The Slums of Mumbai

August 6, 2018 Transformation of MUMBAI

Everywhere on the ground lay sleeping natives– hundreds and hundreds. They lay stretched at full length and tightly wrapped in blankets, heads and all. Their attitude and rigidity counterfeited death.

– Mark Twain, on a nocturnal drive through Bombay in 1896.

The Early History of Slums

Late in the 17th century, Gerald Aungier tried to attract traders and artisans to Bombay. As a result, the population grew six-fold in the fourteen years between 1661 and 1675. Some of the more prosperous traders built houses inside the British fort. The rest lived in crowded “native-towns” around the walls. These were probably the first slums to grow in Bombay.

The problem of overcrowding certainly remained through the 18th century. A count made in 1794 found 1000 houses inside the fort walls and 6500 immediately outside.

All over the world, the 19th century saw the growth of slums give the lie to the idea of progress brought on by large-scale industrialisation and the understanding and control of diseases. Bombay was no exception. The cotton boom, followed by the rapid growth of mills and shipping drew a large population from the rest of the country into a city ill-equipped to deal with them. In the middle of the 19th century slums grew around the mills and other places of employment.

The Birth of Slums

Historically, slums have grown in Bombay as a response to a growth of population far beyond the capacity of existing housing. Migrants are normally drawn to the city by the huge disparity between urban and rural income levels. Usually the residents of these densely populated enclaves live close to their place of work. The residential area itself does not provide employment.

Bombay knows another reason for the formation of slums. As the city grew, it took over land that was traditionally used for other purposes. The Koli fishermen were displaced during the development of the harbour and port. Those driven out of the fishing villages improvised living space that was often far shabbier than before. This process continues even now, at the end of the 20th century.

On the other hand, some villages were encysted by the city growing around them. Dharavi, originally a village with a small tanning industry, has become a slum in this fashion. Many of the older slums in Byculla and Khar were initially separate villages, with their own traditional industries.

 

Partition – Majority of Punjab was allotted to Pakistan

November 22, 2017 History post

I came across an old map of Punjab and immediately thought of writing this article. How many people know that who drew this border? The answer is Cyril Radcliffe.

Cyril Radcliffe

The information provided to Cyril Radcliffe who drew the borders and divided India and Pakistan once said that the information given to him about the geography, demographics and even the maps were inaccurate and in some cases even false.

He said that the job of drawing borders was very difficult and it was made even more difficult by the inadequate equipment, maps, and information provided to him. There were no large-scale maps and the information about the geography was inadequate and often wrong. About Punjab, he specifically said he noticed that the 5 rivers in Punjab had a tendency to run several miles away from the beds in the maps given to him by the survey department.

He also said that the information about the demographics was also wrong. And that all this information was falsified by both the parties to falsify the opposition’s claims.

The price was however paid by millions of people who lost their lives during partition.

Apart from religion; it was demography, ignorance, and callousness.

As you can see from the map above; undivided Punjab included the princely states of Patiala, Kapurthala, Jind, Bahawalpur, the Hill States(present-day Himachal Pradesh); stretching all the way to Gurugram(Gurgaon, present-day Haryana, NCR). Lahore was the capital of the undived Punjab; where Muslims were in a slight majority(52%) over the Hindus and the Sikhs who controlled most of the commerce.

After the passage of the Indian Independence Act(1947); Clement Attlee’s Labour government was in a hurry to exit its dominion. So; this consequently resulted in some of the most callous acts in global history. Cyril Radcliffe was given the chairmanship of the two boundary committees. He submitted his partition map on 9 August 1947, which split Punjab and Bengal almost in half. The new boundaries were formally announced on 14 August 1947—the day of Pakistan’s independence and the day before India became independent.

Radcliffe’s efforts saw some 14 million people—roughly seven million from each side—flee across the border when they discovered the new boundaries left them in the “wrong” country. Some 500,000 people died in the violence that ensued after independence, and millions more were injured.

The Punjab – the region of the five rivers east of Indus: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — consists of interfluvial doabs or tracts of land lying between two confluent rivers.

Doab (from dō, “two” + āb, “water” or “river”) is a term used in India and Pakistan for the “tongue,” or tract of land lying between two converging, or confluent, rivers.

These are the Sind-Sagar doab (between Indus and Jhelum), the Jech doab (Jhelum/Chenab), the Rechna Doab (Chenab/Ravi), the Bari doab (Ravi/Beas), and the Bist doab (Beas/Sutlej) In early 1947, in the months leading up to the deliberations of the Punjab Boundary Commission, the main disputed areas appeared to be in the Bari and Bist doabs, although some areas in the Rechna doab were claimed by the Congress and Sikhs. In the Bari doab, the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Lahore, and Montgomery (Sahiwal) were all disputed.

After arriving in India on 8 July 1947, Radcliffe was given just five weeks to decide on a border.Each boundary commission consisted of 5 people – a chairman (Radcliffe), 2 members nominated by the Indian National Congress and 2 members nominated by the Muslim League.

All lawyers by trade, Radcliffe and the other commissioners had all of the polish and none of the specialized knowledge needed for the task. They had no advisers to inform them of the well-established procedures and information needed to draw a boundary. Nor was there time to gather the survey and regional information. The absence of some experts and advisers, such as the United Nations, was deliberate, to avoid delay. Britain’s new Labour government deep in wartime debt, simply couldn’t afford to hold on to its increasingly unstable empire.

