Sine qua non

Bhadrachalam Karakatta

 Monsoon seems to be almost arrived. This year, with the onset of rains and gusty winds, mercury levels are getting subsided. It's a bit earlier compared to the bygone years. Our temple town, usually synonymous with sizzling heat, turned out to be modest in temperature. 

Well, plants and trees wear green masks and take our minds off the humdrum of life. With effective initiatives taken by voluntary organizations and state government,  different saplings used to be planted every year as soon as the monsoon hit the town.

 Either side of public roads along with educational institutions and other places will be decked up to have planted with the likes of neem, peepal, tamarind, and so on. These are supposed to be grown well to provide immense shade and increase oxygen levels.

Here, the real surgical strike remains lurking around the corner. As soon as the plant bursts bigger, some people would arrive from nowhere to start their mission impossible to cut the branches with axes. Leaves and twigs will be seen on the ground in heaps to upload into a tractor. 

Who are they? Some are shop owners who want their boards blocked free of grown-up trees and others from electricity people with the pretext of protecting ongoing current wires over the branches of trees. The same exercise has been performed almost every year.

 It shows clearly the damn dimwit nature of the average Indian. There must have been clear-cut planning before the plantation and a tree should not be axed down at the wish of every Tom and dick.

If it is so with plantation without foresight, what's the meaning of the entire idea of go-green? It should not be a hollow exercise every year. By exploring new avenues to protect every planted sapling, the green dream would come alive.

 Most of our educated people also think that development means sky-rising concrete buildings with less green cover. But in reality, superpowers like the USA, Russian Federation, Canada, China, and others have more than half of the world's forests. 

And one more example, if we see London from above, fifty percent of the space is covered with greenery.  

----- Murthy Kvvs

Z For Zamindari System

Lord Cornwallis introduced Zamindari system

There are some villages in Dummugudem mandal and they all have prefix letter Z in their names. For instance Z. Veerabhadra puram. I came to know that all those villages were under the Zamindar before independence. It's a strange phenomenon I have never seen in other districts, though they were also under Zamindars. Of course, that could be the choice of local people. In our college times, I had certain friends who would always boast of their large tracts of land. In those days, I was so naive and ignorant of the importance of having a great amount of land.

As I am old enough with years passing, came to understand that most of their forefathers were Zamindars and in that way, their entry into politics and business happened instead of securing a government job soon after their education. And protection of their assets is guaranteed in that way. Interestingly, most of the Zamindars in Telugu states were from Shudra castes like Kamma, Reddy, and Velama and they are still dominant in present-day politics apart from other fields.

Unlike Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, Zamindari families from Brahmins and Rajputs (Kshatriya) were rare in Telugu states. That's a unique point. The Zamindari system brought many changes in our socio-economic conditions.

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Y For Yellaa Venkateswara Rao

 Yella Venkateswara Rao is a great musician and percussionist. Whenever one hears the name Yellaa, one should think of the Mridangam instrument.

With his exponential experiments, he brought special recognition to Mridangam. Also, solo recitals started all over soon after his initiative toward Mridangam. 

Yella associated great legends like M.S. Subbu Lakshmi, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Mangalampalli, Hariprasad Chourasia, KJ Yesudas Bhimsen Joshi so on. At the same time, he strived to keep the Mridangam as a solo instrument.

He played 9 Mridangams for 36 hours continuously. And recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records. It has been named as Nava Mridangam. Yellaa performed performances in India and abroad extensively. 

Also, he tried music therapy for ill-health people. Many film directors have also taken his services. His name is synonymous with Mridangam in Telugu states and of course beyond it.

Now he is in his eighties, so taking a rest in Hyderabad. Yellaa performed many times at the temple of Bhadrachalam. 

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X For Xerox shop

 

When individuals required multiple copies of the original, there were only Xerox stores to cater to their needs. Additionally, they wouldn't sell anything else or provide any other services.

 These days are different. In addition to a desktop computer and printer, spiral binding is available in every Xerox store. They gave me a sincere response when I questioned them about it. 

 They believe that adding other services like online, printing, and spiral binding is marginally better than operating just the Xerox service, which is not profitable given the rise in electricity costs.

