New Year. . .New Beginnings

Happy New Year (Source: Google Images)

For last year's words belong to last year's language

And next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning…

 ~T.S.Eliot

As the hands of the clock continue their journey on their pre-defined path, we are just a few hours away from the midnight hour when this year will eventually pass making way for the newer one to come. The arrival of the New Year has always been a source of elation and exhilaration to everyone as it marks the ending of the instant year with all the good-bad things it did to you. However, in strict sense, ending doesn't really mean The End but the start of the New Beginning and hence the beginning of the new year. While the ending emits the negative feel, the beginning ushers the much needed positivity!!

Pensive Reflections. . .Dec 29 2014

Sometimes you just feel the need of having that remote which enables you to regulate the record of your life...enable you to rewind some, enable you to forward some and (most importantly) enable you to pause some moments.

...not always, just sometimes !!!

~ Shubh Life. .Om Sai Ram

Movie Review: PK

PK Movie Review (Source: Google Image)

Movie Details. . .

·         Title: PK

·         Director: Raj Kumar Hirani

·         Music: Shantanu Moitra, Ajay-Atul and Ankit Tiwari

·         Genre: Comedy / Drama

·         Running Time: 153 Minutes

·         Language: Hindi

·         Rating: 3.75/5

Plot Summary. . .

PK is a story of an alien who lands on earth on some research mission with his spaceship debarking him in a remote village in Rajasthan. However, no sooner does his feet lay on earth, he finds himself stranded on his newly found haven with his remote control stolen by someone (Welcome to THE EARTH, Mr. Alien). The remote control is indispensable for his return to his planet as this is suppose to give signal to his space ship to come back. The movie explores his tryst with his destiny and also the struggle he faces on his journey of searching for his stolen remote control.

~Together Forever ~

Source: Google Images

***The customs and practices of the world are such that these, at times, forbid the union of two loving hearts…the love binds them together but the customs tears them apart. These verses represent the agony of the tearing heart who wants to defy the rules of the world to create a world for themselves ***

When you have no light to guide you

And no one to walk beside you

I’ll come to you O’ dear

I’ll come for you O’ dear

The irony of being December, the Sixteenth. . .

Peshawar Attack on Dec 16 2014 *Source: Google Images

It’s been exactly two years since the 23 Year old Delhi’s daughter Nirbhaya was brutally gang raped by six men, showcasing the need to immediately address the cause of woman safety in the capital. That was brutality at its worst with the fighting soul finally gave up the struggle of her life after few days of torment. Was that the price she paid for being an independent soul in an independent country or for being democratic in the world's largest democracy? She finally left leaving us entangled in the web of so many questions, compelling us to introspect as to where we were currently and where we were heading. Is this the society we, our martyrs and our fighters aspired for their next generation? The day that witnessed that horrific incident was December, the Sixteenth.

Time passed and these introspection perhaps took the back seat with we all adopting the most comfortable manner of tackling with the things – it happens. Unfortunately, those questions came haunting back to us with the recent rape of another girl in uber cab just a few days back. Has something really changed? Can something really change?

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It was again that dubious December, the Sixteenth this year which witnessed another flagitious act of killing of more than hundred small children on the other side of the border. It was again the same date, the humanity was again embarrassed and the innocent was again victimized. Same web questions again cropped their head demanding answers. Where is this world actually heading towards and where has that thing called 'Humanity' gone? How else would one defend the killing of innocent children in Peshawar district of Pakistan today? What reason could one attribute to such a barbarian act?

