Tag Archives: Writing

A Parent’s Guide to National Service: What My Son’s Journey Taught Me

Posted on by
Reply
Source

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a parent with a son about to enlist, or you’re someone who just wants to understand what National Service really looks like behind the uniforms, the acronyms and the countless rumours floating around online. When my son enlisted, I searched desperately for honest, grounded stories. I wanted to know what he might feel, how he might cope, and what camp life really looked like. Most of what I found was either too dramatic or too vague to be helpful.

So now that he’s completed his two years and had a largely positive, growth-filled experience, I wanted to put together the article I wish someone had written for me. To write this, I sat down with BB and asked him everything. What helped, what scared him, what changed him and what he wishes every parent knew. His answers shaped this entire piece.

Pre Enlistment
In the days leading up to enlistment, he told me he felt both nervous and excited. Not exactly a surprise, but hearing it in his own words reminded me that at 18 or 19, or even 20, big emotions show up quietly. He said he didn’t have strong expectations about NS, which is probably the healthiest way to enter something everyone has an opinion about.

His main worries were simple but real: Would he adapt? Would the physical demands overwhelm him? Would he cope?

I remember worrying about the same things, except with the added layer of parental imagination. The truth is, adapting to NS is almost universal; boys who start out unsure usually settle in within days. And while the physical training is demanding, the system is designed to condition them, not break them. He didn’t have a list of items he regretted packing or wished he knew beforehand, a reminder that sometimes parents over-prepare while the boys just take things as they come.

Enlistment Day
Every parent I’ve spoken to remembers enlistment day like a blur. The neat queues, the happy-sad families, the brisk announcements. My son doesn’t remember much of the briefing, except that when we said goodbye, he felt a small sadness knowing he wouldn’t see us for about two weeks. Those first hours shocked him in a good way. He said he didn’t expect to connect so quickly with the guys around him. Within a few hours, he had discovered how much they all had in common. It’s funny, they go in strangers, but almost instantly they form their own tribe.

Basic Military Training
I thought he would talk endlessly about the physical strain, the field camp, the discipline, the new routines. But what stood out most was how tiring the constant physical training became, especially around the halfway mark.

What surprised him? How easily he adapted to the daily schedule. The structure, the routine, the predictability, iit all became normal quickly. What helped him cope, he said, was the reminder that BMT was only a small part of NS. This perspective made the tough moments manageable. As a parent, this was something I wish someone had told me, most boys don’t crumble under pressure; they adjust faster than we expect.

His commanders also played a huge role. He described them as encouraging, present, and willing to spend time with the recruits after hours, even when they didn’t have to. Often, the people make or break BMT, and he was lucky to be surrounded by leaders who cared.

If he had to choose three words to describe BMT, he picked: Fun. Exhausting. Interesting. Honestly, I don’t think anyone can summarise it better.

Vocation
When he first received his posting as an Armour Technician, he admitted he felt a bit apprehensive. He had read online that the experience could be tough. The internet isn’t always kind, and NS forums are a special beast of their own.

But once training began, everything shifted. The pace was slower, the trainers were patient, and safety was emphasised even more strongly. And the environment felt more focused and hands-on.

He enjoyed the practical work, even when it was physically demanding. Working inside and around armoured vehicles isn’t the glamorous part of the army, but it’s the backbone. He described days spent using a wide variety of tools, coordinating tasks with his team and making sure maintenance was done properly, not just quickly. What surprised him most was how tiring it could be to work inside vehicles for long periods. It’s cramped, it’s warm, and it requires focus. But he liked being part of something technical and tangible.

The regulars he worked with left a strong impression on him. Not because they were strict, but because they were hardworking, committed and often stayed back to meet deadlines even when the NSF guys could book out. He saw responsibility up close, not as an idea, but as a lived example.

Growth You Don’t Notice Until You Do
One of my favourite parts of our conversation was when he told me that NS made him more confident working with others. He described moments on the train home, looking at younger boys in school uniforms and quietly realising how much he had changed. He had become more independent, more assertive, more willing to take responsibility. Parents often hear these words thrown around, but there’s something different when it comes from your own child. You realise NS didn’t just take time, it gave something back.

Routine, Mental Health and the Quiet Rhythm of NS Life
I thought he might talk about burnout or emotional fatigue, but his description sounded surprisingly balanced. The long days were manageable because there were breaks. The monotony was broken by conversations with friends. When he felt overwhelmed, rest helped more than anything: rest after work, rest on weekends, rest during book-outs.

He said the thing he missed most was the freedom to be with family and friends. That tug between camp life and home life is something every NSF feels. And yes, weekend book-outs were “quite important”, which is teenage understatement for “absolutely essential for sanity.”

