suggested that Goody's acceptance of the invitation had put the government in a
dilemma over playing host to her after New Delhi officially expressed its displeasure at her racist
remarks during the Channel 4 reality TV show 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
But Soni clarified that there was no official invitation for the British TV star.
However, she will have to wait a week to find out if she can get a visa to visit the country. Jade is
looking to restore her image and claims to be living in fear after some miscreants reportedly
smashed the windows of her house.
Jade has already visited India before as her brand perfume bottle is manufactured in India But
following the race row the manufacturer has stopped production of the bottles.
Government officials fear that Goody's arrival could create serious trouble for them.
"Through television channels, everyone in India knows every detail about the controversy. Goody
is not a star who will attract welcoming crowds. People will be hostile."
"And since she has accepted the ministry's invitation, we are bound to provide protection to her.
How can we do it? She cannot be a state guest? She cannot just come and go unnoticed. The
media will not let it happen," an official said.
Officially, the tourism ministry says that its foreign offices are free to advertise on their own.
"Our offices abroad are free to give advertisements," said Amitabh Kant, a joint secretary in the
tourism ministry.
Although Kant insisted that it would not be proper for him to make any comment on the issue, he
said: "Anybody who can obtain a visa can visit the country."
Some in the tourism ministry are asking what is the big deal.
"The advertisement was for everyone and our country welcomes everyone to enjoy our culture and experience," said one official who does not want to be named.
"Why should Jade Goody be given special treatment? We need to ensure the safety of all
foreigners who visit our country," he said.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 4:30 AM,
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Australia to open a Tourism office in India to cash growing & moneymaking middle-class travel industry.
It has been observed that in 2005-06 visitors to Australia from India grew by 33 per cent to 78,900 compared with 2004-05. The Indian market is expected to reach 550,000 tourists by 2025, with a value of more $2 billion.
Tourism Australia's regional manager for South, South East Asia and Gulf, Maggie White, said the office opening follows strong tourism marketing activity and trade representation already taking place in the market. A dedicated office will ensure that continuing marketing efforts will capture a larger segment of Indian consumers.
AUSTRALIA will open a tourism office in India to cash in on the burgeoning and lucrative middle-class travel industry there."India's booming economy is fuelling a wealthy and outward-bound mobile middle-class, offering new opportunities for Australia," Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said.
Maggie White welcomed the whole-of-government response to the National Tourism Emerging Markets Strategy: China and India, released today by Tourism Minister Fran Bailey, which included the commitment to open a new Tourism Australia office in India.
"The new office will allow Tourism Australia to build on existing marketing and PR activities, and will support the roll out of the "So Where the Bloody Hell Are You?' campaign, which launched on Indian TV this week," said Ms White.
"Currently, we are also targeting the growing honeymoon market using Shaadi.com, India's most successful matrimonial service. The month long campaign is using banners, newsletters and a interactive micro site to showcase Australia as an ideal honeymoon destination to over seven million registered members.
"Through our Aussie Specialist program, 487 registered Aussie Specialist agents from 135 travel agencies are selling Australian holidays to Indian consumers with their detailed knowledge of
Australia and the fabulous experiences we have to offer. The program also provides a vehicle for Australian industry to access the retail network.
"The support from the Australian and Indian tourism industries for continued development of the Indian market has been stronger than ever. In September 2006 we saw the largest ever Indian Travel Mission with 48 Australian sellers and 114 Indian travel buyers taking part.
As India grows and opens up economically, more companies are finding incentive trips are a good way to reward and educate staff. Australia is high on the incentive list, being seen as an
ideal and rewarding destination.
Mumbai is the most likely location for the new office, one of India's most lively and glamorous cities with a population of more than 18 million. "Opening a dedicated Tourism Australia office in India will assist us in promoting Australia as a great place to visit for work or play to a wider Indian audience", concluded Maggie White.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 8:24 PM,
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Get the view of Largest tower & a Unique Iron Pillar of India.
