Visit to Down Under Part 1
Australia travelogue. March
5th -19th 2015
from the writers ’desk
from the writers ’desk
Arriving in Sydney , we were looking forward to see this new continent having heard so much from our niece and her husband and their children.
Temple visits and drive to the suburbs.(week end)
Friday, Sat Sunday went to see the Chinese and Hindu temples , driving a distance of 200+ miles round trip, .
Friday, Sat Sunday went to see the Chinese and Hindu temples , driving a distance of 200+ miles round trip, .
First exposure to the city by train on Monday mornng
Taking the morning train we reached Sydney central Queen Victoria Building (QVB) that had many similarities with VT station in Mumbai, NY Penn station and Boston Central. So managed to find the bus terminal, to get into the Free shuttle service, that gives a ride for 40 Minutes and stops near the Quay ( Sydney Harbour).
Taking the morning train we reached Sydney central Queen Victoria Building (QVB) that had many similarities with VT station in Mumbai, NY Penn station and Boston Central. So managed to find the bus terminal, to get into the Free shuttle service, that gives a ride for 40 Minutes and stops near the Quay ( Sydney Harbour).
with the tours guide phamplets, we marked the important tourist centres to visit, so it was easy for us to get in and get out,move to the next place with ease.
Stopped at three important land marks!
The Sydney Museum, New South wales Central Library (with a walking tour for 45 Minutes) and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Good walk, sat at convenient resting places, admiring the beautiful sunshine and pleasant weather, thanks to good planning, we carried our lunch and returned home enjoying every hour.
Visit to Hindu Temple in Sydney.
Almighty exists every where, and binds people settled beyond the shores of India and "the Down Under" continent is no exception! .
Lord Venkateswara Temple in Helens Burgh, New South Wales, Sydney Australia. It is the only Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
It is at a distance of 70 Kms from Sydney and stands at a height of400 ' above sea lea level, close to, the ocean, and built on virgin land surrounded by tropical forests .
As one drives closer to the temple, the Gopuram looks grand and inviting. We were told that the architecture for constructing the Gopuram was done by a sthapathi from India (one Mr Janakiraman from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu).
The temple has four praharams (encircling Corridors ) where the devotees take pradakshinam after offering their prayers at each shrine .we were told".The Foundation stone was laid in 1983 , with the Ganesha idol , Lord Balaji and Mahalakshmi and Andal, and ,after two years, in June, 1985, Kumbabhishekam was performed with Vedic rituals, and was attended by all Indians (Hindus) residing in the vicinity and close neighborhood.
My husband and myself visited this Temple complex, along with our niece and her husband. , (I had visited it almost 25 years ago) and was amazed, to notice the changes in the complex".
New idols were added --Murugan with Valli and Devasena , 63 Alwars, and 4 Nayanmars,and the Navagrahams .
The layout has been well planned with lot of space to move about, a cultural Hall (Multi purpose) and a special enclosure , where women volunteers gather on week ends to make garlands for the deities.
I would like to share an interesting anecdote told by(my sisters daughter and son in law, who live in Sydney).
"During one of his visit to Chennai, another devotee had been to Kanchipuram to seek the blessings of his Holiness Paramacharyas. He requested Mr .Ganesan(my sister's son in law) to carry the granite bricks to be placed for making the Peetam for Balaji, in the town of Helensburgh, Sydney.
Thus a beginning was made then and later other sannidhis came up.
At the Sydney airport, the customs officials made enquiries at the jute sack bag containing the granites stones. (initially they were concerned about huge brick blocks being carried all the way by Air . My son in law(working with Air India explained, that it was only granite stones being carried for placing the Balaji idol , the proposed Hindu Temple that is coming up , and that it was brought with the blessings of Sage of Kanchi, to build the First Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hearing to the hour long talk, the authorities after hours of consultation with their seniors, conceded to, their request, handing over the stones , removing it from the gunny bags, which had hay strands tied .
Seeing the stones with full grandeur, the priests performed the sacred rituals, according to the agama shastras. The local Hindu population gathered since morning to see their Lord(Balaji), come to bless them all".
Today the temple complex looks grand, having multitude of activities , to encourage youngsters in participating in free Gita classes, sanskrit sloka classes and to listen to discourses by several learned Vedic pundits and scholars at regular intervals, on special occasions.
A canteen is run by volunteers especially during week ends and special days.
The priests are given accommodation within the. Complex, who devote their time and energy in the service of the temple.
The city of Helensburgh is blessed to have this temple and we were happy to have visited the temple.
-------------------------------------------------------
Visit to Sydney Cricket Stadium ---12thMarch 2015,
We had yet another lovely day to visit the Cricket stadium complex. Went around to see the practice session pitch. Afganistan vs England to play the next day (13th March,15). we moved slowly seeking permission from the local guard on the ground, into the stands and had a view of the magnificent stadium.