The Social Side
He described the workshop culture as relaxed but responsible. A soft balance between humour and deadlines. He felt supported by peers and sergeants alike, and he never felt left out, something many parents quietly worry about.

On boring or long days, they passed the time talking about random things or just resting together in the office. It reminded me that joy in NS is simple: conversation, shared struggles, inside jokes and the comfort of knowing someone else understands exactly what you’re going through.

Safety, Workload and What Parents Really Want to Know
Like most parents, I worried about safety. He reassured me that open reporting was taken seriously. If something looked unsafe, they said it, and people listened. He also won a couple of awards for safety, which he was quite proud of.

Some maintenance work could get stressful, especially tasks involving heavy tools like sledgehammers, but that stress came from the nature of the job, not from negligence or pressure.

He also said something every parent needs to hear: The workload is far less than people imagine. Preventive maintenance keeps things running smoothly, and the Hollywood image of “army life = nonstop chaos” is largely inaccurate.

His biggest takeaway? NS isn’t just being a foot soldier. There are countless roles, each with depth, skill and purpose.

Operation Wallaby
Operation Wallaby was one of the highlights of his NS journey. It’s the kind of overseas exercise most boys talk about for years. He described it as a final test of everything they’d learned, tiring, hectic and packed with more vehicles than usual, but manageable with good time management.

It was also the longest period he’d ever spent away from home. That distance, that independence, that daily grind in a foreign setting, it shapes them in ways small daily routines never can.

The Bigger Picture
When I asked him what NS ultimately gave him, he said it gave him stability and a chance to mature. The experience was worth two years, and he would redo his vocational training in a heartbeat because it was fun and informative.

For a teenager enlisting soon, he had simple advice: “Go with the flow and make your own fun”. Straightforward, but spot-on.

For parents, his message was even more comforting: “Your children are extremely well taken care of, and they’ll come out more mature”. That is exactly the reassurance I had wished for two years ago.

Operationally Ready NSMan
The day he completed his service, he felt both relieved and a little sad. No one tells you that ORD can feel bittersweet, yes, it’s freedom, but it’s also the end of a shared chapter with people who saw you at your best, worst and sweatiest.

Post-ORD life feels lighter. No more 8–10 hour camp days. No more last-minute tasks. But he secretly misses the interactions with his fellow NSFs. What doesn’t he miss? BMT. One round was enough.

He believes NS will help him in future group work and professional settings. He’s more assertive now and more comfortable collaborating, skills that matter everywhere.

So, What Should Parents Take Away From This?
If you’re preparing to send your son off to NS, here’s what I wish someone had told me:

  1. They adapt faster than you expect. Even the quietest, gentlest boys find their footing.
  2. The commanders truly care. BB’s experience was filled with supportive leaders who treated him with respect.
  3. Camp life isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Most days are structured, calm and manageable.
  4. They grow in ways you only notice later. Independence and confidence don’t appear overnight; they build slowly and steadily.
  5. Weekends matter. A lot. Not just for rest, but for emotional grounding.
  6. They come out stronger, steadier and more self-aware. And they often surprise themselves.

Closing Thoughts
National Service is a shared journey, not just for the boys, but for families too. As parents, we’ll worry, we’ll search for answers, and we’ll imagine the worst. But more often than not, our sons will come out of NS kinder, more disciplined and more capable than when they went in. My son’s experience wasn’t dramatic or traumatic. It was steady, meaningful, human and ultimately positive. And that’s exactly the kind of story I want other parents to find when they start Googling late at night, wondering what lies ahead.

Mumbai Memories: Calling Her by Name

Posted on by
Reply
Source

Tamil kinship terminology is among the most nuanced in the world, distinguishing not only between maternal and paternal relatives but also between older and younger siblings, in-laws, and even parallel and cross cousins. Within this system, “manni” specifically denotes the wife of an elder brother. Other names are Anna, who is the older brother; chitappa, your father’s younger brother or your mother’s younger sister’s husband; and chitti, the wife of your father’s younger brother or your mother’s younger sister. Athai is your father’s sister, and Athimber is her husband. “Athimber” could also refer to the husband of your older sister. The use of these terms is not arbitrary but is deeply embedded in the social fabric, reinforcing respect, hierarchy, and the roles expected of each family member.

The “manni” traditionally occupies a unique position. She is often seen as a secondary maternal figure to her husband’s younger siblings, especially in large joint families. The respect accorded to her is both a reflection of her status as the wife of the eldest son and a recognition of her role in maintaining familial harmony and upholding traditions.

In the patriarchal structure of Tamil Brahmin families, the use of kinship terms such as “manni” is a way of codifying respect and maintaining the social order. The elder brother’s wife is, by her position, to be respected, and the term “manni” is both an acknowledgement of her seniority and a subtle reinforcement of the family hierarchy. This practice also reflects gendered expectations. While the elder brother commands respect as “Anna,” his wife, as “Manni,” is expected to embody dignity, authority, and nurturing, often mediating between the younger siblings and the older generation.

