Belum Caves

Belum caves are simple yet stunning with the formation of both stalactites and stalagmites. The initial reaction when I heard of the caves has been
Stalactites and stalagmites in Ananthapur? Isn’t that a dry and arid place?
How far is it? Only 270 Km.. hmmm worth a weekend?
One fine morning hit the NH-7 from Bangalore -> Ananthapur -> Tadipatri -> Belum Caves. The only landscape after Tadipatri was huge vehicles with Granite and mining activity on both sides. No trees, no hills and no mountains. The place has literally sprung on the face with a gigantic statue of Buddha. It’s only after reaching the caves realized that these are Pits in the earth.



Well, true to the image Anathapur & Kurnool districts evoked the caves are quite dry except for a little water running at the deepest bit (120 feet below earth), in the place aptly called as Patalaganga.




These are the 2nd largest caves in India with a length of about 3.2 KM’s of which only 2 Km are open for public. The whole set of caves are divided as different chambers, Simhadwaram, Kotilingalu, Banyan tree hall etc. There are some nooks and corners which require a bit of crawling and squeezing in. But for all such paths there is an alternate, normal path for the less enthusiastic. The regular paths opened for the public are quite dramatically lit adding to the ambience. Overall it was a trip that interesting and the place is truly a hidden GEM.





History:
The recorded mention of these caves appears first in 1884 . However, these recordings were left unnoticed till 1982/83 when a German team headed by Herbert Daniel Gebauer conducted detailed exploration. The govt declared these are protected in 1988 and the tourism development department took these under its wings in 1999. These were opened for public only in this decade from 2002. Phew that’s a lot of numbers, during all this period these caves are known to the locals and some parts of it are used as a place of worship.

The caves date back to 4500 BC and some time in its long journey had been an abode for the Buddist & Jain Monks. The remnants excavated by ASI in the form of vessels are available in the Museum at Ananthapur.

Where to stay:
Except for the dormitory of APTDC there is no place to stay @ Belum. Best is to stay either in Tadipatri / Ananthapur.

Lepakshi

During child hood, heard a part of the poem (లేపాక్షి బసవన్న లేచి రావన్న) "Lepakshi Basavanna lechi ravanna" by Adavi Bapiraju and it conjured a beautiful image of a very lively bull. The monolith sculpture is so lively and realistic that the poet was asking the stone bull to stand up and dance. The vivid poem created an interest to see the place, and this has been one of the places I have been visiting regularly. A favourite now for its soothing ambience and laid back life.


Interestingly the temple is Lepakshi is not of Shiva, but of Veerabhadra, a super being created by Lord Shiva's wrath. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virabhadra) The Shiva lingam is at the back of the temple and the Nandi at the outskirts of the village facing the Shiva lingam. The houses in between now, don’t give us the opportunity to see one another.

Temple arch & Courtyard
The main temple has Veerabhadra as the main deity, and it also has "Parvati" if one section. At the back of the temple, there is a Ganesha, a depiction of Kalahasti and the gigantic Shiva lingam.

The main temple has beautiful frescos. It saddens me to see the ravage of time on these beauties. Every visit I see another bit missing. I did not take the snaps of the lovely frescos on the roof, however, these are some images which caught my eye. There is a lot written on the internet about Lepakshi, and few of the URLs I have listed below for the interesting details on the history and the pictures posted.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepakshi
http://www.anantapur.com/travel/lepakshi.html
http://shil-travelmania.blogspot.com/

The Natya mandira (dance arena) has some interesting images of the celestial as per Hindu mythology viz., Rambha, Bramha, Tumbura etc. Here is one of Tumbura, who is supposed to be an expert in Music, a celestial sage.

Roots

Roots...

Alex Haley wove a beautiful tapestry spanning a period of about 200 years starting from 1750 to about 1970. A historical novel, where in a person goes in search of his roots, heritage covering seven generations and across different continents. The book signifies many things for many people, though by and large it is considered to be a history on the New world. The strongest impression left of it is the main characters pride in self, in his culture, the urge for freedom and the indomitable Spirit. This pride, urge for freedom and spirit is passed across generations. Woven across this is the change in cultures, traditions, and the political landscape. The story starts in Gambia, Africa, and takes a major turn in Annapolis or Napolis where the slave trading has happened.

