Lord Parashuram-The warrior sage

Lord Parashuram, the warrior sage.

Lord Parashuram was the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Parashuram was a revolutionary Brahmin sage who exhibited the qualities of a Brahmin as well as a Kshatriya. Parashuram was the grandson of Bhrugu Rishi. Bhrugu’s son Rucheek married Satyavati. Satyavati approached Bhrugu for a boon. As per that, she asked a child for herself and her mother. Satyavati was married to a Brahmin but her mother was married to a Kshatriya. As per that their sons would have the respective qualities of Brahmin and Kshatriya. But Satyavati followed rituals of her mother and her mother followed the rituals of Satyavati. This led to confusion. Satyavati pleaded with Bhrugu Rishi and asked her that this shouldn’t affect her son (Jamadagni), but would affect her grandson (Parashuram). Jamadagni had the qualities of Brahmin. Jamadagni married Renuka and they had four children’s. Their last child was Parashuram. When Kshatriya’s grew adamant, Mother Earth approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu descended to Earth as Parashuram.

Parashuram was believed to be an Avesha Avatar. It is believed that after fulfilling the purpose of Avatars, Lord Vishnu left the body of Parashuram and Parashuram lived as a normal human being thereafter. Parashuram was highly dedicated to his parents and extremely obedient. His courage, warfare tactics, valor denoted his character as Kshatriya. He knew the Vedas and underwent extreme penance to get various boons. Though He was an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu never exhibited his true powers, but instead lived a simple, ascetic life and set an example for the humans. If there is something good in anything, it should be followed and accepted. Let it be Christianity or Islam.


Lord Parashuram, a brahmin, an ascetic, a sage.

Jamadagni prayed to Lord Brahma and got a boon. Since he was living in poverty, he asked Brahma to grant food. Lord Brahma gave a cow called “Kamadhenu” which would give unlimited food and dish. Meanwhile, Parashuram underwent severe penance praying to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva presented him an axe, “Parashu”. His name was Ram, but since then he became to be known as Parashuram, The Ram with Axe. Once King Kartivir Arjuna visited Parashuram’s ashram. He is believed to have 1000 hands. Jamadagni fed the entire army and the King with the help of the cow. Kartivir Arjuna was a greedy person and he demanded Jamadagni to give the cow in exchange for gold. Jamadagni refused as the cow was presented to him by Brahma himself. Kartivir Arjuna forcibly took the cow and devastated the Ashram. Parashuram was away from the Ashram at this time. When he returned and saw the mess, he grew extremely angry. Parashuram went to the kingdom and killed Kartivir Arjuna and his thousand hands and retrieved the cow.

Once Parashuram’s mother Renuka went to the pond for a bath. At that time, she saw a handsome youth. Though she was married, she desired for the youth. Jamadagni came to know of this and got extremely furious. He commanded his elder sons to behead their mom for having lost her purity of thoughts. The sons refused as it was their mother. In the end, Jamadagni asked Parashuram to kill all his brothers and his mother. Without any second thought, Parashuram obeyed his father’s orders and killed them. Jamadagni was extremely pleased with his son’s dedication and asked him what he wants in favour. Parashuram asked the lives of his brothers and his mothers. Jamadagni was amazed at Parashuram’s dedication and love for his siblings and parents. He granted his wish and Parashuram got his brothers and mother back alive.


A portrait of Parashuram.

Meanwhile, the sons of Kartivir Arjuna were plotting revenge. Though Parashuram was their target, they wanted to kill Jamadagni, his father and make Parashuram realize the pain of being without his father. Since Parashuram had killed Kartivir Arjuna, a king he has done a sin. So he went on a pilgrimage to cleanse his sins. When he returned back he saw that his father has been killed by the evil Kshatriyas. His mother hit her chest 21 times and explained what had happened. This enraged Parashuram so much that he destroyed 21 generations of Kshatriyas and wiped out all evil monarchs and replaced righteousness and Dharma. Parashuram dedicated his entire life for the safety of Brahmins and sages fighting against all evil Kings. Parashuram was a brahmachari, an ascetic and a Chiranjeevin.

Parashuram is a popular God in Kerala. It is believed that he fought the advancing waters and saved the land, which is now called as Kerala. Parashuram built many temples dedicated to various Gods, Goddess and restored spiritual interests amongst people.


Parashuram.