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W For Waterfalls

 

This Waterfalls is getting momentum to attract people. And it's name is Muthyala dhara located at Veerabhadra puram of Venkatapuram mandal, Telangana state. This is not accessible for everyone and somewhat arduous journey needed. One has to walk 10 km in the deep forest to reach there. In fact, the waterfalls can be visible from the bus when you go to Venkatapuram of Mulugu district. Only some young people are visiting but no facilities are available at the steep falling water. The roaring sound of the water can be heard from the distance.  

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V For Veeraswamayya Enugula

 Veeraswamayya Enugula or Enugula Veeraswamy was the first travel writer in Telugu. Perhaps in the history of Indian travelogues, he could have been the earliest one who brought out a book on his travel. He started his travel in May 1830 from Chennai and reached Varanasi in September 1831. There were no buses, cars, or any vehicles. He used horses and palanquins. With establishing tents for resting whenever they got tired amidst the journey, Veeraswamayya launched his adventurous journey with his friends and relatives. He paid all expenses for them. 

It was a pilgrimage basically but he described all contemporary social, economic, and political things that come across throughout his sojourn. He embarked on an upward journey through Tirupathi, Srisailam, Hyderabad, Nirmal, Nagpur, Jabalpur, and Prayaga and a downward journey through Patna, Calcutta, Berhampur, Chatrapur, Srikakulam, Rajahmundry and Nellore. All journey culminated in approximately four thousand kilometers. We could know how lives went on in different provinces and petty kingdoms or princely states. In brief, the British India stood in front of our eyes.

Veeraswamayya wrote two letters every day to his friend Komaleswarapuram Srinivasa Pillai. He described every interesting bit about different kinds of places and people. We should know one thing Veeraswamayya was fluent in Telugu, Tamil, and English. Worked as a head interpreter in the Supreme Court of Chennai. And he obtained needed recommendation letters from British Judges. So his journey went on with fewer obstacles. However, he excelled in some problems with meticulous planning and of course with armed people. Now, that old type edition turned into easy modern Telugu by the effort of  Dr. Machavarapu Adinarayana. 

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U For Unique e-paper

 There are numerous e-papers we have been seeing on different topics. With the advent of advanced technology , launching an e-paper is not a big task but push it to maximum without stopping is something really unique in nature.

 We have started an e-paper named Bhadradri Incredible and successfully we have brought out 16 numbers continuously. It takes up book revwies, travel stories and articles related to literature and social issues. If anyone wish to send your articles (300 word limit), rush to godavari333ATgmail.com

 

First page is given above

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T For Tribal Museum

 Here I am sharing two pics of Tribal museum established at Bhadrachalam. It showcases the utensils, arms, indigenous tools and everything belonged to the life of Tribal people like Koya, Konda Reddy and Nayak podu and these are pre-dominant tribal communities in the division. ITDA and Dist. Collector took initiative to establish the museum and there are eateries to provide delicacies of local tribal people. Amusement park for children has also established.

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S For Squirrel

 

Can we pet a squirrel in our country? I don't know much about it but some friends said it's not legal to do so as the squirrel is the wild animal. I used to see at least one squirrel when I went to our local park. They looked timid, yet, they observed humans keenly. Sometimes, I remain still or motionless whenever they are lingering near me. They tried to come nearer and nearer, perhaps, on the perception of safe vibrations. If we keep moving around, the tiny animal would run away and it never stops observing from a safe distance.

The shining little black eyes have a strange beauty like baby's and the swift movement leaves us helpless when we ever try to near them. Perhaps they love shade compared to sunshine. Strips on its back remind us of a tale from the Ramayanam. Squirrel was said to have helped in the mission of Rama Sethu, of course, in its capacity. It was a touching part of the classic and showcased saint-poet Valmiki's great imagination about the little animals doing their bit.  

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R For Review

 

How I Write, is a book carried with the experiences of writers, journalists, and poets. It unraveled many secrets which are very useful for budding writers. Almost 20 people were interviewed to elicit their candid opinions and how the agent system in the western part of the world keeps playing to get printed any book. The same work here was done by the editor. Everyone accepted that how the first draft to be evolved through various phases. Their starting troubles would open doors for struggling writers to hone their skills in different aspects.

