About

About Us:

We are Indira and Vijay, wife and husband. We value and enjoy good things that life offers and strive for conscious and mindful living. Mahanandi is our web-home.

We are made of the places where we lived, the food we ate and the people we interacted with. This website, Mahanandi, is a way for us to show our appreciation to all those what we are made of, the places, the food and the people.

This website is also a way to communicate with our family through our parents’ recipes. Some are presented intact, some are tweaked and some are entirely new. Mostly homecooked everyday meals, sometimes special, and always with a consciousness of what is going into the pot and the body.

About Mahanandi:

Mahanandi is a peaceful temple town close to Nandyala, India and at the foothills of Nallamala forest range. Surrounded by lush forest, fresh water pools and gentle streams, the centuries old temple Mahanandi has a great influence on us. We grew up in Nandyala, and visited Mahanandi many times with family and have memorable experiences of a life time. The name Mahanandi always evokes calm, content and happy feelings for us. Mahanandi, our website is a celebration of that cherished tranquility.

– Indira

Contact
Copyright Policy and Published Work
Mahanandi Selections ~ the Mahanandi Marketplace
Mahanandi Recipe Index

66 Responses to “About”

  1. Anita says:

    Love the new space! Tranquil…almost like Mahanandi town perhaps! Keep bringing us those everyday food gems. 🙂

  2. Madhuram says:

    Indira, I would like to host JFI sometime this year. Have you already done the allocation or is it still open?

    Madhuram, I am planning to make an announcemnt inviting the hosts for JFI on April 6th. Please visit the website at that time and book a month of your choice.
    Thanks,
    Indira

  3. Praveen says:

    Hi Indira,

    Good to see you back and love the new look 🙂

  4. Bhargavi says:

    Hi Indira:
    Your work is great and appreciated. Also it became quite famous and it happens that even if I visit other blogs they wrote about your site. Thank you, I have learned many disges from this site.
    Can you put in your website about some common tips and styles across Andhra, like when to add salt, when to add garlic, the importance of heating various ingredents in an order. A pinch of sugar to be added in some dishes, what are the common things to make rayalaseema style, or kerala style, if you can open a discussion atleast I guess lot of people can participate, and by editing it can be made very informative. Just a suggestion. Thank you
    Bhargavi

  5. surekha says:

    Hi Indira!
    How can I subscribe to this blog. New to this blog world. Help me please. I live in austin and my sister is in houston. In which place of houston are u living exactly? Nice to read and know ur blog. thanks a lot.

  6. Bhuvaneswari Karthik says:

    Hi,

    I live in Edison, NJ. Came across your blog and read about Mahanandi. Have you ever come across these photos of Mahanandi that I found in the web. It is an endowment department, Govt of AP’s website.
    Here is the link…
    http://www.apendowments.gov.in/MahanandiTemple/Photo%20Gallery/Forms/AllItems.aspx?View=
    Cheers,
    Bhuvana

  7. Lakshmi says:

    I like the way your website is designed and of course the recipes and pictures you post.. Good job.. Keep rocking…..

  8. Esther Aruna says:

    Hi Indira

    I live in Doha, Qatar (close to Dubai, UAE). I am also a telugu from Chennai and married a Hyderabadi who loves typical hyderabadi food. I found your website very interesting and the information about ingredients or food value is simply amazing. Enjoyed reading the recipes that you post. Tried some of them and they turned out to be good. Keep up the good work and all the best. Please drop me a line whenever you can so ensure that you have read my mail. HOw long are you in the US?

    Take care
    Esther

  9. Indhu Basi says:

    Your website is simply superb!
    I have tried like 6 recipes, out of which one of them mentionable is Guthi Venkaya kura.
    The proportions for it was so good, the dish was a super hit, when I entertained a group of 9 people.
    Very good website for cookers like me and it is most popular in California and here in New Jersey. I have recomended it to all my friends here.

    Thank you.

  10. Saritha says:

    I always like to open your website before i start cooking. Thanks for all these wonderful recepies.
    Saritha

  11. charlotte says:

    I’ve liked your blog very much for a number of years. Because of your writing, my family has had the pleasure, no, the joy of thin slices of jaggery as a special treat. I’ve been feeling heavy and lethargic, and then I decided to visit your blog. What timing! Mostly it was the inspiration your recent journal allowed. Thank you.