Parashuram in Epics

Ramayana

Parashuram was a devotee of Shiva. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Ram in a Kshatriya family. He was to marry Sita. During the betrothal ceremony the suitors were to lift the bow and string it. Only Lord Ram was able to do it and in the process broke the bow into two producing a tremendous noise which reached the ears of Parashuram. Parashuram arrived at the scene. Vasishta Brahmarishi requested the Kshatriyas not to confront the sage. But Sita Devi approached the sage and seeked his blessings. Parashuram blessed her by saying, “Sow Bhagyavathi”. Then he turned towards Ram. He instantly recognized Ram as an avatar of Lord Vishnu and his superior. He couldn’t fight with Ram as he has just blessed Sita Devi.





Mahabharatha

Parashuram hated the Kshatriyas. He taught warfare only to Brahmins and not to Kshatriyas. For the sake of Duryodhana, Karna disguised himself as a Brahmin and learnt warfare and even to handle the greatest weapon the Brahmastara. Once Parashuram was sleeping on Karnan’s lap. At that time, a bee stung Karna. Karna didn’t move fearing that it might disturb his teacher’s sleep, so he withstood the pain. The blood came oozing out and the wetness of blood awoke Parashuram. Parashuram was shocked to see the blood. He inquired about the incident. Parashuram felt that only a Kshatriya could have withstood such a great pain and felt that Karnan could be Kshatriya. Karnan accepted the truth and apologized. Parashuram cursed Karnan saying that Brahmastara weapon would never be useful to him when it matters the most! Later on, Karnan is killed by Arjuna under the guidance of Lord Krishna who is none other Vishnu himself.

Of all avatars, Lord Krishna and Ram are the most popular ones. But there is a meaning in each and every other avatar too. Bhagwan Vishnu’s kindness, love for his devotees is felt when he comes to help his devotees in times of need and danger. Parashuram avatar has impressed me for many reasons. Parushuram’s love and affection for his parents, his courage, valour and warfare despite being a Brahmin has impressed me. Generally, Brahmins are highly noted for softness, innocence. As a result of which they are also often ridiculed for their rituals and practices. At one point it is said that Brahmins discriminated people and lower caste people by not allowing them into their houses and temples. Maybe true! A few people would have behaved like that. It is wrong. But is it right to ransack Agraharam and their houses and loot their property? Raping young Brahmin girls, women, cutting the hairs of Brahmins and their sacred thread? I believe there is a difference between humans and animals.

One of my friend told that there was a book published with the title, “Towards a No-Brahmin Millennium”. Just think if there was a book released in the name of “Towards a Non-Islamic Millennium”, just think what would have happened. Brahmins are so helpless that they are afraid even to fight for their basic rights. It’s not that a Religion is bad and other is good. Religions are a path to attain salvation. There are a few things in this world which cannot be reasoned and explained like how teachers teach pupils. Few things should be learnt through self-realization.

There has been a lot of criticism on the sacred thread the Brahmins use to wear after their Upanayanam. Each Religion has got its own principles and each set of people deserve some degree of freedom. Generally, everyone views India as a traditional Hindu country. But I view India as a land belonging to all people and all religions. India’s fate is to be diverse and unified and that it would be so with the blessings of God. There are even Muslims, Christians and Parsis living in India. That’s a good sign. As I told earlier, every Religion has got its own principles. India belongs to all Religions and everyone. The preamble of India defines India as a secular, socialist, sovereign, democratic Republic.

In Islam, circumcision is practiced in which during the neonatal period foreskin of the penis is removed. My view is that it should be painful. But that’s what Islam says. It is against Human Rights violations in one point of view as generally it is performed on a minor. As per Indian law, only a person above the age of 18 is considered is a major and can be independent. What does the Union Government have to say on this practice done on minors? But did anyone dare to raise that question?

While I was walking down the streets of Adyar there was a CD shop. I went into it and purchased a few classic comedies of Vivek and Goudamani. I was shocked to see porn VCD’s available and a boy aged 15 was purchasing at least 5 of them. 15 year old is a minor. He is having free access to pornography in this traditional country. The girls acting in such porn movies are below the age of 18 and they are forced to act by giving sedations, tablets. Most movies are taken without their consent. If Government has got time to give Royal permits to such shops, why can’t they permit Brahmins to wear a simple thread and a kudimi (sikam)?