Pankaj Mishra explained how his distraction-free environment led him to write. How he transitioned later with the places he moved can be an interesting read. Mayukh Sen, a Bengali immigrant food writer recalled how he got passionate about Merle Oberon's book. Manjushree Thapa, of Nepalese origin, talked about her years of struggling as a writer. How her foreign upbringing created chaotic conditions in selecting themes with authenticity. Many other voices were having a heartfelt conversation about the creative community. The book was edited by Sonia Faleiro and brought out from South Asia Speaks. Price: 699/-, available on Amazon platform.  

----- Murthy Kvvs

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Q For Quotations

 In our daily lives, we come across numerous quotations. However, we do not recall everything. Yet, some will get touched our hearts. They will remain unforgettable all through our lives. They give occasional comfort. Occasionally boosts morale. Quotes are taken from different works and presented to readers promptly. Posting good quotes on your WhatsApp profile tends to receive positive feedback.

When the writer expresses himself sincerely in refined language, it becomes artful. It provides entertainment to others as well. The power lies within it. Quotes from philosophers, religious texts, and the works of great authors are just a few examples of meaningful sayings.

Here is one quotation from Ernest Hemingway that I like.

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P For Parnasala

 

Parnasala is a pilgrim place, 30 km away from Bhadrachalam and it's not separable from Bhadrachalam due to its extraordinary mythology. Every devotee who visited the temple at Bhadrachalam should visit Parnasala also. It's a thumb rule. People said that Sri Rama was living here during the 14 years of his exile. He and his consort Seeta Ma and Lakshmana lived in the place by making Parnasala ( a hut made with leaves and forest material). The guide shows the visitors rocky places where Seeta Ma dried her sarees. 

In the temple, we can see a makeshift hut built with bamboo and leaves to remind the life they spent here. Compared to Bhadrachalam temple, here the temple is modest but the ambiance of River Godavari and hillocks seen on the opposite banks is eye feasting. Usually visitors would come here by their vehicles and autos are also available from Bhadrachalam. Journey seems not tedious due to the lush green fields are both sides of the road. 

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O For Owls

Owl is nowhere to be seen these days. In my childhood, they were often seen in the holes of banyan trees and on the branches of other giant trees. They looked scary with their big eyes but they have never tried to intimidate us even once. Some people used to say that owls are messengers of spiritual realms. They would bring good luck, especially monetary gain when we encounter them unexpectedly. There are many negative opinions about these nocturnal creatures. I was doubting why didn't they build nests like other birds instead of being in tree holes.

Perhaps due to changing eco-balance, now, owls are hardly seen. Their voice is distinct from other birds. In our childhood, along with my friends, while being roamed in nearby thickets, many sounds were heard in different frequencies. Surprisingly no bird made its presence but once we left the place, they would run away with fluttering their wings. Apart from all, owls are very clever like humans. They preserve extra food in their holes. I keep looking for owls wherever huge trees appear but my anticipation fails every time.

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N For Novelist

Gudipati Venkatachalam was a great novelist in Telugu. He was a pioneer in taking up issues of women in modern Telugu literature and his influence is palpable still today in the form of collective consciousness of present writers in varied hues. By raising groundbreaking questions on behalf of women, he was ahead of his times and revolutionized his contemporary society with his novels. Chalam fought against male chauvinism, equal rights for women, and shackleless relationship between men and women. His novels brazenly portrayed his philosophy and they have been banned sometimes for the reason of explicit descriptions. As a writer, his active period was 1920 - 1972. Mostly Telugu society was laden with feudal and orthodox elements, so it was natural to face backlash from all quarters.

Chalam penned innumerable short stories, essays and translations also. His style of writing is hypnotic. By using simple words, he pours out some elfin charm over the reader. Many a writer kept trying the magic afterwards but the very few pulled it off. Original is original whatsoever. Books Chalam is getting republished over and over and this hardly happens with any other writer. Maidaanam, Sasirekha, Daivamichina bhaarya, and many other novels are prominent among his novels. The short stories list can be of hundred or so. "Musings" are the narrative that he created to vent out his inner world in a languid way. 