Tamil Brahmin families, especially the Iyers and Iyengars, have historically been fastidious about ritual purity and the correct observance of customs. The use of proper kinship terms was, and in some cases still is, considered part of this ritual correctness. Addressing the elder brother’s wife by her name, rather than as “manni,” could be seen as a breach of decorum, potentially undermining the carefully maintained social order.

However, the latter part of the 20th century saw significant social and economic changes. Urbanisation, the rise of nuclear families, and increased exposure to cosmopolitan values began to erode the rigid hierarchies of the past. As families became smaller and more egalitarian, the need to maintain strict forms of address diminished. Younger generations, influenced by modern education and global culture, began to prioritise individual identity and personal relationships over traditional roles.

Source

My mother’s paternal family is large, and as I have mentioned previously, they lived in a joint family for years before each brother moved out. Even though they moved out, the old joint family home was still the family headquarters, and connections between cousins were very tight. Also, as most tambram families were in the sixties and seventies in Mumbai, they were still conservative and held on tightly to their rituals and culture, especially with the second generation, who were, for the most part, born and lived in the bustling metropolis that Bombay was becoming.

In this context, and this is something I only realised recently, was the fact that none of the cousins called their brother’s wives “Manni.” Instead, they used her given name. Growing up, I thought this was normal and never gave it a second thought. But when I thought about this recently, I thought this was something so liberal and progressive. None of the older generation objected to this, and I am guessing none of the new brides, especially the first one, insisted on being called “manni!” And this percolated to how I perceived relationship nomenclature.

When I got married, S’s younger sister called me “Manni” and still calls me that, even after all these years, even though I told her to call me by my given name. Some of S’s cousins started by calling me manni and then shifted to my given name, while some others call me akka, which means older sister. I am ok with either “manni,” my name, or akka, as I believe at the end of the day, it’s the respect that’s more important, rather than what you are called.

Addressing sisters-in-law by name, rather than as “manni,” can be seen as a subtle but powerful assertion of equality. It signals a move away from rigid hierarchies and towards relationships based on mutual respect and personal connection.

Tamil Brahmin identity has undergone a profound transformation over the past century. Once defined by strict adherence to ritual, vegetarianism, and caste-based hierarchies, the community has become increasingly cosmopolitan, embracing modernity and global values. The decline of practices such as addressing the elder brother’s wife as “manni” is part of this broader shift. Women in Tamil Brahmin families have played a crucial role in this transformation. As they gained access to education and employment, their roles within the family and society changed dramatically. The authority of the “manni” was no longer derived solely from her position as the elder brother’s wife but from her own achievements and personality.

Ultimately, the choice of how to address a sister-in-law is a personal one, shaped by family dynamics, individual preferences, and broader social trends. What matters most is the quality of the relationship, not the form of address.

Sacred Stones, Spaces, and Stories: Ashtavinayaka Part 5

Posted on by
Reply
Source

Nestled in Raigad district, in the tranquil town of Mahad, stands the Varadavinayak Temple, one of the eight Ashtavinayak shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Unlike the grandiosity of some other pilgrimage sites, Varadavinayak’s charm lies in its simplicity, serenity, and the promise of fulfilled wishes. The name, Varadavinayak, or “the Bestower of Boons,” draws thousands of devotees each year who seek blessings, prosperity, and the removal of life’s obstacles.

Mahad is a small, peaceful town located close to Khopoli and Karjat, easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, with a sacred pond to the west and a banyan tree within the complex, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. The setting is intentionally simple, reflecting the ethos of humility and devotion that underpins the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage.

The mythological roots of Varadavinayak are woven with drama, penance, and divine intervention. According to legend, King Bhima of Koudinyapur and his queen, longing for a child, were blessed by Sage Vishwamitra with the Ekashar Gajana Mantra. Their prayers bore fruit in the form of a son, Prince Rukmaganda, who grew into a handsome and virtuous young man.

Source

During a hunting trip, Rukmaganda stopped at the ashram of sage Vachaknavi. The sage’s wife, Mukunda, was enamoured by the prince and propositioned him. Rukmaganda, steadfast in his morals, refused and left. Mukunda, lovesick, was deceived by Indra, the king of gods, who took Rukmaganda’s form and united with her. She bore a son, Gritsamada. When Gritsamada learned the truth of his birth, he was furious. He cursed his mother, Mukunda, to become the thorny bhor, a berry plant. In turn, Mukunda cursed her son, declaring that he would bear a demon child. At that moment, a divine voice revealed that Gritsamada was the son of Indra, but the curses remained irreversible.