Paused for a while , could imagine how it would be when watching a match between India and the prospective semi- finalist.! Wish this happens this month end. Reflecting on the CCI stadum n Mumbai , and comparing the size, the facilties provided to the members and the visiting teams, moved out of the venue, now at the fence, watching the practice match.
Stopped at three important land marks!
The Sydney Museum, New South wales Central Library (with a walking tour for 45 Minutes) and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Good walk, sat at convenient resting places, admiring the beautiful sunshine and pleasant weather, thanks to good planning, we carried our lunch and returned home enjoying every hour.
Visit to Hindu Temple in Sydney.
Almighty exists every where, and binds people settled beyond the shores of India and "the Down Under" continent is no exception! .
Lord Venkateswara Temple in Helens Burgh, New South Wales, Sydney Australia. It is the only Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
It is at a distance of 70 Kms from Sydney and stands at a height of400 ' above sea lea level, close to, the ocean, and built on virgin land surrounded by tropical forests .
As one drives closer to the temple, the Gopuram looks grand and inviting. We were told that the architecture for constructing the Gopuram was done by a sthapathi from India (one Mr Janakiraman from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu).
The temple has four praharams (encircling Corridors ) where the devotees take pradakshinam after offering their prayers at each shrine .we were told".The Foundation stone was laid in 1983 , with the Ganesha idol , Lord Balaji and Mahalakshmi and Andal, and ,after two years, in June, 1985, Kumbabhishekam was performed with Vedic rituals, and was attended by all Indians (Hindus) residing in the vicinity and close neighborhood.
My husband and myself visited this Temple complex, along with our niece and her husband. , (I had visited it almost 25 years ago) and was amazed, to notice the changes in the complex".
New idols were added --Murugan with Valli and Devasena , 63 Alwars, and 4 Nayanmars,and the Navagrahams .
The layout has been well planned with lot of space to move about, a cultural Hall (Multi purpose) and a special enclosure , where women volunteers gather on week ends to make garlands for the deities.
I would like to share an interesting anecdote told by(my sisters daughter and son in law, who live in Sydney).
"During one of his visit to Chennai, another devotee had been to Kanchipuram to seek the blessings of his Holiness Paramacharyas. He requested Mr .Ganesan(my sister's son in law) to carry the granite bricks to be placed for making the Peetam for Balaji, in the town of Helensburgh, Sydney.
Thus a beginning was made then and later other sannidhis came up.
At the Sydney airport, the customs officials made enquiries at the jute sack bag containing the granites stones. (initially they were concerned about huge brick blocks being carried all the way by Air . My son in law(working with Air India explained, that it was only granite stones being carried for placing the Balaji idol , the proposed Hindu Temple that is coming up , and that it was brought with the blessings of Sage of Kanchi, to build the First Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hearing to the hour long talk, the authorities after hours of consultation with their seniors, conceded to, their request, handing over the stones , removing it from the gunny bags, which had hay strands tied .
Seeing the stones with full grandeur, the priests performed the sacred rituals, according to the agama shastras. The local Hindu population gathered since morning to see their Lord(Balaji), come to bless them all".
Today the temple complex looks grand, having multitude of activities , to encourage youngsters in participating in free Gita classes, sanskrit sloka classes and to listen to discourses by several learned Vedic pundits and scholars at regular intervals, on special occasions.
A canteen is run by volunteers especially during week ends and special days.
The priests are given accommodation within the. Complex, who devote their time and energy in the service of the temple.
The city of Helensburgh is blessed to have this temple and we were happy to have visited the temple.
-------------------------------------------------------
Visit to Sydney Cricket Stadium ---12thMarch 2015,
We had yet another lovely day to visit the Cricket stadium complex. Went around to see the practice session pitch. Afganistan vs England to play the next day (13th March,15). we moved slowly seeking permission from the local guard on the ground, into the stands and had a view of the magnificent stadium.
Paused for a while , could imagine how it would be when watching a match between India and the prospective semi- finalist.! Wish this happens this month end. Reflecting on the CCI stadum n Mumbai , and comparing the size, the facilties provided to the members and the visiting teams, moved out of the venue, now at the fence, watching the practice match.
(By the time we reached
home (Mumbai) all hopes were shattered , kudos to the home team who played so
well to move to the finals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shopping for the much awaited precious
stone OPAL
Australia is home of the
semi precious mined OPAL stones /boulders.
It's fascinating that this
small continent holds the worlds largest reserves of Opal . They are mined,
made into precious jewelry, that every women wish to own a piece of this metal,
valued more than diamonds.we located a shop right in the centre of the city, spent almost two hours before deciding the buy few jewelry sets for my self and my children.
