Dec 12, 2010

Mythology made easy

Thanks to the various cartoon channels for telecasting these stories and many more thanks to the animation teams that are working on these. I was watching Sree Krishna animation movie in one of the cartoon channels and the language is soo great that kids can understand them very easily. Mythology which was at one time a boring rather uninteresting stuff for kids, is now made ready made and easy to understand. I was watching it with my Googlee, though he is too small to watch TV continuously I was in love with the movie. He was being fascinated now and then, when he was watching it.
If things are made so easy, why would someone not want it.

Jul 1, 2010

Some kiddy activity at home

Last month Googlee's cousins were here for his first brithday. There was some activity going on for Googlee using House blocks
 
Pony



CAMERA


An Arch with a Birthday cake on the table
SWING





TWIN TOWERS - one with a Dish and another with a Roof Garden

May 14, 2010

What is your Birth Flower?

Here is a nice forward that i received sometime back from a sweet friend of mine...

Similar to a birthstone and an astrological sign, there are birth flowers which have a corresponding meaning and character that is being attributed to the person who was born during a certain month. Check out your birth flower and consequent personality traits:

January Birth Flower – Carnations
People who are born during January have carnation as their birthday flower. It is also known as gilly flower and clove pink and is widely harvested in many different colors and varieties. The name of the flower is derived from the Greek word corone (coronation) and means 'flower of the Gods'.
Flower Meaning of Carnation : Carnations symbolize deep love, fascination, a friend in adversity and eternal fidelity.
Personality traits associated with carnation : Individuals who have carnation as their birth flower are strongly motivated to succeed and gain a position of power in life. They strive for respect and accomplishment in their careers. They are emotional and sensitive and are very responsible and protective towards their families. But the biggest barrier in their success is their communication skills; they need to learn to openly communicate their deep feelings.

February Birth Flower-Violet : People who are born during February have violet as their birthday flower.
Flower Meaning of Violet : Violet signifies faithfulness, warmth of affection, prosperity, faith, wisdom, hope, inspiration, humility and cleanliness.
Personality traits associated with Violet : People born with violet as their birth flower have an accurate intuition, a tremendous common sense, ingeniousness, and a powerful will. They can handle any difficulties in life with a smile and transcend setbacks by using celestial knowledge. Women are born with this flower as their birth flower are original, independent, beautiful, intellectual, and make good use of their magnetic sexuality to reach their purposes.

March Birth Flower – Daffodil : The daffodil is the March birth flower. The daffodil's meaning is rebirth with a promise of happiness and joy.
Flower Meaning of Daffodil : Daffodils represent optimism, reverence, kindness and warmth unrequited love.
Personality traits associated with Daffodil : Daffodil as the birth flower makes one compassionate, dreamy, artistic, independent, sensitive, loving, impractical and timid. These people can easily adapt to different situations and can handle different tasks at the same time. One of the greatest traits of these people is that they usually avoid conflict whenever possible and are inclined to act as peacemakers when others fight.

April Birth Flower – Daisy : April’s birthday flower is daisy which comes in pink and purple colors and is quite popular among flower lovers all over the world.
Flower Meaning of Daisy : It is associated with innocence, modesty, curiosity, inquisitiveness and brings a joyful, happy-go-lucky character wherever it appears.
Personality traits associated with Daisy : People with daisy as their birth flower are born leaders. However their strong and impatient desire to succeed must be controlled as hasty decisions need to be avoided. They are competitive and motivated people and they make everyone’s life beautiful wherever they stay. But they have a habit of talking too much and usually are not good listeners.

May Birth Flower - Lily of the Valley
: Lily of the valley is the birth flower of May. This graceful flower was once used as an herbal medicine as a poison antidote in the ancient times.
Flower Meaning of Lily of the Valley : It represents strength of character, remembrance, infatuation and splendid beauty.
Personality traits associated with Lily of the Valley : People born with Lily of the Valley as their birth flower are beautiful, somehow stubborn and practical towards life. Strong and dominant with powerful will power, these people can courageously handle the difficulties of life. Girls born with this birth flower are beautiful, intellectual and sensitive


June Birth Flower – Rose : The Rose is the birth flower of June.
Flower meaning of Rose : The most common and beautiful flower, rose stands for passion, friendship, magnificence and love.
Personality traits associated with Rose : People having rose as their birth flower have a gift of youth, a double personality and a quicksilver mind enabling them to adapt easily to any situation. They have good communication skills and are curious by nature.