Ashamed and seeking redemption, Gritsamada retreated to the Pushpak forest, the present-day site of Mahad, to perform intense penance to Lord Ganesha. He chanted the sacred mantra “GaNanaN Tva” and worshipped with unwavering devotion. Pleased, Ganesha appeared before him, granting several boons: Gritsamada would have a powerful son, Tripurasura, later defeated by Lord Shiva, and the forest itself would be blessed. Anyone who worshipped Ganesha here would have their wishes fulfilled. Gritsamada requested Ganesha to remain in the forest, and thus the deity manifested as Varadavinayak, the giver of boons, enshrined in Mahad.

Source

The current temple structure dates back to 1725 AD, when Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, a Peshwa general, restored and rebuilt the shrine. The original idol of Varadavinayak was discovered in a nearby lake by Dhondu Paudkar in 1690 AD and later installed in the temple.

The temple is constructed from black stone, with a modest hall of some 8×8 feet and a 25-foot-high dome crowned with a golden pinnacle. The dome is adorned with cobra motifs, symbolising divine protection and energy. The sanctum houses the swayambhu, or self-manifested idol, of Lord Ganesha, facing east with a left-turned trunk. The idol is flanked by stone images of Riddhi and Siddhi, the goddesses of prosperity and spiritual power. The temple complex includes a Shiva Linga, a Mushika, Ganesha’s mouse vehicle, Navagraha, the nine planetary deities, and a Gomukh, a sacred water spout to the north. Unlike most temples, devotees at Varadavinayak are allowed to enter the sanctum and perform rituals directly on the idol, fostering an intimate connection between worshipper and deity. The temple’s oil lamp, the Nandadeep, has reportedly burned continuously since 1892, symbolising eternal devotion and divine presence. Within the temple grounds, a sacred banyan tree is tied with coconut offerings by devotees seeking the fulfilment of wishes.

Devotees seek blessings by entering the sanctum and offering prayers directly to the idol, a rare privilege among Ashtavinayak temples. The abhishek ritual involves pouring milk, water, and flowers over the deity while chanting prayers. This ritual is believed to remove obstacles and bring prosperity. Special permission from temple authorities is required to perform abhishek. The temple holds daily aartis in the morning and evening. The evening aarti, in particular, is a vibrant and spiritually charged event, drawing crowds of worshippers. Devotees offer modaks, sweet dumplings, Lord Ganesha’s favourite treat, as a symbol of gratitude and devotion.

Source

Devotees tie coconuts around the banyan tree in the temple courtyard, praying for the fulfilment of specific wishes. This ritual is especially popular among those seeking children or success in personal endeavours. On Maghi Chaturthi, it is believed that consuming the coconut prasad can bless a devotee with a child, making this festival particularly significant for childless couples.

The temple’s major festivals are celebrated during the waxing moon period, the Shuddh Paksha, of Bhadrapad in August–September and Magh in January–February, from the first day to Panchami, the fifth day. Festivities include Pranpratistha, the consecration of the idol, marking the spiritual renewal of the temple. Abhisheks and special pujas are elaborate rituals and collective prayers, with thousands of devotees participating in the holy bathing, or abhishek, and worship of the deity. The temple is filled with devotional music, chanting, and the aroma of incense, creating an atmosphere of intense spiritual energy. During these festivals, the temple and its surroundings come alive with processions, communal feasting, and the sharing of prasad, reinforcing the temple’s role as a centre of community and faith.

The Varadavinayak idol is considered swayambhu, or self-manifested, and was discovered in a lake, lending it a weathered and ancient appearance. The presence of two idols, the original outside and a replacement inside, has sparked debate, but both are revered by devotees. Varadavinayak is the only Ashtavinayak temple where devotees can personally touch and perform rituals on the idol. This unique tradition fosters a deep sense of connection and accessibility, making the act of worship more personal and immediate. The Nandadeep, said to have burned continuously for over a century, represents the unbroken chain of devotion and the ever-present blessings of Lord Ganesha.

The ritual of tying coconuts to the banyan tree is a living testament to the temple’s reputation as a wish-fulfilling shrine. The tree is seen as a witness to countless prayers and dreams, many of which devotees claim have been answered.

Source

Varadavinayak is traditionally the fourth or seventh stop in the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage circuit, depending on the route taken. Its proximity to Mumbai makes it one of the most accessible temples, drawing urban devotees seeking a spiritual respite and the fulfillment of desires. The temple is not just a place of worship, but a hub of community life. Festivals and daily rituals bring together people from all walks of life, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose. The distribution of prasad, communal meals, and collective prayers are integral to the temple’s vibrant spiritual culture.