~ गुलदस्ता-ए-ग़ज़ल (Guldasta-e-Ghazal) / Bouquet-of-Ghazal ~

Source: Google Images

~~~ Ghazal in Hindi ~~~

हुई शब की दस्तक की निकलाया चाँद

अक्स-ए-रुख़ यूँ दिखा की शरमाया चाँद 

थी ज़ुल्फो की साज़िश में अब्र की रज़ा

केसुओं की काली घटा में छुपआया चाँद

कशिश-ए-फ़ुर्क़त की ये कैसी थी गर्दिश

अधूरे से मिलन में यह पूरा आया चाँद

Pensive Reflections. . .Dec 12 2014

It’s such a beautiful world indeed and it has just two people in it – You & Me. Despite this, I fail to understand as to why does you resort to spread anguish and hatred around. There are already so many layers and lines demarcating the hearts of the people, please don’t add more to these. What the world and its inhabitants need is more of love and compassion – spread these and then this would be a more beautiful world with more beautiful people. .

~ Shubh Life. .Om Sai Ram

Trip to Mata Vaishno Devi - Part IV (Kol Kandoli Temple & Deva Mai)

• Read First Part of the Post Here – Reaching Katra & Legend of Mata Vaishno Devi
• Read Second Part of the Post Here - Starting the trek from Base Camp Katra to Adhkuwari
• Read Third Part of the Post Here - Finishing the trek with Mata Rani & Bhairon Baba Darshan
• Read Final Part of the Post Here - Kol Kandoli Temple & Deva Mai

We have completed the trek of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine along-with darshan of Bhairon Temple which is situated about 2 Km further, in our third post. In this last and final post we will visit Kol Kandoli Temple at Nagrota and Deva Mai Temple at Katra. These temples hold a key importance in the Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage as it is said that Mata Vaishno Devi has spent time here granting boons to the devotees. We visited Kol Kandoli temple but couldn’t visit the Deva Mai temple as we were not aware of the same initially. I have gathered some information about the same from the net and given here for the readers interested in the same.

Trip to Mata Vaishno Devi - Part III (Finishing the trek with Mata Rani & Bhairon Baba Darshan)

• Read First Part of the Post Here – Reaching Katra & Legend of Mata Vaishno Devi

• Read Second Part of the Post Here - Starting the trek from Base Camp Katra to Adhkuwari

• Read Third Part of the Post Here - Finishing the trek with Mata Rani & Bhairon Baba Darshan

• Read Final Part of the Post Here - Kol Kandoli Temple & Deva Mai

The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered shaktipeeth of Mother Goddess. Infact, this is the second most visited temple in India after Tirupati Balaji in southern part of the country. We completed our trek till Adhkuwari in our last post, which is the half way mark of the ~13 Km trek to Main Bhawan of Mata Rani. As we have read in our second post, there is an alternate way (referred to as new track) for the devotees to undertake the balance track to Main Bhawan, which is 1 Km shorter and relatively less steep than the older way. This new track is located just 500 meters before Adhkuwari at Inderprastha.

It is important to note that the newer track via Himkoti bypasses Adhkuwari and thus, devotees desirous to have darshan of temple and Garbh Gufa at Adhkuwari before going to Bhawan may not take this trek; they can take the Adhkuwari route while coming back from Bhawan. However, one can go to Adhkuwari, take darshan there and reconnect to this new track (there is an option for the devotees to re-connect to this new track from Adhkuwari too).

The first two posts covered our trek till Adhkuwari and the present post will take us till Main Bhawan for Mata Rani darshan and also to Bhairon Ghaati.

Pensive Reflections. . .Dec 03 2014

It’s so surprising to see that the similar state of being alone has varied connotations for different individuals – One who experiences pain calls it ‘Loneliness’ and the one who experience the solace terms it as ‘Solitude’. And for the very few who figures in the later, there is some inherent charm in those moments which makes them not only bearable but also gratifying.

~ Shubh Life. . .Om Sai Ram

Trip to Mata Vaishno Devi - Part II (Starting the trek from Base Camp Katra to Adhkuwari)

• Read First Part of the Post Here – Reaching Katra & Legend of Mata Vaishno Devi

• Read Second Part of the Post Here - Starting the trek from Base Camp Katra to Adhkuwari

• Read Third Part of the Post Here - Finishing the trek with Mata Rani & Bhairon Baba Darshan

• Read Final Part of the Post Here - Kol Kandoli Temple & Deva Mai

Katra serves as the base camp for the devotees desirous to undertake the trek to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. We have already discussed about the details of reaching Katra and accommodation facilities therein in our first post. The first post of the series also talks about the divine legend of Mata Vaishno Devi and her assuming of the form of Pindis (rock) amidst Trikuta Mountains.

Before starting trek from Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi. . .

Obtaining Yatra Parchi

Post arrival in Katra, devotees can either immediately start the trek or can freshen up a bit at the accommodation facilities before proceeding further. We booked ourselves in one of the hotels near main market of the Katra so as to freshen up a bit before proceeding further and also for dropping our luggage in the hotel room. It’s important to note here that devotees have to register themselves at Yatra Parchi Counters, which is just adjacent to Katra bus stand and obtain a yatra slip (which entitles them to start the trek to Mata Vaishno Devi). This is a mandatory requirement and each devotee must have individual Yatra Parchi (slip) before commencing the trek, the same can also be booked for a group as a whole.

Trip to Mata Vaishno Devi - Part I (Reaching Katra & Legend of Mata Vaishno Devi)

* Vaishno Mata in the form of Pindi's at the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi

• Read First Part of the Post Here – Reaching Katra & Legend of Mata Vaishno Devi