During the days of British Raj and after Independence, Brahmins generally took up posts as Priests and clerks in Government offices. Due to reservations/quotas, generally Brahmins were never allowed to climb the ladder in their career. Most of them took up Bank jobs doing CA, PUC. After sometime, they were slowly removed even from temple duties. All temple in charges appointed in all main temples in Tamilnadu are not Brahmins. Tamilnadu is the only state in the entire Republic of India in which the State Government has taken drastic actions on a community which is widely accepted for temple duties.

There has been a lot of criticism on Lord Ram, mythological stories; religious practice where a common lay man demands an explanation on the Engineering Degree of Lord Ram. In Mathematics, there is a concept called Axiom. It is statement which is not proven conclusively but it is believed to be self-evident and serves as a starting point for deducing and inferring other units. In Mathematics there is also a concept called Theorem which requires proofs and illustrations. Theorems are created by humans, Axioms are never created as they exist and they will continue to exist in life. They need to be discovered and not invented like Theorems! Axioms and Theorems constitute Geometry. Likewise, religious practices and rituals are like Theorems. Few needs to be proved and few are self-proven like Axioms and they can be understood only through self-realization. There are basic Axioms of life which serves as a base for Religions (Theorems). Love, non-violence, care, respect, understanding, patience are the basic Axioms of life. All theorems (Religions) are written on the above aspects. These constitute life. This is the Geometry of life. People might wonder why the need for Theorems (Religions) when Axioms (Love, respect) hold well? The answer comes here: Life is not a straight line and few problems can be solved only through with the help of Theorems.

India is destined to live as a Union of Religions, cultures, and traditions. India deserves a first world status for its unique lifestyle and people. There would be Churches for Christians, Mosques for Islam, Temples for Hindu’s, Fire-temples for Parsis. There is no pride in living as a separate state, but the real achievement is to live as a Union. All men, women and children are to be treated equal. There would be no abuse, human rights violations, rapes, forced prostitution, theft or robbery. After all, we are all humans and towards the end of the day, we should say to ourselves, “We did something good to someone” or at least we should say, “I am happy that I didn’t harm anyone today”. Living in India is all about accepting the similarities and respecting the differences.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Indian Railways-Steam Engine Ride

Madhan, Sridhar Joshi and Nishant. Pic taken by Sriram Karthik.

January 26th, 2009.

The day started off in a dull manner. My original plan was to see the Republic Day Parade in the Television. But I decided to join my friends on a visit to Royapuram to see the steam locomotive heritage run. Frankly speaking I am not much of a steam fan. It must be due to the fact that steams were stopped during my early days of childhood and I witnessed only diesels and electric action. But I admit that I got interest in trains only after getting impressed with chug-chug sounds and the steam whistle. I use to play with toys when I was a kid. I remember seeing Steam locomotives in action hauling Cholan Express but I have got faint memories of those days.

I purchased a ticket to Royapuram at Kasturibai Nagar and I walked to the MRTS platform at Kasturibai Nagar. Satya Narayanan was coming in the EMU and I was to join him in the same EMU. At Mylapore a.k.a Tirumailai, Sriram Karthik joined us and got into our coach. Our EMU ride was good. My EMU negotiated the curve before MSB. I saw the corpse of a dog lying on the sides. It must be at least a week! Poor thing. Reminded me of my present adopted dog Damien. Then we boarded a Gummidipondi bound EMU at Beach station and got down at Royapuram which was the next station.


Pic taken at Royapuram. Pic taken by Sriram Karthik.

The platforms at Royapuram were empty in my opinion. We decided to walk along the tracks. In the far distance, I could see the steam locomotive. The locomotive was majestic and that changed my mood slightly. I also became interested in steam engines, though I am much more of a electric fan. Immediately, I called up my house and commanded my father to quit all works at once and come to Saidapet "Lonely Express platform". Please note that "lonely express platform" in my house means the platform in Saidapet where Fast EMU’s, expresses pass without stopping. That's the fast line. The platform is lonely and no train stops there as EMU's use slow line. That's also the place where I study when I am free.

I immediately called up a friend of mine who drives Auto Rickshaw and asked him to pick my father at my house. Then I called up my father and convinced him to board the auto to come to SP. My father being loyal to the Government was interested only in travelling in Government transport buses. I didn’t want my father to strain so asked him to come by auto. He is in his 60's and I don't want him to strain but he is more fit and energetic than anyone else. He still believes simplicity is the best!


WP#7200 Steam Locomotive. Pic taken by Sriram Karthik.