  12. narasimha raju says:

    The recipes are very good.
    Raju,
    kurnool

  13. sanjeeta kk says:

    Hi Indira,
    A very informative site for people looking out for vegetarian and raw food recipes. Articles and pictures on food gives a divine feeling.
    Best wishes.
    sanjeeta kk

  14. Kolodie Brave-Woman says:

    Hi, just found your site by looking for yuba recipes and I am profoundly delighted by the delicate and colourful site you have so lovingly created.

    I can smell the creations right through my screen. I look forward to cooking alongside you as though I were in your kitchen.

    I love Keer (rice pudding)…but don’t see a recipe…maybe I just overlooked it. Would love to make it.

    For now all my best wishes and Happy Trails, Kolodie here in Vancouver B.C

  15. jamie says:

    I have just recently found your website and am enjoying it very much. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, recipes, etc. Beautiful food, needlework, flowers, impressions, information and photos. Thank you!

  16. Sandhya says:

    Hi Indira…
    I have stumbled by ur blog many times.. and I m just loving the simplicity..yet creativity in it..
    I would love to host ur JFI this year sometime.. Do u have any open slots??

    Cheers
    Sandhya

  17. Jay M says:

    Hi Indra & Vijay
    If you come to New York city anytime, I would love to meet you both!

    I love the write-up, photography and your recipes. When I make them, it is always a hit!

  18. deepa says:

    Wow… what a fabulous site, every one of your pics us eat worthy! Chana Baaga Undi! i love the riff you do on “India Inspired” themes. ne request – can you activate a feedburner recipe subscription? your recipes are too good to miss! Keep up the fastastic work, IndiraGaru!

  19. Lavanya says:

    Lovely webpage…I just love all your recepies and the way you maintain it…great work !!!

  20. Kathy Gori says:

    What a lovely site! Such delicious looking dishes. So glad I stumbled upon you.

  21. Madhuri says:

    Hi Indira garu,
    This is an email long due. I have been an ardent fan of your blog since 05 and have been closing following it. However, I relocated to hyd in 07 and lost some touch to blogging world. Now that I am back, I opened a blog of my own and have been thinking of paying you tribute for inspiring and motivating many like me. Thanks for this wonderful gift of ‘Mahanandi’.
    Keep well and hope to hear alot more from you and your wonderful kitchen.

  22. nagesh says:

    Great site. Thanks a lot for doing this.
    BTW which camera do you use?

  23. sweta says:

    Hi Indira garu,
    A big fan of ur blog from 2006 Aug when i visited one of my cousin in mumbai.. she refers ur site for every thing ..
    I ‘ve downloaded almost all of ur recipes category wise to make a quick reference.
    Hats off for ur patience for growing such a garden (both flowers and veggies as well as fruits)…
    How u’ll find time to do all these things..? Please suggest some time mgmt techinques..:)
    By the way the pillow colours look awesome. Once again I appreciate ur creativity and patience..
    Could you please post some toddler nutritious recipes (for my toddler) and some weight reduction meals but whole some like your workout vratham ..:) Thanks.

  24. Awesome site.. great work.. pls visit my site when u have time.. How can i follow you?

  25. Priya Vijay says:

    Hi Indira & Vijay,

    Your website rocks!! I always make it a point to peep into your website before I start to cook. Your photos are awesome and now I am inspired to open a recipe/photography blog after seeing your website. Great Site!

    Thanks

  26. kanthi says:

    Hi,
    The road way from Srisailam to Mahanandi at some places very bushy, a scenic beauty, amidst of the forest area, very rarely seen when you travel in cars and buses. A calm area. We enjoyed the trip as we had been to both Srisailam and Mahanandhi once.

  27. jamela says:

    Although I’m not from India I love eating South Indian vegetarian food.I find it so hard to find good vegetarian restaurant here in USA.I’ve been looking for a website for Indian veggie recipes for a long time. My co-worker ,Sudhir , gave your website to me. At last my prayers been answered. God bless you
    and thanks God for Indira and Vijay.
    We moved from Chicago 3 years ago here in Houston. I really love to learn how to cook Indian vegetarian food. I also have a small garden with vegetables and flowers. Flowers for my altar. If it is my good karma,I’ll be able to meet you in person and see your beautiful garden.Mybe we are even neighbors.
    OM SAI RAM!!!!

  28. Anita says:

    I love your page. I think you should have a facebook page as well. I am sure they will be a lot of fan following there. Since all of us do check facebook, you can redirect your rss publication into it. It’s a little bit of extra work but a lot of exposure as well. Just a suggestion from someone who follows your site well.

