The Hours That Passed By

As soon as I returned from the Himalayas (late December), I went on a trip to Belur with my friend Gowri and her family, along with some of their friends. Gowri and Ramesh had never been to Belur and so, it was imperative that I show them one of my favourite places in Karnataka. I went to their house the previous evening and met Gowri’s sister and her husband who had come down from Chennai for a wedding. I enjoyed my conversation with them that evening. The Palkova Gowri’s sister had prepared is probably the best I have ever eaten. Time just flies talking to Ramesh and Gowri. Sitting around the dining table, we spoke a lot as usual. In between, Gowri would bring something delicious to eat. I am often surprised by how quick she is when it comes to cooking. The last time, Preethi and I had visited, she had taught us OPOS (One pot, one shot) cooking method and made almost 4 to 5 dishes in no time. 

Next morning, we drove to Belur.  Gowri’s daughter Jo and Ramesh’s friend from the army Ambu’s wife and two daughters joined us. We first visited Hablebidu and then Belur. 

In January, I drove to Surathkal. I picked up Deeksha from Mysore and took the Coorg route to Mangalore. The next day, Anu, Varsha, Deeksha and me visited Pollali temple and after that we had lunch at Pabbas. Deeksha left to Bangalore by bus the same afternoon. 

My friend Deekshit was visiting from Germany. I had asked him to get some French books for me. I met him and his wife in Udupi and we drove to Delta beach. I had wanted to visit the place since a long time. It is a long thin strip of land between Sita river on one side and the Arabian ocean on the other. On either side of the road, one can find coconut trees and small mangalore-tiled houses. It is peaceful out there. Since tourism is not heavy, the place was fairly clean and empty. Some homestays are coming up now in the region. 

On our way back, we ate at Udupi woodlands hotel. The food here is delicious. 

The following day, I took Amma, Anu, Varsha, Vibhav and Esha to the same beach. We watched the sunset there and had dinner at Woodlands hotel again. 

On my drive back to Bangalore, Varsha joined me. She would be beginning her internship in Bangalore and during that period, will be staying with us. 

My in-laws visited us one weekend as there was a family function to attend. Once that was done, we planned a day trip to Turuvekere. We drove to Gubbi and visited the Gosala Sri Channabasaveshwara Swamy Temple  first. I learnt from the poojari there that the deity is a swami who was the disciple of Yediyur Siddalingeshwar swamy. 

Then, we headed to Turuvekere Shri Beteraya Swamy Devasthana temple. High court judge was visiting the temple, so we had to clear the way and wait for him to finish his Darshan. The temple was requesting for some funds for renovation. 

There are two ancient Hoysala temples in the vicinity - Ancient Hoysala Shri Channigaraya Swamy Temple and Ancient Hoysala Shri Moole Shankareshwara Temple. They were empty and peaceful with fine Hoysala architecture at display.  I have already been to these temples. You can read more about them here. 

We had lunch at a small hotel in Turuvekere town. After which, we headed to Adichunchanagiri Hills. Kalabhairaveshwara Temple is a new temple being built on a hill top. I am not sure if the Lingayats are following the preaching of their Guru Basavanna's liberal ideas. This is just like how Buddhism today is far from Buddha's idea of life. Almost all religion tends to japordise an ideas of someone and modify it to control people. 

We stopped at Heraganahalli reservoir before returning. It was a peaceful place and I would like to return there someday to watch sunset. 

At school, I got busy with finishing revisions and pre-board exams for Grade 10 students.During my last class with my dear students, I got them some French macarons and we had a round of reflection - Each one of them shared at least one thing that they had learnt during these two years of French classes with me. Their words during the reflection and then during graduation day touched me deeply. I was surprised by their maturity level and ability to recognise some of the subtle inferences. This was an affirmation that I was not he right track and the intentions with which I have taken up this profession is effective. 

One week-end, along with my friend Som, Bhavani and his friend Shishir, I did a trek to Channarayanadurga. Bhavani’s son Ved, Shishir’s son Angad and my niece Varsha joined us. We drove to the village and parked our car at the designated parking area. A private association has set up parking lots, cameras and trash cans along the trail. The route is clearly marked as well. It was a fun trek. Each of us had brought lots of food too. So it was a fulfilling trek. 

I also caught up with many of my friends. It was a pleasure meeting them and reminiscing the good old days and discussing the current updates and concerns.