Sridhar, Chechu, Madhan, Suresh Babu, Dilip and Nishant were waiting near the locomotive. This was the first time I was meeting Madhan. Sridhar led us into a coach and asked us not to move here and there. Looks like Sridhar has got a lot of contacts. The coach was nicely decorated with balloons, color papers. It had speakers, music systems and some nice music. Chechu sir wasn’t much interested in music as he believed that it destroyed the natural ambience. He was right; the entire mood went for a toss as silly songs were played almost throughout the run.

It didn’t look like a Heritage Run, but some other thing which I don’t want to mention. The songs certainly destroyed everything. Apart from this, everything was perfect. We whistled and moved out of Royapuram. We did only 20kph. I never believed that I was behind a steam locomotive. Credits to Perambur Loco Works for the overhauling and repair works. In my opinion, the loco performed well more than I expected.


The Hero got resurrected. Pic taken by Sriram Karthik.

As we crossed Chennai Beach Jn, people stood in platforms to wave out to us. The entire crowd was amazed. The young ones were excited to see the steam train. It seems they already knew that we were coming. Few people had the national flag with them and waved out to us. We need to appreciate one thing in our country. Our country values Heritage more than anything else. Over these years, it is only the heritage and culture which has bonded us towards progress. During testing times, it’s only the heritage, culture, moral values, traditions which would save us and nuclear arms, weapons won’t really save us.


My steam train negotiates a curve. Pic taken by Krishna Kumar.S

As we crossed Fort, I could see Poochi Venkat taking snaps from the road. I tried to capture a photo of Poochi Venkat, but it wasn't possible as my camera mobile was incapable. People were standing in the roads and taking snaps through camera mobile. Even young couples stopped and took photos of the train. The MTC bus drivers also waved to us as they drove the buses. Meanwhile, one of my friends Viswanatha Srinivasa Prasad was also travelling parallel to us in an EMU. We were running parallel for sometime and VSP's EMU overtook us!! VSP is 50 year old. But I just couldn't believe that he is old. He was doorplating the EMU and waving out to us and his reflexes amazed me. If I was in his place, I wouldn have thought twice before standing at the door especially when the EMU was crowded.


A child gets interviewed by the media. Pic taken by Krishna Kumar.S

We were greeted with warmth in all stations. As we crossed Chetpet, people from houses, flats waved to us. Chechu sir also waved to the kids, crowd standing outside. I guess Chechu sir went highly nostalgic. I noticed that a person was having his shave. After hearing the whistle, he came and stood with his family in the balcony. He had soap all over his face and he waved out to the train. We had a halt at Mambalam. It was a long halt and it took nearly 40 minutes to start from there. Out of nowhere, suddenly AJJ WAP-4 entered into Mambalam with Pallavan Express at high speed. I wondered whether he would stop at Mambalam. Chechu sir got down at MBM itself. I guess he got fed up with the music. It was irritating, but we couldn't help it.


Details about Steam locomotive WP#7200. Pic taken by Sriram Karthik.

I informed my father that we are nearing Saidapet. Lots and lots of people were standing in the platform. I couldn’t spot my father. The train was nearing the Saidapet South Cabin. For those readers, who do not know about South Cabin-it is actually my friend Aravind's house which is located near the tracks. And since it is south of Saidapet it is nicknamed as South Cabin- similar to the term which is used in Railways. Almost the entire coach waved out to Aravind’s family. I could see Vimal with handkerchief tied to the head and Aravind was taking videos with his new camera.

I had the plan of getting down at Guindy if the train had stopped but it didn’t stop. My plan was to wave at Aravind from the train. I was in touch with Harish Kumar and Poochi Venkat through mobile and updating them through phone calls. The sad thing was due to some problem in my problem, I couldn’t send any messages. I didn’t even have time to troubleshoot. So all updates to interested friends/relatives was done through calls! I spent nearly Rs.50 in a span of 3 hours/Re. 1 per each call. As my train crossed Tirusoolam, I could see Poochi standing near the tracks taking snaps. Poochi was coming all the way in a bike with his friend to take photographs. As usual, I yelled out, "POOCHI". I could recollect that during the farewell to MG at Tambaram, Poochi was taking video.

Sweet boxes, juice, water bottles were distributed to us. Sadly, I forgot to take it home and I left the sweet box in the coach itself. We had a long halt at Pallavaram. I wondered why? It was more than half an hour. I got down from the coach and got ready to take a snap of Vaigai. I could see a lot of crowd standing on the tracks watching the steam engine. As the signal turned yellow in B-line, the station master and the support staff requested the crowd to move away from the tracks. I knew 2635 Vaigai was on its way. The train was doing only 45kph in my opinion. I think that the train was given a caution order due to the heritage run. As the WAP-4 came into view, I waved out to the LP. The headlights were switched ON.


