Gow dhaanam

My dear Ammakutty and Ammukutty.



Cows are considered to be purely sacred in Hinduism , thus the worship of  Kamadhenu is normal for hindu families. Cows play an important role in our itihasas and mythological stories as they are seen as mother who provides milk , thus they have lots of significance in hindu rituals. On our Amma's name , we chose to donate the cow and calf to a temple and this ritual is called Gow dhaanam. For the ever first time in my life , I witnessed and touched the cow and calf ! I was afraid of them but finally I learnt that they are so friendly. I called them Ammakutty and Ammukutty and later on we came to know that Ammakutty was pregnant! The grass and food was never enough for her. I was wondering why is she eating so much and we could never satisfy her hunger , but looks like the babykutty inside her tummy caused all moodswings for Ammakutty. Too many things to learn in India , It is INCREDIBLE INDIA !

Applying turmeric and kumkuma for Ammakutty!

That's me standing so near to the cow, I was excited of course!

June 14 , 2013

My dearest Lakshmi Amma.

The hurry burry travel plans unexpected but I managed to book a flight via MAS to Chennai. One of my most tiring trip ever , only to know that my mother in law waited to see me before she passed away.

A true legend , Samrajyalakshmi is a women of substance. She have worked hard with her will power and faced a lot of challenges in continuing her education which got stopped after her marriage. Supplied with such courage and perseverance , she stood on her ambitions to work , which is considered a big no - no in the orthodox Brahmin families in the 1960's.

She's a passionate woman with lots of talents over languages , handicrafts and a great cook herself , she have provided me the best husband one can have as she herself is the best mother in law a girl could have. Very brave and daring , she don't even think twice to point out if one makes a mistake.

I cannot believe that I have lost my loving mother in law , whom I have seen as my mom as well. I had tears when her colleagues told me that she have always felt great me being her daughter in law! I called her Amma from the day I knew her. Amma was very courageous and have always supported my dreams and steps. I wanted to dance and she let me be myself. The home was so lively , now she is no more , I feel totally lonely to be in the home where she lived. I cherish all the good and memories as I have shared the very best of my relationship with her. I miss you , I wish I can sit next to you and talk to you , I miss your caring and comforting words , your listening ears and the knowledge you had on all the things we do. The pooja's performed next to you , I miss my confidence and strength now, how I wish you come back from the hospital and lived with us for some more time :(

I know she is in a better place now but it's such a big , huge loss for us for not having her around. May her soul RIP.


Cant believe I am lighting up fire for her final rituals for 13 days.