The market place near the docks in Annapolis has an interesting eulogy to the enslaved African Kunta Kinte, the author and the book. There is a beautiful line to commemorate: “To commemorate the arrival, in this harbour of Kunta Kinte, immortalizes by Alex Haley in Roots, and all others who came to these shores in bondage and who by their toil, character and ceaseless struggle for freedom have helped to make these United States.” It’s a memorial for not only Kunta Kinte but to the countless people, who came, and whose names and details are lost in the pages of history.

The scene depicting the book-reading.

The story wall, gives a synopsis of what the book stands for with various quotes and in places correlating it with American history. The best I felt I can do is just to give them as they are:

Diversity
Hear me! Though we are different tribes and tongues, remember we are the Same people - African Elder
Americas strength is its diversity. People come here from all over the world, bringing new energy and new dreams. Each person has a story to tell, and every story enriches and invigorates us.

Challenge
Things don't ever get better unless you make them better - Tom Murray
In Roots, Alex Haley reminds us that only through individual efforts will this country racial and ethnic anger, guilt, hatred and fear, and remain a beacon of opportunity and hope for oppressed people around the world.

Love
We must be in this place as one village! – Mandinka Elder
Love ties us to the past, connects us in the present, and links us to the future. It is not enough that we learn to live together. We must learn to respect and love each other.

Forgiveness
When you clench your fist, no one can put anything in your hand, nor can your hand pick up anything – Omoro Kinte
Knowledge of history can be the first step away from anger and bitterness. Truth Leads to understanding. Understanding and forgiveness lead to reconciliation and healing

Family
Your sweet grandma and all of them – they’re up there watching you – Cousin Georgia
Knowing our family is knowing ourselves. Our values and traditions are forged through the struggles, heartache, pain, hopes and dreams of our ancestors.

Faith!
The only thing greater than yourself! – Omoro Kinte
Faith allows us to endure even the most bitter trails and tribulations and empowers to accomplish great things.

Perseverance
We all suffer. If man’s wise, he learns from it – Boteng Bediako (Uncle Pompey)
The strength and perseverance of our ancestors, teach universal lessons including survival through faith, strength through family, and wisdom through forgiveness.

Servitude
Share his pain – Mandinka Elder
Millions of Africans were stolen from their families and forced to endure the horrors of the middle passage and slavery. The new world was built largely on their labor, on the subjugation of Native Americans, and on the indentured servitude of Europeans and Asians.

Heritage
The farthest-back person they ever talked about was a man they called the “African”. – Alex Haley
Alex Haley’s Pulitzer prize-winning book Roots inspires all peoples to embrace their heritage. As we discover our personal history, we realise that all members of the human family share a universal bond

Dedication
You must hear me now with more than your ears! – Omoro Kinte
The story wall is dedicated to those nameless Africans, brought to the new world against their will, who struggled against terrible odds to maintain family, culture, identity and above all, hope.


More details at: http://www.kintehaley.org/memorialelements.html

Dolphin play

Doplhins as I understand are absolutely friendly souls and have a need or craving for attention as much as a human being. These are from a Dolphin show I attended. All I did instead of watching the show is taking pictures of them. These two made the cut and appealed to my eye. Reason well the emotions reflecting on their face. They seemed to be in conversation, sharing a private moment. The captions given reflect the thoughts that crossed my mind when I saw them for the first time.



Well they seemed to be in conversation, and since there are people around apt is "People Not again".



The smile, what could be the cause but for a private joke between the two.
The only additional information I can add is that they belong the variety called as "Bottle Nose Dolphins".

More details at the url:
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/bfg_bottlenose_dolphin.aspx?menuitem=14438

A rainy day

A rainy day, there are so many thoughts that cross ones mind. Depending on the mood and the company the reactions are umpteen. A couple of unguarded moments in rain is what is reflected here. Wonder do I need to thank the umpteen number of movies for this, a thought to be considered for another rainy day or the songs you get to hear.



My lens could not escape the rain drops, and are visible in the picture.



What can i say, but for a line from Carpenters.....

Funny but it seems I always wind up here with you
Nice to know somebody loves me
Funny but it seems that it's the only thing to do
Run and find the one who loves me.