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M For Manoj Das

Manoj Das the name, first happened to see it on a library book when I was studying my degree and the book he authored was a sketch of Aravinda Maha yogi. After having some pages flipped through, the essence appealed to me in a lighter vein and there was a poetic expression in his writing flow. A profound tapestry of spirituality and yogic experiences unfolded throughout the book. I have no idea who the writer was what state he belonged to and all the concerned details. I searched about them in the book which was published by Kendriya Sahitya Academy. It all happened during 1984-87.

But I wanted to meet him once in my lifetime. Have never expressed my inner thoughts to anybody and forgotten as we have no source of the internet to search further in those days. Life made me busier with my travels and profession. My passion for blogging played a crucial role in making friends from many states. Unimaginable, One Samir Ranjan Das arrived into my digital life that way. He was, then, working in Hyderabad for the Overseas Bank of India. His native place was Bhubaneswar. Once he told me about the legendary writer Manoj Das as his favorite one and I connected with him instantly.

We met each other when he arrived at Kothagudem for the branch inspection and visited the temple at Bhadrachalam. We discussed a lot about various kinds of happenings in literature and other realms. I understood that he was running a website on the works of Manoj Das. His bondage and devotion toward the writer was unparalleled. Over time, I grabbed the books of Manoj Das and went through them with myriad hues. I found that he was a great bilingual author. He displayed the same ease and deft in both Oriya and English. Samir Ranjan Das used to cite examples regarding his versions from both languages.

I at last visited the home of Manoj Das at Pondicherry on 27 September 2019. After almost three decades, my wish was fulfilled through Samir Ranjan Das for which he must have been sent in my life. Manoj Das was not only a legendary writer but also an exceptional spiritual person. He presented me with his book  "The Bridge in the Moonlit Night and Other Stories". Our meeting surpassed the appointment time that I made with him. It was purely behest of his deeply moving words. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Manoj Das passed away on 27 Apr 2021. This is my small tribute to the noble soul. 

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L For Lakshmipuram

( Some press persons on the Britsh era bridge at Lakshmipuram)

 Lakshimipuram is the place in the sub-division of Bhadrachalam. Though which is looked like a non-descript village like any of countless villages in our country. During the era of Britishers, It has experienced its luxury with plenty of action like being staged colonial constructions, canal and navigation office and human signatures. Now all they are in fading state. I have first recognized historical importance of the place, almost 40 years back, when I got an old English dictionary from a Siddha Doctor. It has had a stamp on it with the village name and the year mentioned some 1890s. I got shocked and intrigued and on the spur asked the person who was an old fashioned Siddha and herbal doctor. He was in his 80's then. He explained that that the dictionary was given by a British national to his ancestors. 

( My recent Telugu novella )

It was dampen and dried during the floods. Pages were almost soiled. But it has been preserved as an antique in their house. Fortunately it came to me to understand the history of the locality. All my research turned into a hundred page novella in Telugu (Title : Niranthara Yaatrikudu). It received good recognition and some readers called me to visit the place. For wider reach, I should translate it into English. I can't say that when it will get done with the burden of many other translation works. One of them is to translate Mamang Dai's award winning novel "The Black hills". Well, the Siddha doctor is no more now and his children shifted to Hyderabad and Switzerland. 

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K For Karakatta

 Beside the banks of river Godavari at Bhadrachalam, Karakatta or a high rise road is seen and from where different scenic phenomena is evident. Flooding and feeble in both forms of river is an eye feasting in different seasons. Some people come here to have a morning walk and the green grass is used as a mat for visitors especially on busy festival days. Small shrines over there beside the steps lead to upper side are renovated when new constructions have taken place.

Western horizon looks serene and colorful in the morning and evening. Sitting in the sand and lost in the nature is something unforgettable. Many visitors gather in special days to take a dip. But one has to go ahead southern side to experience a unparalleled spectacle. Soothing devotional songs smoothly flow with the currents of air. Sometimes, saffron clad sanyasis are used to appear here in course of wandering mission. Usually nobody tries to talk to them.