The absence of outside participants—for example, from the United Nations—also satisfied the British Government’s urgent desire to save face by avoiding the appearance that it required outside help to govern—or stop governing—its own empire.

Prior to his appointment; Radcliffe had never been to India, and after the partition never came back(partly due to guilt; and he was also a little afraid). Radcliffe justified his casual division with the fact that whatever he would do; people were going to suffer. Before leaving India; he destroyed most of his papers.

To maintain his impartiality; he kept a distance from Mountbatten. As for the fact that India had a larger population to feed; this simply did not figure in the map-makers mindscape. Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs were evenly spread in the Punjab; and most places witnessed large-scale migrations on both sides of the imaginary Radcliffe line. He initially decided to give Lahore to India but backtracked as Calcutta was going to be part of the republic. Radcliffe wanted to balance out the whole play; regardless of its human quotient. To give India access to Kashmir; Gurdaspur was awarded at the last moment. So; to sum up it was largely a case of cartography deciding history and destiny.

Mass murderers in History

November 20, 2017 History post

The 20th century witnessed death and slaughter on an unprecedented scale. It was the century of the Holocaust and two World Wars; of communist, Nazi, fascist and military dictators who between them killed more than 100 million people.

The casualties of conflicts involving the U.S., the UK and France in Korea, Algeria, Vietnam, the Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq are excluded on the grounds that, though many would view these as unjust colonial wars by ‘imperialist’ powers, they weren’t fought by dictators.
Indeed, when the wars proved unpopular or unwinnable, they were brought to an end by the pressure of public opinion.

Most popular name in the list mass murderer is Adolf Hitler. But, you will be shocked to know that his name in the world’s mass murderer comes third on the list. Who are the first two people then?

1. MAO ZEDONG

China (1949-76) Regime Communist Victims 60 million
China’s so-called ‘Great Helmsman’ was, in fact, the greatest mass murderer in history. Most of his victims were his fellow Chinese, murdered as ‘landlords’ after the communist takeover, starved in his misnamed ‘Great Leap Forward’ of 1958-61, or killed and tortured in labour camps in the Cultural Revolution of the Sixties. Mao’s rule, with its economic mismanagement and continual political upheavals, also spelled poverty for most of China’s untold millions. The country embraced capitalism long after his death.

2. JOSEPH STALIN

Soviet Union (1929-53) Regime Communist Victims 40 million
Lenin’s paranoid successor was the runner-up to Mao in the mass-murder stakes. Stalin imposed a deliberate famine on Ukraine, killed millions of the wealthier peasants – or ‘kulaks’ – as he forced them off their land, and purged his own party, shooting thousands and sending millions more to work as slaves and perish in the Gulag.

3. ADOLF HITLER

Germany (1933-45) Regime Nazi dictatorship Victims 30 million
The horror of Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship lies in the uniqueness of his most notorious crime, the Holocaust, which stands alone in the annals of inhuman cruelty. It was carried out under the cover of World War II, a conflict Hitler pursued with the goal of obtaining ‘Lebensraum’. The war ended up costing millions of lives, leaving Europe devastated and his Third Reich in ruins.

9 DAYS OF NAVRATRI

September 21, 2017 post

The beginning of spring and of autumn are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. During this period Earth is relatively much near to Sun facing its maximum gravitational pull. It is believed that during this phase, the divine energy intervenes with extra power to pass earth this course with much ease and smoothness. As per Hindu mythology, this divine energy is- Goddess Durga. The Navratri in this context is also celebrated as thanksgiving festival to Goddess Durga for saving, protecting and nurturing life on Mother Earth.

During these days people usually avoid taking meat, fish, eggs, alcohol, onions, garlic, grains, lentils, legumes (beans) because special divine energies of empowerment are not able to reach the individual. In addition, these food items act as a barrier in radiating energy in any form. Further, these tend to accumulate and process free-floating negative karmic energies from other living beings and the environment.

The nine rupa’s of Durga -Shailputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyaini, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhatri represents different traits of human beings such as Smiriti, Shraddha, Lajja, Hunger, Thirst, Forgiveness, Luster, Beauty, Sight, Truth etc. These also control various systems and organs of human body. So everything related to human mind, psychology and body are controlled and maintained by these nine forms of divine energy. During nine days of Navratri By worshiping a particular form of Durga one is blessed with different physical, mental and psychological strength.

Significance of Nine Days of Navratri

1st Day of Navratri – The first night of Navratri is devoted to the worshiping of Goddess Shailputri. She has the manifestation of Green Light with her. This light helps to reduce anger in Human beings. This energy manifests in Anahata or Heart chakra. The organs related to this chakra are the heart, back, shoulder, arms, hand, Lungs and Chest area. The gland associated with this chakra is Thymus gland. This chakra relates to Love, an ability of an individual to give and take unconditionally. It enhances listening capability of individuals. Thus meditating on this chakra help in removing emotional blocs, treating traumas and healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system efficiency. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline.

2nd Day of Navratri – The second night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Bhramcharni, who is the storehouse of knowledge and wisdom. She has the manifestation of Blue Light with her that personifies love and loyalty and empowers actualization of goals. The organs related to this chakra are throat, lung, and neck. The gland associated with this chakra is thyroid gland. The upper digestive tract is also associated with this chakra. This energy resides in Visudha or Throat chakra. It blesses the worshipper with awareness about the spirit of truth and purpose, ability to communicate about one’s needs and requirements. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system effectively.

