Saturday, July 31, 2010

Chaturmasyam

Courtesy:Sri.Ramji Iyengar
====================
----------------------------------------------------------

The Chaturmasya Vrata from Haribhakti Vilasa, 15th vilasa (new98)
Bhavisya Purana- "One who passes the Chaturmasya season without observing
religious vows, austerities and chanting of japa, such a fool although living
should be considered to be a dead man."
Kanda Purana, Nagava Khunda- "In the month of shravana (July, August) one
should refrain from eating spinach. In the month of Bhadra (August, September)
of yogert in Ashvina (September, October) milk. In Kartik (October, November)
meat and urd dall.
Various vows and austerities during Chaturmasya and Their respective results.
"O King, one who is My devotee and is fixed in vow, whether man or woman, for
the purpose of Dharma, should accept these various austerities and observances.
I shall now describe to you all of them along with their respective results.
01) No salt -- One's voice becomes sweet.
02) No oil -- One's life is prolonged and gets progeny.
03) No oil massages -- One's body becomes beautiful.
04) No cooking with oil -- One's enemies are vanished.
05) No licorice and oil -- One becomes wealthy.
06) Give up wearing unoffered flowers -- One becomes a Vidyadhara in Devapura.
07) Give up six kinds of tastes (spice, sour, bitter, sweet, salty and harsh)
-- One never becomes ugly, smelly, or obtains a bad birth.
08) Practice of yoga -- One goes to Brahmaloka.
09) No betal nuts -- One becomes happy.
10) No cooked food (raw fruits & Vegetables) -- One obtains purity.
11) No honey -- One becomes lustrous.
12) No yogert or milk -- One attains Goloka.
13) No cooking with earthen pots -- One gets . (?)
14) No hot food -- One gets offspring with a long life.
15) Take rest on the ground or on stone -- One becomes an associate of Vishnu.
16) One who gives up meat & honey is a yogi and muni.
17) No intoxicating liquors -- One becomes powerful and free from disease.
18) Fast for one day -- One is honored in Brahmaloka.
19) No cutting of hair and nails -- One gets the benefit of taking bath daily
in Ganges.
20) No speaking of grama katha (nonsense) -- One's order will never be
disobeyed.
21) Eat food on the ground without dish or plate -- One obtains a kingdom on
Earth.
22) Chant the mantra Namo Narayana -- One obtains the result of giving in
charity 100 times.
23) Offer prayers to the Lord -- One gets the result of giving cows in charity.
24) Touch the lotus feet of the Deity -- One becomes a successful person.
25) Clean the temple of the Lord -- If one is king he remains so for a Kalpa.
26) Circumambulating the temple three times offering prayers -- At the time of
death one will mount a swan airplane and go to Vaikuntha.
27) Singing or playing musical instruments in the temple of the Lord -- One
goes to Gardharvaloka.
28) Take pleasure in studying the sastras -- One goes to Vishnuloka.
29) Sprinkle water in the temple -- One goes to apsaraloka.
30) Take bath in a holy place -- One's body becomes pure.
31) Worship Lord Vishnu with flowers -- One goes to Vaikuntha.
32) Eat panchagavya -- One gets the result of observing candrayana fasting.
33) Eat one meal a day -- One gets the results of performing an Agnihotra.
34) Eat at night only -- One gets the result of going to all the places of
pilgrimage.
35) Eat at noon only -- One attains Devaloka.
36) Take food not obtained by begging or any extraneous endeavor -- One gets
the results of opening water stands and digging wells.
37) Take bath daily -- One will never see hell.
38) No eating on a plate -- One gets the result of bathing at Pushkara
39) Eat on a leaf -- One obtains the result of living at Kurukshetra.
40) Eat on a stone -- One obtains the result of bathing at Prayog.
41) Giving up drinking to six hours -- One will not be attacked by diseases.
42) During the Chaturmasya, garlands, caranamrta, candana and water from the
conshell of the Lord, mahaprasadam, Deity garlands must be accepted.
In this way one who performs this vrata for the satisfaction of Lord Kesava
becomes satisfied himself. O best of the Pandavas, among My devotees, he who
accepts these vows and austerities during the Chaturmasya goes to my abode at
the time of death, of this there is no doubt.
Vishnu Rahasya- Lord Brahma to Narada Muni.
If one accepts all these Vaisnava austerities and observances with devotion,
one attains the supreme destination O Narada. One who desires within himself to
execute all these Vaisnava austerities and vows, his sins obtained within one
hundred births is destroyed. If one is exclusively devoted, peaceful, takes
daily bath, is fixed in vow and worships the Lord during these four months, he
goes to the abode of the Lord. He who accepts the austerity of sleeping on the
ground this time when the Vishnu Deity is sleeping in yoga nidra underwater, he
goes to the abode of Laxmi.
knr
--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Thursday, July 29, 2010

all about shiva

Courtesy: Mr.L.Subramaniam
======================
Dear all wellwishers,
SIVAYANAMAHA.
We feel much glad to give the following for your information.
1)You will get all about LordShivaa here:
http://aboutshiva.com/shiva_bhajan_home.html
2)HHThiruvavaduthurai and HHVelaakkurichi Adheenams were in Chennai last
Sunday,18 th july in connection with 100 th Pooja celebrations of
Pazanthirukkoilgal sangh.
Their Holiness Blessing devotees are furnished here with also;
www.pazamthirukkoilgal.blogspot.com
3)OUR ongoing work at Vadapakkam Agraharam is going on smoothly and the
Mahakumbabishegam is conducted on 22 nd August 2010
Both Their HOLINESS Blessed the on going renovation job and agreed to
Grace the occassion in principle also.Especially Velaakkurichi Pontiff
promised to allocate certain part of lands to cultivate Mahuwa
trees(Iluppai trees)for lighting Shivaalayas project.
Now The Hindus todays Friday Features can be seen from the following:
The Hindu
(http://www.hinduonnet.com/fr/2010/07/23/stories/2010072350720300.htm)
More details of Vadapakkam can be had from
http://vagraharam.blogspot.com
Sivayanamaha

knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Forget & forgive

Forgetting cannot be forgiven, but forgiving shall not be forgotten

 

knr




--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Monday, July 26, 2010

Buddha & Recyclement

Buddha, one day, was in deep thought about worldly activities and the ways of instilling goodness in human beings.

One of his disciples approached him and said humbly "Oh my teacher ! While you are so much concerned about the world and others, why don't you look in to the welfare and needs of your own disciples also."
Buddha: "OK.. Tell me how I can help you ?"
Disciple: "Master! My attire is worn out and is beyond the decency to wear the same. Can I get a new one, please?"

Buddha found the robe indeed was in a bad condition and needed replacement. He asked the store keeper to give the disciple� a new robe to wear on. The disciple thanked Buddha and retired to his room.

A while later, Buddha went to his disciple's place and asked him "Is your new attire comfortable? Do� you need anything more?"
Disciple: "Thank you my Master. The attire is indeed very comfortable. I need nothing more"
Buddha: "Having got the new one, what did you do with your old attire?"
Disciple: "I am using it as my bed spread"
Buddha: "Then.. hope you have disposed off your old bed spread"
Disciple: " No.. no.. master. I am using my old bedspread as my window curtain"
Buddha: " What about your old Curtain?"
Disciple: "Being used to handle hot utensils in the kitchen"
Buddha: "Oh.. I see.. Can you tell me what did they do with the old cloth they used in Kitchen"
Disciple: "They are being used to wash the floor."
Buddha:" Then, the old rug being used to wash the floor...?"
Disciple: "Master, since they were torn off so much, we could not find any better use, but to use as a wick in the oil lamp, which is right now lit in your study room...."

Buddha smiled in contentment and left for his room.
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Friday, July 23, 2010

Tamil Jokes



செருப்பு இல்லாம நாம நடக்கலாம்
ஆனா,
நாம இல்லாம செருப்பு நடக்க முடியாது.

- தீவிரமாக யோசிப்போர் சங்கம் (எங்களுக்கு வேறு எங்கும்
கிளைகள்
கிடையாது)


இட்லி மாவை வச்சு இட்லி போடலாம்.

சப்பாத்தி மாவை வச்சு சப்பாத்தி போடலாம்.

ஆனா,
கடலை மாவை வச்சு கடலை போட முடியுமா?

- ராவெல்லாம் முழ்ச்சு கெடந்து யோசிப்போர் சங்கம்


என்னதான் மனுசனுக்கு வீடு, வாசல், காடு, கரைன்னு எல்லாம்
இருந்தாலும்,

ரயிலேறனும்னா,

ஃப்ளாட்பாரத்துக்கு வந்துதான் ஆகனும். இதுதான் வாழ்க்கை.

