Skywatch - A Yacht in the Sea!!!

For this weeks Skywatching is a Yacht in the sea, clicked few years back in Atlantis, Dubai. The shades of light as the yacht moved, made it a great sight.

Happy Skywatching!!!

Shri Lakshmi Janardhana Swami Temple, Bylahalli...

Iyengar community rule those small villages Bylahalli, Kyathanahalli and more in Hassan district of Karnataka. Heard of those Bangalore Iyengar Bakeries all over Mumbai, which are better known as Hassan Iyengar Bakeries in Karnataka, most of them are owned by this Iyengar community who share their base from these villages. Makar Sankranthi was just around the corner and I remembered our visit to Bylahalli last year, along with other Hoysala Temples around Hassan. Shri Lakshmi Janardhan Swami Temple at Bylahalli have their annual Brahmarathotsava(chariot procession) during Makar Sankranthi. 

The story of Iyengar community's settlement in Karnataka dates back to 12th century, during the rule of Chola rulers. Chola rulers who ruled present day Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Andhra Pradesh, followed Shaivism(followers of Lord Shiva). Shrivaishnavas, the followers of Lord Vishu, faced prosecution by the rulers and that was when Shri Ramanujacharya, one of the acharyas(teacher) of Shrivaishnavism left the chola territory and settled in Melukote of Karnataka(then the Mysore state). Along with him moved many of his followers and many local communities converted to Shrivaishnavism during this period too.

A scene of Brahma's birth from of Vishnu's navel, at the entrance of the temple

Yaksha at the entrance of the temple.

The temple has a five floored Gopura with five metal kalasha on the top. The main idol of Sri Lakshmi Janardhana swami adores the sanctum with other idols through out the temple.

Didn't click the main idol of the sanctum, but this idol from the temple.

Bylahalli is around 18km from Hassan. There are KSRTC buses playing from Hassan, best way to reach is by taxi or even you can hire auto-rickshaw from Hassan.

Cake Exhibition at J W Marriott Sahar Mumbai!!!

I was at J W Marriott Sahar, Mumbai few weeks(few months to be precise) back as part of Blogadda's Win 15 and Pampers #SoftestForBabySkin event. The best part about Blogadda events is they always have a pure vegetarian plater, including Jain counter. That was the event when I tasted Sushi for the first time, oh man, I just fell in love with Sushi and looking for a Japanese Restaurant somewhere around.

Center stage of the buffet was awesome sugar craft by talented chef of J W Marriott. I was so much impressed and went on clicking as many pics I could. Looking at my enthu, chief pastry chef asked me to visit the lobby where there were lot more cakes for display for the cake exhibition they had as part of 'Celebrate with JW Sahar' campaign. Have a look at all the cakes I got to click. Along with the looks, the cakes were in mouth watering flavours, which included Crunchy Hazelnut Almond Marzipan, Toffee Coffee, Caramelized pineapple cake, Red Velvet, Chocolate Truffle and Dry fruit cake.

 

Life size replica of one of the chandeliers at the lobby made of chocolate.

Isn't this awesome, do visit their cake exhibition if you get a chance to. They are treat to your eyes and to your taste buds.