• Read Second Part of the Post Here - Starting the trek from Base Camp Katra to Adhkuwari

• Read Third Part of the Post Here - Finishing the trek with Mata Rani & Bhairon Baba Darshan

• Read Final Part of the Post Here - Kol Kandoli Temple & Deva Mai

Somewhere in the northern part of the country people of all caste, race and creed are seen walking with the flame of faith burning strong within, goading them relentlessly on a mountain trek towards Vaishno Mata (Mother) Temple. The walking steps are not limited to those of men or women but people of all age groups continuously walk on the hill. There are elderly people on palanquins or ponies weaken by age but not by spirits constantly chanting Mata’s name silently in their heart and there are small kids hopped over Porters (Pithus person carrying small kids on their back) enjoying the whole experience. And there are others who are walking on their feet (bare and with shoes); the arduous trek does have an impact on their physical stamina but their devotion remain steadfast. Drenched in sweat, gasping & breathing through their mouth they are catching their breath when suddenly a voice echoes the surrounding with someone calling “JAI MATA DI”. Such is the magic and aura of this phrase that all of them reciprocate it by saying Mata’s name (JAI MATA DI) with equal zest and fervour and re-start their trek. Such is the magic and aura of Maa Vaishno Devi and her name!!!

Pensive Reflections. . . Nov 21 2014

The hardest thing about doing something you want to do is to actually do it, to make that beginning, to take that first step. It all starts with a step (smaller or bigger) and little steps everyday lead to great changes.

~ Shubh Life. . .Om Sai Ram

~ Thine Presence. . .~

Source: Google Images

***Each one of us has that one soul around us that gives us support and strength to go ahead in life. That invisible and silent support is always there irrespective whether life is going through its spring or autumn. These verses try to acknowledge the presence of that spirit which exists in all spheres of the life***

Nor are you restricted to my feeling

Neither are you restrained to my dreaming

But in every sphere of my life

I find you existing.. I find you existing..

When I am lost not knowing where to go

When I am sad & there’s nothing more to show

When my own so close seems to drift apart

When everything that’s mine gradually depart

Presence of thine spirit gives me enthusiasm

Presence of thine spirit gives me enthusiasm

Pensive Reflections. . . Nov 13 2014

Appreciate every moment . . . and snatch from those moments, everything that you possibly can as you may never be able to experience it again. Things, People and circumstances will always be at the helm of their affairs to boggle you down. . . But keep your spirits high and don’t lose hope . . . the dawn is just so near :)

~Shubh Life. . .OM Sai Ram

Pensive Reflections . . . Nov 10 2014

The world needs more of laughter and less of worries. . . its so easy for each of us to lend some reason of joy to people around. If you can't do much, just smile and I am sure its reciprocation rate would be close to 100%. . .simple isn't it!! Still (it's hard to understand) why don't we do it?

~ Shubh Life. . . Om Sai Ram

Book Review: GHALIB: The Man, The Times by Pavan K Varma

Book Details. . .

·         Title: Ghalib - The Man The Times

·         Author: Pavan K Varma

·         Genre: Non Fiction

·         Publisher: Penguin

·         Pages: 344 Pages

·         Price: INR 254

·         Rating: 3.5/5

Behind The Book. . .

A brilliant biography of one of India’s greatest poets.

Mirza Mohammad Asadullah Khan Ghalib began writing poetry in Persian at the age of nine and the pre-eminent poet of the time, Mir, predicted a great future for the precocious genius when he was shown his verse. But success and material rewards did not come to Ghalib easily, for the times were against him, and he did not suffer fools gladly even if they occupied positions of importance.

~ Life is like that. . ~

Source: Google Images

***Life is all about the admixture of hope and despair…it is a rose which has that fragrance so divine and also has those thorns which prick so hard. It’s all about holding that string of hope even during the hours of despair. Those who get drowned in the clouds of despair find it hard to rise while those who stay ignited prevail all through...Cause in the end Life is like that only…***

World is a stage

Life is a drama

Full of Puppets, Heroes and Buffoons

Artists, Directors and Clowns

Who act their part

Who play their roles

Some think out of the box

While some roam like robots

Pensive Reflections. . . Nov 04 2014

Someone has rightly remarked that life can only be understood backward but to lead it must be lived forward. No matter how much you revisit the past, there's nothing new to see therein except the element of "If"..

~Shubh Life. . . Om Sai Ram

~ सरहदें (Sarhadein) / Borders ~

Source: Google Images

***God created this beautiful world & human drew lines across it and created territorial Borders. Whenever there is a firing or war at the border the people on the either side of the fence suffer & are killed and along-with them their loved ones, their dreams and their aspirations are also destroyed. In the end whosoever wins but the people on either side of the border lose. These verses represent the pain and anguish of a soul (who is wounded in the firing and is on a deathbed) on seeing the mass destruction caused by the firing at the border***

***ईश्वर ने यह ख़ूबसूरत जहां बनाया और इंसान ने लकीरें खींच कर सरहदे बना दी। जब भी इन सरहदों पे लड़ाई होती है, दोनों तरफ के लोग प्रभावित होते है और मारे जाते है और उनके साथ मारे जाते है उनके संबंधी, उनके सपने और उनकी ख्वाइशें। अंत में चाहे किसी की भी जीत हो, सरहद पे बसने वालो की हमेशा हार होती है। इन पंक्तियों में एक ऐसे ही मनुष्य की आंतरिक स्थिति का वर्णन किया गया है जो गोली-बारी में बुरी तरह से घायल होने के कारण मृत्यु के निकट है और अपने लोगो की मौत और तबाही से आहत है।***

