Mast Kalandhar Review - Bangalore

A very authentic North Indian restaurant – there are only a very few in Bangalore and this one is one of the best, because it is vegetarian also.

Be it just a quite bite or a casual lunch/ dinner or even a take away, MK is there for you. They have their outlets in all major places.

They also do a home delivery for which you can order online….. Wow…..and the best part is they accept all major coupons also, viz. Sodexho, Accer etc.

Their restaurants are fresh and has very good ambience.

It is said that they use very minimal oil for cooking, without compromising the taste…

For their Menu click MK Menu

To do a online order click MK Online Order and select the branch that is closeby and order. This page has the respctive branches phone numbers also, just incase you want to know what is the dish of the day types……

Have a foodie week end…….

Udupi Park Family Restaurant Review, Old Airport Road, Bangalore

Udupi Park, is one of the best hang out (for those residing in Murugeshpalya and surrounding areas) to handle any food related situation at home….be it a unexpected guest or unable to cook at home or just for a casual change…..

The are 100% veggies and serve South Indian (with tasty chutney and sambar – unlike most other places). They have a ‘Stand and Eat’ kind of joint in the ground floor and proper restaurant in the first floor.

I the ground floor, most of the crowd here is office goers or casual meeting etc…. you also have a chat joint just outside and tables around that place also serve as a ‘Stand and Eat’. You will not get any north indian dishes either served or parcelled in ground floor.

The first floor is completely for families, friends, and big office crowd who prefer to sit and eat. The ambience here is pretty decent. The cashier & waiters here are very friendly and courteous to all. The food is really very good (most of the times)…. There is only one chef, who loves adding 5-6 long red chillies even for a shahi panner … The good thing is he is not the regular one….. So please iterate and reiterate, incase you need any dish to be less spicier (just to be on the safe side).

They serve, South Indian, North Indian and Chinese. The menu is vast and you have many options to choose from. My all time favorites here are Palak Paneer, Paneer Tikka Masala & Alu Fry.

You also get take away here. I am not sure if they take orders over phone (& deliver). I will check that and update. If it is just south indian and you don’t mind a bit of pushing around before getting the parcel, try ground floor. If you need north indian or chinese or want to wait peacefully for a parcel, please proceed to first floor and give your order. They have beautiful plus sofas (recently renovated) for your to wait.

Parking is normally not a issue, if it is a bike. I have not tried car though….

Office Lunch times & week end dinner times are mostly busy, but the wait will not be too much and is managed pretty decently. For reservations reach +91 80 25918138 or +91 98440 14785

Try it out and include your comments below.

Around Bangalore - Part 4 - Ambegalu Krishna Temple

This time I am going to write about ‘Ambegalu Sri Krishna’ temple. It is situated in Mallur or Doddamallur. There is a very interesting story behind the name of this place itself. I will brief about that, before talking about this temple.

Legend has it that, once there was a king called Saarangadaara, who had his limbs cut in a war by his enemies and was thrown into Nirmala river, that flows through this region. He somehow has reached this temple, inspite of his agony and has chanted lord name intermittently. Pleased with his devotion, the lord gave him a Jyothy Dharshan and thus his limbs grew back again. Hence, based on the Tamil word “Mulaithadu” which means grew back, this sacred place got its name Mulaithoor, which with time changed to “Mallur”.

This skethram is also addressed with different names to signify various occurrences in different puranas:

Since Lord Rama stayed here during his exile (this place is situated in the south of Vindhya Mountain), it is called as “Dakshina Ayodhya”

Since educated people of all four vedas lived here it is called “Chatur Veda Mangala Pura”

Anyone who has a thirst to learn veda was blessed with knowledge of all the ancient scriptures here and hence is also called as “Gyaana Mantapa Kshetram”

This place was established as the capital of the vast empire, once great king Rajendra Simha Chozhan ruled and hence is called as “Rajendra Simha Nagari”

It is said that, great sages like Kapila and Sage Kanva (who lived in Tretha Yuga) are still here in some form or other, worshipping lord Aprameya. Even today, after the artha jaama pooja, once the temple is locked, sound of garbha graha door opening and pooja happening and toll of temple bells can be heard from outside, clearly indicating the higher energy source, offering prayers to the lord.

The Main Attraction

It is the idol of Baby Krishna in Crawling posture with the right arm raised in open posture carrying butter, It is called as Ambegal (Kannada) or Tavazhara (Tamil) or crawling Krishna. The Navaneetha Krishna statue is one of its kinds, made of black stone and is said to have been installed by Veda Vyasar. The statue is carved with the ornaments also…. It can be seen with chains, kangan/bracelets in hands, anklets and amulets. The prominent one is a tiger claw like pendant. The priest told us that, it is to keep away the bad ‘dhristi’ of all those who watch him, owing to his immense beauty. The statue of the lord is on a Garuda Peedam.