  29. Namaskaram,
    I read your garden tips and all the info you feel proud to share with gardening enthusiasts like us who are also from Andhra and Telugu Speaking.
    . Do you by any chance have ‘dondakaya padu’ to spare..
    otherwise , do you know where I can get hold of one?

    if you feel like seeking a blossoming ‘Kanakambaram’.
    ‘Malli’ , and ‘ Boddu Malli’ visit us whenever your time permits.
    Feel free to call me
    Anil
    832 275 9656

  30. Anon says:

    Hello Indiraji,
    Excellent website, I have been going through almost all the recipes and have tried out the pickles this summer, absolutely yumm!!!
    Your info about HOuston has also been very helpful in our tentative decision to move to the Area in the near future….I have read though that there are lot of insects and especially even snakes in people’s backyards..is that really true? I have seen pics of your backyard and you even have a few vines for the Turai….have you had this experience? We have small kids and this would be something to think about for us…Sorry the long post…you can PM me if you prefer.
    Once again…excellent recipes…thank you for bringing India one step closer !

  31. Deepti says:

    Hi Indiraji,
    It was by chance that I visited your website. But then fell in live with it.. Great effort and thanks a lot… I belong to MP, was brought up in hyd and got married to a puneiete… I love food of all places. The only thing I missed was Mirchi Bhajji of Hyd..I have a tamilian friend, and htought she would make it in the same way.. But her mirchi bhajji was similar to the kind we make in Maharashtra and also we could buy in Muscat… I found the recipe on your blog. It’s(blog) a wonderful treasure.. Please keep up the good work…

  32. sanjeev.s says:

    hai happy deepavali

  33. Suma says:

    Hi Indira,
    I love to browse thru your website as I find wonderful recipes here which i love to cook. Your recipes are true to their measurements and come out as you show:) Any time I need new things to do other than my home style (ie.Udupi Karnataka) I prefer trying your recipes. Everybody in my house likes them. Thanks a lot for posting and keep doing it 🙂

  34. Jyotsna says:

    Hi Indira ji,

    Very good site.Happy to share that we both belong to Rayalseema and I can find number of ‘our dishes’.. Chanced to see your food blog when I was searching recipe for jonna rotte..Thanks for sharing such healthy and native recipes.. Please have a look at my site.. will be grateful if I get any invitation for your food blog events..

  35. Ravi Kumar says:

    Hi Indira garu…
    I am also from Nandyal(Govindaplli) really overjoyed to see this site and all native dishes and its taste here.This is what we may call it “G-LOCAL-IZATION” taking the local talent to globe.

    keep the good work.

    Kudos&&Cheerios
    Ravi Kumar
    Bangalore

  36. Koneti Gopinath says:

    ఊరుగాని ఊరులో ఉంటూ, పుట్టిన నేలను, ఊరును మరచిపోకుండా మీరుచేస్తున్న కృషి అభినందనీయం. మానాన్నగారు జమ్మలమడుగు కాలేజీలో బోటనీ లెక్చరరు గా పనిచేస్తున్నప్పుడు, మహానందికి పిల్లలను ప్రతి సంవత్సరం తీసుకు వెళ్ళేవారట. నేను చూడలేదుగానీ మీ అక్షరాల్లొ ప్రేమను చూసి తప్పకుండా వెళ్ళాలనిపిస్తూంది. కోనేటి గోపీనాథ్

  37. Abdur Rashid says:

    Hello Indira,

    Great website, beautiful pictures!I am trying for the third time to start and maintain a vegetable garden, although my wife is critical of my hundred dollar tomatoes I harvested last year.

    Were you able to grow any parwal (pointed gourd, potol in bengali)? I am trying to get hold of some vine to start with, since the seeds do not propagate well.

    Best regards,

    Abdur
    Merritt island, FL

  38. Anusha says:

    Hi,Indira garu…nenu kuda Nandyal lo undi vachhanu..i like mahanandi very much ,pudina rice kosam search chesthuntey mee site choosanu..okkasari patha rojulu ani gurthuku vachhayi..memu kuda ekkuva mahanandi velley vallam..aa konetlo snaham cheyyalantey chala istam..thanks for remembering those days..i am present in US ..meeru kuda US lo unnattunarru…ey state lo untunnaru…byee

  39. Anu says:

    Hi Indira, I see your have great content and appreciate your passion in sharing the things that you know. I have great interests in food blog over the internet and found many people have same interests.

    Great job. Keep up the good work.