My train crosses Saidapet. Pic taken by Krishna Kumar.S

After Vaigai had passed, I informed Sriram Karthik and Dilip that I would be leaving. I went to the platform and saw a book stall. I thought of buying a few crime novels-Tamil crime novels. I purchased 5 Rajesh Kumar and 3 Pattukottai Prabhakar Crime Novels. I boarded an EMU back home. Since the solar eclipse was about to start I didn’t want to have anything. I had some food during the early morning hours. It’s a trivial issue. I don’t know whether to follow these rituals or not, but since my parents have requested me I have decided to follow the rules. I boarded an EMU back home and got down at Saidapet. I then boarded 5E to reach home. I went for a sleep. Once the solar eclipse was over, I had a bath and immediately had food! I was damn hungry at that time.


Vaigai Express walking through Pallavaram. Pic taken by Krishna Kumar.S

Wish you good luck,

-Krishna Kumar.S

How to solve Kashmir issue?

Since my childhood I had been wondering why India and Pakistan quarrel over Kashmir question and they aren't willing to compromise. So what shall we do with the state of Kashmir? Shall we give to Pakistan so it would get some income through Tourism and stabilize its economy? Or shall we retain it to have an strategic edge over Pakistan? What's the purpose of the sacrifices of the soldiers on both sides? Shall we add some meaning to the martyrs who died fighting for both Pakistan and India? We shall do onething. Let's give the land to the orphans, widows, rape victims, old people, mentally-affected disabled people living in both India and Pakistan. Let the state be jointly managed by the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It can also be monitored by U.N or W.H.O. Let's guard the unfortunate in an respectable manner. Don't say it's not possible. Anything is possible. This wouldn't take much money. Rather than investing it on arms and weapons in the idea of protecting citizens, why not protect the citizens directly?

Let's give the unfortunate people a paradise for themselves. Let the orphans realize that they have got brothers and sisters when they move with other childrens. Let the widows of fallen military soldiers feel accomplished that their husbands sacrifice was meaningful. Let the inter-caste, inter-religious rape victims realize that even soft hands can touch them so they can forget their mental trauma. Let the old people live their last days in life staying far away from busy city life. Let the mentally affected people be allowed to rejuvenate. Who knows, they might get cured by being in the serene environment like Kashmir. Wouldn't the respective Governments be happy if they get a well cured citizen back to serve their country?

For many readers this might be a joke, but for people without siblings like me this is a wish. I don't have brothers or sisters in my life. I am not crying nor depressed nor sad, but at one stage of life I would be alone. But I believe that my country won't let me down. It's sad to watch so many young women getting the Vir Chakra for their husbands sacrifice during the Indian Independance/Republic Day parades. Losing their husbands at such an young age. The society wouldn't allow them for a re-marriage neither in India nor in Pakistan as both are traditional countries. Is that mean that people who are near the border and those in Army should die just because its their destiny and fate? The rest of the citizens can enjoy and live in peace while there should be some people dying always on both sides? Let it be India or Pakistan, an human is an human. Something to think about! Just give it a thought.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Tirupati Trip with Jaikarthik

Lord Vishnu gives away his sister Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva.

My cousin brother Jai Karthik decided to visit Tirupati. It was to be a one-day trip. The trip members were Shanmuga Ragavan, Venkatu mama, Hari Prasad, Jai Karthik and I. It was a bus trip UP and DOWN. We were to meet at CMBT at 1400hrs. Shanmuga Ragavan and I boarded 23M near my house. We reached CMBT on time. My cousin brother Jai Karthik came there in a Salem bus. Soon we were joined by Hari Prasad and Venkat Krishna. We boarded an ordinary bus to Tirupati. We thought of traveling in A/C, but we erased the idea.

We started at around 1500hrs from CMBT. Our bus took the route via Puzhal, Red Hills, Kavaraipettai, Gummidipoondi, Arambakkam, Tada, and Sri Kalahasti. While nearing Arambakkam I saw Coromandel Express with a Lallaguda WAP-4 running towards Chennai Central at a good speed. What a strange life! 22 years of existence in this mortal world. These steel machines have stood with me seeing my life's greatest moments, sad moments and betrayals. What and how am I going to repay to them?