Short Story: The Red Maruti

Posted on by
2
Source

The ceiling fan creaked its familiar rhythm above the dining table as Ramesh spread the morning’s Deccan Herald across the wooden surface. The monsoon had finally retreated from Bangalore, leaving behind the kind of crisp October morning that made the city feel like a hill station. Through the open windows of their Jayanagar home, the sounds of the awakening neighbourhood drifted in: the milk vendor’s bicycle bell, the vegetable seller’s melodic calls, and somewhere in the distance, the gentle hum of a BMTC bus navigating the tree-lined streets.

“Appa, look at this,” Ramesh called to his father, Krishnamurthy, who was performing his morning surya namaskars in the small front yard. He pointed to a full-page advertisement that had caught his eye. A gleaming red car dominated the page, with bold letters proclaiming: “MARUTI 800 – A CAR FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS.”

Krishnamurthy finished his final salutation to the sun and walked over, adjusting his steel-rimmed glasses. At seventy-two, he moved with the measured dignity of a retired government clerk who had spent four decades navigating the bureaucratic corridors of Vidhana Soudha. “Twenty-eight thousand rupees,” he read aloud, his voice carrying the weight of consideration. “That’s more than your annual salary, kanna.”

“But Thatha, think about it,” piped up Kavitha, the younger of Ramesh’s two daughters. At twelve, she possessed an infectious enthusiasm that could convince anyone of anything. “No more waiting for buses in the rain. No more walking to the market when Amma’s back hurts.”

Her older sister Priya, sixteen and perpetually practical, looked up from her mathematics textbook. “And how exactly do we afford it? We can barely manage Kavitha’s school fees.”

Sunita emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her cotton saree. After seventeen years of marriage to Ramesh, she had learned to read the dreamy expression that crossed his face whenever he encountered something that represented progress, modernity, or simply the possibility of a better life for his family. This morning, that expression was unmistakable.

“You’re actually considering this, aren’t you?” she asked, settling beside him at the table.

Ramesh worked as an engineer at Bharat Electronics Limited, one of the few government jobs that paid well enough to support a joint family in middle-class comfort. Their house in 4th Block, Jayanagar, two bedrooms, a hall, a kitchen, and the luxury of a separate bathroom, represented years of careful saving and his father’s prudent investment in real estate when the area was still considered the outskirts of Bangalore.

“The waiting list is already six months long,” Ramesh said, continuing to study the advertisement. “If we don’t book now, it’ll be two years before we see one.”

Krishnamurthy settled into his chair with a thoughtful grunt. He had witnessed India’s transformation from British rule through independence, and now, at the tail end of the 1980s, he was watching his country embrace modernity with unprecedented enthusiasm. The Maruti factory in Gurgaon, the result of Indira Gandhi’s collaboration with Suzuki, represented something he had never imagined in his youth: mass-produced cars that ordinary families might actually afford.

“In my day,” he began, and Kavitha rolled her eyes affectionately, “a man was proud to own a bicycle. Your uncle Venkatesh saved for three years to buy his Hercules.”

“But times are changing, Appa,” Sunita said gently. “The children’s school is getting farther as the city grows. And my arthritis makes those bus rides increasingly difficult.”

Priya closed her textbook with a decisive snap. “If we’re going to dream, let’s dream properly. I’ve heard that the car comes in different colours. Red, white, blue…”

“Red,” Kavitha declared immediately. “It has to be red. Like the hibiscus flowers in Lalbagh.”

Over the next few weeks, the Maruti became the gravitational centre around which all family conversations orbited. Ramesh visited the showroom in Malleshwaram three times, each visit revealing new details that he would share over dinner. The car had a four-stroke engine, unlike the temperamental two-stroke scooters that dominated Bangalore’s roads. It could seat five people comfortably, well, four adults and one child. The fuel efficiency was extraordinary: twenty kilometres per litre.

Krishnamurthy accompanied his son on the fourth visit, partly out of curiosity and partly out of paternal duty to ensure that Ramesh wasn’t being swept away by sales rhetoric. The showroom itself was a revelation: gleaming white tiles, air conditioning, and salesmen in pressed shirts who spoke about “features” and “specifications” with the enthusiasm of cricket commentators.

“Sir, the Maruti 800 represents the future of Indian transportation,” the salesman explained to Krishnamurthy with respectful deference to his age. “Reliable, economical, and built with Japanese technology adapted for Indian conditions.”

Krishnamurthy ran his weathered hands over the smooth red surface of the display model. The paint was flawless, the chrome bumpers caught the showroom lights perfectly, and the interior smelled of new vinyl and possibility. Despite himself, he was impressed.

The family held a formal meeting that evening, seated in a circle on the cool terrazzo floor of their front room. This was how the Krishnamurthy household had always made important decisions, democratically, with even the youngest member having a voice.

“The mathematics are challenging but not impossible,” Ramesh began, consulting a notebook filled with calculations. “The down payment is eight thousand rupees. We have six thousand in savings, and I can borrow two thousand from the office cooperative society.”

