1016 posts since 2008
Dandapani’s Blog
Welcome! Sharing my reflections on the spiritual path.
Join me on a profound journey of
self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Lunch with a priest's family
The only way to taste true Tamil cuisine is to be fortunate enough to be invited for lunch with a family. We had that pleasure yesterday when we dined at the home of Kailas Deeksitar, a priest at the spectacular Chidambaram temple. We were greeted by his wife, son and daughter. Both sons also serve as priests at the temple. From this humble kitchen, just a corner of the single room in which t...
More Articles
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Feb 22, 2012 1 MINUTE READ
Inside the sanctum of Chidambaram
Through our close connections with the priests of Chidambaram, we were able to go into parts of the vast temple that are rarely seen by outsiders. From an elevated balcony, we can look directly onto the golden roof that covers the inner sanctum where Shiva Nataraja is worship
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Feb 22, 2012 1 MINUTE READ
A Deer Friend in Swamimalai
No, it's not a spelling mistake. I do mean a deer friend. Two years ago we stayed at the Anandham Eco hotel in the village of Swamimalai during one of our spiritual adventures. A day before we had arrived during that trip a baby deer was born on the property. 2 years later w
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Feb 21, 2012 1 MINUTE READ
Labor of Love at Chidambaram's Orphanage
Just a few minutes outside of Chidambaram town is an orphanage built to house, care and educate special needs persons. All of the residents of this orphanage have challenges with mental development. Most of the residents are young but there are four elders as well. Sri Kailas Sh
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Feb 21, 2012 Visit to Chidambaram
At Chidambaram temple, the group pauses for a portrait with the priest who performed the ceremony in which the ancient statue of the elephant-headed Ganesha is bathed with oil, milk, yogurt, honey, sandalwood, turmeric, fruit, rosewater and coconut water.
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Feb 20, 2012 Relaxed cows of Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a beautiful seaside French colonial town. Beautiful 19th century architecture and contented cows (although maybe not as Ben and Jerry envisioned them.)
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Feb 20, 2012 Shopping excursion to FabIndia
One of the great shopping experiences in India is FabIndia. People got very excited.
