Saturday, February 27th, 2010

In the Pious Country

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Revati Raman had successfully built a gorgeous temple plus a school for 300 students and a goshala, a place for keeping and protecting cows. It just so happens that a friend from America, Balabhadra, is spending a few days here as well. He heads up the cow protection organization called ISCOWP. In particular he trains bulls, ox, where he is stationed near Moundsville, West Virginia.

We were both impressed with the state of the goshala. It was clean and orderly. And one more attractive feature was the unique breed of cows that are indigenous to Andhra Pradesh. The Punganur breed is a small cow in stature, very white in colour and very passive. It is a deliberate effort on the part of Revati to preserve this pure breed. A Leopard snuck into the goshala one evening, obviously hungry but the care taker made enough noise that it scared him away.

For a 45 minutes drive we were brought to beyond the precinct of Tirupati on a pleasant and quiet road through tiny villages to reach a 50 acre plot of land. Mango orchards, cashew trees and tomato fields grace this addition to the very successful project of the Krishna Lotus Temple.

Under an imlee (tamarind) tree Revati, Balabhadra and I enjoyed a very relaxed conversation discussing the world, its people, ourselves and God over freshly cut chicoo fruit and sugar cane juice. Some students, mostly boys, from the 10th standard spotted us and were curious about us. They asked for a monk’s blessing so they may pass their upcoming exams. This we did. We engaged them in chanting and dancing and after the enthusiastic session encouraged them to avoid urban living.

What was impressive here too was their natural sense of respect, clarity of thought and their innocence. Revati expressed that it is rather typical to find sincerity in these youth in the south. They are less contaminated particularly in the villages. He even said that few of his brahmacaris will seek marriage. Most will remain celibate for life. Let’s see. We wish them well.

7 KM