Friday, 29 August 2014
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Dreamy & Luxurious Architectural Designs
Dreamy & Luxurious Architectural Designs
1. Modern House Design Construction With Sporty Design Home Wooden Exterior
2. Spirit Lake, Modern Hillside Home by James D. LaRue Architects, Westlake, Texas
3. Dream Homes Backyard Area Featured With Curved Inground Swimming Pool With Waterfall
4. Luxury home at Las Vegas
5. Meek St. By DDB Design-Development- Build Australia
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
Fish curry
Ingredients
Serves: 4
- 1 medium Fish
- 3 tablespoon Coconut Oil
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon Fenugreek
- 3/4 cup Chopped red Onion
- 4 Green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Corriander powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 3/4 cup Grated Coconut
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Chopped corriander leaves
- 7 Curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Tamarind paste
Directions
Prep:15min › Cook:20min › Ready in:35min
- Cut fish into small equal pieces.
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and let splutter. Now add cumin, fenugreek, onion and green chilies and stir fry. To this add Corriander powder, Red chili powder, turmeric powder and coconut and stir well until coconut fries and a coconutty aroma starts coming out. Now add tomatoes, coriander leaves, curry leaves and salt. Stir till tomatoes are well cooked.
- Add fish,water and tamarind paste to it and cook till done. Serve with steamed tapioca or Kerala parotta.
Friday, 4 April 2014
ISKCON "Hare Krishna"
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), known colloquially as the Hare Krishna movement or Hare Krishnas, is a Hindu Gaudiya Vaishnavareligious organisation. It was founded in 1966 in New York City by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its core beliefs are based on select traditional Indian scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad-gītā and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. The distinctive appearance of the movement and its culture come from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which has had adherents in India since the late 15th century and Western converts since the early 1900s in America, and in England in the 1930s.
ISKCON was formed to spread the practice of bhakti yoga, in which aspirant devotees (bhaktas) dedicate their thoughts and actions towards pleasing the Supreme Lord,Krishna. ISKCON today is a worldwide confederation of more than 550 centres, including 60 farm communities, some aiming for self-sufficiency, 50 schools and 90 restaurants. In recent decades the movement's most rapid expansions in terms of numbers of membership have been within Eastern Europe (especially since the collapse of the Soviet Union) and India.
Beliefs and history
ISKCON devotees follow a disciplic line of Gaudiya Bhagavata Vaishnavas and are the largest branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Vaishnavism means 'worship of Vishnu', andGauḍa refers to the area where this particular branch of Vaishnavism originated, in the Gauda region of West Bengal. Gaudiya Vaishnavism has had a following in India, especially West Bengal and Odisha, for the past five hundred years. Bhaktivedanta Swami disseminated Gaudiya Vaishnava Theology in the Western world through extensive writings and translations, including the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam(Bhagavata Purana), Chaitanya Charitamrita, and other scriptures. These works are now available in more than seventy languages and serve as the canon of ISKCON. Many are available online from a number of websites.
Krishna is described as the source of all the avatars of God. Thus ISKCON devotees worship Krishna as the highest form of God, svayam bhagavan, and often refer to Him as "the Supreme Personality of Godhead" in writing, which was a phrase coined by Prabhupada in his books on the subject. To devotees, Radha represents Krishna's divine female counterpart, the original spiritual potency, and the embodiment of divine love. The individual soul is an eternal personal identity which does not ultimately merge into any formless light or void as suggested by the monistic (Advaita) schools of Hinduism. Prabhupada most frequently offers Sanatana-dharma and Varnashrama dharma as more accurate names for the religious system which accepts Vedic authority. It is amonotheistic tradition which has its roots in the theistic Vedanta traditions.
Hare Krishna mantra
The popular nickname of "Hare Krishnas" for devotees of this movement comes from themantra that devotees sing aloud (kirtan) or chant quietly (japa) on tulsi mala. This mantra, known also as the Maha Mantra, contains the names of God Krishna and Rama.
The Maha Mantra:
- Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
- Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
- Hare Rama Hare Rama
- Rama Rama Hare Hare
Seven purposes of ISKCON
When Srila Prabhupada first incorporated ISKCON in 1966, he gave it seven purposes:
- To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
- To propagate a consciousness of Krishna, as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gitaand the Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus to develop the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
- To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy names of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- To erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
- To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.
- With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.
Four regulative principles
Bhaktivedanta Swami prescribed four regulative principles, in relation to the four legs of dharma, as the basis of the spiritual life:
- No eating of meat (including fish) or eggs.
- No illicit sex: only between married couples and only for the procreation of children; only at a prescribed time of month, with permission of the couple's spiritual superior.