 

பஸ் ஸ்டாப் கிட்ட வெய்ட் பண்ணா பஸ்ஸு வரும்.


ஆனா,

ஃபுல் ஸ்டாப் கிட்ட வெய்ட் பண்ணா ஃபுல்லு வருமா?

நல்லா யோசிங்க! குவாட்டர் கூட வராது!!!

 

என்னதான் பொண்ணுங்க பைக் ஓட்டினாலும்,

ஹீரோ ஹோன்டா, ஹீரோயின் ஹோன்டா ஆய்டாது!!


அதேமாதிரி,

என்னதான் பசங்க வெண்டைக்காய் சாப்பிட்டாலும்,

லேடீஸ் ஃபிங்கர், ஜென்ட்ஸ் ஃபிங்கர் ஆய்டாது!!!

 

டிசம்பர் 31க்கும்,

ஜனவரி 1க்கும்

ஒரு நாள்தான் வித்தியாசம்.


ஆனால்,

ஜனவரி 1க்கும்,

டிசம்பர் 31க்கும்,

ஒரு வருசம் வித்தியாசம்..

இதுதான் உலகம்.

 

பஸ் ஸ்டாண்ட்ல பஸ் நிக்கும்.

ஆட்டோ ஸ்டாண்ட்ல ஆட்டோ நிக்கும்.

சைக்கிள் ஸ்டாண்ட்ல சைக்கிள் நிக்கும்.

ஆனா...
கொசுவத்தி ஸ்டாண்ட்ல கொசு நிக்குமா??

யோசிக்கனும்...!!

 

தத்துவம் 1:


இஞ்ஜினியரிங் காலேஜ்ல படிச்சா இஞ்ஜினியர் ஆகலாம்.


ஆனா

பிரசிடன்சி காலேஜ்ல படிச்சா பிரசிடன்ட் ஆக முடியுமா?

தத்துவம் 2:

ஆட்டோக்கு 'ஆட்டோ'ன்னு பேர் இருந்தாலும்,

மேன்யுவலாத்தான் டிரைவ் பண்ண முடியும்.

தத்துவம் 3:

தூக்க மருந்து சாப்பிட்டா தூக்கம் வரும்,

ஆனா

இருமல் மருந்து சாப்பிட்டா இருமல் வராது!

(என்ன கொடுமை சார் இது!?!)

தத்துவம் 4:

வாழை மரம் தார் போடும்,

ஆனா

அதை வச்சு ரோடு போட முடியாது!
(ஹலோ! ஹலோ!!!!)

தத்துவம் 5:

பல்வலி வந்தால் பல்லை புடுங்கலாம்,

ஆனா கால்வலி வந்தால் காலை புடுங்க முடியுமா?

இல்லை தலைவலி வந்தால் தலையைதான் புடுங்க முடியுமா?

(டேய்! எங்க இருந்துடா கிளம்புறீங்க?!)

தத்துவம் 6:

லாஸ்ட் பட் நாட் லீஸ்ட்...

சன்டே அன்னைக்கு சண்டை போட முடியும்,

அதுக்காக,

மன்டே அன்னைக்கு மண்டைய போட முடியுமா?

(ஐயோ! ஐயோ!! ஐயோ!!! காப்பாத்துங்க!!!)

 

பில் கேட்ஸோட பையனா இருந்தாலும்,

கழித்தல் கணக்கு போடும்போது,

கடன் வாங்கித்தான் ஆகனும்.

 

கொலுசு போட்டா சத்தம் வரும்.

ஆனா,
சத்தம் போட்ட கொலுசு வருமா?

 

பேக் வீல் எவ்வளவு ஸ்பீடா போனாலும்,

ஃப்ரன்ட் வீல முந்த முடியாது.

இதுதான் உலகம்

 

T Nagar போனா டீ வாங்கலாம்.

ஆனால்

விருது நகர் போனா விருது வாங்க முடியுமா?

 

என்னதான் பெரிய

வீரனா இருந்தாலும்,

வெயில் அடிச்சா,

திருப்பி அடிக்க
முடியாது.


இளநீர்லயும் தண்ணி இருக்கு,

பூமிலயும் தண்ணி இருக்கு..


அதுக்காக,

இளநீர்ல போர் போடவும் முடியாது,
*
*பூமில ஸ்ட்ரா போட்டு உரியவும்
முடியாது.


உங்கள் உடம்பில்

கோடிக்கணக்கான செல்கள் இருந்தாலும்,

ஒரு செல்லில் கூட

ஸிம் கார்ட் போட்டு பேச முடியாது.


ஓடுற எலி வாலை புடிச்சா

நீ 'கிங்'கு

ஆனா...

தூங்குற புலி வாலை மிதிச்சா

உனக்கு சங்கு.

 

நிக்கிற பஸ்ஸுக்கு முன்னாடி ஓடலாம்

ஆனா

ஒடுற பஸ்ஸுக்கு முன்னாடி நிக்க முடியாது.

 

வண்டி இல்லாமல் டயர் ஓடும்.

ஆனால்...

டயர் இல்லாமல் வண்டி ஓடுமா?

 

இது மல்லாக்க படுத்துகிட்டு யோசிக்க வேண்டிய விஷயம்..

சைக்கிள் ஓட்டுறது சைக்கிளிங்னா, ட்ரெய்ன் ஓட்டுறது
ட்ரெய்னிங்கா? இல்ல
பிளேன் ஓட்டுறது பிளானிங்கா?

என்னதான் நீ புது மாடல் மொபைல் வச்சிருந்தாலும்

மெஸேஜ் Forwardதான் பண்ண முடியும்,

Rewindலாம் பண்ண முடியாது.
\
"Tea"க்கும் "Cofee"க்கும் என்ன வித்தியாசம்?

"Tea"ல ஒரு "e" இருக்கும். "Coffee"ல 2 "e"
இருக்கும்.

--
knr




--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Krishna- Arjuna Yuddham & Subhadra

Courtesy: Sri.Gopala Krishnan
=========================
SUBHADRA- THE CHASTE
1.GANDHARVA CHITRASENA SPAT IN TO THE PALMS OF SAGE KALAVA
It was morning. Sage Kalava finished his bath and was doing his sandhya. Reciting the Mantras he was just about to offer to the Sun God the water held in his palms.
At that moment Gandharva Chitrasena was, passing through the sky spat out the betel he was chewing not noticing the hermit worshipping below. It exactly fell into the water in the palms of the hermit.
2. SAGE KALAVA COMPLAINS TO LORD KRISHNA
Kalava looked up and saw the Gandharva. He got terribly angry. Kalava refrained from cursing the Gandharva since he would lose spiritual power thereby and decided to go to Sri Krishna and inform Him of the misdeed so that He may punish him. Then he went to Dwaraka and complained to Sri Krishna.
3. SRIKRISHNA PROMISE TO KILL GANDHARVA
He immediately gave word to the hermit Kalava that he would kill the Gandharva before sunset next day. Sage Galava got relieved of his angry thinking his spiritual power is not lost and Gandharva will be punished.
4. SAGE NARADA COMES TO AID GANDHARVA CHITRASENA
Meanwhile Narada came to Chitrasena and informed him of Sri Krishna has resolved to kill him before sunset next day. Narada advised Chitrasena to approach and plead with Yama, Indra, Brahma and Shiva to save him. Unfortunately all of them declined to help. Hearing the plight of Chitrasena, Narada again came to aid him.
Narada told Chitrasena," Don't fear. I shall show you a better way to save yourself".
Go tonight to the banks of Yamuna and weep loudly. A woman coming there will enquire the cause of your wailing. Don't let out the reason for your grief till she promises to protect you". Chitrasena simply agreed to all Narada said to save his life.
5. NARADA MEET SUBHADRA
Meanwhile Narada approached Subhadra and told her," Oh Subhadra! If you want all your desires to be fulfilled and acquire great merit, bathe tonight in the Yamuna river and go to the rescue of anyone found on the river bank in distress". She agreed since prima-facie she did not find any thing suspicious in the advice of Narada.
6.SUBHADRA PROMISE TO HELP CHITHRASENA
Subhadra went to river Yamuna that night along with her friends and took her bath. When she was about to return, she heard someone wailing. Subhadra went near the person who was weeping and enquired about the cause of his distress. The person who was no other than Chitrasena, after extracting a promise from her that she would protect him, narrated to her all that happened.
Subhadra told him, " Don't worry. Only this much is your grief. For my husband Arjuna it is nothing. I would ensure he comes and protect you".
7. SUBHADRA- ARJUNA'S SWEET CORNER
Subhadra informed Arjuna regarding the promise she made to Chitrasena. Arjuna agreed to fight even his dear friend Sri Krishna in order to save the life of Chitrasena.
8.SRIKRISHNA FIGHT WITH ARJUNA
The next day a terrific battle took place between Sri Krishna and Arjuna. Both fought untiringly. Finally Sri Krishna took up his invincible discus and Arjuna his mighty Pasupata Astra for the final showdown.
9. LORD SIVA APPEAR ON THE SCENE AND PACIFY SRIKRISHNA
At that moment, Lord Shiva appeared before them and said," O Sri Krishna, Arjuna is your devotee. So would it be fair for you create a situation in which you devotee is not able to keep up the word?" Sri Krishna accepted of Lord Shiva and stopped fighting.
10 SAGE KALAVA DECIDES TO CURSE CHITHRA SENA
On hearing this the hermit Kalava became very angry and exclaimed," both of you have sided with that Gandharva who insulted me. Now I will curse him to ashes.
11. SUBHADRA PROCLAIMS HER CHASTITY AND STOPS THE CURSE
But when the hermit took water in his hands to pour on the ground to pronounce the curse, Subhadra intervenes and utters," if it be true that I have never touched even with my mind any man, other than my husband, let this water not fall on the earth."
The water did not fall from the hermit's hands. That was the chastity of Subhadra. So sage's curse could not bear fruit. The hermit also got pacified by the time since the Gandharva did so accidentally. What can anyone do before the power of a chaste woman?
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Monday, July 19, 2010