13 km to the south of Connaught Circus at Lalkote of 8th century Tomor Rajputs, the 72.5 m high Victory Pillar stands as a victory stand of a Muslim King Kutub-ud-din-Aibak in India. At Kila Roy Pithora, on the dilapidated fort of the last Hindu king Prithwiraj, this victory stand was made like throne in Gajni. In 1199 Kutub-ud-Din started its construction and it was completed in 1236 by Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Kutub. However, there is a 2nd opinion. Some say, the construction came to an end around 1357-68 during the reign of Feroz Sah Tughlak.However, the Kutub which was built in Afghan style underwent repairing and remaking for more than occasions. Revolving steps of flights are 367 in number in slightly leaned Kutub. It has some
spl features- at its root the radius is being 14.40 m which gradually reduced at its top to 2.44 m. In Kupee language it has been inscribed on Kutub that- The Tower was erected to cast theshadow of God over both East and West. Aayaat from Quran is also inscribed. At the foot of the Minar a Mosque was built in 1197.The 5 storeyed Qutub Minar is a remarkable instance of sculpture in India. The 1st floor made of sand stone by Kutub, the 2nd & 3rd floors made of sand stone by Iltutmis and the 4th and 5th in both sand stone and marble by Feroz Shah Tughlok in 1368.However, the earthquake of 1803 destroyed it , in 1829 British Major Robert Smith re-built the tomb. Later the tomb was brought down from the Minar and reset it in the garden beside. In 1981, some students died of stampade while on their way up the steps of flights. Since then, ascending 5th floor is forbidden and not more than a group of 4 at a time is permitted to ascent only upto 1st floor of Kutub. Recently, Kutub is enshrined with huge lighting.
What so Special about Qutab Minar:
Enter through the colossal Alai Darwaza, the erstwhile main entrance to the whole complex nestling in the south east of Qutab Minar. Look for the richly decorated facades, built in white
marble and embellished with intricate geometric patterns and Arabic inscriptions. Although you will find it hard to take your eyes off this stately monument, but there are other attractions
strewned all over the alluring precincts that may catch your attention. At the foot of the Qutab Minar stands the first mosque to be built in India, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid. Referred to as
the Might of Islam Mosque, this sacred relic is a fruit of successive additions and extensions over the centuries.
Walk over to the east gate and you can see an inscription over there that expounds that the original mosque was built on the foundations of a Hindu temple and the materials obtained by
demolishing 27 idolatrous temples! Walk over to the west of this mosque and you will overwhelmed to see the spectacularly decorated tomb of Iltutmish, portraying an enigmatic array of exquisite carvings which virtually cover the entire interior of the 9 sq m tomb.
Iron Pillar:
In front of the imposing structure is an iron pillar believed to have been built in the 5th century A.D. It's uniqueness lies in the fact that it has not caught rust ever since it was built. The Presence of the ancient non-rusting Iron Pillar within the complex further appears to add credence to the first theory. There is an inscription on the top of the pillar in Sanskrit that suggests that the pillar was brought from somewhere else. The scientists have not yet unearthed the secret of this pillar that has not rusted for well over 2000 years. It is believed that if you encircle the pillar with your hands with your back towards the pillar your wish will be fulfilled. Tourists are not permitted to climb the tower.Situated in the courtyard of the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the famous Iron Pillar belongs to its 4th century. The Sanskrit inscription in Gupta script and the peculiar style of its 'Amalaka' capital
confirms the date. As evident from these inscriptions, this pillar was originally set up as a flag or 'dhvaja' of Lord Vishnu on the hill known as 'Vishnupada' as a tribute to King Chandragupta II
(375-413) of the imperial Gupta dynasty. It is also suggested that a deep hole on the top of the pillar was used to fit the image of 'Garuda' as a standard of Vishnu. It is said to be brought to
Delhi by Anangpal, the Tomar king who founded Delhi.
The base of the pillar is tied to its foundations by small pieces of iron. It rises to a height of 7.20 m, with 93 cm buried below the present floor level. It is a wonder that iron has not rusted despite the sixteen centuries that have passed since then and is an excellent example of advanced metallurgy of those times. It is a marvel in itself. The metal of the pillar is identified to be almost pure malleable iron. However, the portion below the ground shows some signs of rusting at a very slow rate. According to the traditional belief, any one who can encircle the entire column with their arms, with their back towards the pillar, can have their wish granted. However, tourists are kept off from the pillar to avoid damage to this historical relic.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 3:21 AM,
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Get the taste of Indian Snacks- Especially Indian Burger.
