tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57549272064883344742024-03-19T16:16:31.678+09:00Petals!A Journey To The Inner Self
Yes, this is my cozy personal space. Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.comBlogger624125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-56288654197354124492024-02-16T12:08:00.004+09:002024-02-16T12:08:55.396+09:00Significance of Surya Arghya: Right way to offer water to Surya DevWondering how to offer water to Surya Dev daily? In India, it is a common sight to see people offering Surya Arghya in the mornings. On my trip to Sydney last year, I was amazed to see few Indians offering Surya Arghya from the terrace of their apartment society every morning. This shows us how significant Surya Arghya is for Hindus. See below a stunning sculpture of Surya Dev at Sun Temple, Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-46547160725797949012024-02-06T15:09:00.004+09:002024-02-16T12:37:01.063+09:00Why Malayalis light Nilavilakku In Their Homes What does lighting the lamp signify? And what is the concept of 'Nilavilakku'? In Kerala, most Hindu households light the traditional brass lamp in their puja rooms. This brass lamp is called as 'nilavilakku'. In most Malayali homes, it holds a sacred place. On special occasions such as Vishu and Onam, the Nilavilakku is decorated. [READ: How To Light Deepam At Home]Taking a closer look at whatSwapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-86150986179993666902024-02-02T16:36:00.003+09:002024-02-02T16:36:29.635+09:00Hot Chocolate, Books and Poetry This year, Delhi's winter season has been a challenging one. The only things that keeps me cheerful are hot chocolate and books. I have written about my reading vow in my Substack newsletter - you can subscribe now.My yearning for warm golden sunshine grows warmer by the day! Can't help sharing the beautiful poem by Wendell Berry which reads:I know that I have lifeonly insofar as I have love.I Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-60105227757980236442024-01-11T14:31:00.005+09:002024-01-11T14:32:37.173+09:00Be a Winner: Dare To Think DifferentlyNew Year 2024: How exciting it feels to start the New Year and experience the vibe of exploring new goals and new beginnings! We can make every day feel special and here's how! [READ: That Time Of The Year]This is a good time to find new and smart ways to excel at something that you haven't done before - it could be as simple as starting a new fitness regime or a new diet plan or creating new Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-44007534961488491282023-12-23T12:09:00.005+09:002023-12-23T12:09:38.833+09:00In Divine Mother's GraceThe year 2023 has been full of surprises. My birthday this year was almost spent in the hospital and it was not an easy terrain to navigate, at the time. So, yes, it has been a year of precious lessons that taught me to surrender to the Divine Mother. I am still learning to take the baby steps, falling and getting up again while the Divine Mother watches.[Read: Kalyanam Celebrations, Temple Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-69544401391841764582023-12-15T02:54:00.003+09:002023-12-15T23:43:26.078+09:00Dhauligiri Temple: History, Significance and LocationDhauli Shanti Stupa in Odisha: A visit to Odisha's much revered Jagannath Temple this year has been one of my happiest moments in 2023. When I remember my first darshan at the iconic Puri temple, it brings such joy to my heart![Subscribe to my newsletter on Substack] Why is Dhauligiri Famous?Located about 8 km from Bhubaneshwar, this place has a picturesque and scenic view. It is believed that Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-76280465954435795282023-10-25T00:14:00.001+09:002024-02-15T23:31:25.914+09:00Kollur Mookambika Devi Temple: History, Significance, BenefitsKollur Mookambika Temple: Wondering what is special about Mookambika Temple? Wondering where is Mookambika temple situated? Established by Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, the Mookambika Devi temple is located in Udupi district. Wondering who is Mookambika Devi? What is the power of Mookambika Temple? Read this blogpost to know more![Subscribe to my newsletter here] Curious to know what are the Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-22069790915167372262023-09-20T00:16:00.000+09:002023-09-20T00:16:48.677+09:00Amazing stories of Lord Shiva"Who did Shiva Love?" is a highly searched question on Google? Imagine! So, for all those wanting to know more, here's a book that offers interesting insights and amazing stories of Lord Shiva. Reading Nilima Chitgopekar's 'The Reluctant Family Man: Shiva in every day Life' decodes the divinity of Lord Shiva through