Dear Readers,

Andhra society is one of the ancient societies of India. One can encounter several tales about Andhras in epics like Mahabharatam and Ramayanam, in great puranas, and Buddhist Jataka Tales. Telugu words appear in the Maharashtri Prakrit anthology of poems (the Gathasaptashathi) collected by the first century BC Satavahana King Hala.

Telugu speakers were probably the oldest peoples inhabiting the land between the Krishna and Godavari rivers. This confirms the ancient nature of Andhra society. The name Andhra is ancient and remained unchanged throughout history.

As the time gone by, people invented various methods of living, which keep us fit physically, intellectually and spiritually. It can be depicted as culture or tradition or as custom, but there is a meaning hidden behind every practice.

Why such inconvenient circumstances are chosen for practice?

“Sankarabharanam” is a film known to many Telugus. Earlier music teachers used to take their disciple to a river or to a stream early in the morning, even before the sunrise and tell them to take a dip in water till their chin reaches the water level and ask them to practice swara / raga. There are people, even today, practice singing in such uneven environment surrounded by cold waves, flow of water in the mornings!

One might wonder, why such rigorous training for a fine art is needed?

It is customary that if we are able to perform well something encountering all the odds, it will be a cakewalk for us doing the same in a pleasant or convenient environment. This could be the reason behind this practice.

O.K. It is agreeable as far as performers are concerned. But why is it same for all while chanting “Gayatri Mantra”?

Keep watching this space.

Let’s explore

Why Mangala Sutram?

This is wedding season. One cannot imagine a marriage without Mangal Sutram. Why Mangala Sutram (Thali Bottu) is prominent in Hindu Marriage System?
mangalyam…………saradansatam

 What do you do when you invite someone to your house? Or when you visit someone’s place? We generally present something to the host/guest as a token of your intimacy or friendship. In the ancient times of A.P. groom used to knot thrice a tati aaku (toddy leaf coated with turmeric) around the neck of lady he was inviting into his life. Later on it has been transformed as ‘Tali’. Tying the celestial thread around her neck signifies that his blessing to live her long with pleasure and prosperity.

Later on it changed into a couple of round shaped lockets. Mother of the bride offers one of them, talli bottu or ginni bottu, at the time of Gouri Pooja usually held before the day of wedding.

After kanyadanam, groom adds one more (attavarinti bottu or thali bottu)to it at the time of mangalya dhaarana. It reveals the idea that bride is the one who carries out the respect and prestige of both the families and it indicates that lady is married and one who enjoys the affection of both the family.