Visiting Maa Vaishno Devi’s temple on Ashtami during Navratri is considered highly auspicious.

3rd Day of Navratri – The third night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Chandraghanta who is a giver of bliss, peace, serenity, and growth in activities, the purpose of life. She has the manifestation of red light with the pink hue in her. Residing in Mooladhar or root chakra this energy provides the worshiper with powers of self-awareness, stability, and security. The organs related to this chakra are Kidney, bladder, pelvis, vertebral column, hips, and legs. The gland associated with this chakra is an Adrenal gland. The system associated with this chakra is an excretory system. It provides strength and courage to native. With this, It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system effectively.

4th Day of Navratri – The fourth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kushmanda who is destroyer sorrows of the mind and ego by harmonizing the macro-universe with the inner micro-universe of the individual. She has the manifestation of Orange Light with a golden hue that personifies creativity and respect for others creative works, destroying false ego in an individual. The organs related to this chakra are the uterus, large bowel, lower abdomen, ovaries, testes, sexual organs. The reproductive system is also associated with this chakra. This energy resides in swadhisthan or Sacral chakra. It endows the worshipper with the virtue of Self-respect. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

5th Day of Navratri – The fifth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Skandmata who transform energies provided by other goddesses in form of wealth and strength for native. She has the manifestation of indigo light with the silver hue. The organs related to this chakra are eyes, lower head, nose, and ears. Pituitary Gland is also associated with this chakra. Residing In Agya or Brow chakra this energy provides the worshiper with the virtue of self-responsibility- responsibility to oneself to follow the soul path and trusting one’s own intuition. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

6th Day of Navratri – The Sixth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kaatyayani who gives boons and fulfills wishes of the native. She has the manifestation of Yellow Light with her that personifies self-worth, intellect, self-confidence and moral principles. The organs related to this chakra are liver, spleen, stomach and l intestine gallbladder and middle back. The gland associated with this chakra is Pancreas. This energy resides in Manipur or Solar plexus chakra. It endows the worshipper with the virtue of how one feels about himself and how others perceive him. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

7th Day of Navratri – The Seventh night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kaalratri who destroys fear and ignorance of the worshiper and blesses the individual with fortitude and fearlessness. She has the manifestation of violet light with purple-blackish hue. The organs related to this chakra are Top of the head, brain and Nervous System. The gland associated with this chakra is pineal Gland. Residing in Crown chakra this energy provides the worshiper with higher consciousness or spiritual awareness. It helps in the spiritual upheaval of individual Atma with Parmatma. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

8th Day of Navratri – The eighth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Mahagauri who destroys all sins of devotees and worshiper gets purified in all respects. She channels the thought waves of the devotees towards the path of the virtue and destroys Asat. Cumulative energy manifested in the whole body and being reflected signifies balance and creativity in the highest form.

9th Day of Navratri –The ninth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Siddhidatri who provides the worshiper with all sidhis, beings fulfillment and satisfaction in individual lives. This energy is radiant in form of golden light over crown chakra instilling service to God and libration of a soul from the vicious circle of life and death.

Kanya or Kumari Pujan During Navratri’s

During navratris, Kumari or Virgin girl is worshipped for nine consecutive days. A Kumari is a symbol of un-manifested energy and by worshipping her, this energy gets activated as a result of which radiant frequencies in the universe get attracted and worshipers get benefited by it. The Hindu scripture- Rudryamla Tantra, has categorized girl into different age groups for worshiping the goddess. The result of boons begetted differs for each Kumari Pujan.

A one-year-old girl is called “Sandhya”, two years old is called “Saraswati”, three years old is called “Tridhamurthy”, four years old girl is called “Kalika”, five is “Subhga”. At six, she is “Uma” at seven, she is called “Malini” and “Kubja” in her eighth year. She is “Kaalsandharbha” in nine, “Aparajita” in ten and “Rudrani” in eleven years of age. A girl in the twelfth year is “Bharavi” and “Mahalaxmi” in thirteenth. In her fourteen, fifteen and sixteenth year, she is known as “Peethnayika”, “Chetraja” and “Ambika” respectively.

The significance of three claps during Garba or Kanya Pujan:

It is believed that divine energy is awakened by the musical rhythm of three claps through the frequencies of desire, action, and knowledge, representing the Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. It also signifies awakening of fire element

With the first clap, Lord Brahma energy of desire gets awaken. This energy signifies wishes in mind of an individual

With the second clap Lord Vishnu energy related to action get awaken. This energy signifies actions performed by individual for fulfillment of desires.

With the Third clap, Lord Shiva energy related to begetting results get awaken. This energy signifies boons given by God to Individual.

On each day, I shall post one article about each of the 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga. 🙂 Look out for the space to know more.

Durga Pooja – The Source of Invincible Energy

September 21, 2017 post

Land of India is not just limited to a great and sacred culture but it is also a holy hand of gods where many incarnations of the divine have manifested. There are many Puranic stories related to these incarnations. The whole universe, including the sun, stars, planets, constellations and five elements is governed mysteriously by the Supreme Being. It is an eternal truth that nothing possible without the supreme energy (Para-Brahma).  Even though many people in today’s technology era are trying to force their views onto others about the non-existence of gods and deities, but the truth is they certainly realize the divine power in a way or other. Hinduism is also known as “Sanatana Dharma” which means eternal religion since time immemorial. There is a lot of knowledge about the whole universe, its origin, and expansion. Our Vedas and Puranas are a witness of the fact that whenever there is a harm to the religion and empowerment of demonic forces like misconduct and crime; god incarnates in various forms to free the world from demonic powers and save the people of truth and devotion. These incarnations re-establishes the dharma.