The complex in which Navaneetha Krishnan adobe resides is called the ‘Purandaradasa Mandapam’ that is facing the Rajagopuram of the temple. The famous kannada classical song ‘Jagadodhaaranaa adisidalu Yashodhaa’ was written by Sri Purandaradasa, in this temple after seeing the beauty of the baby Krishna. (Enjoy the song and its meaning in the end of the article)

The Wodeyar Episode

We were also told of a incident that happened around 130 years ago, when the then Wodeyar king visited this temple.

The king, taken aback by the beauty of Navaneetha Krishna, ordered that such beauty should adorne his palace and took it along with him and installed it in his Mysore Palace. From the very same night, he started getting dreams in which, the lord Krishna ordered him to be returned to the temple and warned him of consequences otherwise.

It is said that, the king did not heed the warnings and there was a massive fire accident in the palace which destroyed part of the then wooden palace. He was then forced to return the idol to the temple with all due respects.

Below are the Janmastami Pictures (credit for these 3 photos to the orignial owners)

The Presiding Deity

Lord Aprameya Swamy (Maha Vishnu) is the main presiding deity of the temple and the idol is made of Salagrama stone found in river Gandaki. The lord has Abhaya Hasta posture ( The upper two arms holding the Counch (Sankam) and the disc (Sudharshana Chakram) and one of the lower arm show his hasta and other holding the Mace (Gadha) )

The utsavar is placed in Shukanasika Mantapam, made of sandalwood. The lord is also called ‘Ramaprameya’, as legend has it that, when Lord Rama was here, he prayed this idol. The remnants of the structures where Lord Rama is said to have conducted yagnyas and homas are still available.

The presiding goddess is Aravindavalli.

The temple is in Channapatna Taluk. 60 Kms from Bangalore, 3 Kms from Channapatna, 80 Kms from Mysore.

JAGADHODHARANA (Song with Lyrics & Meaning)

P: jagadOddhArana ADisidaLeshOde 

Yashoda plays with the Savior of the World

A: jagadOddhArana maganendu tiLiyuta

Deeming him to be nothing more than a mere boy and her son

SuguNa anthaRangana AadisidaLeyshodha

Yashodha plays with that embodiment, who is complete with all the virtues

C1: nigamakE silukada agaNita mahimana

He whose greatness cannot be caught even by vedas and who is beyond count / infinity (a-ganitha is countless)

magugaLa mANikyana ADisidaLeshOde

and he who is a gem among all the children -- Yashoda plays with him

2: aNOraNIyana mahatO mahiyana

Much smaller than atoms, bigger than the biggest

apramEyana ADisidaLeshOde

He who is beyond limit or im-measurable, Yashoda plays with Him

3: parama puruSana paravAsudEvana

With the Greatest among beings, Para Vaasaudeva,

purandara viTTalana ADisidaLeshOde

With Purandhara Vitthala, Yashoda plays with him

Sanjha Chulha - Review - Vegetarian Restaurant - Marathahalli, Bangalore

Sanjha Chulha

My relation with the brand goes back to my Brigade Solutions days (the 1st company I worked with)..... the Chennai franchisee of the brand in Egmore, used to supply everything to our cafeteria those days......

The one I am reviewing now is in Marathahalli, Bangalore. I shall come to the location details later on.....

First things first first: The ambiance was excellent. My wife and I went on a peaceful evening to try this place out (as she is extremely strict about 100% ghas-phoos rest'nt only). I had a slight ambiguity about taking her, when I noticed in one of the reviews that there is a bar there, but, there were a lot of families their and it was not like a bar attached hotel at all..... So, be free to take your family in group or just with your better half....it is a pleasant place to dine in....

The bearer were very polite and friendly - the next most important thing you expect when you go out to eat. They primarily serve (the best) Punjabi dishes and Chinese. We went there in a plan to eat Chinese... as soon as I saw the buffet menu, I changed my mind :) - the foodie that I am couldn't control the temptation....

I was told it is the franchise of the brand and is owned by Mr. Nithin Methani and that all their paneer dishes use authentic Malai Paneer from Delhi..... I would accept that claim...I had the best ever paneer dishes in Bangalore here (obviously, it only comes next to the ones my wife make at home :-D - my daily food depends on that statement...)

Now coming to the dishes: As I had indicated I had the buffet that night and the menu was as follows:

Tomato Dhanya Shorbha - for the soup - was good and tastes extactly as it should....

Starters were:

Hara Bara Kabab: Excellent they were.....

Malai Paneer Tikka: Brilliantly made.....I had both of them for a second time and restrained myself after my wife reminded me that they were still starters.....

Chilly Baby Corn: It was perfectly made...

Main Course:

Veg Noodles

Lahori Masala Paneer: We perfectly well with both the laccha paratta and the pulav

Dal Tadka: Same goes here .... it was made exactly as it should have been and Burrrrp ... it disappeared....