Navanarasimhas - navagrahadhipatis

Courtesy: Sri.Bryan Hill
====================

Nava Narasimha swamis are Nava Grahadhipathis
Those who visit navanarasimhas can avoid navagraha dosham as all nava narasimha syayamus are the leaders of all navagrhas. Each Narasimha swamy is leader of each navagrahas as fallows.

1. Jwala Narasimha Angaraka Grahadhipati
2. Ahobila Narasimha  Guru Grahadhipati
3. Malola Narasimha Sukra Grahadhipati
4. Krodha Narasimha Rahu Grahadhipati
5. Karanja Narasimha Chandra Grahadhipati
6. Bhargava Narasimha Surya Grahadhipati
7. Yogananda Narasimha Shani Grahadhipati
8. Kshatravata Narasimha Kethu Grahadhipati
9. Paavan or holy Narasimha Budha Grahadhipati
Check this link out:
http://navanarasimha.org/navanarasimha.php

Nava Narasimha swamis are Nava Grahadhipathis
Those who visit navanarasimhas can avoid navagraha dosham as all nava narasimha syayamus are the leaders of all navagrhas. Each Narasimha swamy is leader of each navagrahas as fallows.

1. Jwala Narasimha Angaraka Grahadhipati
2. Ahobila Narasimha  Guru Grahadhipati
3. Malola Narasimha Sukra Grahadhipati
4. Krodha Narasimha Rahu Grahadhipati
5. Karanja Narasimha Chandra Grahadhipati
6. Bhargava Narasimha Surya Grahadhipati
7. Yogananda Narasimha Shani Grahadhipati
8. Kshatravata Narasimha Kethu Grahadhipati
9. Paavan or holy Narasimha Budha Grahadhipati


The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. Get busy.

knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Pisachu & Vetal

1.Origin of Pisachau- Grand children of Daksha

Pishachas are flesh-eating demons, according to Hindu mythology. Their origin is obscure, although some believe that they were created by Brahma. Another legend describes them as the sons of either Krodha (a Sanskrit word meaning anger) or of Daksha's daughter Pishacha. They have been described to have a dark complexion with bulging veins and protruding, red eyes.

2.Pisachu- Language and residence

They are believed to have their own language, which is called Paishachi.

They like darkness and haunt cremation grounds along with other demons like Bhutas (meaning ghosts) and Vetals.

3. Power to assume different forms

Pishachas have the power to assume different forms at will, and may also become invisible. Sometimes, they possess human beings, and the victims are afflicted with a variety of maladies and abnormalities like insanity.

4. Curing a person afflicted with Pisachu

Certain mantras are supposed to cure such afflicted persons, and drive away the Pishacha, which may possess that particular human being. In order to keep the Pishachas away, they are given their share of offerings during certain religious functions and festivals.

5. VETHALAM
A vetala (Sanskrit), or baital, is a vampire-like being from Hindu mythology. The vetala are defined as spirits inhabiting corpses and charnel grounds. These corpses may be used as vehicles for movement (as they no longer decay while so inhabited); but a vetala may also leave the body at will.
6. General Description-Vethalam
In Hindu folklore, the vetala is an evil spirit who haunts cemeteries and takes demonic possession of corpses. They make their displeasure known by troubling humans. They can drive people mad, kill children, and cause miscarriages, but also guard villages.
7.Origin of Vethalam
They are hostile spirits of the dead trapped in the 'twilight zone' between life and afterlife. These creatures can be repelled by the chanting of holy mantras. One can free them from their ghostly existence by performing their funerary rites.

8. Speciality with Vethalam
Being unaffected by the laws of space and time, they have an uncanny knowledge about the past, present, and future and a deep insight into human nature.
9. Vethala made to slaves
Therefore many sorcerers seek to capture them and turn them into slaves.
10 King Vikramaditya and vethala
A sorcerer once asked King Vikramaditya to capture a vetala who lived in a tree that stood in the middle of a crematorium. The only way to do that was by keeping silent.
Every time Vikramaditya caught the vetala, the vetala would enchant the king with a story that would end with a question. No matter how hard he tried, Vikramaditya would not be able to resist answering the question. This would enable the vetala to escape and return to his tree. The stories of the vetala have been compiled in the book Baital Pachisi.
11.Vetala cult and Demigod Vetala
There is also a strong Vetala cult in the Konkan region, under the names of Betal, Vetal, etc. It seems, however, that the relation between the literary Vetala and this demigod's is feeble at best. There is a Shree Betal temple in Amona, Goa.
12. Vetal and Kalabhairavar
Vetal is the worshipper (or sevak) of KalBhairav and is the head of all spirits and ghouls and vampires and all kinds of pisachas. He has another form which is a more potent and fiery form, that of Agni Vetal who is the sevak of none other than Kalika.
13. Agni vetal
Lord Agnivetal has flames on his head and controls fire. He is also known as Agya Vetal. Agnivetal is used by Tantriks to perform evil black magic on people. But it isn't Lord Agnivetal's fault because the Tantriks misuse the powers given to them on propitiating Agnivetal
Friends
I have the following new information while reading from Wikipedia.
1. Pisachu are either creation of Brahma or Grand children of Daksha
2. Vetal can be transformed to Pithrus . There is a Vethal temple in Goa.
3. Vethals are excellent story tellers as in king Vikramaditya case.
4. There Can be affliction by these on people and proper worship can ward it off.
 
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Observant & success

Be Smart And Observant At Work

Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company together just after graduation. Both worked very hard.

After several years, the boss promoted Jing to sales executive but Chuan remained a sales rep. One day Chuan could not take it anymore, tender resignation to the boss and complained the boss did not value hard working staff, but only promoted those who flattered him.

The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard for the years, but in order to help Chuan realise the difference between him and Jing, the boss asked Chuan to do the following. Go and find out anyone selling water melon in the market Chuan returned and said yes. The boss asked how much per kg Chuan went back to the market to ask and returned to inform boss the $12 per kg.

Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same question. Jing went, returned and said, boss, only one person selling water melon. $12 per kg, $100 for 10 kg, he has inventory of 340 melons. On the table 58 melons, every melon weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South two days ago, they are fresh and red, good quality.

Chuan was very impressed and realised the difference between himself and Jing. He decided not to resign but to learn from Jing.

My dear friends, a more successful person is more observant, thinks more and understands in depth. For the same matter, a more successful person sees several years ahead, while we see only tomorrow. The difference between a year and a day is 365 times.