Similarly, when the entire earth and heavens were the victims of demons like Mahishasura, then all the gods gathered and with the inspiration of God almighty, they projected their energy into a single form and granted it various weapons and superpowers and made it invincible and auspicious. She is known by the name Adi Shakti, Maa Jagadamba, Durga or Amba in the whole world. Mother Durga is not only the protector of this world but also the giver of boons. The divine tales of Shiva and Shakti are narrated in a captivating manner in the Devi Bhagavata, and other Puranas like Surya, Shiva, Srimad-Bhagavatam etc. Without the power of Shakti, not a particle of the universe can move. Even the supreme witness Shiva (devoid of vowel “ee”) is like a corpse without the Shakti. Goddess Shakti incarnated on nine days in different forms like Jayanti, Mangala, Kali, Bhadrakaali, kapalini, Durga, Kshama, Shivaa, Dhaatri, Swaaha, Swadha etc. and slew the great demons like Shumbh-nishubha, Mahishasura, Raktabeeja etc. She helped the pupil of this world by removing their misery and helped in reestablishing the dharma.

Our ancient seers who were the well-wishers for the entire humanity have provided us with the appropriate methods of worshiping the goddess. Sage Medha advised King Suratha to worship and take refuge in goddess Durga who is the giver of prosperity, heavens, and liberation. By following this advice King achieved never-ending kingdom and fame. Since the time when goddess Durga took the form from the energies of various devatas, several people have devoted their lives and got great boons and grace from the goddess. What to talk of humans when even the celestial deities are themselves engaged in the worship of Shakti. Even Lord Rama himself worshiped goddess Durga during the Navratri to get victory over Ravana. In the whole of India, the energy of the goddess is celebrated during Chaitra Shukla pratipada and Ashwina Shukla pratipada every year in a grand manner. These are also known as Vasanta and Shaaradiya Navaratra. Apart from these, there are two other lesser known Navaratris which are celebrated by a fewer number of people. These are four major festivals for goddess Durga. The beginning of Vasanta (spring) season is a celebration for the agriculture-dominated nation like India.  During these days, the crop of wheat is sown and on the other hand, the crops of paddy give hints of harvesting which brings an elated feeling to the farmers and to the whole of the country. On this auspicious occasion, the whole of the country worships goddess Durga with Vedic methods for nine days. This is the reason why it is called as “Navaratri”. As a result of worship of goddess Durga, people get rid of sorrow, obstacles, poverty, and diseases and obtains the desired results as a blessing.

Buddhu sa mann hai – Kapoor & Sons

September 8, 2017 Feel the Song post

While the first song I chose in the “Feel the music” section was intense, poetic, romantic and deep, second song is fun, exciting and full of life. It’s also one of my favorite song – Buddhu sa mann hai from the movie Kapoor & Sons.

Dabi dabi si hansi honthon pe phansi hai
Gududi kar rahi hawa
Oo.. halla macha rahi hai pagal si khwaishein
Khushiyon ki mili hai wajah

Kuch hai junoon sa
Kuch pagalpan hai
Sau baatein karta ye buddhu sa mann hai

Buddhu sa mann in this song means Lively, carefree heart… an innocent heart… not the literal meaning of the word buddhu (idiot).

As we grow, we seldom notice the tickles of the wind, feeling the gush of breeze on your face, hands, clothes you wear. The tickling of breeze on your skin, your surroundings. We are not even aware of our internal state at times. The song reminds us of those innocent childlike desires – that is carefree, alive, lost in the beauty yet aware. When you know whats going on within you. As the wind tickles, a hidden smile is trying make its way to the lips that seems to be stuck. Crazy desires are raising their voices as I have discovered the reason for happiness. The feelings are passionate and somewhat maddening. And the lively, carefree, innocent heart speaks out a hundred conversations without thinking. 

Karne de khwaabon ko badmashiyaan
Chalne de nazron ki manmaaniyan
Dhoondhe chalo kuch thikane naye
Hone de pagli pagli si nadaaniyab

Hosh mein rehna hai kyun
Rehne se hoga kya
Behoshiyon mein hai maza
Oo.. bachkaani harkatein jo hoti hain hone de
Khushiyon ki mili hai wajah

Kuch hai junoon sa
Kuch pagalpan hai
Sau baatein karta ye buddhu sa mann hai

Let Dreams be playful at times, Let eyes wander wherever they wish to, carefree. Lets meander about in search of new unfamiliar destinations. Let the crazy naiveties happen. Lets be childlike today. What’s the need to be in consciousness? What’ll happen if You’ll remain in that state? There’s excitement in this intoxication There’s pleasure in letting go of your worries and being relaxed. In this state, one acts like a kid, without worrying about everyday problems. Let the childlike acts happen I’ve discovered the reason for happiness. The feelings are passionate and somewhat maddening. And the lively, carefree, innocent heart speaks out a hundred conversations without thinking. 