Tawa Vegetable: It was another awesome dish.... as it had all vegetables I love....

Mix Vegetable Raitha

Veg Pulao: Nicely made.....no issues

Assorted Bread : I had Laccha Paratta only as it tasted very nice and I didn't want to fill too much (as if I had not already :-) )

Veg Hot Garlic Fried Rice: Sacrificed this for dessert ;-)

Desert

Gulab Jamun (yummy it was) - When we went and sat, I noticed one of the server, was behind the counter next to us and was taking out jamuns from a dabba with bare hands... and putting them in cups.....but thank god that tin got over and the person who served us opened a new tin and took the jamun in a spoon to my relief.... If you are bothered about such things, just inform them politely to use spoon....

Vanilla Ice Cream: Now what can I say about that, along with Jamun.... it was heavenly...

Freshly Cut Fruit

All of the above for Rs. 250

My wife had chinese and was also so satisfied with the taste... that she has already recommended SC to all my neighbors and her friends.

I have only one negative feedback to give: The price of the mineral water they serve is very high Rs. 40/ 1 litre (unchilled) bottle. I am not sure of the business logic behind it.... I hope Nithin will understand that most people who come there are still in the middle class and upper middle class and we buy a 20 litre water can for that amount and it really stings us right across our pocket. Please do something about that.

Having said that and hoping that Nithin will do something about it......That is definitely no reason for us to not to go there again...... We will hit SC again but restrain oursleves to normal warmed water instead of the richie rich bottles....

Please visit SC and leave a comment below on how my review is and how Sanjha Chulha was !!!!

One more addition: They have take away also..... please find below the scan of their take away menu.... click on them to enlarge them.....

Restaurants Reviews - In and around old airport road (primarily)

Hi all:

Wish you all a very prosperous and blasting year ahead......

I am planning to write a series about vege restaurants (not the combo ones - 100% gass-poos walas only) around my area (Vinayak Nagar, near Murugeshpalya). I will also cover rest of Bangalore as and when I get some info.

If you like them or otherwise (be it my review or the restaurant I am reviewing on..., please leave a comment below. I will correct whatever is in my reach .... So, please make sure you comment.

I am starting my review with best of all the restaurants I have been to recently -
Sanjha Chulha - Its Vegetarian by Choice!!!

Kempfort Shiva Temple

A landmark location in Old Airport Road, Bangalore is Kempfort Shiva Temple. During one of my recent visits, I took a few close ups of the magnificent and majestic 65 foot open air idol of Lord Shiva. Sharing the same here.

All of the Shiva photos were shot by me with Panasonic Lumix TZ3 camera in broad day light.

The mega idol is portrayed in sitting posture or padmasan, with all others spares in proportional sizes. There is also ganga on the 'jada mudi' of the lord (which was off when I captured these photos). I was told that, during various occasions the 'ganga' is set of and it looks even more magnificent to see water flowing from that height.... 

The full view of the lord. Click on the image (any image) to see their original size...

Few more views of the lord 

Look at the magnitude of the view from right beneath him.

Close up view of Ganga Devi on the topknot of Shiva (in Off mode)

A close up of the Jada Mudi, Trinetra, Chandra and Ganga..... 

Look at the curls of his hair....awesome is not the word

A close up of the his extra right hand - holding the trishul

The snake in his neck.

 The left hand holding the 'Udukkai'

A beautiful close up of the padmasan posture....

Note the shape of the thighs, the calf muscle and legs....they are so realistic... even the nails and the back of fingers in both his legs and hands....

The massive rudraksh garland... Each ball of rudraksh is made of many hundreds of normal sized rudraksh to get that size.....

On the right side of the Shiva idol, is a massive Ganesha

The huge moonjur with a big modak at the foot of Ganesh

Mysore Trip - Set 3 - Lalit Mahal Palace

The Lalit Mahal Palace, is very close Chamundi Hills (which we could not visit during this trip). We were told my its manager, that it was built in 1921 by Krishna Raja Wadiyar (1884 - 1940), the then Maharaja of Mysore, excusively for the stay of then Viceroy of India.


Below are few of the photo taken by me in the palace.


A view of the chandelier 

This carpet was stitched by our freedom fighters in the jail and was used in one of the halls. After independence, as a respect to all those freedom fighters, this carpet has been hung on the wall outside the main bedroom, which is now like the presidential suite.

A beautiful night lamp...in that suite....

Dressing table in that room

A teak wood cupboard in that room

Bath tub with shower setup used by the Viceroy

Myself and Rakesh in the teak + silk sofa in the main suite...

The Master Bed

The paneled lift with sofa..... wow!!!! what a feel it was to go in it......This lift was imported from Otis England and is still maintained by the Hotel in working condition.

The identity plate inside the lift..

This is the main stairway made of Italian Marble


Ashok John & I with Raghuraman Sir (2nd from left; next to me)