Think! how far have you seen ahead in your. life How thoughtful in depth are you.
knr
--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Narayana bhattathiri


Courtesy:Sri.Gopala krishnan
========================
MELPATHUR NARAYANA BHATTATHIRI
(AD 1559-1632)
1.INTRODUCTON
The most famous among the Guruvayur saints was Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri. He was born in Melpathur illam near Tirunavaya, famed as the theatre of the Mamankam festival in the preset Malappuram District.
Bhattathiri's father Mathrudattar was a pandit himself. Bhattathiri studied from his father as a child. Learning Rig Veda (adhyayanam) from Madhava, Tharka sastra (science of arguments in Sanskrit) from Damodara, Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar) from Achyuta Pisharati, he became a pandit by the age of 16. Later Bhattathiri married Pisharadi's niece and settled in Thrikandiyur.
2. BHATTATHIRI TRANSFER RHEUMATIC PAIN OF HIS GURU TO HIMSELF.
Bhattathiri's Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar) Guru, Achyuta Pisharati, was affected with rheumatism Unable to see his pain, by yogic strength and by way of Gurdakshina, Bhattathri is said to have taken the disease upon himself and relieved his guru of the problem.
3. MEEN THOTTU KOOTTUKA
Bhattathiri so got affected with rheumatism and searched for a remedy. No medicine could cure Narayana. Ezhuthachan, a well-known Malayalam poet and Sanskrit scholar told him - "meen thottu koottuka" (use fish as side dish. Also meaning begin writing with Matsyavathra).
4. GURUVAYUR BHAJANAM
On the face of it, the suggestion would seem offensive to an orthodox Brahmin, who are strict vegetarians. However, Bhattathiri, understanding the hidden meaning, decided to present the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu starting with the fish, as narrated in the Bhagavata Purana in a series of Dasakas (Groups of ten slokas).
5. WRITING NARAYANEEYAM
Upon reaching Guruvayur, he started composing one dasaka a day in the presence of the Lord. The refrain in last sloka of every dasaka is a prayer to him to remove his ailments and sufferings. Every day, he sang 10 shlokas on Sri Guruvayoorappan. Each set of 10 poems ends with a prayer for early cure. The last sloka of every dasaka is a prayer to him to remove the ailments and sufferings. He composed his work in one hundred dasakas on the Kali day. In 100 days Melpathur finished his compositions. This work is known as Narayaneeyam after which he recovered fully and regained happiness.
6. VISION OF LORD GURUVAYOORAPPA
On 27 November 1587 when he finished the last dashakam ("Ayuraarogya Sowkhyam") he was cured. The 100th canto composed on that day gives a graphic description of this form of the Lord from the head to the foot. On that day he had a vision of the Lord in the form of Venugopalan. Melpathur was 27 years old at that time then.
(My note- Dear friends- by over sight in my earlier posting Trikkakkarae… I mentioned as Poonthanam instead of Melapathur. At least one or two would have noted it. Sorry for the mistake)
7. MORE ABOUT NARAYANEEYAM
The Narayaneeyam is a devotional Sanskrit work, in the form of a poetical hymn, consisting of 1036 verses (called 'slokas' in Sanskrit). It gives a summary of 18,000 verses of the Bhagavata Purana. Narayaneeyam was written during the year AD 1586.
Narayaneeyam is in praise of Lord Narayana (Vishnu) on the equation between NARA and NARAYANA. Narayaneeyam is a summary of the Bhagavatha and its parayana (reading) confers great benefits; it is an effective faith therapy. It makes one God-conscious, it concerns mainly about our present life - Aarogyam (health and freedom from diseases) and saukhyam (happiness).
To Guruvayur also, Narayaneeyam is of utmost importance. No work of this magnitude has ever been dedicated and addressed to the deity of any other temple in India. It offers to the devout devotee an opportunity to visualise and worship Mahavishnu by reading it or listening to its rendition. It will shine and conjure up at Guruvayur in the heart of posterity.
8. NARAYANEEYAM DAY
The day on which Narayana dedicated his Narayaneeyam to Sri Guruvayurappan is celebrated as "Narayaneeyam Dinam" every year at Guruvayur
The Devaswom celebrates the Narayaneeyam Day every year with great enthusiasm and splendour.
9. VYAKARANAM AND MELAPATHUR
Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, third student of Achyuta Pisharati, was also student of Kerala School of astronomy and mathematics. He was a mathematical linguist (vyakarana). His most important scholarly work, Prkriya-sarvawom, sets forth an axiomatic system elaborating on the classical system of Panini.
However, he is most famous for his masterpiece, Narayaneeyam, a devotional composition in praise of Guruvayoorappan (Sri Krishna) that is still sung at the temple of Guruvayoor.
10 LIFE TIME
Bhattathiri lived 106 years and was a profounder of purva mimamsa, uttara mimamsa and vyakarana. He composed the Narayaniyam at the age of 27 and got cured of rheumatic pain. Melpathur is very often called as Guruvayur saint.
No details are available about his children or other details of his wife.
 