stories from the Purana. [Subscribe to my monthly newsletter]In a unique way, theSwapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-9939549324777954652023-08-16T02:52:00.003+09:002023-08-16T03:01:01.573+09:00Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons learned at the Lotus FeetAs the year 2023 speeds by, my mind races back to a few valuable lessons I have learned over the last few months, especially from April to June 2023.Offering this as my gratitude to my beloved Guru, SWAMI, who is my divine father, my Guru, my best friend and my whole world, I am forever grateful to SWAMI for His love, protection and grace in my life. If there is one powerful lesson my Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-13048479133817595302023-06-23T12:46:00.008+09:002023-06-26T16:54:35.839+09:00How to read Sai Satcharitra in 7 days: Meaning, benefit of chantingWondering what are the benefits of reading Sri Sai Satcharitra in 7 days ? The Sri Sai Satcharitra is an authentic account of the life of Sai Baba of Shirdi and the teachings and miracles associated with Him. For the same reason, it is believed that reading Sri Sai Satcharitra in 7 days can make any sincere wish come true. [READ: How do you light Deepam, Sri Venkateswara temple in Sydney]To Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-13456165012057024682023-06-20T04:40:00.002+09:002023-06-20T04:40:36.949+09:00The Best Ice Cream in Kochi Want to check out the best Ice cream places in Kochi? Here's my favourite! [Subscribe to my weekly newsletter here]My teen doesn't have a sweet tooth. So, when he recommended Paul's Creamery, I was in for a surprise! The place was literally humming with a music-loving, dancing young crowd. And I'm talking about the cool vibe when we reached this place at 11 pm. In fact, this is the first Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-68980560832448896382023-05-03T01:42:00.009+09:002023-05-07T16:03:03.776+09:00Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakum movie review: A heartwarming, family entertainer!Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakum movie review: The goodness of humanity shines through Akhil Sathyan's film. Cinematographer Sharan Velayudhan deserves a special mention for the stunning visuals. I felt like I was cruising through Goa!Simply put, a heartwarming, family entertainer! &Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-33765205104301967432023-03-24T02:18:00.009+09:002024-02-04T16:51:59.120+09:00How do you light Deepam at home? How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-67218801485991468012023-03-05T13:50:00.007+09:002023-03-05T13:52:21.997+09:00Mangalore ghee roast and tender coconut payasamIn India, food is a love language. Haven't we Indians mastered the art of making guests overeat whenever we invite them for lunch or dinner? Do you enjoy travelling to cities where there is an amazing spread of food that spans different regions? [Read about my Bombay trip here]On a recent trip to Bombay, my friend recommended that we check out this restaurant that is known for its delicious Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-44081694239662650422023-02-13T11:58:00.005+09:002023-02-13T12:01:58.154+09:00 Mahashivaratri: Where is Kailasham?Are you wondering why is Mahashivaratri so powerful? Since childhood, Mahashivaratri is a festival that I hold closest to my heart. My grandmother used to tell me so many stories about her Ishta Devata, Lord Shiva and describe the grandeur of his divine abode in 'Kailasham'. 'Om Namah Shivaya' used to be my grandmother's constant and continuous chant throughout her life. [READ: Adi Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-56914301364974944752023-02-07T11:58:00.008+09:002023-02-07T12:10:17.396+09:00Celebrating Thaipoosam at Malai Mandir, DelhiA beautiful start to the month of February with Thaipoosam celebrations at Malai Mandir in New Delhi! My teenager and I started our day early morning. When we reached Sree Swaminathan Temple, or Malai Mandir, as it is known, it was a feeling of excitement and anticipation. I had written about my first experience at Malai Mandir earlier in this blog post - do read it if you missed this earlier.We Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-90284413170709918932023-01-16T00:18:00.003+09:002023-05-05T00:00:20.519+09:00Bhadrakali worship can transform your lifeBhadrakali worship and its benefits: Having grown up in Kerala, Bhadra Kali worship has always been a part of my childhood. The ringing of temple bells and the scent of jasmine flowers are memories I hold close. As a third generation devotee of Goddess Bhadra Kali, the traditions related to the worship of the Divine Mother are an integral part of my daily sadhana. [READ: Sri Venkateswara Temple Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-55148579176223420372023-01-09T22:01:00.004+09:002023-01-09T22:05:00.936+09:00Happy 2023! At Sri Venkateswara temple in Sydney Happy 2023 greetings, dear ones! How are y'all enjoying 2023?Let me tell you that I had a fabulous start to the New Year.