2024-10-01

Kumari Kottam | Kogilavani Krishnamorty

Kogilavani Krishnamorty October 01, 2024 review , 0 Comments

During a college break in 2003, I brought Navin to my home Cameron Highlands, Pahang. It was his second visit; he had been there as a child on a school trip. After exploring the tea garden, we visited the Buddha temple in Brinchang, known for its towering statue, one of the tallest Buddha statues in the 90s. The temple, nestled in a peaceful environment on the hill, exuded a calming coolness. As we knelt before the magnificent Buddha statue, chanting mantras, a sense of serenity washed over us.

Next to the Buddha stood the imposing statue of Avalokiteshvara, surrounded by intricate mandala paintings. It felt as if Avalokiteshvara's gaze fell upon Navin that day, an impression I later sensed in his novels like "Sikandi" and "Tara."

Twenty years later, we embarked on another vacation together. After completing the Annapurna trekking in Nepal, we planned a journey for the inner soul, with Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as our ultimate destination. Standing before the Buddha in Lumbini, we felt a profound connection, as if he had blessed us after all these years. We had matured, experienced life's highs and lows, and now stood united, returning to the place of Buddha's birthplace.

This experience, coupled with our travels in Nepal, inspired the creation of "Kumari Kottam." To my surprise and delight, I discovered that Navin had dedicated his travelogue book to me. My heart told me that this wouldn't have happened without the Buddha's guiding hand.

Thank you, Navin. While anyone can travel with money, only writers like you can embark on a journey to another art form, writing. I hope you continue to explore the world's artistic cultures and share them through your words. I wish you more writing and many more journeys.

1.10.2024