A photo depicting brother and sister.

My bus crossed the TN-AP border at Arambakkam. Again, I was in one of my beloved states in my country. I could see some private plots here and there. Hotels were found here and there with a lot of lorry drivers taking rest. The rural landscape was excellent. I could see the Eastern Ghats. Very soon as the bus negotiated to forest-like areas. There wasn't many buses running and it was a typical village like scenario. I felt bad that I didn't have the camera with me. My bus reached Kalahasti. I could see bakeries having some excellent snacks. Pakkodas, Samosas, Puffs. Yummy! My mouth was watering. But we didn't get down. We reached Renigunta at around 1800hrs. After Renigunta, my bus took its own time. Suddenly, there was a loud noise. Drr, Grrrrrrr. Praang! I knew it was a WDM-2 on its way. It was an 8-coach train and I guess it was a passenger. The tracks were on right and I guess that the engine just had its transition from series-series to series-parallel to parallel-parallel. It was coasting for a second to accelerate. My predictions. We reached Tirupati before 7PM.


Lord of the Seven Hills.

We went to a nearby hotel to have food. It was excellent. Very soon I was munching parottas and chappatis. Then came the fun. We were suppose to climb the hill overnight. Since we hadn't booked for darshan or accommodations we were to do it on that day. We booked a small room for Rs.400. Then we started to climb the hill. Jai Karthik went up in bus while the rest started to climb the Tirupati Hill.


High-Resolution Image of Lord Vishnu and his consorts.

The plan was like this. JK was to go up and inquire about tickets. The rest would climb the hill. We started climbing the hill. I made a mistake of climbing fast. Within 500 steps I was running out of energy. Then Shanu suggested an excellent idea! Walk for 150 meters and take rest. This method worked out well. Very soon, JK called up and said that the tickets for darshan are given only down and not in the hill. Plans went for a toss again. We didn't want to climb up and go in free darshan as it would take at least a day. We had no choice than to climb down, stand in long queue, book tickets and then board a bus.


Ezhumalayaan with flute.

We returned back to our room, left our luggages and took half an hour rest. We then went to the counter to stand in the queue. It was an endless wait. Soon the queue grew in size. We went there at 0030hrs and we were in queue till 0600hrs. Shanu and I were to tonsure our heads. What to do for the remaining hours? I was to narrate the story of Dasavatharam. The narration went on for two hours till 0230hrs. After that, I went to sleep as I don’t generally stay awake for more than 22 hours at a stretch. However, later on in my life, I stayed awake for more than a day continuosly, something which I don’t authorize.


My desktop wall paper.

To our horror we saw the darshan timings as 0830hrs. Where’s the time for walk? Where’s the time for tonsure? The time was now 0700hrs. Immediately we boarded the bus! The bus driver took his own time to climb. It was 0815hrs when we reached the top! 1 hour and 15 minutes! Generally it takes only 40 minutes. We had no time to tonsure. We went for darshan straight way. We saw the deity in some 20minutes! Jai Karthik commented that he felt like having played a T20 match. We boarded our bus back to Chennai. I was feeling sleepy and I dozed up. I woke up near Sri Venkata Narasimha Rajuvaripeta. There was a hotel here and the drivers got down and declared a 15 min break. Twin WAG-5's cruised with a goods train towards Renigunta. It was an awesome sight. Chennai Central-Renigunta section has got a lot of freight traffic!


A wall-paper for you!


I reached home by evening. I was slightly upset because my plans to tonsure went for a toss. I lost interest in the trip. Venkat intervened at the right time and counseled me that it wasn’t a big mistake. He assured that it won’t be a mistake. I was content only after Venkat’s words. If Venkat hadn’t counseled I would have been in a state of depression. My dog Damien was waiting for me at the gates when I reached home.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Trip Report posted after 6 months. Sorry for the delay!

Arokkonam trip with Sriram and Ramki

Sriram Karthik and Ramki capturing WAG-7 in action.

December 25th, 2008.