  40. sirisha says:

    Indira, I am very interested to make a clay ganesh, I like the bala ganesh you made for the festival. please can you teach me how to make clay ganesh before vinayachavithi sep 1st 2011.

    Sirisha, First thing you need is clay. You can get it from arts and crafts stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels etc.
    Soak the clay in little bit of water for at least 4 hours so that it would get soft and easy to mold into shapes.
    For Ganesh : Make the platform for Ganesha to sit or stand. Then stomach, hands and legs, head and thondam. Attach the pieces with each other. Place it on platform. Add details (eyes, ears, Vibhoodi bottu on forehead, turban on the head, laddu for the hand, mouse at the feet, a snake belt for stomach etc).
    Dip your fingers into water and smooth out any rough edges and polish the surface. Then decorate the Ganesha with colors, beads, lentils or kumkum and turmeric. Leave it to dry out for a day or so. Your Ganesha will be ready for celebration.
    Shubha Vinayaka Chavithi!
    -Indira

  41. sonu kaushik says:

    Hi Indira,
    I live in Calgary Canada & I love to cook. I came across your blog some time ago. Now I am hooked to it. I have tried so many of your delicious traditional recipes & shared it with my folks in India too. I have discovered so many new & powerful ingredients like raagi.
    Love the pictures of your garden & it’s produce, keeps me motivated to grow my own vegetables even though we have only a very short growing season.

    Keep the good work going.
    Cheers…
    Sonu

  42. Sam says:

    Hello Indira,
    I used to be a long lost cooking blogger way back when and I remember seeing your Garden Trellis picture that you used to grow the vines like Beerakaya. I searched your archives but I could not for the life of me find that post. Is there a way you can send me pictures of your trellis/link me to your old post? THANKS a TON!!!

  43. very nice blog…love indian food!

  44. Nag says:

    Hi Indira, This is Nag. Your website is gold standard of it’s kind. I’m really impressed the way you are organising it. Keep up the god work. Lucky guy Vijay!! Peace:)

  45. suja says:

    Hi indira garu,
    I was searching for mahanandi punya kshethram and clicked on your website and have a question for you. Thinking of spending some spiritual journey time in india. Do you have any idea or information, where i can contact if i can rent a place in mahanandi and stay there for few months. Heart is longing for peaceful holy place to live for few months if God willing. Please send me any info to my email. Thanks

  46. suja says:

    Namasthe Indira garu,
    While googling for holy place mahanandi, i found your website. My heart is longing to stay for few months in a holy place in india. Please send me any info you know, where to contact to rent in mahanandi. Thanks

  47. lakshmi chinnamma says:

    hello indira!
    nee vantalu bagunnai kani,manesavenduku? konasaginchuu.

  48. Kalyani Vaddeboina says:

    Hello Indira,
    Everybody certainly should be Impressed with the website, ideas, photo blog and food blog. So, did I.
    Thanks for sharing the recipes with amazing pictures.

    I have read your “About” page..and liked the concept behind.

    Thank you and Good luck to you!!

  49. Manju says:

    Dear Indira,

    Hi, I am Manju. We know each other – hope you remember me. How is Kittaya ? Your blog is as beautiful as ever and I visit here to look at the flower pictures you post. I feel so happy when I look at their serene beauty ! You really live life so beautifully. I just want to let you know about my other blog (not a food blog !).
    Love
    Manju

  50. Aruna says:

    Indira garu, your blog inspired me so much that i am thinking of moving to sugarland for retirement. I am here today and leaving tomorrow s, is it possible to talk to you on phone to get a feel for the area.. I may not have continued access to my mail, please send. Message or call me at this number. I hope you can remove this phone number from this public message, it was the only option for me. More on phone for reasons to move into this area. Thank you aruna.

    Aruna Gaaru, Thank you for the good words about Mahanandi. Sugar Land is a nice place to live and makes a good home for retirement. I called you on the number but was not able to reach you. It was coming up as an incorrect number. I look forward to communicate through email. I would be glad to be of help.
    -Indira

  51. Rama Krishna says:

    Dear Indira, Vijay

    It is very great work from you both. Your web site is paradise of healthy recipes. I like your web site the best, keep going.

  52. ANJANEYULU BANDA says:

    Dear Indira & Vijay,

    I am glad to see your website named Mahanandi and I am delighted to notice all kinds of receips i ate at Nandyal my birth place.