“What about the monthly payments?” Priya asked. Her practical nature had blossomed into a genuine aptitude for numbers, much to her father’s pride.

“Four hundred and fifty rupees for four years. Plus insurance, registration, and maintenance.”

Sunita looked worried. “That’s nearly half your salary, Ramesh.”

“But think of what we’ll save,” Kavitha interjected. “No more auto-rickshaw fares. No more bus tickets. Amma, you could come to school for my annual day without worrying about the heat.”

Krishnamurthy had remained silent throughout this discussion, but now he cleared his throat. “There is another consideration,” he said slowly. “What will the neighbours think?”

This was not vanity speaking, but practical social wisdom. In the close-knit community of 4th Block Jayanagar, where everyone knew everyone else’s business, the arrival of a car would mark the family as either admirably prosperous or dangerously extravagant, depending on one’s perspective.

“Mrs. Lakshmi next door will probably faint,” Sunita said with a smile. “She still thinks our telephone is an unnecessary luxury.”

“But Mr. Rao across the street has been talking about buying a scooter,” Priya pointed out. “And the Sharmans in the corner house just bought a television.”

The decision, when it finally came, was typically understated. Krishnamurthy simply nodded and said, “If it will make life easier for my daughter-in-law and granddaughters, then we should proceed.”

The booking was made on a Tuesday morning in November. Ramesh took leave from work, dressed in his best white shirt and pressed trousers, and accompanied his father to the showroom. The formalities were surprisingly complex: forms to be filled, documents to be verified, and a waiting list number to be assigned: 2,847.

“Six to eight months for delivery,” the salesman explained. “Demand is very high, sir. The entire country wants a Maruti.”

The wait began.

Winter settled over Bangalore with its characteristic gentleness, cool mornings that warmed into pleasant afternoons, clear skies that revealed the distant Nandi Hills, and evenings perfect for long walks around the neighbourhood. The family’s anticipation grew in parallel with the passing months.

Kavitha developed the habit of walking past other Maruti cars whenever she spotted them on the street, studying their features and comparing them to her memory of the showroom model. She became an expert on the subtle differences between the various colours, the advantages of the deluxe model over the standard, and the proper pronunciation of “Suzuki.”

Priya, meanwhile, had begun learning to drive on her uncle Venkatesh’s scooter, arguing that someone in the family should be prepared to handle their new automobile. Her grandfather watched these lessons with a mixture of pride and terror, remembering when women in his family had rarely left the house unaccompanied, let alone operated motorised vehicles.

Sunita found herself calculating and recalculating the family budget, shifting small amounts between savings and expenses to ensure they could meet the monthly payments without compromising on education or healthcare. She also began scouting locations for a parking space, since their narrow house had no garage.

Ramesh threw himself into research with the dedication of an engineer. He borrowed books about automobile maintenance from the BEL library, studied traffic rules with the intensity of a law student, and began a notebook documenting every Maruti owner he met and their experiences with the car.

Spring arrived early in 1989, bringing with it the jasmine season and a telephone call that sent Kavitha racing through the house like a messenger from the gods.

“It’s ready! It’s ready! The showroom called, our car is ready!”

The delivery was scheduled for a Saturday morning, allowing the entire family to participate in this momentous occasion. They dressed as if for a wedding: Krishnamurthy in his silk dhoti and cream kurta, Sunita in her best Mysore silk saree, the girls in matching pavadai-davani sets that their grandmother had stitched specially for the occasion.

The showroom had transformed their transaction into a celebration. The red Maruti 800 sat in the centre of the display area, draped with marigold garlands and adorned with a small silver Ganesha idol on the dashboard. A photographer captured the moment as Ramesh accepted the keys from the showroom manager, his family gathered around him with expressions of joy and pride.

“Congratulations, sir,” the manager said formally. “May this car bring your family many years of happiness and safe travels.”

The drive home was a journey of barely three kilometres that felt like an odyssey. Ramesh gripped the steering wheel with both hands, maintaining a steady speed of twenty kilometres per hour while his passengers provided a constant stream of commentary.

“The engine is so quiet!” Sunita marvelled.

“Look how smoothly it turns!” Priya observed.

“Everyone is staring at us!” Kavitha announced with unabashed delight.

And indeed, their progress through Jayanagar resembled a slow-motion parade. Neighbours emerged from their houses to wave and smile. Children on bicycles rode alongside them for short distances. Even the traffic constable at the 4th Block intersection offered a salute as they passed.

Back home, a crowd had gathered. Mrs. Lakshmi from next door stood with her hands folded in namaste, genuinely happy for her neighbours despite her initial scepticism about their extravagant purchase. The Sharmans brought sweets. Mr. Rao from across the street walked around the car twice, examining it with the thoroughness of a prospective buyer.