It was the birthday of Jesus Christ. I decided to rail fan after a long time (almost a month). I was feeling drowsy even before the trip started. I boarded the MRTS to reach Chennai Park and then walked to Chennai Central. 111SR MAS-AJJ Passenger was to start at 1450hrs and I reached there by 1350hrs. I started “sight-seeing” engines and started observing their numbers/shed details. My train was in the 4th platform and to my surprise it had an Erode WAG-7#27486 at the helm. I was surprised to see a goods dedicated locomotive hauling a passenger. There was also a Barbie WAM-4#21339 of Arokkonam Shed with pantographs down behind the WAG-7. I got excited, as I was very eager to travel behind a goods engine. My friend Sriram Karthik turned up at around 1410hrs. Ramki didn’t get any permission from his parents so I thought he might not turn up. Suddenly I got a message from Ramki when the time was 1448hrs. Ramki came to our coach at 1449hrs! The train started at 1451hrs. I was very impressed with the pickup and the initial start. We crossed Basin Bridge at 40kph+.

Ramki and I got busy with Masala Poori. Whenever buying such foods in trains, I use to give a second thought. Is it safe? But since we were three people, I decided to go for it. I am a great fan of spicy foods eating one such thing every week. Onions! Yummy. To my dismay this lady gave fewer onions and more of bhel poori. I thought of asking for more, but erased the idea soon. I later realized that I have forgotten to bring my handkerchief. Oh my God! The spicy food was hot. Tears came out of my eyes and water came out of nose. No water to drink. I rushed to the washbasin. Damn it! I would have accepted if water hasn’t come. But the blessed basin didn’t have a tap. Blowing puffs of air out like a steam engine and with WAG-7 accelerating with my train I decided to rail fan by standing at the door.


WAG-7#27486 was very clean.

For some unknown reason we crossed Vyasarpadi at a slow speed. We had halts at Perambur and Villivakkam. I felt boring and uninterested. Something was wrong with me. Very rarely I am confused/preoccupied with thoughts during train journeys. What’s wrong with me on this Christmas day?

After Villivakkam, my train simply blasted through sub-urbs. I never thought that this WAG-7 was capable so much. While crossing Korattur, Ambattur and Avadi dust was sprayed on people standing near the tracks. I was in the 6th coach, as usual standing near the door in the left. WAG-7 really made a meal of the puny 8-coach load. Some great soul was having his lunch in the next coach near towards the loco. He washed his hands in the 5th coach and water came splashing on my face. Then had sambar and curd rice. My guess! As he threw the paper out, it came flying past me and I could sense it by the smell. The sambar packet with some sambar still left was thrown out and it went past my face. I expected him to throw some rice next so that I can also finish my lunch!

Hindu College, Pattabiram, Veppambattu was crossed in a flash. Sevvapet Road was crossed at around 60kph with blaring horns reminding me of the RF session with Dilip at the Sevvapet Road on June 17th, 2007. Putlur was crossed at 40kph. By this time the person has finished his lunch and washed his hands and hence washing my face. Funny!


Passenger train getting goods locomotive. The pickup was good.

After Tiruvallur, my train did normal speed and I didn’t observe anything extra ordinary. I was slightly proud that I was able to know sub-urban names and at the same time I was ashamed that I didn’t know it in order. We had a halt at Kadambattur. This halt is not mentioned in the timetable for this train. Egattur, Senjipanambakkam, Manur, Tiruvalangadu went by in a jiffy. As we were crossing Mosur, Ramki said that he would buy a plot over here and build a house to watch trains. Whether Ramki knew it or not, it’s also my wish. This is any rail fan’s wish I guess.

Who knows what would happen in future? I am not much into the current way of living. It’s not that I want to be different; I want to retain my originality. I don’t want to live a fake life imitating others. Whether it’s simply, humble or funny it’s my life and I am the Hero of my story and God is my story-writer/screenplay and director.

Ramki got excited seeing the board “Arokkonam Electric Loco Shed”. I could see WAG-5’s, WAM-4’s, WAP-1’s and WAP-4’s having afternoon nap. We stopped at the outer for a few seconds and then entered into the 3rd platform. As Ramki and Sriram Karthik spent sometime near the engine, I walked away for a drink. Pineapple juice was very tasty. I then purchased a Rajesh Kumar Tamil Crime Novel, one of my favorites since childhood. I had been reading them since my sixth grade. The announcement came that Kochuveli Special was on its way. When we started at Chennai Central I remember seeing this train on platform 1. Kochuveli special came with a WAG-7#28025 of Erode Shed. The engine was new and it belonged to the 28xxx series. The Assistant Loco-Pilot and Loco-Pilot were dressed in blue shirt and black pant and the engine was also in blue in color.