[Subscribe to my newsletter here]Here's a snapshot of the Sri Venkateswara temple in Sydney. Watch this video to view this magnificent temple.Interesting Facts about Sri Venkateswara templeThis is the first Hindu temple in Australia.It is designated as a heritage site bySwapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-37879141811594863942022-11-27T00:58:00.002+09:002022-11-27T00:58:22.334+09:00Orange mitayis in my tiffin boxThis year, I feel as though I abandoned my blog. [Subcribe to Svara's Newsletter]Is it ever possible for us to abandon what we love? Like these Orange mitayis?This space is my comfort zone. Sometimes this is where I snuggle in for comfort.Where my feelings are raw and they come alive, like a child's.It's not just a blog, you see. It's where I can simply be myself.This space, like the Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-39930124491715185932022-09-05T02:12:00.005+09:002022-09-05T02:18:40.931+09:00Cobra Movie Review: An Action Thriller I Couldn't Bear To WatchCobra Movie Review: Vikram starrer 'Cobra' is the first film ever that my family and I walked out of. We love watching Vikram's early films and this one was a huge disappointment. Simply put, bad direction let him down. Cobra Movie Review: Script, screenplay, direction weak areasThe first half of the film attempted too many things - unbelievable assasinations across the world that defies Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-67866888444837355892022-09-04T14:02:00.006+09:002022-09-04T14:09:15.734+09:00Onam festival and my craving for AppamsThe festive season is a wonderful time to bask in the diversity of India's culinary traditions. If you are a foodie, don't miss tasting Kerala appams! [READ Svara's Newsletter: Leadership Lessons from Lord Ganesha]Just look at these piping hot beauties with lacy fringes. These are simply mouthwatering delicious! The flavours of freshly made Kerala appams, soft as a cloud, melts in your mouth evenSwapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-51107771236321113182022-05-22T16:37:00.007+09:002022-09-05T02:17:09.578+09:00 Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 Movie Review: Tabu is the showstopper in this Kartik Aaryan-Kiara starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 Movie Review: Directed by Anees Bazmee, 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' is a 'complete entertainment package' that will entertain you from start to finish. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani, this is a funny horror movie with brilliant cinematography that you will enjoy. But first, throw logic out of the window! &Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-87471659522987904742022-04-09T14:11:00.007+09:002022-04-09T14:19:48.419+09:00 A selfie with Rajkummar Rao Rajkummar Rao movies are much loved and anticipated in my family, just as Fahadh Faasil movies are eagerly awaited. My teenager was totally star struck when he saw the actor at Lucknow Airport last week and voila, here's the selfie! In India, we often see actors show an 'attitude' in public spaces. So, it came as a shock to see Rajkummar Rao keep a very low profile, almost disguise himself Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-9124417678823945222022-03-28T21:13:00.004+09:002022-03-28T21:13:34.935+09:00What is Kerala Kasavu saree? All about Kerala's traditional dress'What is Kerala Kasavu saree' is a question I hear every time I wear it for a special function or an auspicious occasion. With Vishu around the corner, I decided to talk about what Kerala kasavu is. This year, the festival of Vishu is on April 15th, which gives me one more reason to talk about Kerala Kasavu sarees. Sharing one of my favourite photos when my mother and son dressed in traditional Swapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754927206488334474.post-68783688931320534762022-01-02T02:19:00.004+09:002022-01-02T02:19:34.289+09:00Happy New Year! Welcoming 2022 with gratitude and temple prasadamWish you a wonderful, blessed and joyous Happy New Year 2022! [Image: Pazhavangadi Temple prasadam]Starting the year with a temple trail feels super sacred and joyous for me. It felt like a beautiful way to grasp with gratitude the precious moments of 2021.Taking inspiration from theSwapna Raghu Sanandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167474469892964199noreply@blogger.com0