“Beautiful colour,” he declared finally. “Very auspicious.”

Krishnamurthy performed a small puja, breaking a coconut near the front wheel and sprinkling the car with holy water from their morning prayers. It was a synthesis of ancient ritual and modern technology that perfectly captured the spirit of changing India.

The first family outing came the following day, a Sunday drive to Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. What had previously been a complex expedition involving bus connections and considerable walking was now a simple matter of driving to the parking area and walking directly to the glasshouse.

They spent the afternoon among the flower displays, but the real entertainment was watching other families admire their car in the parking lot. The red Maruti had developed a small court of admirers, children who pressed their noses against the windows, adults who walked around it appreciatively, and fellow car owners who struck up conversations with Ramesh about mileage and maintenance.

“It’s like owning a celebrity,” Sunita whispered to her husband as yet another stranger approached to ask about their driving experience.

The car transformed their daily routines in ways both large and small. Grocery shopping became a family affair, with weekend trips to Russell Market that would have been impossible with public transportation. Sunita’s visits to the temple expanded from the neighbourhood Ganesha temple to the grand Dodda Ganesha Temple in Basavanagudi. The girls’ social world expanded as drop-offs and pick-ups from friends’ houses became feasible.

Most importantly, the car seemed to expand their sense of possibility. When Kavitha’s school announced a field trip to Mysore, the family was able to offer to drive some of her classmates, turning the journey into an adventure rather than an expensive impossibility. When Priya received admission to the prestigious National College for her pre-university studies, the daily commute became manageable rather than prohibitive.

Six months after the delivery, Ramesh calculated that they had driven nearly eight thousand kilometres, trips to relatives in Mysore, weekend outings to Nandi Hills, and countless small journeys that had previously required careful planning and considerable expense.

“The car has paid for itself in saved bus fares and auto-rickshaw rides,” he announced at dinner one evening.

“No,” Krishnamurthy corrected gently. “The car has paid for itself in possibilities we never imagined.”

As 1989 drew to a close, the red Maruti had become as much a part of the family as any human member. It had its own personality, a slight reluctance to start on particularly cold mornings, a preference for being parked in the shade, and a tendency to attract admiring glances wherever it went.

On New Year’s Eve, as fireworks lit up the Bangalore sky and the family stood in their front yard reflecting on the year that had passed, Kavitha made an observation that would be repeated in family stories for years to come.

“You know,” she said, leaning against the warm red hood of their car, “I think this is the year we stopped just dreaming about the future and started driving toward it.”

The adults smiled at her earnestness, but privately, each of them acknowledged the truth in her words. The little red Maruti had done more than provide transportation—it had carried them into a new version of themselves, a family unafraid to embrace change and confident enough to believe that better days lay ahead.

In the distance, a church bell tolled midnight, welcoming not just a new year but a new decade. The 1990s stretched ahead, full of promise and possibility, and the Krishnamurthy family was ready for the journey.

Sacred Stones, Spaces, and Stories: Ashtavinayaka Part 4

Posted on by
Reply

In the lush, rolling hills of Maharashtra’s Raigad district, nestled between the ancient Sarasgad fort and the gentle flow of the Amba River, stands the Ballaleshwar Temple at Pali, one of the eight sacred Ashtavinayak shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Unique among Ganesha temples, Ballaleshwar is the only incarnation of the deity known by the name of his devotee rather than his own. This temple is not only a centre of deep spiritual resonance but also a living testament to the transformative power of unwavering devotion.

Pali is a picturesque village, approximately 30 km from Karjat, surrounded by verdant hills and blessed with natural beauty. The temple’s location, between the imposing Sarasgad fort and the tranquil Amba river, imbues the site with a sense of protection and serenity. Two lakes flank the temple, their waters used for ritual purposes and adding to the sanctity of the environment.

Source

The story of Ballaleshwar is inseparable from that of Ballal, a young boy whose devotion to Lord Ganesha was so profound that it changed the course of his life and the spiritual landscape of Pali forever. Ballal was the son of Kalyansheth, also called Kalyan or Kalyani Seth, and Indumati, a wealthy and respected couple in the village. While his parents were initially childless, they were eventually blessed with Ballal, who from an early age showed an extraordinary inclination toward worship and spirituality.

Ballal’s devotion was infectious. He would gather his friends and lead them into the forest to conduct elaborate rituals, using stones as makeshift idols of Lord Ganesha. So engrossed were the children in their prayers that they would lose track of time, often returning home late. This behaviour soon drew the ire of the other villagers, whose complaints reached Ballal’s father.

Angered by Ballal’s neglect of worldly duties and the complaints of the villagers, Kalyansheth stormed into the forest. There, he disrupted the children’s worship, threw away the Ganesha idol, destroyed the pandal, or the temporary shrine, and beat Ballal mercilessly. To punish him further, he tied Ballal to a tree, taunting him to see if his beloved Ganesha would come to his rescue.