Mausam ne bhi ki hai kuch koshishein
Hone lagi dekho ye baarishien
Sar pe chadha hai yeh kaisa asar
Daude raftaar mein dil ki sab dhadkanein

Dhun koi chal rahi hai, kaano mein dheeme se
Roshan hai zyada yeh subah
Halchal jo ho rahi hai seene mein hone de
Khushiyon ki mili hai wajah haan

Kuch hai junoon sa
Kuch pagalpan hai
Sau baatein karta ye buddhu sa mann hai

The season also has made some efforts to let loose, and hence it has started raining. Wondering what has impacted my mind? I am excited and my heart beats rapidly in delight. A soft melody slowly rings in my ears and the morning appears to be brighter than usual. I don’t wish to put an end to the hustle and bustle within my soul. I’ve discovered a reason to be happy now. The feelings are passionate and somewhat maddening. And the lively, carefree, innocent heart speaks out a hundred conversations without thinking. 

If you have seen the movie, you would actually connect to the song with the characters and the story of the movie. A perfectly imperfect family dealing endless number of issues in terms of finance, relationships, career. Each one is upset with other family members in some or the other way, without speaking about it. In middle of all of these, they find a reason to celebrate, let loose, let go and live. Letting go of personal worries for the moment, letting go of fights for the moment, letting go of complaints for the moment and celebrate. There’s another beautiful song from the same movie – Bolna mahi bolna, one day will write on that too 🙂

Below the link for video of the song. Enjoy

 

Mumbai rains – the flip side

August 30, 2017 post

Mumbai rains have been news of the nation in last 24 hours. I switched on news channel to see the mumbai updates. Switched it off in 2 minutes. I opened my whatsapp and am flooded with more messages on dangers and alerts of mumbai rains than the flood in mumbai itself.  I myself was out whole and had reached home at about 5pm. On my way I would stop by to click some beautiful pics of Mumbai. At some of the places my car tyres are drowned to almost 75%, driving slowly, trying to figure the potholes and its size by the movement of the vehicles ahead of me. Looking around at bikers and seeing them wearing windcheaters and raincoats that are totally of no use. On a bridge, my vision is totally blurred coz of heavy rains. All I could see is whiteness and rainshowers. After 4 hours of drive I reached home. Enjoying the view from my window, allowing rains to pour in my house and playing with raindrops. I was very hungry after a long drive. Maggie came to be a savior. After some time, I saw people are all set to go for 5 days Ganpati Visarjan. I was like wow! That’s what so special about this city of dreams. Mumbaikars have a different spirit altogether. And I saw that everyone is so capable to help themselves as well as others. But the news channels and whatsapp and facebook adds so much of drama around it. Drama not in the sense that people are having troubles. But they are sometimes hyped, they create panic, they spread rumors and so on. This kind of a situation in Mumbai has its own beautiful flip side too if we just don’t look at the struggles that we face for 1 day. I would like to share some of the good things I came across during this crisis.

Alerts and dangers are issued in public interest. Roads are flooded. But visarjan is full on. That’s the spirit of Mumbai. That’s why people say Mumbai never sleeps.

Beauty of rains!

Food Distribution at rustomjee dahisar west to needy person who loss house in yesterday rain

MUMBAI POLICE: They are always there the unsung heroes.

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KEM HOSPITAL

National park highway bridge. Posted by Rajesh jain with message:

Next time you put concrete in River…. remember…

next time you cut trees … remember…

next time you cut mangroves remember….

next time you throw plastic on the road and rivers remember….

This is how nature will give you back all of these things.

Tweet by Anand Mahindra:

Mumbai local train—or Hovercraft?

 

Why Mumbai gets flooded even in slightest rains?

Marine Drive after heavy spell of rains. ❤❤ (Picture courtesy: Shreyansh Sheth)

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Another beautiful aspect of these floods:

All over internet relief center details were being circulated. During such crisis, everyone unites and help each other. You see only one religion and one class in these crisis and that’s HUMANITY. Mandir, Masjid, Church, Dargah, people living in slums, people living in small and large apartments, restaurants and hotels, all were just there to help everyone.


And there were rumors too 🙂 Like fall of chakala bridge. This rumor was being circulated on whatsapp along with some old pictures.
Another one was Crocodiles are in waters near powai. Please be careful. This too was being circulated along with pictures.
Cyclone alerts and so on. I remember the day when I was stuck in Train in about 2007. I went to office at Opera House in heavy rains just to know that I can go back. Of course I used to travel by train – from Charni road to Malad. Looking at the conditions, I knew I might get stuck. I called home to update my parents on the situation and asked them not to panic if I late or I reach late evening or tomorrow morning. Consider I am stuck coz of heavy rains but also know that I am going to be safe. Well in 2007, there was no whatsapp and facebook too was new. Not many people used it. Especially not on a mobile. There were no rumors or panicky messages to share with people. I got in train from Charni road and it was stuck between lower parel and dadar for 5 hours. I boarded the train at about 11am from Charni Road station. Train started moving slowly after 5 hours. I reached malad station just to walk on roads with waters upto and above my knees. I remember that I reached home at about 8 or 9pm. Yes, it was inconvenient, struggle but also adventurous. I didn’t have control over rains or floods but I had control over what I do. First thing was to tell my family that I am safe and on my way. I even told them, don’t worry if my mobile is not reachable (battery may go down, or network issues or anything is possible in such rains). Second, I knew I may get stuck before boarding the train. Luckily I found a street food vendor, selling vada-pavs. I bought 2 vada pavs, chips and bisleri. I knew I would get a chance to picnic in the train. I chose to enjoy in that moment in whatever was available. More importantly I didn’t have whatsapp or BBM or FB app on mobile to create panic in me or others. But I had an mp3 player to enjoy music. And I also had my Nokia Nseries – N72 to click pictures. Nseries was one of the first mobiles with better cameras than others available at that time 😛 . That moment was just too perfect with all its imperfections – heavy rains, stuck in train, almost empty trains, sitting near the door, eating chips and vadapav and music. What a feeling yaar? Before such messaging apps too Mumbai have been flooded, in much more worst ways. Everyone helped back then too. Everyone had to go thru their own journey back to home and each one of them can be a wonderful story. Let’s enjoy these stories instead of being so dramatic about it. 🙂 And just look at Mumbai. It has already restored its pace. Do you ever wonder all weather alerts we get are so incorrect. If its raining heavily today, immediately we get messages with the forecast that next 48 hours there’s going to heavy rainfall, cyclone, floods, etc. etc. Next day, sun says, ok challenge accepted and there are no rains at all. :P. Why didn’t they gave us the forecast a day before the heavy rains? Lol. This is so funny. Anyways, I hope all enjoyed their heavy rainfall and floodwala journey. Am sure you have your own story to tell. Let life give you some more situations to tell the story! Have fun!