knr


--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God


Poonthanam Nampoothiri

Courtesy: Sri.Gopala Krishnan
========================
POONTHANAM NAMPOOTHIRI I
(1547-1640)
Friends
When I wrote about Malappuram District there were responses to me there is NO
MALAPPURAM WITH OUT MELPATHUR AND POONTHANAM. Though I just mentioned about them
I could not go in detail because the postings were going lengthy. These
responses made me to write about them in detail and post separately.
I am really happy my postings are read, except one or two all are appreciating
my efforts. One or two members are there always critic expressing some sort of
dislike about me. I appreciate them also since they are also reading my posting.
Unless they are totally negative in their response, I respond to them also.
For many elder members of Kerala it may sometimes be more than refreshing. For
me I got much new information from websites not known to me (Or forgot also).
For middle aged it will provide excellent information, especially with US
Brahmins group. I am posting it in two parts since slightly lengthy. This is
first part of the posting.
Sincerely
Gopala Krishnan
1.INTRODUCTION
Poonthanam Nampoothiri (1547-1640AD) Malayalam devotional poet, lived in
Keezhattoor near Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district of Kerala. He was a
famous devotee of Lord Krishna (Guruvayurappan). He is remembered for his
masterpiece, Njanappaana which means 'the song of wisdom' in Malayalam.
Poonthanam was the family name, his personal name is not known
2. ORIGIN OF JNANAPANA
The legend about him goes like this: Poonthanam married at 20, but for a long
time, they had no children. He began to propitiate the Lord of Guruvayur and a
son was born. He called for a celebration and everybody known was invited, but
the child died an hour before the ceremony. Grief-stricken Poonthanam sought
refuge at Guruvayur and started praying with the puranic story of Kumaraharanam.
He considered Lord Krishna as his son and achieved enlightment. In his work he
writes: "While little Krishna is dancing in our hearts, do we need little ones
of our own?"
Poonthanam spent the rest of his life reading the Bhagavatham and singing the
Lord's glories in simple Malayalam. His magnum opus, Njanappana, was composed
during this period the house which he lived in Malappuram District is now taken
care by Guruvayur Devaswom.
Composed in a literary style called `Panapattu,' as suggested by the title,
`Jnanappana' consists of about 360 short lines in verse form simple in language,
musical in sound, rich in meaning and filled with philosophical wisdom, the poem
is a veritable treatise on `namasankirtan' or devotional worship. In chorus,
when every verse is repeated at the end with the refrain of
"KRISHNA KRISHNA MUKUNDA JANARDHANA...
KRISHNA KRISHNA MUKUNDA HARE HARAE"
The effect is one of long lasting joy and warmth of feelings. No wonder,
Poonthanam's `Jnanappana' is a household name in Kerala.
3. CONTEMPORARY OF MELPATHUR AND EZHUTHACHAN
He is contemporary of Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, another famous poet
associated with Guruvayur. Since there are incidents in the life of Melpathur
relating Poonthanam and Ezhuthachan, Ponthanam is cotemporary of Ezhuthassan
also.
4.POEMS OF POONTHANAM
His popular poems are Bhasha Karnamritam, Kumaraharanam or Santanagopalam Pana
and Njanappaana. Primarily these are devotional work in Malayalam intended to
create Krishna bhakti in readers. The touching narrative in very simple and
straightforward language with fast moving verses makes it very attractive to
common devotees. Krishna's infinite love for his devotees is the central theme,
but the poem makes its appeal because of its down-to-earth realism and
unmistakable touch of authenticity.
While Unnikrishnan is playing in my mind, do I need another baby as my own?
This line of Njanappaana will simply make anybody feel deep from his or her
heart…The sad incident behind it has already briefed .
4.1KUMARA HARANAM PANA
Kumara haranam Pana is a touching narrative in very simple and straightforward
language and fast moving verse. It tells the story of a Brahmin father who lost
all his children and sought the help of the Pandava prince Arjuna.
Arjuna proudly offered to help him preserve his next child alive, but he was
unable to keep his word. The Brahmin abuses Arjuna to his great anguish and in
his wounded pride he decides to commit suicide by leaping into flames. Krishna
out of love for Arjuna intervenes at the last moment and takes him to Vaikuntha
from where they recover all the lost children of the Brahmin.
Krishna's infinite love for his devotees is thus the central theme, but the poem
also makes its appeal because of its down-to-earth realism and unmistakable
touch of authenticity.
4.2 JNANA PANA
Jnanappana or the Song of Divine Wisdom is a veritable storehouse of
transcendental knowledge which is firmly rooted in the experiences of this
world.
A few verses are translated and given below. The translation will not bring the
sweetness, but of the wisdom of Poonthanam in simple lines . I am compelled to
add it .
Is there scarcity of the Lord's name?
Or has fear of hell declined?
Is there life without use of tongues?
Have we escaped from mortality?
Alas, alas, without reflection
We roast and eat out life in vain.
After how many lifetimes of labour
We happened to be born here by luck!
How many lifetimes spent in water,
How many lifetimes lived like trees,
How many lifetimes as beasts, as cattle
Ere we could be born as men?
After so much hard labour
We fell into our mother's womb,
Ten months have been spent in the womb,
Ten or twelve years spent as a child too
And the rest of the time not knowing ourselves
We spend in self-centred vainglory.
A large number of hymns and prayer songs which are still popular have been
attributed to Poonthanam.
5. POONTHANAM- PERSONAL LIFE
Poonthanam married an heiress at 20, but for long time, they had no children. He
began to propitiate Lord Guruvaayoorappan. Finally his prayers were granted, a
son was born in 1586. He did the Initial samskaras for his son like jathakarma -
done soon after the baby is born; Nama karana - naming of the child etc.
When the baby was six months old, Poonthanam decided to celebrate the child's
Annaprasanam - first feeding of cooked rice. He fixed an auspicious date for
that and invited friends and relatives. The preparations were all done well. On
the day of the ceremony everybody in the house were busy, Poonthanam's wife gave
bath to the baby and dressed him up. She put him to sleep on a mat on the floor
and tucked with a nice white sheet.
Before the commencement of samskara the child was found left the abode to heaven
by all.
This incident made Poonthanam divert all his attention towards Guruvaayoorappan,
his devotion became more intense he decided to consider Unnikrishnan (baby
Krishnan) who is playing always in his mind, as his own baby.
6. POONTHANAM –END OF LIFE
Poonthanam spent the rest of his life of 90 odd years reading the Bhagavatham
and singing the Lord's glories in simple Malayalam.
Lord Guruvaayoorappan has appreciated Poonthanam's bhakthi various times
directly and it is believed that he himself came down to earth and taken
Poonthanam personally to Vaikuntam.
7. MELPATHUR DOWN GRADE POONTHANAM
Poonthanam Nambudiri was contemporary of Melpathur Bhattatiri - author of
Narayaneeyam. Melpathur was the most knowledgeable and scholarly personality of
that time. He was suffering from severe arthritis and was pleading to
Guruvayoorappan for a remedy when he started his composition of Narayaneeyam. By
the time he finished Narayaneeyam he was completely out of his sickness and
became renowned for his devotion.
Those days Malayalam was not considered equal to Sanskrit and was not well
accepted in the learned circle, Melpathur also had contempt for Malayalam.
Poonthanam had submitted the draft of Njanappaana to Melpathur, he refused to
see this work but told him blatantly to go and learn Sanskrit before writing.
8.MELPATHUR REALISE HIS MISTAKES
This act of Melpathur hurt Poonthanam very much. Melpathur was composing
Narayaneeyam those days, the next day, as usual when he came to offer dasaka or
ten slokas to the Lord, he could not utter a single word.
A small boy in his teens, never seen before presented he and pointed out
mistakes after mistakes in all slokas composed by Melpathur. After ten mistakes
in ten slokas Melpathur realised the divinity of the boy. He fell at the feet of
the boy but the boy disappeared and there was an asareeri - celestial voice
saying, "Poonthanam's Bhakthi - devotion is more pleasing to me than Melpathur's
Vibhakthi - learning or knowledge in Sanskrit grammar."
Melpathur realised his mistake and asked Poonthanam to pardon him and amended
his arrogance by reading the works of Poonthanam. It is also said that within a
few days after this occurrence of refusing Poonthanam's composition;
Bhattathiri's arthritis started acting up again.
In his meditation, he heard the Lord Guruvayoorappan telling him that
Poonthanam's composition with humble devotion is more precious to him than
Bhattathiri's high knowledge with arrogance. Bhattathiri realize his mistake and
he understood the magnificence of Njanappaana and gave due respect to Poonthanam
and his famous composition. He got well with in a short period
9. PADMANABHAO MARAPRABHU
Though Poonthanam and Melpathur were great devotees of Lord Guruvayurappan, Poonthanam, a great poet, who wrote his verses in the vernacular, was famous for his bhakthi - devotion where as Melpathur, an erudite scholar and great poet in Sanskrit was known for his vibhakthi - knowledge.
It looks like Guruvayurappan was partial towards Poonthanam than Melpathur. Melpathur used to be arrogant and laugh at Poonthanam's Sanskrit reading and recitation.
One day Poonthanam was wrongly reciting "Padmanabho Maraprabhu," which means Lord of trees in Malayalam. Melpathur openly laughed at Poonthanam and corrected saying, Padmanabha is not Maraprabhu - Lord of trees but Amaraprabhu - Lord of immortals.
Immediately, there was an asareeri - celestial voice from the inner shrine, " I am also Maraprabhu". There is a statue of "Maraprabhu" in the Sreevalsam Guest house compound fully made of clay. This is the biggest idol made of clay in Asia.
10 LORD SIVA RECITE BHAGAVATHAM
There are many stories about Poonthanam's bhakthi and his bond with the sacred Bhagavatham. The temple of Kottiyoor in North Kerala is very popular; it is believed that Daksha Yaga was performed there. The significant deity in this temple is Lord Siva. The temple was kept open only for a few days during a year. There were no human activities in that place for the rest of the year.
Once Poonthanam reached at the Kottiyoor temple, had a bath in the Holly River; he worshiped compassionate God Siva, felt happy, and stayed there for a few days. He recited Bhagavatham everyday in front of the deity.
There is a famous part in the tenth chapter of Bhagavatham named "Karhichith". This part contained a story of Lord Krishna asking his wife Rukmini "WHY DID YOU GET MARRIED WITH ME WHO IS JUST A SHEPHERD? YOU WOULD HAVE HAD MUCH BETTER LIFE IF YOU HAD MARRIED THE KING SISUPALA.
Hearing this Rukmini faints and Lord consoles her. This part is described very well in Bhagavatham with inner meanings. Poonthanam finished reading this part of the chapter and kept the bookmark on that page.
10.1 BOOK MARK MADE BY POONTHANAM GET ALTERED
Next day he found the bookmark at beginning of the same chapter. So Poonthanam read the same part for the second time. This was repeated for the rest of the days. It was the last day to close the temple for the year. Poonthanam returning from the temple with the other devotees. Then he remembered about his Bhagavatham, which he left at the temple. He hurried back; crossed the river and reach the entrance to the temple, which was closed. He was all-alone. He could hear somebody reciting the same part of the chapter from Bhagavatham inside the temple.
10.2 IS MY READING AS GOOD AS POONTHANAM'S
As he looked through the keyhole he saw Lord Siva himself reading from Poonthanam's Bhagavatham. Goddess Parvathi and his other Bhaoothaganas were listening. Their eyes were filled with tears out of devotion. Poonthanam stood there motionless and heard the whole recitation. At the end Paramasiva asked Parvathi "was my reading as good as Poonthanam's"?
PARVATHI REPLIED IT WAS NOT GOOD AS POONTHANAM'S. Hearing this Poonthanam who stood outside was shaken up and uttered the name Narayana loudly. When he watched again the Gods had disappeared. It was God Siva who put the Bookmark at the beginning of the chapter every time when Poonthanam recited at the temple. This story shows that God places true devotees much higher than him. ( Friends – This Legend is new to me . What about you?)
13.MANGATTU ACHHAN
Poonthanam used to walk about 100 kilometers to take darshan of Guruvayurappan every month. Once on his way, in the forest some robbers attacked him. He gave them everything he had the money and his ring, still they were at him. They were after the small packet he was clinging to. It was his whole treasure the Bhagavatham book, which he did not want to part with.
When Poonthanam said it was only a book, the thieves were not convinced. Sensing the danger of getting killed, he closed his eyes and cried out for Lord's help. Hearing the noise a man suddenly appeared on the horseback. Who put down those deceits and got the money and the ring back for Poonthanam.
It was Mangattachan - the Minister of the Zamorin Raja who happened to be passing by. Poonthanam was very happy, he thanked the young man and offered him his ring as a gift. Mangattachan accepted the gift and guided him up to the temple and disappeared.
13.1 RING GIVEN TO MANGATTACHAN ON GOD'S FINGERS
The same night, Melsanthi of the Guruvayur temple had a dream of an Unni Namboodiri telling him "You will find a ring on the idol, give it to Poonthanam, who will come tomorrow." Quite miraculously, next morning when the Melsanthi went to the temple to do Nirmalya pooja he saw a ring on Deity's finger. Poonthanam was promptly there at Guruvayoor temple for Nirmalya Darshnam and vaka charthu around 2.30 morning.
Melsanthi came out from Sreekovil and gave Poonthanam the ring and told him what happened. Poonthanam was flabbergasted to see that the ring was his own, which he had presented to Mangattachan, the day before!. POONTHANAM COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT IT WAS LORD GURUVAYURAPPAN HIMSELF, WHO CAME TO THE RESCUE AS MANGATTACHAN.
This episode has been immortalised in `Aa Mothiram' (`That Ring'), a Malayalam poem by Vallathol, a famous poet of the last century.
14.EDATHPURATH TEMPLE
Poonthanam used to visit Guruvayur once in every month. As he grew old, it became more and more difficult for him to walk the distance. Once when he got very tired he sat down and cried, "Oh Krishna! I cannot walk any further".
Krishna appeared by his side immediately and told him gently, "I am here with you. You need not come to Guruvayur to see me and on wakig Poonthanam found an idol of Krishna . "Poonthanam installed the deity there. Since Krishna appeared on the left hand side of Poonthanam illam , the place was called Idath Puram meaning left side. He started pooja to the deity and soon there came up a small temple.
This temple is about one KM north east of Thirumandhamkunnu temple, Angadipuram
14. JOURNEY TO VAIKUNTAM
It is well-known that Lord Guruvaayoorappan himself personally took Poonthanam to Vaikuntam. While Poonthanam was getting old, he couldn't travel much, so remained at home spending most of his time reading Bhagavatham and meditation. He used to get visions of God very often, but others couldn't understand what he was talking about, SO THEY THOUGHT HE BECOME SENILE.
One day Poonthanam said, " Guruvaayoorappan is coming to visit us tomorrow. So the whole house needs to be decorated and so on." He got himself busy with preparations. The family thought he was going crazy. Still they helped him with all the arrangements. Next morning while he was resting after meditation he could see a plane coming. He behaved weird and acted as if he is welcoming and offering services to Guruvaayoorappan.
By the time the Lord was leaving, he called his wife and asked her to get ready to go to Vaikuntam with him. She didn't take it serious and said she had to do a few more things in the kitchen. A maid who was listening to all this conversation asked for his permission to go with him. Poonthanam gladly agreed. After a few minutes Poonthanam's wife finished her chores and came out to find that Poonthanam is missing and the maid dead.
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Maha Vidyas

