A visit to Paschima Vahini and Srirangapatnam.

My memories of Paschima Vahini is linked strongly to my maternal grandmother. The only grand parent I knew. I still remember the careful walk down the steps to the river and the shock I felt as she dunked my head down thrice below the water.

I also recall taking a dip in the Kaveri . I was a very worried kid as I had heard that there were crocodiles in the river and kept my eyes peeled for any unexpected movement on the banks of the river.

I have been to the place a few more times, twice to consign the ashes of my parents. While these moments were poignant, it is the memory of my grandmother that fills my heart as I walk down the steps to the river. The unquestioning belief part of my nature was entirely due to her nurturing. She passed away when I was 14 years old and I was desolate. I guess my questioning attitude took over from then on.

But this story is about a temple her grand father had built on the banks of Paschim Vahini and the tradition of Tulamasa Kainkarya the family continues to follow till today. (Tulamasa is during mid October to mid November)

It is a typical Hindu Indian story. My great great grandfather Kodagu Srinivasa Iyengar was tired after a long travel on horseback (This impressed me a lot as I heard the story from my Grandma!) found a nice place to bathe and rest. While asleep under the ashwatha tree he had a dream. He was asked to dig the earth below where he rested and he would find an idol of Lord Krishna. He should then build a temple and install the idol. He was also told to perform kainkarya of taking care of all pilgrims who would visit this sacred place. (Ritualistic duty)

The ground below the tree was dug, a beautiful idol discovered and a temple built. The pilgrims who came were offered food as ordained in his dream and the tradition which began 200 years ago continues till today. Many members of our extended family stay there during the month supervising the temple activities and organizing the 'Annadhana' for the pilgrims who arrive during Tulamasa to take a dip in the river and offer prayers. 
(Annadhana consists of a freshly cooked lunch which is served around noon.)
I remember my grandmother's brother was very active during my younger days, later my maternal uncle, my mother, maternal aunts and older cousins would all stay and take care. Now it is the turn of younger aunts and cousins! Their dedication and especially the contribution of their time is admirable. It is not easy to camp for a month and deal with many issues. Some days the numbers of pilgrims visiting is unexpectedly large and they manage to somehow give them food.

"Paschima Vahini finds mention in Puranas as a sacred place from time immemorial and mythology says that God Brahma's daughter came down to earth as river Kaveri and it is said that a dip in the river washes our sins, guarantees moksha and a freedom from rebirth."

We made a pilgrimage on the 16th of this month and it is always a special feeling. 

The Sangam we visited before going to Paschima Vahini

We did not go directly to Paschima Vahini.
We took a small detour to Gosai Ghat which my sister Srilatha had seen earlier.
A beautiful place to visit.

My cousin's wife Sridevi
 takes a careful step as she gets into the water.

The rest preparing to take a dip in the river.

It was nice to see the larger river bank almost litter free

This warning and the flowing water discouraged me from swimming! The dip in the river felt great. While I believe there is more to attaining moksha than just a dip in a sacred river, it felt heavenly while we were in the water. The water was pure and clean. May be the reason why Tulamasa is the chosen time for a dip.

The small temple was neat and the walls recently painted

This boating is for a very special purpose.







There were some jarring reminders of what the future may hold. Hope someone can convince Pepsi to be more sensitive to the surroundings!

We then came to Paschima Vahini and I was again disappointed to see more number of buildings, restaurants and lodges blocking the view of the river and the temple our forefathers built. I gather many structures are illegal. Earlier it was a small beautiful temple with an open space next to it, which could have been made into a nice garden for people to relax and enjoy the view of the river. Sadly the reality is very different.

I wish the gurus who hold forth on our sashatras will usher in a change by unearthing doctrines which demand clean and well maintained surroundings for our well being, material and spiritual.


In Paschima Vahini

The building next to the temple which was once an open space with a small garden.

The building on the left of the temple!
 communities could join to make the surroundings beautiful.

The steps I took as a kid with my grandmother.

The ceremonies before conveying the remains to the river.

The tree under which the idol of lord Krishna was unearthed.

The flood level. The temple was half under water.

The Temple and rituals during Tulamasa:

Patient devotees waiting

The doors finally open.

Electricity failed and it felt special
as the aarthi was performed in darkness.
We were taken back in time!

Reaching out for the aarthi.
This is a very important part of our ritual.

We bow our heads to be blessed by the priest.

A clean modern kitchen

.

This has a very special significance. My mother would tell me the story with a lot of excitement. She was in the court yard of the temple making wicks for the lamps when she heard a loud thump. She looked up and was surprised to see a silver vessel lying near her and then she saw a monkey which had thrown the vessel down looking at her. Then the monkey just vanished! As no one came looking for the vessel it was decided to use the silver to cover the Hanuman idol. She maintained that Lord Hanuman had arranged this miracle to happen
 and she felt blessed as she was the chosen one.

As I researched the web to learn more about Paschima Vahini, I saw this report from Hindu. May be there is hope that there will be improvements will be made, but we really do not know. Having ideas is fine but implementation is something else.

A deluge of problems at Paschima Vahini R. Krishna Kumar
Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008


Tale of woe: The ghats at Paschima Vahini near Srirangapatna. MYSORE: The Paschima Vahini, near Srirangapatna, presents a picture of neglect. The ghats and the steps leading to them are on the verge of collapse.
Thousands of people come to the place to immerse the ashes of the dead. A priest, who has been officiating ceremonies here for several decades, said that any development here was last witnessed during the time of the Maharajas.
In summer, the water level is low and the banks are strewn with garbage. The water stinks as garbage is thrown into the river. During rainy season, people take risk to immerse the ashes of the dead in the absence of chains and meshes as at the bathing ghats. According to the local priests, there is a need to clean the banks and undertake dredging operations to ensure that there is enough flow of water during summer while ensuring that garbage is regularly cleared.
The bathing ghats need to be strengthened and the flooring has to be relaid the steps are in urgent need of repairs. Local people have suggested that chains be fixed along the banks to facilitate people to take a dip in the river without the fear of being washed away, especially during rainy season.
Located in sylvan settings, the area is historic and there are a few structures belonging to the period of the Maharajas. It was here that the then Chief Minister Chengalaraya Reddy took the lead in the ceremonies associated with the immersion of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes on February 12, 1948. A stone plaque records the event for posterity but it is now covered with weeds.

Srirangapatna is often clubbed with Mysore (which is just 13 Kms away). In reality, Srirangapatna needs to be considered as a stand-alone weekend destination. As an island of cauvery, it has perfect setting, It has a rich history to narrate as it witnessed the valour of Tipu Sultan. Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangapatna, is an important pilgrimage centre. Naturalists will love Ranganathitu Bird Sanctuary, arguably one of the best in India.