Most of the Indian cuisine is perfect blend of native indian food
and unique culinary practices brought by various settlers.The essence of Indian cuisine lies in the aroma of spices blended
together and added to enhance the flavour and nutritional of each
dish.
Therefore, it very obvious that whenever we talk of Indian Cuisine
we need to start with Indian snacks which are the real taste of
india. I am emphasizing on Real Taste of India because it start from Mumbai street and very much famous thoroughout the World and
also very fast servicing since it is very easy to prepare.
Here is the Recipe for Indian Burger
Ingredients
1 Kg boiled Potatoes2 cups Gram Flour (Besan)Turmeric powderOil for fryingSalt as per the taste.Pav (A kind of bun known as Pav. Usually the outer surface is little rough, looks like a burger bun but smaller than that. Check for the proper one in your groceries. Do not buy sweet pav as it will spoil the taste.)
Masala:
1 small piece Ginger 4-5 flakes Garlic4-5 nos. Green Chillies1/2 cup Coriander leaves (chopped)
For tempering :
1 tea spoon Turmeric PowderCurry Leaves1 teaspoon Mustard seeds & 2 teaspoon Oil
Method :
Grind ginger, garlic and green chillies together into a paste. Peel and mash boiled potatoes. Add ginger-garlic-green chilies paste, coriander leaves, and salt to it. Then take 2 teaspoon of oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds. As soon as they start spluttering, add turmeric powder & curry leaves. Pour this tempering on the potato mixture & mix it properly. Make small balls of this potato mixture. ( You can make flat balls by pressing them in palms) Now add some salt & turmeric powder to the gram flour . Mix it together. Add some water to make a thick batter. Remove the lumps. Heat some oil in a pan. Dip the balls in gram flour and deep fry till golden brown. Slit the Pav keeping the base intact & spread Garlic Chutney or Green Chutney on the inner sides of it. Place the vada into it. And enjoy the Indian Burger!
Mumbai Streets are home to soothsayers, barbers, cobblers, ear cleaners and other such rural migrants. Strange things land up on Mumbai Street - one of them being the fast serving "Street
Vendors". There are a large variety of snacks available on the streets, which are very tempting. Huge crowds surround these stalls in the evenings. You will find regular people to some of
the top personalities of Mumbai eating here.
If ever we discuss about Indian food we should always think of India Burger which non other Wada Pav... Very to catch and pretty light to digest and perfect food to be consumed for supper.
Usually Indian snacks comprise of food items in India that are quick to prepare, spicy, usually fried, and eaten in the evening or morning with tea or with any one of the meals as a side-dish.These snacks are often prepared and sold by hawkers on footpaths, railway station and other such places, although they may also be served at restaurants.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 10:53 PM,
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Who is to be blamed ??? Tiger or humankind.
Tadoba-andhari Tiger Reserve is the pristine and unique eco-system situated in the Chandrapur district of the Maharashtra State of India. The Reserve contains some of the best of forest tracks and endowed with rich biodiversity. It is famous for its natural heritage. Tadoba-andhari Tiger Reserve is the second Tiger Reserve in the State.
The area of the Reserve is 625.40 sq. km. This includes Tadoba National Park, created in 1955 with an area of 116.55 sq. km. and andhari Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1986 with an area of 508.85 sq. km. The Reserve is constituted with 577.96 sq. km. Reserve Forest, 32.51 sq. km. Protected Forest and 14.93 sq. km. other areas.
Off late there was an incident regarding a person named Nilkanth Arsode, who was encountered with a Tiger last week.the 60-year old man is terrified of falling asleep. “I wake up every night shivering in fear,” says Arsode.
Arsode was attacked by the wild cat at his employer’s farm in Lakhmapur village, a few km from his own village of Sawarla. “Its huge paws missed my face by a whisker, but its nails scratched my nose,” he says. The nose is swollen and disfigured beyond recognition. “I am very lucky to be alive. I must have done some good deeds earlier.”