Courtesy : Sri.Gopala Krishnan
==========================
1.DEVEPOMENT OF MAHAVIDYAS PRINCIPLE

The development of Mahavidyas represents an important turning point in the history of Shaktism as it marks the rise Bhakti aspect in Shaktism, which reached its zenith in 1700 CE. First sprung forth in the Puranic age, around 6th century C.E., as a response to the rise of masculine deities of Hindu pantheon to the top, a new theistic movement began in which the supreme being was envisioned as female. A fact epitomized by texts like Devi-Bhagavata Purana, especially its last nine chapters (31-40) of the seventh skandha, which are known as the Devi Gita, and soon became central texts of Shaktism.

In summary when worship of masculine deities was in forefront, a different thought of feminine Goddess worship was thought of.

2. ETYMOLOGY-MAHA VIDYAS

The name Mahavidyas comes from the Sanskrit roots, with maha meaning 'great' and vidya meaning, 'revelation, manifestation, knowledge, or wisdom.

3.NAMES- MAHA VIDYAS

Shaktas believe, "the one Truth is sensed in ten different facets; the Divine Mother is adored and approached as ten cosmic personalities," the Dasa-Mahavidya ("ten-Mahavidyas"). The Mahavidyas are considered Tantric in nature, and are usually identified as

31.KALI:

The Goddess as Cosmic Destruction, Death or "Devourer of Time" (Supreme Deity of Kalikula systems). The form of Kali at Kalighat in Calcutta etc. Probably Kalidasa got Vidya from Kali.

When a woman is fierce in looks and activities some times, we use to say behaving like Kali also.

3.2.TARA:

The Goddess as Guide and Protector, or Who Saves. This Tara sometimes we may be referring in the mantras of auspiciousness of the muhurtha- Tara balam Chandra Balam Thathaiva, Vidya alam Deiva balam Thathaiva….

Tara is not so common name; the only Thara I heard among women is Tara Kalyan (the dancer) used to appear early in Asia net and now in Doordarsan programmes

3.3.LALITA-TRIPURASUNDARI (SHODASHI):
The Goddess who is "Beautiful in the Three Worlds" (Supreme Deity of Srikula systems); the "Tantric Parvati".

She is adorned in the Lalitha sahasranamam. Because of her tenderness many girls are named Lalitha or Lalithambika etc. Lalithambal is a very familiar name among Brahmin girls. Among other communities it can be simple Lalitha. Among Nampoothiries and Royal groups also we have lalitha- as Lalaithambika Antharjanam( The writer cum IAS officer ) and Lalitha bhai Thampuratti.

3.4.BHUVANESHVARI:

The Goddess as World Mother, or Whose Body is the Cosmos. We have one Bhuvaneswari Adhishtanam at Pudukkottai in Tamilnadu and I have worshipped there while working in Pudukkottai

3.5.BHAIRAVI:

The Fierce Goddess. But it is also the name of a music ragam. I am not sure as a music ragam it is good. My co brother's house is named Bhairavi, they are music people. So it should be a good ragam.

3.6.CHHINNAMASTA:

The Self-Decapitated Goddess. Chinna mastha worship is among villages and tribal people.

3.7.DHUMAVATI:

The Widow Goddess.

3.8.BAGALAMUKHI:

The Goddess Who Paralyses Enemies

3.9.MATANGI:

Matangi is the Outcaste Goddess (in Kalikula systems) and the Prime Minister of Lalita (in Srikula systems); the "Tantric Saraswati"

3.10.KAMALA:

The Lotus Goddess; the "Tantric Lakshmi" . Kamala is also a familiar name among Brahmins, and among other communities. We may be having either Kamalambal or Kamalam. Kamala kamesh was an actress of yesteryear in Tamil who had a prominent role in the film Alaikal Oivathillai by Bharathi raja.

The Mahabhagavata Purana and Brhaddharma Purana however, list Shodashi (Sodasi) as Tripura Sundari, her another name.

4. MAHAVIDYAS- AVATHARS OF VISHNU

The Guhyatiguyha-tantra associates the Mahavidyas with the ten avatars of Vishnu, and states that the Mahavidyas are the source from which the avatars of Vishnu arose. All ten forms of the Goddess, whether gentle or terrifying, are worshiped as the universal Mother.

5.LEGEND-CHHINNAMASTA: THE SELF-DECAPITATED GODDESS.

The 'Mahabhagvata Purana', describes the origin of Mahavidyas, as the result of an argument between Shiva and Sati (Dakshayani), an earlier incarnation of Parvati.

When Shiva and Sati were wed, Sati's father Daksha disapproved of the match and organized a great sacrifice to which he invited everyone except for the newlywed couple. Sati, incensed, insisted on attending the sacrifice, which Shiva forbade until Sati transformed herself into a terrible appearance and multiplied into the ten Mahavidyas, whereby she subdued Shiva's resistance and attended the sacrifice. I have described the same else where earlier also in my posting, which was a new information to me then.

6.WORSHIP

In their strong associations with death, violence, ritual pollution, and despised marginal social roles, they call into question such normative social "goods" as worldly comfort, security, respect, and honour.

The worship of these goddesses suggests that the DEVOTEE EXPERIENCES A REFRESHING AND LIBERATING SPIRITUALITY IN ALL THAT IS FORBIDDEN BY ESTABLISHED SOCIAL ORDERS.

7. CONCLUDING REMARKS.

We have seen 10 Maha vidyas. Out of it Kamala , Bhuvaneswari, Tara and Lalitha are simple forms. Others are fierce. Bagalmukhi and Dhoomavathi also appear in Saptha mathru cocept.
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Husband Vs Wife

   Husband V/S Wife

 


                 Husband: Do you know the meaning of WIFE?

            It means, Without Information, Fighting Everytime!

                        Wife: No darling, it means,

                            With Idiot For Ever


 ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *********
                                  ******
                                     *
                                 ********

                      Wife: I wish I was a newspaper,

                     So I'd be in your hands all day.

              Husband: I too wish that you were a newspaper,

                    So I could have a new one everyday.


 ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *********
                                  ******
                                     *
                                 ********

     Doctor: Your husband needs rest and peace. Here are some sleeping
                                  pills.
                    Wife: When must I give them to him?

                         Doctor: They are for you


 ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *********
                                  ******
                                     *
                                 ********

         Wife: I had to marry you to find out how stupid you are.

               Husband: You should have known it the minute

                         I asked you to marry me.


 ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *********
                                  ******
                                     *
                                 ********

              Husband: Today is Sunday & I have to enjoy it.

                       So I bought 3 movie tickets.

                             Wife: Why Three?

                     Husband: For you and your parents


 ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *********
                                  ******
                                     *
                                 ********

      Wife: What will you give me if I climb the great Mount Everest?

                       Husband: A lovely Push...!!!
 
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Story of Dharmavyadapaadha

Courtesy: Mr.Narayanan
==================
Namaskarams,

I wanted to bring your attention to a famous and important story from the
Mahabharata. We would have all heard this story in some form or the other
during our childhood but when I re-read it now, it brought out the real
significance of the teachings in it.

The *Vyadha Geeta *appears in the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata and sage
Markandeya recites this story to Yudhishtira. The story talks about a
learned Brahmin living in a forest and how he is taught the essence of
dharma, dedication to duty etc. by a butcher in a nearby town.

This story reiterates my favourite proverb -- work is worship. In life, we
are expected to perform different duties in different phases of life. These
duties are imposed by several factors: society, family, profession etc. The
importance lies in realizing what ones duties are and performing them with
dedication.

There is no point in attaching too much importance in what and how people
lived in the past. They can at best be guiding principles to life in the
present. Two centuries ago, our community had a different function and
standing in society and hence our duties were different.

Change is always a good thing and is a natural thing we cannot escape. It is
important for us to realize that going to office, working hard
professionally etc are imposed by society and these are in no way less that
our earlier duties of learning and chanting from scriptures.

Hence making a value judgement on a person who reads the scriptures vs. a
person who works hard and keeps his family happy are completely wrong.
Practicality and adaptation to change are most important.

Let me write about the actual story I mentioned:

-------------------------------------

The Brahmin was living an austere life in the forest and had acquired yogic
powers after lots of practice and performing of the necessary austerities.
Once while he meditated sitting under a tree, a bird sitting atop the tree
disturbed the Brahmin by dropping dirt over him. Incensed by this, he look
at the bird with anger and his power was so much that the bird dropped dead.

After this incident, he carried on and went to a nearby village begging for
food. He stood outside a house and called out to the people inside for food.
The housewife was busy inside tending to her husband who was unwell. It took
her some time to come out and offer food to the Brahmin.

The Brahmin was angered by her behavior and told the woman that she should
have either given him food immediately or else should have asked him to go
and not kept him waiting like this. The woman replied telling him -- "Please
do not be angry. I know your anger burnt a bird down but I am no bird".

She also said "*Krodah shathru sharirastho, manushyaanam dvijottama*" (Anger
is not good for the body; it is man's greatest enemy)

The Brahmin was shocked to hear this and asked her how she came to know
about the bird. The housewife said that she did not practice any austerities
but by just doing her duty with cheerfulness and wholeheartedness, she
became illumined.

She then asked him to go to Mithilapuri -- a nearby town and meet
Dharmavyadha (Righteous Butcher). The Brahmin wet to the town and met
Dharmavyadha in his meat-store.

Dharmavyadha told him that he knew the woman had sent the Brahmin to him to
discuss and understand the issues of Dharma. The Brahmin was again amazed by
this. He asked the butcher why he indulged in the occupation of selling meat
while he was so well versed in Dharma. The butcher replied that this was the
profession which his family was engaged in and this was a suitable
profession for him and not improper to his dharma.

And he said:
*Kamakordho vashe kritva*
*Dambham lobhamanarjavam*
*Dharmamityeva santhushtas*
*Te shishta sishtatammatah*
*
*
"Right conduct is achieved through two things: avoiding the vices and
promoting virtues. By taking such an approach we can maintain the right
conduct even after attaining perception"


knr
--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Intelligent Sardar!

A Sardar, a German and a Pakistani got arrested consuming alcohol which is a
severe offense in Saudi Arabia , so for the terrible crime they are all
sentenced 20 lashes each of the whip.

As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik announced: "It's my
first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one
wish before your whipping."
The German was first in line, he thought for a while and then said: "Please
tie a pillow to my back."
This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes & the German had to be
carried away bleeding and crying with pain.

The Pakistani was next up. After watching the German in horror he said
smugly: "Please fix two pillows to my back."
But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes & the Pakistani was also led
away whimpering loudly.

The Sardar was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheikh
turned to him and said: "You are from a most beautiful part of the world and
your culture is one of the finest in the world. For this, you may have two
wishes!"
"Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness," Sardar replied.
"In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not 20,
but 100 lashes."
"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very
brave." The Sheik said with an admiring look on his face.
"If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it.
"And what is your second wish, ?" the Sheik asked.
Sardar smiled and said, "Tie the Pakistani to my back" !!!
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Friday, July 9, 2010

sandhya on time

Once, saint Markandeyar got fed up of life and sought Narada and asked him
what his lifetime is. Narada told him that he would enquire with Brahma and let
him know. On that evening, it was time for Sandhyavandanam.
But the saint could not find water anywhere. Markandeyar searched every part of
the area and finally found a small pond. But the water was dirty and full of
leeches and germs. But, Markandeyar dived into it just to do his Nithyakarma in
time. And after he completed his Sandhyavandanam, Narada finally appeared and
told him that as long as he performs his Sandhya on time, his lifetime will
prosper.
Death will find him only the day he skips his Sandhya. This tells us that
Sandhya is something that gives us long life and is also something that needs to
be performed on time
 
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Impossible

The word impossible says "I'm Possible"
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Great things

If an egg is broken by an outside force, a life ends. If it breaks from within,  a life begins.

Great things always begin from within.

 
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Story of Ashtavasus & Upamanyu