- No gambling.
- No intoxicants (including alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and other recreational drugs..
The four legs of Dharma are:
- Daya: Mercy
- Tapas: Self-Control or Austerity
- Satyam: Truthfulness
- Śaucam: Cleanliness of body and mind
Monday, 3 February 2014
The royal city continuous...
37. Visit the Chittorgarh Fort
One of the best known forts of Rajasthan is the Chittorgarh Fort, located close to the city of Udaipur. The fort stands out for its ornate architecture and a luxurious setting. There are several palaces and tall buildings within the fort which are worth a visit. If possible, pay a visit to the fort at night, when it illuminated and looks all the more stunning.
38. Visit Devigarh Palace- epitome of Rajasthani luxury
Another stunning palace of Udaipur is the Devigarh Palace. It has been restored and converted into a resort recently. The palace has been voted as one of the best in terms of design by different travel and design magazines. Take a tour of the palace and walk through the same rooms that once the royalty walked through.
Other things to do in Rajasthan
39. A cultural stay in Chokhi Dhani Resort
A Rajasthani experience cannot be complete without experiencing the colorful customs and traditions of Rajasthan. A part of the cultural experience of Rajasthan can be had at Chokhi Dhani Resort. It is an ethnic resort close to Sanganer, where you are treated to traditional folk dances of Rajasthan, dinner by the bonfire and so much more.
40. Jeep Safari in Ranthambore- A wild experience
One of the wildest things to do in Rajasthan, literally, is take a jeep safari tour of Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary. It is one of the most well known wildlife reserves of the country, home to tigers, elephants and a lot of other species of wild animals.
41. Palace on Wheels- a kingly experience
Don’t just limit yourself to visiting the forts and palaces in Rajasthan and imagining how life must have been for the royal class. You could feel like the royal class yourself with a journey aboard the Palace on Wheels. It is one of the best luxury train ride sin the world which takes you through Udaipur, Jodhpur and several other cities of Rajasthan. Make sure you book your seat well in advance, for the train usually is completely booked for an year or more.
42. Ziplining at Neemrana Fort- Shout your lungs out
About a couple of hours drive from Delhi is Neemrana Fort, one of the many forts in Rajasthan. But it is a little different than the rest. At Neemrana Fort, you can go ziplining. In other words, you can go from one hill to the next with the help of wires suspended high above the ground. You cannot help but shout your lungs out as you zip across the mountains.
43. Chhatra Sagar Nimaj- A royal camping experience
Almost everything in Rajasthan is a royal experience. How can camping be left behind? Chhatra Sagar Nimaj is a camp located by the Chhatra Sagar Nimaj dam in Pali-Marwar district. The camping tents face a beautiful lake, andthe camp itself combines a rustic and a royal experience. You can enjoy a camping experience here during the months of October to March, since the camp is closed during monsoon and summer months.
44. Take the blessings of Dargah Sharif, Ajmer
Dargah Sharif in the city of Ajmer is the shrine of Moin-ud-din Chishti. It is a place revered by people of all religions. Each year, several thousand pilgrims descend to the shrine to offer their prayers and seek blessings. One of the holiest times to visit the shrine is during the time of Urs, which is a 6 day festival. It is said that a prayer offered at Dargah Sharif does not go unanswered.
45. Visit the Bundi Fort- an ornate masterpiece
The Bundi Fort in the city of Bundi in Rajasthan may not be as well as known as some of the other forts of the state. However, it deserves a visit for its ornate architecture. Like most forts of Rajasthan, the Bundi fort too has a story to tell. Visit the fort and explore the many buildings that lie within its boundaries.
46. Take a trip to Mount Abu- an eco-tour in Rajasthan
Mount Abu in Rajasthan is a popular hill station of India. In the royal times, it was visited by the royal class and the British for leisure. Take a trip to Mount Abu and explore the interesting architecture of the place, which comprises of colonial style bungalows and royal homestays as well. There is a small sanctuary too in Mount Abu where you can go bird watching or even spot leopards and langur.
47. Take a jungle safari in Sariska Tiger Reserve- an encounter with wildlife
One of the most adventurous things to do in Rajasthan is to take a wildlife tour in Sariska National Park. Situated in Alwar district, the national park was opened in 1955. It is one of the best habitats for tigers in India and has been actively involved in the Tiger Project. Take a safari through the reserve and spot several species of wild animals, and some exotic species of birds too.
48. A visit to Bhangarh- be spooked
Bhangarh is an ancient city which is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan. The ruins of the city are believed to be haunted. It is also believed that anyone who visits the ruins of the Bhangarh Palace after dark does not ever return. In fact, the city is off limits after dark, and despite being an ancient city, the Archaeological Survey of India does not have an office here. Take a tour of Bhangarh during the day and hear spooky stories from the locals themselves.