Mumbai Rains – picturesque beauty

Paryushan or Das Lakshana Parva

August 24, 2017 post

Generally, festivals are celebrations characterized by excitement, enthusiasm, and enjoyment; Jain festivals are characterized by renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, and repetition of holy hymns by reciting Sutras and Stavans, meditation, and expressing devotion for the Tirthankars.
Paryushan is the most important festival in Jainism. It is observed during the month of August and/or September. The Shvetambar sect observes it for 8 days while the Digambar sect observes it for 10 days where it is known as Das Lakshana Parva. During these eight or ten days, the entire Jain community becomes engrossed in spiritual and religious activities.

Shvetambaras are also called Deravasi’s i.e. those who go to Derasar. Derasar is a jain temple. So basically Deravasi’s believe in idol worship.

Digambars or sthanakvasi’s do not believe in idol worship. They worship in sthanak or a large prayer hall. It’s an empty prayer hall, without any idol of god. In both the sects, monks are the gurus.

Literally, Paryushan means”coming together from all directions”. This symbolizes growth and transformation.

The word “Paryushan” has several meanings:

Pari + Ushan = all kinds + to burn = to burn (shed) all types of karmas. Our scriptures have prescribed twelve different types of austerities (tap) such as fasting, to reduce our Kashäyas and thereby eliminate our karmas.

Another meaning of “Ushan” is to stay closer. We stay closer to our own soul (remember the qualities of our true soul) by doing Swädhyäy (self-study), meditation, and austerities during Paryushana.

Pari + Upashamanä = Upashamanä means to suppress, mainly our passions (Kashäyas – anger, ego, deceit and greed) from all sources.

The purpose of life according to Jain teachings is to realize oneself, as well as to experience wholeness, peace, compassion, and reverence for all life. Therefore, the real purpose of Paryushan is to purify our soul by observing and correcting one’s faults, asking for forgiveness for the mistakes they have committed, and taking vows to minimize their faults. During Paryushan they should strive to minimize our worldly affairs so that they can concentrate on the qualities of their true self.

Paryushan is a period of repentance and confession for the undesirable acts of the previous year, and to practice austerities that help minimize our passions and vices, which shed accumulated karma. Austerity, the control of one’s desire for material pleasures, is a part of spiritual training. During this period, some people fast for the entire period of eight or ten days, while others fast for shorter periods, although the Jain scriptures recommend a minimum three day fast. However, it is considered obligatory to fast on the last day of Paryushan. Fasting usually involves complete abstinence from food or drink, but during the daytime, drinking of water that has been boiled and cooled in the morning is is permissible. If one cannot fast for the whole day, eating only one meal also counts as limited fasting.

There are regular ceremonies in the temple and meditation halls during this time. During the first three days of Paryushan the Sädhus and Sädhvis deliver sermons related to the five activities that lay people (Shravaks and Shravikas) are required to do during Paryushan.

Five Essential Activities of Paryushan:

Amari Pravartan

Leading a non-violent life, working towards a non-violent world, and supporting animal welfare activities

Sadharmik Vatsalya

Respecting fellow human beings and supporting humanitarian activities

Attham Tapa

Observing fasts for the last three days of Paryushan. Some people fast for all 8 days of Paryushan and it is called Atthai. After 8 days, they celebrate the success of the person doing the Atthai, they call their friends and family to be a part of this celebration.

Chaitya Paripati

Visiting different Jain temples, Jain libraries, Upäshrays, and supporting other charitable and religious organizations

Kshamapana

Repenting our sins, forgiving others and requesting forgiveness from others

In the Shvetambar tradition, the Kalpa Sutra, a Jain scripture that includes a detailed account of the life of Bhagawan Mahavir and other Tirthankars’ is read to the congregation from the fourth through the last day of Paryushan.

On the fifth day the auspicious dreams of Bhagawan Mahavir’s mother Trishala are celebrated at a special ceremony. (Click here to read an article on 14 Auspicious dreams of Trishala mata) The final day of Paryushan, known as Samvatsari, the day of repentance of our past sins and forgiveness to others, is the most important day of Paryushan.

The Digambar tradition calls this festival Das Lakshana Parva and observes it for 10 days. Each day is dedicated to one virtue.

