... from the land of Viharas, Bodh Gaya.

         On the auspicious occasion of Buddha purnima which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha on this very full moon day, let me take you to Bodh Gaya the land from where it had all started ..... in the land of "Viharas"the name sake for the present Indian state of "Bihar".

.... in the search of truth, prince Gautama had renounced all the worldly pleasures and under this peepul tree (Bodhi tree) he attained enlightenment and became the "Buddha".

 A simple shrine was built by the emperor Ashoka (3rd century B.c)to mark the spot  later it was enclosed by a stone railing.The shrine was further refurbished by the Kushana kings((2nd century ) and the present Mahabodhi temple was later built next to it.

                        

        

This is the main temple of Bodh Gaya called the Mahabodhi Temple, it was excavated and restored by the British archaeologist Sir A Cunningham in the second half of the 19th century,later it went under many other restorations in which the Burmese buddhists had a major contribution to pay. The Bodhi tree is just behind this temple,which is actually the holy shrine.

Early morning chants, is so peaceful and soothing to the mind and the soul.

The inscribed stone below has a message to say,do read on....

   The Lord's feet,a depiction on stone.

The main deity of the temple, exudes the look of peace and serenity. 

              
               The Shanti Stupa at Rajgriha,areas near Bodh Gaya.

                                             

The omnipresence of the Lord has been depicted by the patrons from far east by building this 80 feet stone statue (a world heritage site) another milestone to commemorate how the presence of the Lord had spread far and worldwide from this very place.

  Stay blessed all and let's make small efforts to make this world around us a beautiful,simple and happy place to live in once more...

Find me here @Colours Dekor  
                        Ivy and Elephants

Summer Wine

Strawberries,cherries and an angel's kiss in spring.

 My summer wine is really made from all these things

  I walked in town on silver spurs that jingled to.

A song that I had only sang to just a few.

 She saw my silver spurs and said lets pass some time

  And I will give to you summer

 (Nancy Sinatra -Summer Wine)

                              Gates opening to the strawberry fieldsWe had some lovely time spent amidst the hills of the strawberry county and as promised I have brought back some postcards to share with you all.         Farm fresh strawberries and baby carrots were being sold   by the local vendor in these hanging cane baskets,what a riot of colors they made !

                                 To beat the heat,nothing could be better than these tall glasses filled with ice creams, fresh strawberries and cream,slurp away!                              Catch the birds sitting pretty, amidst the backdrop of the terraced farms.                                   as twilight dawns over the hills
               and what a beautiful sunset to watch in  silence,                          Hope this makes you feel all rejuvenated                          and charged  up to start the week ahead!  Would be partying @ ColoursDekor                                                The Brambleberry Cottage                                              Ivy and Elephants                                                               

Home tours

Woke up this morning to a big surprise from blogosphere; 

to find my home  featured in a seasoned bloggers blog.

      I am absolutely thrilled and can't wait to share it with you all.

  Snapshots of my home as featured by this lovely lady called Patricia Torres here

Decor tips: The decor is primarily Indian with colonial and eclectic accents. Some of my favourite pieces are the low lying darbari styled seating arrangements picked up from Hauz Khas village New Delhi, the marble topped corner tables with coloured tiles are from Lajpat nagar(Amar colony).The grey slatestone Krishna with the flute is from Mahabalipuram (Chennai). The eclectic hand fan is obviously from Kolkata, I just added the red sari border around it and so on .... 

 Patricia is a dynamic lady with a huge fan following her blog,
 and am so very happy to be a part of it today .... smiles.
 Thank you Patty and all you lovely people out there don't forget
 to drop in at her inspiring lifestyle blog at "Colours Dekor"

                                            Hugs Arani

Would be partying with: Ivy and Elephants
                                                    The Brambleberry Cottage

Mother of mine

  "Mother of mine" - Neil Reid
   Mother of mine you gave to me, all of my life to do as I please,
    I owe everything I have to you,
    Mother sweet mother of mine.
    Mother you gave me happiness, much more than words can say,
    I thank the lord let me breathe with you,every night and every day.
    Mother of mine now I am grown and I can walk straight all on my own,
    I'd like to give you what you gave to me,
    Mother sweet mother of mine
    Mother sweet mother of mine.
            

My beautiful mom with my sister on her lap..... a priceless photo that I treasure.                                                                            

Vintage crochet purse, pearls and brooches of my mother in law ..... timeless gifts to be passed down through the generations.

and a beautiful card from my sunny boy on Mother's day ..... Priceless!              

Card making tips: Cut and fold the coloured chart paper into a shape of a card, use crayons to colour it with bright colours.Now paint it with black poster colour over the coloured crayons.Let it dry.Take a toothpick and draw any design of your choice with the tip of the toothpick,here it is done with the roses.... voila see the colours coming out from the black paint! 

Wishes from a blessed daughter, daughter -in-law and a proud mother

A Happy Mother's Day to all.

Auro

Find me @ Ivy and Elephants

              Colours Dekor

                   The Dedicated House