July Birth Flower – Larkspur : Larkspur is considered to be the birth flower of July.
Flower meaning Larkspur : Good luck, lightness and laughter are associated with Larkspur.
Personality traits associated with Larkspur : Family matters will always play an important role in life of people who have larkspur as their birth flower. They are perfectionists and are quite critical. Steadiness, organization, warmth, love, and charm belong to them and they are go-getters in life.



August Birth Flower – Gladiolus : The gladiolus is the birth flower of August.
Flower meaning of Gladiolus : Strength of character, marriage and family is an important sense for people born in August. These are also meanings attached to their birthday flower, gladiolus.
Personality traits associated with Gladiolus : People born with gladious as their birth flower are strongly motivated by the will to succeed. Strong and dominant, they nurture a formidable desire to organize and rule others. But their destructive outbursts of emotions and pride often lands them in trouble. Women born with gladiolus as their birth flower are stunning, intellectual and attract others with their enthusiastic power.

September Birth Flower – Aster : The aster is the birth flower of September. In ancient times, it was believed that burning the leaves gave special powers, as the scent would drive away evil. The aster flower symbolizes afterthought and was laid on the graves of soldiers.
Flower meaning of Aster : Aster or morning glory is known to have rich and deep colours that radiate beauty to its surroundings. It symbolizes love, daintiness, contentment and unpredictability.
Personality traits associated with Aster : People who were born with aster as their birth flower are believed to have a strong devotion to life and are filled with light. They are intellectual, very critical and picky and tend to work hard. They are masters of communication and will always combine logic and intuition in dealing with life. Astrologically they have been classified as the “perfectionists”.

October Birth Flower – Marigold : The marigold or calendula is the birth flower of October. In India, the flower was placed around the necks of holy statues, as it was considered most sacred.
Flower meaning of Marigold : Contentment, excellence, gratitude and love for nature are characterized by the marigold.
Personality traits associated with Marigold : People born with marigold as their birth flower are strongly motivated by a desire for justice and always create harmony in all areas of your lives. They have a gentle personality and love to take challenges. They are 'peacemakers' and usually don’t like to fight with others. Being a good communicator they usually tend to convince people and are considered to be born leaders.

November Birth Flower – Chrysanthemum : The chrysanthemum is the birth flower of November. According to an old myth, a single petal of this flower placed at the bottom of a glass brings forth longevity.
Flower meaning of Chrysanthemum : Chrysanthemum represent cheerfulness, sensitivity, compassion and wealth.
Personality traits associated with Chrysanthemum : Strong, private and dominant, the individuals who have chrysanthemum as their birth flower are born with a practical mind and an acute intuition. They are interested and aspire only for the truth. The women are sensual, intellectual, reserved, and super magnetic.

December Birth Flower – Narcissus : A sweet fragrant, bulbous white flower, Narcissus is the birth flower of December. As per Greek mythology, Narcissus was the most beautiful boy on Earth and as he saw his own reflection in a near by lake, he learnt over to kiss his mirrored image and fell in and drowned. When he was discovered by the God Apollo, he turned Narcissus into a beautiful flower, so his beauty could be remembered forever.
Flower meaning of Narcissus: Narcissus symbolizes celebration, egotism, wealth and success.
Personality traits associated with Narcissus : People born with narcissus as their birth flower tend to be fortunately blessed, strong willed. They hate disagreements, are careful, unobtrusive, systematic and confident. Extremely hard working, independent and self-confident, these people respect traditions. They are very much attached to their family and can go to any lengths to protect them from the world.

Apr 24, 2010

25 Health Benefits of Lemons

Lemon is one of those super foods with a myriad health and cosmetic benefits. There are a few persons for whom it is an allergen, so make sure you are not allergic to this natural product, before you start enjoying the many benefits.

1. Lemon being a citrus fruit , fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection.
2. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) .
4. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut.
5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.
6. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the digestive system and purify liver as well.
7. The skin of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder can be applied to the hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.
8. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more.
9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.
10. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue.
11. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold.
12. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.
13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.
14. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems .
15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin .
16. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections.
17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.
18. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhea.
19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.
20. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.
21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.
22. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diphtheria.
23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair .
24. Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young.
25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.