10 virtues are:

1. Kshama – Forgiveness
2. Mardava – Humility
3. Arjava – Straightforwardness
4. Shaucha – Contentment – absence of greed
5. Satya – Truth
6. Samyam – Restraint of all senses
7. Tapa – Austerities
8. Tyag – Charity
9. Akinchan – Non-possessiveness
10. Brahmacharya – Chastity or Celibacy

Some traditions read the Tattvartha Sutra, an ancient Jain scripture that covers the entire Jain philosophy, is read to the congregation. The scripture has 10 chapters and one chapter is read every day.

The last day of Paryushan (Samvatsari) and the first day of the Das Lakshana Parva (Kshama) is the day of forgiveness, and the most important day for all Jains.

This is the day when all Jains repent for their past sins, ask for forgiveness from family, friends, enemies, and especially from those with whom they have struggled, for hurting them in any way either knowingly or unknowingly during the past year. It is essential to their spiritual advancement that they do not harbor ill will or hold grudges beyond a year. Hence, the annual occasion for repentance and forgiveness is the most important day in Jain tradition.

By meditating and purifying during these eight days of Paryushan or ten days of Das Lakshana, they come to realize themselves. They call the Festival of Paryushan, the Festival of the Soul – “when we forgive, we become one with the light of our soul”.

On the last day those who have observed rigorous fasting are honored, especially to encourage others to follow their example.

Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra, or some other scripture, taking positive steps to ensure the welfare of all living beings, developing the feeling of brotherhood towards fellow human beings and forgiveness for all living beings, doing penance, visiting neighboring temples, libraries, and Upäshrays are all important activities during this time.

After performing Samvatsari Pratikraman (pratikraman means introspection) or Das lakshana celebration, Jains request forgiveness from all living beings in person, via telephone, or via mail. You all must have read or heard this many times – MICHHAMI DUKADDAM (asking for forgiveness).

 

Fourteen Dreams

August 21, 2017 post

Mahavira was the last Jainist Tirthankara. People call Lord Mahavira by different names such as Vira or Viraprabhu, Sanmati, Vardhamana, Ativira and Gnatputra. When it comes to the values of Jainism, Lord Mahavira deserves a special mention, as he was the one to establish the ethics that are ruling the whole Jain community today. Mahavira (599-527 BC) was the last Jainist Tirthankara. People call Lord Mahavira by different names such as Vira or Viraprabhu, Sanmati, Vardhamana, Ativira and Gnatputra. When it comes to the values of Jainism, Lord Mahavira deserves a special mention, as he was the one to establish the ethics that are ruling the whole Jain community today.

His teachings and philosophies continue to inspire numerous people even today. He was born in a royal family and denounced his royal family life to attain spiritual knowledge like the Buddha. He was named Vardhamana Mahavira because when he was born his father, king Siddhartha prospered like anything. Vardhamana means increasing and the king credited his growing success and prosperity to the birth of his son.

Lord Mahavira was born roughly around 599 B.C. He was born in the royal family of Kshatriyakund, a part of the republic of Vaishali (present day Bihar). His father was King Siddhartha and his mother was Queen Trishala. It is said that when the queen conceived Lord Mahavira, she had fourteen auspicious dreams that were a premonition of the greatness of the child that was to be born. The prosperity of the King grew day by day. The king attributed his success to his new born child and named him Vardhamana, which means “ever increasing”.

Bhagwan Mahavir’s Birth
It is a well-established convention that the Tirtharnkaras, being supermen, are born only in the noble warrior (Ksatriya) caste. Bhagavan Mahavira was,however, conceived in the womb of a Brahmin lady at midnight on the sixth day of the bright half of Asadha, as a result of his pride for superior caste in one of his previous births. Shakendra Maharaj from his divine drishti saw the underdeveloped body of the Bhagwan in the womb of Devananda a Brahmin. Shakendra maharaj thought that, a Tirthankar was always from a royal family & not from a middle family, so he thought of a plan.
He called Harin Gameyshee Dev & said that the last Tirthankar, yet to be born in the womb of Devananda Queen Trishla Mata of king Siddartha too is pregnant, so he recommanded god Harin gameyahee dev to transplant the foetus from the womb of Devananda to that of womb of Trisala.That night, change of pregnancy took place.

Fourteen Auspicious Dreams of Mother Trishala

Its said that the mothers of would-be Tirtharnkaras witness fourteen auspicious objects in their dreams. Queen Trishala, mother at midnight also saw fourteen beautiful and auspicious dreams after conception while Devananda dreamt the vanishing of dreams. Ever since Trishla Mata’s womb was blessed with the birth of a Tirthankar. The treasury overflowed. There was prosperity every where in the city of Vaishati.

  1. Elephant
  2. Bull
  3. Lion
  4. Goddess Laxmi
  5. Garland of Flowers
  6. Full Moon
  7. Sun
  8. Large Flag
  9. Silver Urn
  10. Lotus-Lake
  11. Milky-Sea
  12. Celestial Air-plane
  13. Heap of Gems
  14. Smokeless Fire

1. Elephant
The first dream Queen Trishala saw was of an elephant. She saw a big, tall, and impetuous elephant. It had two pairs of tusks. The color of the elephant was white and its whiteness was superior to the color of marble. It was an auspicious elephant, and was endowed with all the desirable marks of excellence. This dream indicates that her son will guide the spiritual chariot, and save human beings from misery, greed, and attraction of life.