~~~ Poem in Hindi ~~~

निस्तब्ध पड़ा है जिस्म मेरा 

शिथिल सा है साँसों का सिरा

बसता था आँखों में जो कल

निराश्रय स्वप्न वो आज पड़ा

है गुमसुम शांत वीरान खड़ा 

गली का नुक्कड़ और खेड़ा

कल रात से ही चुपचाप सा है

कूचों का झमघट और मेला

Pensive Reflections. . . Oct 29 2014

At times a lot goes into making those moments a reality...which are often termed by people as 'Coincidence'

~Shubh Life . . . Om Sai Ram

Book Review: CARNIVAL (Short Stories)

Book Details. . .

Title: Carnival

Author: Multiple Authors

Genre:  Fiction

Publisher: Litizen.com

Pages: 235 Pages

Price: INR 109 (Flipkart)

Rating: 3/5

Book Review. . .

This review was done for The Tales Pensieve (TTP) under their reviewer program.

I am personally not an ardent fan of Short story genre as I haven't read much of this genre. It’s not that I don’t like short stories as such but it had never occurred me to try this type of literature as I found myself more inclined and glued to the longer version of the game. So when I got a chance to get hold of Carnival – a collection of 15 Short Stories by multiple (promising) Indian authors, I couldn’t hold my excitement. The recent phase of Indian Literature gives one a firm belief that old days of quality literature are coming back and Carnival, once again, re-affirms that opinion.

~ Happy Diwali ~

Let there be light that dispels the darkness outside & gloom within..

Let there be positivity that fills your life with the hope of Happy Times and dreams for a year full of smiles...

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed deepawali !!

Be Happy & Make others Happy..

Make sure u bring smile to atleast one face today !!!

***Happy Diwali***

~ Shubh Life. . . OM Sai Ram

© 2014 Manish Purohit (Reserved)

Heartfelt thanks for visiting here. . .Your thoughts & feedback on the post are awaited & would be highly appreciated. Do spare some time to drop in your comment about the post, page or anything you feel like. . . it always feels great to hear from you :)

~ Death ~

* Source: Google Images

***Every breath of ours is taken under the shadow of Death...some of us find ourselves so obsessed with the fear of Death as if our obsession can in some way or manner let us escape that truth. There verses try to decipher the universal question "Can one ever escape the Death"***

Can one ever escape the Death

Is the question holding my breath

Answering it seems to be difficult

Especially for those who are so cult

Pensive Reflections. . . Oct 14 2014

The nature has its own peculiar way to give omens..the need remains to pick them up, surrender and enjoy the symphony. Above all. . .listen and follow your heart cause if it feels good to heart, it must be right.

~ Shubh Life. .Om Sai Ram

~ गुलदस्ता-ए-ग़ज़ल (Guldasta-e-Ghazal) / Bouquet-of-Ghazal ~

Source: Google Images

~~~ Ghazal in Hindi ~~~

फिर लिए जज़्बा-ए-मक़्लूब इश्क़ का कलमा लिख रहा हूँ

तिरे नाम का हर लब्ज़ पिरोकर फ़साना-ए-दिल लिख रहा हूँ

है कश्मकश की तआरुफ़-ए-यार का आग़ाज़ करू किस कदर

गिरह दर गिरह शोख अल्फाज़ो से शान-ए-ग़ज़ल लिख रहा हूँ

कितना मुश्किल है यारो बयां करना किस्सा रंज-ए-इंतज़ार का

हो रहा ये मन बावरा और मैं तिरे इत्तिहाद-ए-पल लिख रहा हूँ