Petals!

Significance of Gayatri Mantra for Women: T he energy sounds that form the base of the Gayatri Mantra are believed to provide a powerful aura of protection to those who chant it regularly.   Now, it always amazes me when I get queries from women asking, ''Can ladies chant the Gayatri mantra?" and I can't help but ask, "Why do you think women can't chant the Gayatri mantra?" [ Must Read: Significance of Surya Arghya ]                    Image Source: Radio Sai on Instagram The next question that comes my way frequently is this, ' 'Can ladies chant the Gayatri mantra during their periods?"  and my answer is the same, "Why can't they chant the Gayatri mantra during their periods?" [ MUST-READ:  Who can chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and what are its benefits? ] Over the years, I can now feel how the energy around me a...

Last Sunday, there were several Onam community celebrations across Delhi and Noida. After my amazing Onasadya which I enjoyed with thousands of simple devotees in Prashanti Nilayam, I had no doubts which one to attend this time. I know this sounds silly but I like to keep things pretty simple. Fancy stuff - nooo! See this Onam pookalam below - it was so lovingly made by a few Tiruvalla Christian families. The home is that of a Christian too who gave his unoccupied home for the Onam celebration. We tend to go crazy on social media about religion, the right to eat beef and so on. What amazes me is that not one person expressed an interest to cook a non-vegetarian dish for this Onasadhya, which had mostly Malayali Christians! To me, this is the spirit that Malayalis always had - to actually care for others, to show respect to another's faith whether they endorse it or not. [ READ: Happy Onam celebrations - Revisiting Memories ]   If this spirit doesn't capture the simpl...

Raising two daughters to be bold, down-to-earth and financially independent professionals is not easy. With years of dedication and discipline and of course, guided by Guru Kripa, my parents have done it well. Dad has always been my best friend. Just a week ago, Dad gave me a very emotional pep talk at the Bangalore airport.  The good thing is that whenever I feel emotionally vulnerable or stressed out, I replay Dad's conversation. Dad's words instantly brings a huge smile to my face.   That's my Dad - and I truly believe that every thought, word and deed of his is divine! As a doctor, I have seen my father sacrifice his personal comforts for his patients. I have seen him skip precious moments of his children's growing up years to take care of the suffering of those who truly needed his intervention as a doctor. As a teenager, Bangalore used to be one of my favorite cities though the garden city was not as ''global'' and ''vibrant'...

''Hey, you are Swapna, right?'' For the first time in over 30 years during my frequent visits to Puttaparthi, I was asked this question by a stranger.  I was taken aback because this is a very unusual occurrence for me in Puttaparthi.  My parents and I were about to sit down for dinner when the stranger walked over to us.  "I am Rakesh Menon, your husband's friend from Class 1,'' he said. Phew! Of course, I have heard about Rakesh Menon from my husband though the two friends have not met each other for over two decades.  ''Heard so much about you and now I finally got to meet you....the year was 1997. Sanand couldn't stop talking about you and I have heard so much about your romance...,'' Rakesh was smiling as he said this. I was literally squirming - it does feel a little odd to hear about my romance in front of my parents and my very curious 11-year-old son. But Rakesh Menon has this amazing way of making everyone ...

I met a Japanese lady inside Prashanti Nilayam, as my mother and I were waiting to meet someone. The lovely lady had a serene look that completely made us feel serene too - you believe in energy vibes that people carry around them, right? I do - there are people who exude amazing positive energy vibes that can instantly lift you up. This Japanese lady, whose name I do not know, is one such a person.                                                     [ Image: Radio Sai ] ''You can go inside and ask for the person you came to meet,'' she told us. Her voice was soft, sweet and melodious. She looked poised, graceful and so lovely, especially when she speaks. It reminds me ever so gently that there are real people in this world who know how to speak respectfully and lovingly, without treating you like some one they can use later on in life. A majority ...