This one is for Ashwanth(WAM-4 loco lover)

You would have seen me many times wearing a blue shirt and black pant. Formals! I don’t wear it just because it suits me or everyone likes to see me in it. I wear it to honor the occupation, which I desired very much and I wear it with pride. 22 years of living alone without brothers and sisters. These steel machines have stood with me during my toughest moments in life! These machines have shared my happiness when I succeeded in many things. I shared my miserable depressed moments sitting in platforms watching trains. My wounded heart was healed every time I did that. As on date, I have never considered engines as my best friend neither I have told to anyone. I don’t want to give the honor. The reason is if I give the honor, I fear that my bondage and relationship with locomotives would come to an end abruptly like it happens with humans. That’s the reason why I don’t honor these machines openly. These machines have won my heart, as they are humble.


WAG-5 of Arokkonam Shed.

Ramki got a call from one of his friends asking him to do a top up for Rs.100. The fun started here. Ramki said, “I am out of town and I am in Bangalore”. Ada cha! I was amused. I thought of yelling, “Reel sutharaan, he is in Puliyamangalam”.


WAP-4 with Lalbagh Express was late on that day.

Announcement came that Bangalore bound Lalbagh was on its way. It came with LGD WAP-4#22595 at around 1645hrs. After that we searched for a stall to grab something to eat. To my amazement there was none open except fruit juice stall. I had Sweet Lime juice. Have they gone for lunch? Amusing! 2695 TVC Express came majestically and had a halt of 3-4minutes and then went. Then immediately Darbhanga-Bangalore Express followed. The UR was packed and I could see a lot of North Indians. Even the reserved sleeper class coaches were filled with open ticket holders sitting at the door. The power was this train was AJJ WAP-4#22649. I felt that this train deserved only a WAP-1 or a WAM-4 (sorry Ashwanth, nothing personal please).

Surprisingly, I was very tired. I couldn’t stand for a long time and I was often sitting in the benches as Sriram Karthik and Ramki went for rail hopping! I felt sleepy and was yawning incessantly. We waited for our EMU and it took its own sweet time to come. The return journey was dull even though we saw a lot of goods, evening trains in action. I was listening to songs like Pretty Boy, Cotton-Eye Joe and BSB-“Show me the meaning of being lonely” and also Suprabatham remix. We halted at all stations. Dadar-Chennai Superfast Express ran parallel to us and overtook us near Villivakkam. We reached Chennai at around 2000hrs. Bidding good-bye to everyone I walked up to Chennai Park. For some dumb reason, there was no train for 25 minutes. I got a call from Poochi Venkat and the conversation lasted for 10 minutes. Then I boarded the MRTS to start the last leg of my journey. I took the window seat. There was a love couple sitting next to me. They were out for Christmas I guess. The girl was demanding a jewel for Rs. 25,000 and the guy was lamenting that his salary itself was only Rs.20, 000. Little do girls realize that their smile is more beautiful than jewels? Lip sticks, cosmetics, perfumes are fake. They represent beauty, which don’t exist in real. Kungumam replaced by stickers, nose rings slowly disappearing, no flowers in the hair, no bangles. Saree and Churidhar being replaced by jeans, funny skirts and T-shirts with stupid letterings. Horrible!

Whenever a train is inaugurated in Indian Railways, the engine/locomotive stands like a lamp (kuthu vilakku as in Tamil) representing Indian culture. Flowers decorated and with lamps lit, it stands like a bride. The reflection of the lamp’s light falls on its face. It appears as if it is blushing, as there are lots of people around to witness the ceremony and she is the center of attraction. Banana leaf (Vazhai Maram in Tamil) tied up in front to signify the ceremony. Kungumam to add divinity. Sandalwood paste to add more beauty. Now how come a locomotive appears so beautiful? Any cosmetic, jewels, perfumes? Nothing. Simplicity and culture plays a role. Indian Railway Locomotives are the only iconic surviving symbols of Indian culture. I guess the present generation girls have got something to learn from the engines. LOL!

Back to the MRTS ride…

I could see a guy being interrogated for ticket less travel by a Railway Policemen. A husband and wife were discussing family expenses loudly. Two old pensioners were talking of cricket and Dhoni’s recent successes. A small schoolboy was returning from tuition I guess and was busy with a video game. How many different people do these trains see everyday?

I got down at Kasturibai Nagar Railway station and walked straight to Krishna Sweets. I was very eager to have a chat item. But the sad news was there was no chat item available! I walked up to the near grocery store to buy some biscuits for my dog and I reached home at 2100hrs. My dog Damien was already having biscuits purchased by my father.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Trip Report published on February 1st, 2009.