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J For Journalism

 Journalism is a profession with a touch of glamor and a unique presence in the society. I don't know much about the counterparts in other states or countries. Except for some leading newspapers, most vernacular publications pay peanuts for journos, especially in Telugu. But the social position is high and local politicians and other government officers are always there to get publicity in the form of news. Telugu journalism is not lagging when it is considered to exploit the opportunities in possible ways. That's why, many journos appear to lead luxury life, irrespective of their low salaries. In any profession, a talkative attitude and, survival techniques play key roles, without those skills being in journalism is not that paying however capacity one has.

I have been in the profession for some time. It was a leading newspaper and everybody displayed a unique respect and meeting ministers on their arrival was a cakewalk. Developing connections for business or other works is something a real shrewd journo does with foresight. That's why nobody cares how much they would get as a salary. Some honest journos expect nothing from others. And they would remain penniless at their last stage. Some other advantage is being in the press. If you have good writing skills, you will get more publicity by getting published your articles. Connections in the desk do wonders and most of the award winning writers, if you look carefully, are journos in different positions. Or they are skilled enough to maintain rapport with inside people of the press.   

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I For ITC PSPD Unit

 
I For ITC PSPD Unit at Sarapaka. Sarapaka village is almost 5 km from Bhadrachalam. We can also see a well-known paper board unit owned by the ITC group. This is the second-largest paper manufacturing factory in Asia. Here, a diverse range of specialty papers and boards are in making day in and day out. 1800 people directly and 3000 people indirectly employed. With the inception of this unit, there have been many changes happened. It procures 15 lakh tonnes of pulpwood from 8000 farmers belonging to both Telugu states. A considerable chunk of youth got employed from surrounding villages. People generally call it with the name of BPL (Bhadrachalam Paperboards Limited). Formerly the unit's name was ITC BPL but it was changed to ITC PSPD over time.

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H For Hamsa vahanam for Teppotsavam

Hamsa vahanam which denotes a Swan-like vehicle. On the occasion of the Mukkoti Festival, the deities would take a recreational ride on the waves of river Godavari at Bhadrachalam. I can't say exactly when this had started but it's a reason to congregate devotees and other visitors to throng on the banks of the river. Crackers would be blasting on a large scale and a real eye-feasting for children and grown-ups. District and state-level officers, politicians, and ministers also partake in the event. The ambiance keeps bustling with the exodus of people and vendors. Classical dance and vocal programs will be held on the Hamsa vahanam. Nowadays, a special stage is seen for cultural events.

Why Hamsa vahanam for God ? In my view, the idols of Lord Rama and others are treated as Royal supreme for all the devotees and the Hamsa vahanam would carry them on a jolly ride by having three rounds on the waves of river Godavari. So that, all the people assembled on the banks hail the king of the kings and have darshanam. At present trends, photos and YouTuber's hullaballoo can be witnessed. Anyhow, one thing is certain. At the time of twilight, such Hamsa vahanam events mesmerize the onlookers, as the cool breeze sways over the atmosphere. A human being with an ounce of aesthetic sense would be spellbinding, watching the celestial happening.

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G For Godavari

 River Godavari is an inseparable phenomenon when we think of the pilgrim town of Bhadrachalam. Almost every Hindu holy place is near some river or water facility. It has been happening since immemorial as our ancestors recognized the importance of water. For bathing and other rituals like Pitrukarmas, the source of water plays a vital role. Godavari River is the second longest one in our country and it enters at Kandakurtha of Nizamabad district in Telangana state. The river flows 1465 km from its place of origin i.e., Traimbakeswar of Nasik, Maharashtra. Early in the morning, the banks of Godavari at Bhadrachalam seem bustling with devotees. Taking holy dips and performing rituals are a common spectacle.

On some festivals, we can witness more rush all along the day. Devotees come from not only Telugu states but from far-off states also. Many languages and dialects are heard at the place. It's also one kind of national integration given spirituality. In the monsoon season, the river becomes torrential and one should be very careful. The rest of the days, it's okay with swimming, however taking care is of utmost importance since casualties are heard every year. Evenings and mornings at the river are worth being and the serenity we feel by watching the sun on the horizon is the best moment ever have. 