2. Bull

The second dream Queen Trishala saw was of a bull. The color of the bull was also white, but it was brighter than white lotuses. It glowed with beauty and radiated a light all around. It was noble, grand, and had a majestic hump. It had fine, bright, and soft hair on his body. Its horns were superb and sharply-pointed.
This dream indicates that her son will be a spiritual teacher of great ascetics, kings, and other great personalities.

3. Lion

The third dream Queen Trishala saw was of a magnificent lion. Its claws were beautiful and well-poised. The lion had a large well-rounded head and extremely sharp teeth. Its lips were perfect, its color was red, and its eyes were sharp and glowing. Its tail was impressively long and well-shaped. Queen Trishala saw this lion descending towards her and entering her mouth.
This dream indicates that her son will be as powerful and strong as a lion. He will be fearless, almighty, and capable of ruling over the world.

4. Goddess Laxmi

The fourth dream Queen Trishala saw was of the Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity and power. She was seated at the top of mountain Himalaya. Her feet had a sheen of golden turtle. She had a delicate and soft fingers. Her black hair was tiny, soft, and delicate. She wore rows of pearls interlaced with emeralds and a garland of gold. A pair of earring hung over her shoulders with dazzling beauty. She held a pair of bright lotuses.
This dream indicates that her son will attain great wealth, power, prosperity.

5. Garland of Flowers

The fifth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a celestial garland of flowers descending from the sky. It smelled of mixed fragrances of different flowers. The whole universe was filled with fragrance. The flowers were white and woven into the garland. They bloomed during all different seasons. A swarm of bees flocked to it and they made a humming sound around the region.
This dream indicates that the fragrance of her son’s preaching will spread over the entire universe.

6. Full Moon

The sixth dream queen Trishala saw was of a full moon. It presented an auspicious sight. The moon was at its full glory. It awoke the lilies to bloom fully. It was bright like a well polished mirror. The moon radiated whiteness like a swan. It inspired the oceans to surge skyward. The beautiful moon looked like a radiant beauty-mark in the sky.
This dream indicates that her son will have a great physical structure, and be pleasing to all living beings of the universe.

7. Sun

The seventh dream Queen Trishala saw was of a huge disc of sun. The sun was shining, and destroying darkness. It was red like the flame of the forest. Lotuses bloomed at its touch. The sun is the lamp of the sky and the lord of planets. The sun rose and an put to end the evil activities of the creatures who thrive at night.
This dream indicates that the teaching of her son will destroy anger, greed, ego, lust, pride, etc. from the life of the people.

8. Large Flag

The eighth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a very large flag flying on a golden stick. The flag fluttered softly and auspiciously in the gentle breeze. It attracted the eyes of all. Peacock feathers decorated its crown. A radiant white lion was on it.
This dream indicates that her son will be great, noble, and a well respected leader of the family.

9. Silver Urn

The ninth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a silver urn (kalash) full of crystal-clear water. It was a magnificent, beautiful, and bright pot. It shone like gold and was a joy to behold. It was garlanded with strings of lotuses and other flowers. The pot was holy and untouched by anything sinful.
This dream indicates that her son will be perfect in all virtues.

10. Lotus-Lake

The tenth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a lotus lake (padma-sagar). Thousands of lotuses were floating on the lake which opened at the touch of the sun’s rays. The lotuses imparted a sweet fragrance. There were swarms of fish in the lake. Its water glowed like flames of fire. The lily-leaves were floating on the water.
This dream indicates that her son will help to liberate the human beings who are tangled in the cycle of birth, death, and misery.

11. Milky-sea

The eleventh dream Queen Trishala saw was of a milky sea. Its water swelled out in all directions, rising to great heights with turbulent motions. Winds blew and created waves. A great commotion was created in the sea by huge sea animals. Great rivers fell into the sea, producing huge whirlpools.
This dream indicates that her son will navigate through life on an ocean of birth, death, and misery leading to Moksha or liberation.

12. Celestial air-plane

The twelfth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a celestial airplane. The airplane had eight thousands magnificent gold pillars studded with gems. The plane was framed with sheets of gold and garlands of pearls. It was decorated with rows of murals depicting bulls, horses, men, crocodiles, birds, children, deers, elephants, wild animals, and lotus flowers. The plane resounded with celestial music. It was saturated with an intoxicating aroma of incense fumes. It was illuminated with a bright silvery light.
This dream indicates that all Gods and Goddesses in heaven will respect and salute to his spiritual teaching and will obey him.

13. Heap of Gems

The thirteenth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a great heap of gems, as high as Mount Meru. There were gems and precious stones of all types and kinds. These gems were heaped over the earth and they illuminated the entire sky.
This dream indicates that her son will have infinite virtues and wisdom.

14. Smokeless Fire

The fourteenth dream queen Trishala saw was of a smokeless fire. The fire burned with great intensity and emitted a radiant glow. Great quantities of pure ghee and honey were being poured on the fire. It burned with numerous flames. This dream indicates that the wisdom of her son will excel the wisdom of all other great people.

After having such fourteen wonderful dreams, Queen Trishala woke up. Her dreams filled her with wonder. She never had such dreams before. She narrated her dreams to King Siddharth.
The king called the soothsayers for the interpretation of dreams and they unanimously said, “Sir, her Highness will be blessed with a noble son. The dream augur the vast spiritual realm, the child shall command. Her Highness will become the Universal Mother.”

After nine months and fourteen days, Queen Trishala delivered a baby boy. The boy was named Vardhaman meaning ever increasing.

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