49. Tour Bishnoi Village- a tryst with ethnic Rajasthan
If you are interested in a peek into the age old customs and traditions of Rajasthan, there is nothing better than a taking a village tour in the desert state. Tour the Bishnoi Village and learn about the various customs and traditions of Rajasthan that are still practiced in this part of the state. A tour of Bishnoi Village lets you get up, close and personal with ethnic Rajasthan, and also gives you a chance to explore the mystic Thar Desert.
50. Visit Junagarh Fort- for its architectural marvel
You just can’t get tired of visiting all the forts and palaces of Rajasthan. Each one has a different story to tell and different architecture to mesmerize. Junagrh Fort is located in Bikaner, in the arid region of Thar Desert. It is one of the few forts of Rajasthan which are not built atop a hill. The city of Bikaner has been established around the fort, which houses several temples and palaces, each testimony to the times gone by.
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Monday, 27 January 2014
RAJASTHAN"THE ROYAL CITY" continues....
15. Visit City Palace Jaipur- a story of the olden days
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, houses the City Palace complex, which comprises of Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and several other buildings belonging to the royal era. The palace dates back to the time of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and stands out for its architectural marvel. You can see several artifacts belonging to the royal era at the palace, which tell a story of the old times.
16. Take part in Gangaur Mela- A riot of colors
Every year, right after holi, the city of Jaipur comes alive with the Gangaur Mela. It is a festival which lasts for two weeks and is all about celebrating the culture and traditions of Rajasthan. You can sample delicious Rajasthani cuisine during the festival, watch colorful traditional dances and so much more. An eclectic feature of the festival is the unmarried tribal men and women marrying only by eloping during the festival.
17. Visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary- a haven for bird lovers
If you are a bird lover, you will love spending time at Bharatput Bird Sanctuary, now called the Keoladeo National Park. It is a World. Heritage Site which is home to more than 200 species of different birds. Situated close to the city of Jaipur, the best time to visit the park is during the winter months when several migratory birds flock to the reserve.
18. Visit Johri Bazaar in Jaipur- go jewellery shopping
Apart from its many historical monuments, and being the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also well known for its Johri Bazaar. The market is renowned for its several shops selling authentic gold and silver jewelry. Take a tour of the market and get your hands on exquisite pieces of jewelry here. The market is a tourist attraction in its own right.
19. Visit Abhaneri Step Well- a mystical experience
You probably won’t find any mention of the place in most travel guides. Yet, it deserves a visit. Located close to the city of Jaipur, the Abhaneri Step Well is a water reservoir dating back to 9th century AD. You can descend a few steps into the water reservoir marvel at the architecture of the establishment. There is a small temple too closeby which is worth a visit.
20. Stay at Rambagh Palace- luxury personified
Once the residence of Maharaja of Jaipur, the Rambagh Palace is now a luxury hotel owned by the Taj Group. A stay here means you get to live the life of the royal class. However, it does not come cheap. The palace has seen several high profile guests over the years, including some of the most famous sportspersons, film actors, and political dignitaries. If your pockets allow though, a stay in Rambagh Palace is an absolute delight.
Things to do in Pushkar
21. Kite flying- reaching for the skies
A colorful and traditional sport of India, kite flying is still actively enjoyed in Rajasthan. Every year, Pushkar plays host to a kite flying festival. You can participate in the festival, and connect with locals as well as tourists over this fun game.Many have even found the love of their life during the kite flying festival in Rajasthan.
22. Visit the Pushkar Fair- A fair very different than the rest
Traditional fairs may be a dying event across India, but the Pushkar Fair remains as strong as ever. It is a camel and livestock far which lasts for 5 days. The fair takes place between the months of October and November. You can witness some traditional dance forms of Rajasthan during the fair, apart from some really eclectic competitions such as a fight for the longest moustache.
Things to do in Jaisalmer
23. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort- a tryst with history
One of the oldest forts in Rajasthan is the Jaisalmer Fort, situated in Jaisalmer city. The fort, also known as Sonar Quila, immediately captivates you with its sand stone and impressive architecture. There is a market situated close to the fort where you can pick up some interesting miniatures of royal artifacts.
24. Visit the Gadsisar Sagar Lake- It will enchant you
It is not just Udaipur which has some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer is an equally beautiful manmade lake, which once served as the source of water for the entire city. There are temples and shrines built close to the lake which are worth a visit too. If possible, visit the lake during the winter months, when it makes for an interesting bird watching venue too. And don’t miss out on the story of the king and the prostitute which is associated with the lake and the Krishna temple located closeby.
