Vadagalai vs. Thengalai

For a longtime, I wanted to know the difference between the two sects of Vaishanavites and it happened yesterday. I'm trying to get to continue the practice of reading Paramacharyas' - "Theivathin kural" few pages a day. He has mentioned this in the Second volume of the Seven volume series.

Its the difference in the way one surrenders to GOD ("Saranagathi"). Vadagalai proposes that one should hold on to GOD (like a monkey holding onto its mother) and shouldn't leave until he accepts while Thengalai proposes that one should let GOD handle it (like a cat carrying its baby) and guide one through and the individual doesn't have to do anything - just wait for it to happen.

Navarathiri Kolu

The quintessence of South Indian culture during Navarathiri is the Kolu, the beautification of the home and inviting people over to the home and visiting others to exchange pleasantaries and wishes. I started this process last year when my wife expressed desire to do this. Being an ardent fan of old traditions, I was thrilled to assist her by just letting her do what she wants rather than doing things that might derail the whole effort.

The important thing to Kolu is the Kolu-Stand - a piece of furniture that resembles steps in the ladder. I scrambled to find an equivalent in the north-american stores and the one thing that came close to it was in Crate & Barrel. But it was not exactly what we were looking for. Thus with no time left, we decided to use packaging boxes and created three steps.

This year I started in earnest, started shopping around in NJ, there is an Indian store and takes order and delivers Kolu stand but I found that is bit expensive. Finally, I found a posting in the Internet (aha! where else?) as to how to make a Kolu stand? I went to Lowes, bought two Stair Raisers (I couldn't find this in Home depot), three 8 feet (2inch thick & 8 inch wide) wooden plank got it cut 3 feet each and voila I've a 5-step kolu stand for under $40!

Happy Navarathiri - Dussera.