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F For Flame of the Forest

 I was wishing to have clicked the splashing orange colored flowers whenever being on the journey of Parnasala.To be precise,these trees are aplenty right when we enter the outskirts of Turubaka which is just a ten k.m. Away from Bhadrachalam.At the outset of the spring season, the bright bunch of orange flowers start blooming to entice the onlookers. 

These trees are well known as Modugu chetlu and the flowers are Modugu pulu.Its botanical name is Butea Monosperma.Quiet a natural phenomenon around this locality.Bhadrachalam is so notorious for its mercury levels during the summer season,yet the trees of its kind look retro with eye feasting orange flowers, leaving leaves without a trace.

These flowers were appreciated in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. 

People also use them to make colors for use on the festival of Holi. Vedic rituals are associated with the flowers. Another name for these is Flowers of Fire. Richly attributed to the literary traditions of many states of India. Mainly we see these in the southeast and Southwest parts of Asia.

In the process of transforming nature into Spring ,the woods seem ablaze with the shoots of flowers. Sooner the bursting of brimming colors arrest the gaze of beholders.At last,fortunate to showcase the scenes today for our blog viewers.

The backdrop here in this picture keeps negating though the tree stood with adequate flowers. Oblivious to our surroundings when taking these pictures. But amazing nature added its hues as a paramour. Hope you enjoyed the virtual tour  

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E For Ending days

I got disheartened when I read the news, recently. I had never imagined reading such news in my lifetime. The British-era building at Dummugudem has to be dismantled, sooner or later. The news came from none other than concerned authorities, and that too, a decision taken at the request of their people. So no second thoughts from any of the onlookers. Yes, the building is ancient and at the same time, there is some regal outlook even in the ending days. Furniture, walls, and decorative crafting got severely damaged. For the last decade, it has been used as a bank branch, and before it was used as a library also. After things get worse, they have been shifted to somewhere else.

The building was built by a Zamindar in the British era. He constructed it to live here whenever he came here to supervise tax collection. The year of the construction is exactly not known but some old-generation people said that it is almost more than a hundred years old. With every passing natural calamity, the building was getting ruined partially. Concerned heirs have gone far-off places on their other avocations. Neighbors of the building started their voices to dismantle the construction to avoid untimely accidents when it fell. With the opinion of locals, heirs also seemed to accept to erase the sign of the old construction.

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D For Divine Singer KJ Yesu Das at Dhyana Mandiram

Dhyana Mandiram was built in 1956 on a small hillock, nearby the main temple of Bhadrachalam. The foundation stone was laid by the Late Dr. Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan (President of India). The driving force behind it was Dr. Neelamraju Venkata Seshayya. He was the editor of Andhra Prabha in those days. Through its very name, we can understand that the building is for Dhyana or Meditation. Devotees used to come here after having Darshanam in the main temple of Lord Rama. Bhadrachalam is considered as the South Ayodhya, that's why devotees come here from far and wide.

                           Way to Dhyana Mandiram

Dhyana Mandiram usually looks very serene and the walls inside are adorned with the Keertanas by Saint Ramadasa. There is a large hall in the building where traditional music recitals would take place and music lovers will be visiting without fail. Particularly on auspicious days like Sri Rama Navami, Mukkoti Ekadasi and other ones, many prominent musical wizards like K.J. Yesudas, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Bhim sen Joshi, S.P. Balasubrhamanyam, Dr. Mangalampalli etc. used to perform in the hall and in course of time, the venue shifted to Kalyana Mandapam and Chitra kuta mandapam.

And it has become a past glory. Almost three decades back, we have had the luxury of seeing and listening to such stalwarts. I am clueless as to why such programs are not being performed nowadays. Musicians and dancers are coming now for every important festival for giving performances but there is no sign of such great legends to witness. For the first time, I closely watched  KJ Yesudas, the legendary singer, in my life here in the musical recital. He was very kind to the people, when a person was trying to enter the VIP gallery, intercepted by a security guard, on seeing it KJ Yesu Das waved his hand toward the guard to let him come in. That was a great memory.

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