25. Visit the Thar Heritage Museum- a quirky little place
Now, the Thar Heritage Museum isn’t one of those large national museums which tons of artifacts to explore. Located in the backstreets of Jaisalmer, the museum is private property and owned by a passionate individual interested in preserving the history and culture of Rajasthan. The owner of the museum himself takes you on a tour of the museum and knows a lot about the different artifacts that are placed here. You can even watch a short puppet show in the evenings, making the experience even quirkier.
26. Visit the Desert National Park- a magnificent ecosystem
Even the most arid regions in the world can breed life, and one of the best examples of that is the Desert National Park. Located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer city, it is one of the largest national parks of the country. A large part of the park’s ecosystem comprises of sand dunes. The national park is frequented by several species of birds, including the rare Great Indian Bustard. There are fossil remains of plants and animals too in the region. In fact, fossils of dinosaurs as old as 6 million years old have also been found in the area.
Things to do in Udaipur
27. Visit the Shilpgram Museum- for an arty experience
Don’t be misled by the name. The Shilpgram Museum is actually an ethnic village which has been set up to promote the traditional arts and crafts of India. Located in Udaipur, at the foothills of the Aravallis, a tour of the village lets you explore the many different forms of traditional crafts which are practiced by several tribes of India.
28. Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort- a breathtaking experience
When in Udaipur, don’t miss out on a visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort. It is arguably the most magnificent of all forts in Rajasthan, with several structures to explore. There is even a light and sound show in the evenings to enjoy. When visiting the fort, be prepared to walk a lot, since there is a lot to be explored here.
29. Horse riding- ditch the camel
While a camel safari is a quintessential desert experience, horse riding is more of a colonial one. What better location for a colonial experience than the majestic landscape of Udaipur. You can go on a horse safari in the region for 2 hours, 4 hours, or even a full day, complete with camping in Swiss tents and a very rustic experience. During one of the longer safaris, you almost feel like a nomad, in search of that coveted treasure which are the thieves are after.
30. Visit the Bagore ki Haveli- a Rajputana experience
The name itself speaks much about the traditional Rajputana experience. This majestic haveli in Udaipur has been converted into a museum, which several artifacts of the Rajput kingdom on display. Take a tour of the haveli and get to know the revered Rajput tradition and culture.
31. Visit Saheliyon ki Badi- an ornamental garden
One of the many manmade delights of the city of Udaipur is the Saheliyon ki Badi, a small ornamental garden built on the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake. Back in the royal times, princess and her friends used to come to the garden for a stroll, and hence the name, which translates to “Garden of Maids.” The garden has several fountains which are operated with an energy conservation principle. Take a stroll in the garden and you almost feel like the royal class itself.
32. Visit Fateh Prakash Palace- another Udaipur marvel
Udaipur just does not cease to surprise you. It is home to stunning lakes and palaces, one of which is the Fateh Prakash Palace. Located on the shores of Lake Pichola, the palace was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. A part of it has been converted into a heritage hotel. You can stay at the palace cum hotel and inside you can see several miniature paintings and other artifacts dating back to the royal times.
33. Visit Monsoon Palace- another royal epitome
Located in Udaipur is the majestic Monsoon Palace, perched high atop a hill, giving magnificent views of the lakes and palaces of the city. The palace dates back to 1884 and was originally built to track the monsoon clouds, and hence the name. A symbol of Mewar rule in the region, the palace is illuminated in all its brilliance in the evenings, making for a stunning sight.
34. Visit Ranakpur-a holy village
Ranakpur is a rustic village of Rajasthan, located close to the city of Udaipur in Pali district of Rajasthan. The village is well known for its many Jain temples, the most notable of which is the Ranakpur temple. The village of Ranakpur is considered to be one of the holiest places for Jains. Take a tour of the village and explore the many beautiful temples which date back to the royal times.
35. Visit the Fateh Sagar Lake- an absolute beauty
Located a bit further from Pichola Lake in Udaipur is the Fateh Sagar Lake, a major tourist attraction of the city. The calm waters and the hills in the background make the place absolutely beautiful. The lake is named after the famous ruler, Maharana Fateh Singh.
36. Boating on Lake Pichola- A romantic ride
One of the most romantic things to do in Rajasthan is to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your special someone. Located in Udaipur, the city of lakes, Lake Pichola is one of the oldest lakes of Rajasthan, and undoubtedly, a major tourist attraction of the city. The lake is surrounded by hills on one side, palaces on the other, and some beautiful temples too.
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