    My teacher’s name was Indira from Vivekanand School.I born in 1957 and staying in Mumbai since 1978. I met my wife and have 2 sons. My wife passed away due to Cancer recently and I was browsing various websites for Andhra style recipes. I have to cook for myself and till my elder son get married who is working for TCS. I came across Gayatri Vantillu and during the process I am lucky enough to came across your website. Thank you very much for posting such wonderful and delicious Nandyal dishes.

    My father also passed away at Mahanandi in his last days because it’s authentic natural divine beauty confined him stay back there. It was 2004 i visited last that holy place. The spring water is divine and real mystery.

    Please advise me simple dishes I can prepare as my wife did not allow me to enter kitchen when she was alive.

    God bless you the beautiful couple.
    Banda

    Hello Anjaneyulu gaaru,
    Thank you for sharing your memories of my beloved Mahanandi with us. I have also received your family photos that you mailed us. They are beautiful and remind me of simpler times of yester-years.
    For recipes – Most of the food that I have shared on Mahanandi is simple just like how it’s in Nandyala. please go through the recipe list and pick the ones you are comfortable with to prepare.
    If anytime you pass through Houston, please remember that you have friends here. I wish you all the best!
    -Indira

  53. Sri says:

    Hi Indira garu, I made your capsicum peanut masala multiple times and it is such a big hit in my home. My hubby and folks just love it. Thanks for sharing the recipe and proud to show off some Kurnool Collars.

  54. Jeff says:

    Hi,
    I am a regular reader of your blog but havent seen any new recipes in a long long time. Please post something related to cooking. Thanks

  55. gollapudi srinivasa rao says:

    Great work. like this website very much. thank you for sharing.
    gollapudi srinivasa rao
    journalist, the hindu
    warangal

  56. Sakuntala says:

    Hello Indira garu,

    I am amazed with your work. I tried a lot and got the peacock design.

    Can please you guide me on the needles I need to use? As I am in US now, it will be easy for me to buy and them now. Please help me on this.

    Thank you.
    Sakuntala

  57. Sakuntala says:

    Hello Indira garu,

    Follow-up –
    I am talking about your TW design – Peacock Tapestry – cross stitch design.

    Please help me in selecting the needles and also let me know if I can use any frames for stitching.

    Regards.
    Sakuntala

  58. sai says:

    Very happy to see your blog. I have also studied in Mahanandi at Ramakrishna gurukula pathasala, Gajulapalli road. I have many friends there, who are now working in temple at different categories. I used to swim, play, roam in deep forests of Mahanandi. I never forget those days.

  59. Vamsi G says:

    Namaste Indira garu and Vijay garu,

    This is Vamsi and Sarvani. We have been living in Houston for the last 10 years. Now we are planning to go back to India and stay in a spiritual and blissful environment. With that thought, we chose Mahanandi and started browsing on it. I went to Mahanandi in my childhood and it left beautiful foot prints in my heart and mind. If you are OK, may we ask few questions about Mahanandi? We have a 1.5year daughter and we are thinking few things before we decide on Mahanandi. Please let me know if we can ask you those questions.

    Happy to see your website and we felt very happy to see such a great work.

    Many thanks and best regards,
    Vamsi

  60. Yasir says:

    I am looking for Jamun plant/seed, Kindly let me know where I can find it.

  61. Aparna says:

    Hi Indira, Its amazing to see you still blogging. Once i was a part your blogging world, keeping track every post that you narrate than you write. I was just letting my daughter know about it as she is blogging. She was amused to that we knew blogging 12 years back and i was one of that. So there again we bump into your site, this time, purposefully 🙂 It is nice to see now, another generations is following your blog. We visited your old blogs and she decided to read each one of it. Thank you so much for keeping the life alive!!

  62. Hi Indira, Hope you are doing well. Just wanted to stop by to say Hello, was thinking of you today. Love you and miss you.
    Archana

  63. Sadia says:

    Hi Indira, I’ve returned to your website after some years today – was so happy to have found it again and was looking for chana and moong daal payasam recipes. It seems that the links are not working anymore? Could you please help and take a look? Many thanks and regards, Sadia

  64. Gopinath Koneti says:

    Indira Garu, hope everything is alright. Any new beginning for this blog. Everytime ii travel through Nandyala to go to my hometown, I remember this blog. Just saying hello to all food lovers.

  65. Ramya says:

    Hi Indiraji,
    I thought of you today, so visited the site however I don’t see any posts after 2016. Is everything okay? Concerned, please take care.
    Regards,
    Ramya

  66. Swapna says:

    Hi Indira garu,

    Hoping everything is fine? Its been 2+ years since you last posted, any updates?

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