Explaining the difference between open cut and man- made, we
were shown different types, colors, shapes and sizes, comparing with the 4 c’s
of diamond selection. --Clarity, cut, cost and cents…
Made our way to the much awaited jewelry shop. OPAL AND PINK PEARLS. Varieties were so many , price range, quality, design, color, man-made Vs open mine settings etc.
the tussle between the design and cost was going on between us, and the women at the other side helped us. It took several minutes to decide
Finally (Mr.J )decided in favor of quality and liking.
It was all packed in small gift boxes, that were sealed and could be opened only after custom cleared at Brisbane Intl airport terminal. However, we took pictures in our camera to share with all.
Trip to Cairns ,Northern Queensland.
Made our way to the much awaited jewelry shop. OPAL AND PINK PEARLS. Varieties were so many , price range, quality, design, color, man-made Vs open mine settings etc.
the tussle between the design and cost was going on between us, and the women at the other side helped us. It took several minutes to decide
Finally (Mr.J )decided in favor of quality and liking.
It was all packed in small gift boxes, that were sealed and could be opened only after custom cleared at Brisbane Intl airport terminal. However, we took pictures in our camera to share with all.
Trip to Cairns ,Northern Queensland.
The geographical marvel of
two of the contrating Eco system side by side, one on land and other on the
oceans.
The cairns tour was enjoyed
as a tourist paradise and well preserved in this part of the world. Wait to read in part 2 series of the
Australian travelogue!
Vatsala Jambunathan,
Mumbai, 31 st March 2015.
Visit to Murugan Temple on
Friday morning.
The visit to yet another temple on the penultimate day of our stay in Sydney was enjoyable. Cool wind, pleasant weather , bit cloudy and few drizzles at the end of our visit and drive back home in time for a hot and mouthwatering
Dosa for lunch was welcomed by all of us.
The temple looked grand and the Abhishekam for Lord Siva was going on.
It was interesting to note, in spite of a working day, devotees were present with families to take part in the morning prayers. Other shrines included the Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena, Ganesa and the Navagrahams.
An interesting feature was the the beautiful granite sculptors of the Six abodes of Mumrugan (Aaru Padai Veedu), and the other Murugan temple depicted was the one in Srilanka KATHIRKAMAM Murugan temple.
I was so happy to sing all the Songs I learnt in in my music class, thanks to Radha for making us sing so.os.
Did a bit of last minute tour of the city and got to packing to for the much awaited trip to Cairns .
From the writers' desk.
Vatsala Jambunathan
The visit to yet another temple on the penultimate day of our stay in Sydney was enjoyable. Cool wind, pleasant weather , bit cloudy and few drizzles at the end of our visit and drive back home in time for a hot and mouthwatering
Dosa for lunch was welcomed by all of us.
The temple looked grand and the Abhishekam for Lord Siva was going on.
It was interesting to note, in spite of a working day, devotees were present with families to take part in the morning prayers. Other shrines included the Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena, Ganesa and the Navagrahams.
An interesting feature was the the beautiful granite sculptors of the Six abodes of Mumrugan (Aaru Padai Veedu), and the other Murugan temple depicted was the one in Srilanka KATHIRKAMAM Murugan temple.
I was so happy to sing all the Songs I learnt in in my music class, thanks to Radha for making us sing so.os.
Did a bit of last minute tour of the city and got to packing to for the much awaited trip to Cairns .
From the writers' desk.
Vatsala Jambunathan
visit to Cairns
to see two of the most astonishing Natural wonders side by side!
· Cape Tribulation Beach
· Daintree River Wildlife Cruise
· Chef prepared lunch at Daintree resort.
Witnessed two Tropical North QLD wonders on a single, great value tour to explore the stunning Cape Tribulation and visit iconic Mossman Gorge! We were picked up from our hotel sharp at 8.00 am
You'll be
picked up from your accommodation for a journey to venture into the lush,
ancient heart of this region, heading north along the scenic Queensland
coastline and past Port Douglas, taking in all the incredible reef views along
the way.
Travel further
along the Cook Highway to Cape Tribulation, soaking in the golden beach views
before hopping aboard a comfortable, purpose-built rainforest cruise boat for
an adventure down the heart of the Daintree River.
Kick back and take in
the informative commentary while viewing all the wildlife of the rainforest -
including huge crocodiles which call the Daintree River their home! - before
disembarking and heading on an entertaining, enchanting walk through the
Mossman Gorge National Park before reaching the famed gorge itself. Spend time
at the Gorge before returning to your hotel with some great memories in tow!
For a comprehensive and great value rainforest tour adventure, book this Cape
Tribulation and Daintree National Park Day tour online today.
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