Kolam by Sudha Balaji

For those travelling from Chennai to Mantralayam , Mumbai Mail (Train no.11028 ) is probably the most convenient , particularly if you are planning to have darshan during weekends.  The train leaves Chennai at 11.55 pm and reaches Mantralayam the next day at 10.30 am We can return from Mantralayam on Sunday if we start on Friday night .  The train comes to Mantralayam at 3.30 pm in the afternoon and reaches Chennai the next morning at 3.30 am ( quite early isn't it ) After going there we can try for accommodation.  Many rooms in various hotels are available. Nowadays we can book online also.  We have to keep checking the website.   We can book the room online.  However remember to take a print out of the booking and your ID card, preferably Aadhar card.   The website of Sri Raghavendra Swami Mutt is Mutt website    where rooms , online sevas can be booked and donation can be offered. On arriving at the station ( this new station has more facilities than the old station whi

Some of the procedures I follow for Gudi Padwa festival 1.  Two or three days before the festival I clean the Puja room and photos of all deities 2.   I fill the haldi kumkum stand with fresh haldi and kumkum 3.  All the silver utensils meant for Puja are cleaned 4.  For cleaning silver utensils I use coconut fibre ( with detergent and dish washing powder ) 5.  This ensures that the vessels stay bright for a long time , two or three weeks 6.   I tie fresh flowers for Pooja as shown in one of the photos    7.  All pictures of deities are decorated with sandal paste, haldi and kumkum                                            We can offer fruits , coconut for naivedyam Prepare a solution of geru and limestone Prepare a  gudi , after cleaning it well , apply geru and limestone alternately Limestone is being applied Prepare the kalash by applying  lime stone , Then apply sandal paste , turmeric powder and kumkum Fold a cloth and tie it to the g