It has been said atleast there are 4 tigers, outside the protected forest area and have killed about 15 mens and women, swallowing tens of cattle.The forest areas of Chandrapur, including the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, are estimated to have a population of over 70 tigers, and increasing every month. As per the information source, the frequency of such attacks has been increasing.
“We have a serious problem in the hands if tigers are attacking humans for food,” warns tiger conservationist Nitin Desai of the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) “Maybe tigers are not able to find any food in the forest, which is why they are after humans. It’s also an indication that the tiger population has spilled over from the TATR, as it can’t accommodate additional population of tigers any more.
Desai says the solution lies in managing the tiger reserve areas better. “We have to increase the Project Area (PA) network and allocate more money to manage tigers in non-PA areas,” he says.
Environmentalist Valmik Thapar suggests setting up of a special task force to monitor and map all the killings. “One should determine whether it is one tiger or more, and identify them. These tigers then need to be tranquilised and shifted to a zoo,” he says. “At the same time, there is need to relocate villagers in forest areas elsewhere.”
posted by Rishil Babu @ 9:26 PM,
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It's a time to witness presence of Lord Ayyappa blessing his devotees at SabarimalaSabarimala is one pilgrimage destination in Kerala, India that does not discriminate between devotees belonging to different castes, creeds or color. What it does call for from its devotees in India and abroad is a return to austerity and reenactment of penance.
Penance that Sabari endured in order to meet Lord Ram and be able to worship and feed him like the people belonging to upper 'refined' caste could.
The Sabarimala Temple is considered to be very sacred by the Hindus and is said to be associated with a popular ancient legend according to which the great sage Parasurama who lifted Kerala with his axe and prevented it from sinking into the sea, established the idol of Lord Ayappa at the spot where the temple stands today.
Sabari Hills, the Secred aboard of Lord Ayyappa, is thronged by millions of devotees throughout the year, particularly during the Mandalam period. On the first day of 4th month of malayalam
calendar, the pilgrims commences a well defined preparatory routine of austerities enduring for a "Mandalam" of 41 days. The emphasis is to give up all materialistic desires and surrender oneself to the thought of Lord- a sort of penance from the sins committed knowingly or unknowingly The accosting of "Maala" symplices the invoking of the Lord into the pilgrims' hearts. The pilgrims lead a simple life in uniform grab of black and dark blue colors. These and unkempt, unshaven face signify immersing one's Ego in sacred anonymity. During the
period the devotees greets each other as "Swami Saranam" to be reciprocated by"Ayyappa Saranam
The Holi river Pumba is considered to be sacred as the Ganga. A holi dip in the river before proceeding to the hills is an experience itself.
The common offering to the Lord is ghee filled coconut. The hard shell of the coconut signifies how stubborn are our desires for worldly life, the sweet fruit inside signifies how serene is our heart and filling it with pure ghee signifies our true love for the God.
What so special about "Makara Sankranthi" (around 14th January)
Every year at the time of Makara Sankranthi, I will wake up from my meditation and open my eyes to see the world. At that time you may adorn my idol with all the ornaments that you have made for my coronation ceremony and Makara Jyoti will appear in the Ponnambala Medu." Said Ayyappa swami to King Rajashekara at the time of entering into meditation at Ponnambala Medu.
"Makara Sankranthi" (around 14th January) day is the most auspicious day at Sabarimala. The Jewel Casket is carried on head from the ancestral residence of the royal family of Panthalam to the Shrine on this day. A Garuda, the Brahaman kite, follows this ornaments-carrying procession, hovering about in the sky, After these ornaments are worn on the Lord the bird circles the temple in the sky three times and disappears. Excited by this sight the devotees begin to chant "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa".
A Star(Uthram Nakshathra) that can never been seen in the sky appears on the day of Makarajyothi before the sighting of the Jyoti. A Jyoti is seen for a little time on the hill top showing the presence of Swamy Ayyappan gracing his devotees. "SWAMIYE SARANAMAYYAPPA
posted by Rishil Babu @ 9:24 PM,
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