Apr 23, 2010

Grapes

According to Cancer Research Institute of London, grapes are good for women. They help them to avoid the painful wound related with breast cancer treatment.
Grapes also protect heart and blood vessels against oxidative tissue damage. Hypertension could be controlled by consuming one cup of grape juice and one cup of celery juice each with warm water three times a day for twenty days. Give a break of 5-7 days after 20 days and start the treatment freshly for another 20 days.

Mar 3, 2010

Kumararama

Kumararama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is located in Samarlakota in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in South India.

Lord Shiva is known as Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy here. The consort of Lord Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy is Bala Tripurasundari. According to legend, the Sivalinga at the temple place was installed and established by Lord Kumaraswamy. Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam and Sarannavarathri are the main festivals celebrated at the temple.

Ksheerarama

Ksheerarama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located in Palakollu near Narsapuram in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Lord Shiva is known as Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy here. The Sivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Vishnu.

Somarama

Somarama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located in Ramachandrapuram Taluk in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Lord Shiva is known as Someswara Swamy here. The temple is situated on the bank of Godavari River. The consort of Lord Someswara is Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru. The Sivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Chandra. Maha Shivaratri and Sarannavarathri are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.

Draksharama

Draksharama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras in South India. It is located approximately 28km southwest of the city of Kakinada, in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.

The Siva deity is known as Bhimesvara Swamy. The temple is situated on the eastern bank of Godavari River. The consort of Lord Bhimesvara is Manikyamba. According to local belief the Siva linga at the temple was installed and established by the god Surya. Maha Shivaratri, Devi Navaratrulu, Karthika Masam, and Dhanurmasam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.

According to local legend, the temple was built by angels in one night. The construction of the perimeter wall could not be completed before sunrise and still stands incomplete. Several attempts have been made to construct the uncompleted part of the wall but all those efforts have failed with the constructed wall collapsing within a few months.

Amararama

Amararama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located at Amaravati town near Guntur City in Andhra Pradesh in South India. Lord Shiva is known as Amareswara Swamy or Amaralingeswara Swamy here. The temple is situated on the southern bank of Krishna River. The consort of Lord Amareswara Swamy is Bala Chamundika. The Sivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Indra.

The Sivalinga here is very tall that the archakas mount a pedestal platform, and perform the daily rituals as well as Abhisheka. The top of the Linga has a red stain on it. It is said that Sivalinga was growing up in size and to stop its growth, a nail has been hit onto the top of the Sivalinga. When the nail dug into the Linga, blood started to ooze from the Sivalinga itseems. The stain can be see even today.

Pancharama Kshetras

The Pancharama Kshetras or the Pancharamas are five ancient Hindu temples of Lord Shiva situated in Andhra Pradesh. The Sivalingas at these temples are made from a single Sivalinga.
According to mythology, this Sivalinga was owned by the Rakshasa King Tarakasura. No one could win over him due to the power of this Sivalinga. Finally, Lord Kumaraswamy, son of Lord Shiva, broke the Sivalinga into five pieces and killed Tarakasura. The five pieces of Sivalinga fell at five different places on earth.
These five pieces were installed as Sivalingas at five different temples by Indra, Surya, Chandra, Vishnu and Kumaraswamy at the respective places. These places (or Aaramas) are as follows:

  1. Amararama (located in Amaravathi)

  2. Draksharama (located in Draksharamam)

  3. Somarama (located in Bhimavaram)

  4. Ksheerarama (located in Palakol)

  5. Kumararama (located in Samarlakota)

Jan 25, 2010

Kanuma

On Kanuma, cattle and cattle sheds are cleaned and decorated. These cattle help us in many ways - we get dairy products from them, they help us in the farms, they are used in generating oil from the oil seeds, etc.,
It is also said that, it is on this Kanuma that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhana mountain to save people, cattle and many lives.
Food items with Sesame seeds (nuvvulu - aresalu) and Urad dal(minapappu - Garelu) are made on this day.

Aresalu
















Garelu

Jan 21, 2010

Makara Sankranthi

Makara Sankranthi day starts with decorating the houses, putting rangolis, having early morning oil head baths and wearing new clothes. Sun god is worshiped on this day. Milk is boiled and offered to Sun god. There is an astronomical significance of this day: this is the first day of Uttarayana, Sun moves northward for a period of six months. The rest of the six months, Sun is in Dakshinaayana – the south. This period is considered auspicious. Otherwise said - Makara Sankranthi is the event of the Sun entering the zodiac sign of Makara or Capricorn. Various food items are made and there is enjoyment all around in the family.