Despite his pain and injuries, Ballal’s faith never wavered. He continued to chant Ganesha’s name, his prayers echoing through the forest. Moved by such unshakeable devotion, Lord Ganesha appeared before Ballal in the guise of a Brahmin. Ganesha untied the boy, healed his wounds, and asked him to make a wish. Ballal, ever selfless, requested that Ganesha remain in Pali and bless all devotees who came to worship him there. Pleased, Ganesha agreed, promising to take Ballal’s name before his own, thus becoming Ballaleshwar, “the Lord of Ballal.”

Source

The stone idol that Ballal’s father had thrown away was later found and installed near the main temple as Dhundi Vinayak. Tradition holds that devotees must first pay respects to Dhundi Vinayak before entering the Ballaleshwar temple, acknowledging the resilience of faith even in adversity.

The original temple at Pali was a simple wooden structure, its date of origin lost to history. The current stone temple was reconstructed in 1640 by Moreshwar Vitthal Sindkar and later renovated by Nana Phadnavis in 1760. The temple faces east, and its design is such that during Dakshinayana, the period when the sun moves southward, the first rays of the morning sun fall directly on the main idol, a marvel of ancient engineering and devotion. The temple itself is shaped like the sacred “Shree” symbol in Devanagari script, further emphasising its spiritual significance.

The idol of Ballaleshwar is three feet tall, seated on a stone throne with a silver backrest. The idol’s trunk turns to the left, and its eyes and navel are studded with precious diamonds. Uniquely, Ganesha is depicted here in the attire of a Brahmin, a nod to his appearance before Ballal. On either side of the idol stand are Riddhi and Siddhi, the goddesses of prosperity and spiritual power, waving chamaras, or fly-whisks, in service.

Two lakes, one on either side of the temple, provide water for rituals. The lake on the right is especially significant, as its water is used for the deity’s daily worship and other auspicious occasions.

Source

The temple is a hive of activity throughout the year, with daily rituals conducted following ancient tradition. The day begins with the early morning aarti, the Kakad Aarti, awakening the deity and invoking his blessings. Offerings of food, Neivedhya, are made to the deity and later distributed as prasad to devotees. Maha Aarti is held at noon and in the evening; these aartis are accompanied by devotional singing and the rhythmic clanging of bells. Shej Aarti is the final ritual of the day, performed before the deity is symbolically put to rest.

A unique tradition at Ballaleshwar is that devotees must first seek the blessings of Dhundi Vinayak, the stone idol thrown away by Ballal’s father, before entering the main temple. This act honours the resilience of faith and the sanctity of all forms of devotion, however humble their origins. During Dakshinayana, the temple’s east-facing design allows the first rays of the sun to illuminate the main idol, symbolising the dispelling of darkness and ignorance by divine light.

On the fourth day of the Bhadrapada month, a special Maha Bhog, or grand offering, is made to the deity. It is believed that the imprint of Ganesha’s fingers can be seen on the offerings, a miraculous sign that draws thousands of devotees to witness and receive blessings on this auspicious day.

During the Magh festival, the third day is marked by a grand palkhi, or palanquin, procession. The idol is carried through the village, accompanied by singing, dancing, and bands, as devotees join in a vibrant celebration of faith.

The Bhadrapadi Utsav, held from the first to the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, is one of the temple’s main festivals. The temple is adorned with colourful lights, and the air resonates with the sounds of bhajans, devotional songs, kirtans or spiritual discourses, and traditional music. Eminent scholars and local literati participate, recounting the birth and exploits of Lord Ganesha.

Source

The Maghi Utsav, celebrated from the first to the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magh, is another major festival. The highlight is the evening palkhi procession, which winds through the village with much fanfare. Devotees are blessed with prasad after the procession, and the entire temple complex is suffused with joy and spiritual fervour.

Every month, on the fourth day of the waxing moon, Chaturthi, the temple witnesses a surge of devotees. Special decorations, rituals, and offerings mark these occasions, reinforcing the temple’s role as a living centre of faith and devotion.

Ballaleshwar is unique among the Ashtavinayak temples, and indeed, among all Ganesha shrines, in being named after a devotee rather than the deity himself. This reflects the deep Hindu belief in the power of bhakti or devotion to move the divine, and the reciprocal relationship between the devotee and the deity. The story of Ballal is a powerful reminder that true devotion is characterised by innocence, persistence, and selflessness. Ballal’s unwavering faith, even in the face of suffering, is held up as an ideal for all devotees.

The temple’s eastward orientation and the phenomenon of sunlight illuminating the idol are rich in symbolism, representing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and faith over adversity.