Courtesy: Sri.Gopala Krishnan
=========================
 
1. Ashta vasus
Vasishta, the son of Varuna was a great sage. He had his hermitage on Mount
Meru. He possessed a cow called Nandini, which was the daughter of Surabhi.
(Here, Surabhi is probably Kamadhenu). This cow, like her mother, was capable of
yielding great riches to its possessor. It was in the habit of roaming the woods
near the hermitage of the Rishi.
One day, the celestial Vasus came to this spot, accompanied by their wives. They
were eight brothers, who normally lived in the heaven. When one of the ladies
beheld Nandini, the cow of plenty, she became desirous of possessing it.
She said to her husband Dyu, "My Lord, I wish to obtain this cow for my friend.
My friend Jitavati, the daughter of the sage Usinara, is mortal. By drinking the
milk from this cow regularly, she will be free from disease and decrepitude. Get
this cow for me."
Now the Vasu Dyu very well knew that the cow belonged to the Rishi. So he tried
to persuade his wife to forget about the cow since the Rishi would not part with
it under any circumstances. However, unable to bear the nagging of his wife, he
ultimately decided to carry the cow away by force. Assisted by his brothers, he
took the cow away to his home.
Rishi Vasishta had been away from his hermitage at this time. When he got back,
he was surprised to see that his cow had not returned, long past its usual time.
He searched the nearby woods and saw no sign of the cow. He then used his Yogic
power and divined all that had taken place. He then cursed the Vasus, saying,
"Since in their arrogance the Vasus have committed the sin of stealing a
Brahmana's property, may they be born on earth and suffer a mortal's fate!"
When the Vasu's came to know of the Rishi's curse, they became penitent, and
begged the Rishi to stay his curse. The sage relented. He said, "My curse cannot
be completely stayed. The seven of you, who have merely obeyed your brother's
orders, shall not have to suffer the mortal fate for long. However, Dyu, who is
really the mind this mischief, will have to suffer his curse for a long time.
However, he shall be an illustrious warrior, and will not have any children."
Once a meeting was called for in the courts of Brahma. Ganga was entering the
court and an unexpected flow of wind slightly displaced her upper cloth. Some
how Deva Mahabhishak got distracted and he was cursed by Lord Brahma to be born
as human. He later was born as King Shantanu, and it became known that the
Goddess Ganga would be his wife in the human life. The Vasu's begged Ganga to be
their mother in their mortal incarnation. They were the seven children drowned
by Ganga when she was the wife of King Shantanu. The eighth child was the
incarnation of Dyu, and he came to be known as Bhishma. We know stories of
Bhishma who lived as he willed.
Vasistha is told as son of Varuna and not as mind born son of Brahma.  Vasistha
is also told as having cow Nandini daughter of Kamadhenu and not Kamadhenu. I
have read in many other instances also Vasistha was keeping Nandini and not
Kamadhenu.
2.UPAMANYU
Upamanyu was another favourite disciple of Saint Ayodhdhaumya. He was assigned
the task of looking after the cows. One day when he returned after his days
work, the Guru called him and said, "Son, you look very healthy and radiant.
What do you eat while you are working?" Upamanyu replied with all humility,
"Sire, I eat whatever I get in alms."
The saint who wanted to test Upamanyu said that from now on he would not eat
anything that he received as alms without first asking him. Upamanyu agreed and
from then on offered all that he received to his guru. The Guru would take
everything and give Upamanyu nothing.
A few days later, the Guru again asked Upamanyu, "I take away all that you beg
for, so what do you eat?"
Upamanyu replied that whatever he received by begging the first time, he offered
it to his Guru and then went out and begged again a second time. The guru said,
"Son, this conduct is inappropriate for a resident of the hermitage. By begging
twice you hinder the earnings of other pupils as you cut into their share of
alms. Besides this also proves your greed."
Upamanyu listened to the guru and agreed not to do so again. A few days later,
the guru again asked Upamanyu how he still looked so robust when he had stooped
him from eating anything. To which Upamanyu replied that he drank a little of
the cow's milk while he took them out to graze. The guru forbade him to do that
without his permission. A few days later, on seeing Upamanyu still looking
healthy, the guru again called him and asked how he was surviving. This time
Upamanyu said that he drank the foam that the calves drooled while feeding on
their mother's milk. The guru again forbade Upamanyu not to do so and said that
this would affect the health of the calves, as they would drop more and more
foam for Upamanyu to feed out of the kindness of their heart.
Upamanyu agreed to this too and went back to graze the cows as was his duty. Now
that all avenues of getting food were closed, Upmanyu felt really hungry. When
he could not tolerate the intensity of hunger he went and ate the leaves of a
plant called `Aak', the leaves of which produce a bitter, sour, acidic and
poisonous juice. Due to the effect of this juice Upmanyu was instantly blinded.
He kept wandering in the woods and fell into a dry well.
After sunset, when Upmanyu did not return to the hermitage, the saint started
worrying about him. He said to his other pupils, "I have closed all avenues for
Upmanyu to get food. He is probably angry at this and hence has not returned, so
let us all go and look for him." So they went to the woods to look for Upmanyu.
They called out for him and heard a feeble voice from the well. They hurried to
the well and when they peeped inside they saw Upmanyu. They asked Upmanyu how he
fell inside the well. Upmanyu said, "I was so hungry that I ate the leaves of
the Aak plant. I then became blind and while I was trying to find my way home I
fell into the well." After hearing his story they pulled him out of the well and
his Guru told him to pray to the physicians of the Gods, Ashwini Kumar, so that
his eyes would be healed.
Upmanyu did as he was told and Ashwini Kumars (twins who are the Physicians of
Gods) appeared before him. They said, "Upmanyu, eat this sweet that we have
brought you and you shall be healed." Upmanyu declined and said that he cannot
eat anything without the permission of his guru. The gods then told him that
they had offered his guru some sweet and he ate it without asking the permission
of his own Guru. So if it is okay for your Guru to eat without first asking
permission from his own guru then it is okay for you too.
But Upmanyu again declined and this devotion and obedience of Upmanyu towards
his guru pleased the gods.
They blessed him and Upamanyu's eyes were healed and all his teeth turned into
gold. Upmanyu then went to his guru and was blessed by him. His guru was so
pleased with him that he blessed him with instant memory and told him that he
will know the Vedas and Dharamshashtras (other religious texts) automatically
without any effort.
I have heard another version of story he laid across a sudden water flow to
prevent it entering the fields he was guarding. The story does not give the
reason why do the Guru wanted him to be not healthy.

 

knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Sage Yajnavalkya

Courtesy : Sri. Narahari
====================
Hare Srinivasa
Yes.  Yagnavalkya rushi like other sages also a follower of Dwaitha philosophy.  Ofcourse almost all the sages who support the Harisarvottamatva follow the same.
Here below I produce the contents from our website
Pl click the link  Yagnavalkya
 

Who is Yajnavalkya?
He is the Son of Sunanda and Devavratha, a Brahman in Chamtkapuram in Kurpanchala Kingdom..
He is the nephew of Vaishampayana (Vaishampayana Mahamuni's sister's son) .
He was born on Karthika Shudda Dashami.
He gave us Shukla Yajurveda
Yagnavalkya's studies :
He got Aksharabhyasa under the pourohithya of Bruhaspatyacharyaru at the age of 5 and got his upanayanam @ the age of 7 years also with the pourohithya of Bruhaspathi.  He went to Bashkala for Gurukula soon after his upanayanam.
Yagnavalkya learnt different Vedas from different Rushees, i.e., rigveda from Bashkala, Samaveda from Jaimini and Atharvanaveda from Aaruni. Then he went to Gurukula of Vaishampayana Maharshi to learn Yajurveda. He learnt his higher studies under Vaishampayana Maharshi, who was his uncle also.   He studied Taittireeya Samhita from Vaishampayanaru.   Vaishampayana taught him Yajurveda as per the instruction of Sri Vedavyasaru, his guru. (Vaishampayana's gurugalu is none other than Bhagavan Vedavyasaru).
Vaisampayana found Yagnavalkya learning and grasping the entire Yajurveda faster and more rapidly than all his other disciples. He felt very happy with his nephew's speedy progress that he completed his entire adhyayana of the Yajurveda in double quick time.
More knowledge by shishya developed Prejudice with the Guru :
Yagnavalkya, because of his proficiency in Yagnas, began to assist Vaisampayanaru in the conduct of yagnas and this made him a master of the practical applications of Yajurveda in the performance of sacrifices. Vaisampayana felt proud of his nephew for his masterly scholarship and profound knowledge of the Vedas and Sastras and his methodical in the carrying out yagnas. But on certain occasion, minor differences in practice and procedure relating to the execution of yagnas arose between the guru-sishya. Whenever Vaisampayana questioned Yagnavalkya about them, Yagnavalkya quoted references  from the Vedic authorities to justify his point of view.
Gradually admiration on the shishya turned out to personal prejudices on Yagnavalkya. This slowly led to a certain amount of serious differences between Vaisampayana and Yagnavalkya on several occasions, which resulted in a good deal of divergence in the procedural practices in the performance of yagnas leading to a conflict of views between the guru and sishya.
Yagnavalkya's marriage :
Yajnavalkya married two wives. One was Katyayani, daughter of Kata Rushi Maitreyi, the daughter of Mitra, a sage in Mithila Nagar.   Maitreyi was very much interested in gaining the knowledge of Vedas, Upanishads and Shastras.  And the other. Of the two, Maitreyi was a Brahmavadini
Children – Chandrakanta, Mahamegha and Vijaya from Katyayani.
His works –  Yagnavalkya Smruthi, Yagnavalkya Shakaa,  Pratijna Sutra, and Yoga.  He is the creater of new Yagna procedure.
Atharvana Veda Siddhi of Yagnavalkya –
Once there lived a king called Supriya from Suryavamsha, whon was ruling Vardhamanapura.   The king was leading luxurious life and was enjoying the pleasure of many ladies.    Once the king fell with Leprosy after having developed intimacy with a dancer.    Inspite of many best medicines, it was not cured and day by day it was developing.  The King sent for Vaishampayanaru to do some homa for the cure of the disease.
Vaishampayanaru arraged daily homa at the palance and it was running for days, weeks together.  Then the king asked Vaishampayanaru to continue the homa at his ashrama itself and send the prasada daily.  Vaishampayanaru used to send the Prasad daily through one of his shishyas.  Even after one year it was not cured.  Vaishampayanaru as he had some reservations did not ask Yagnavalkya to go the Palace.  He knew that Yagnavalkya was an expert in Athervana Veda and would help in curing.  But his prejudices forced him not to ask his assistance.  Finally one day after one year of his Homa, he asked Yagnavalkya to take the Prasad to the King.
Yagnavalkya performed the Homa strictly in his own rigorous and efficient manner, chanting the Atharvana  Veda mantras imparted to him by Veda Vyasa and Aruni Maharishi, with devotion observing the due rites in accordance with the Shastras. Yagnavalkya proceeded forthwith to the palace taking the prasada of mantrakshata and holy water to be offered to the king. He used to put on fine clothes mostly presents given to him in recognition of his knowledge of the Vedas and Sastras, which made him, appear not so religious. On this account many mistook him to be an arrogant young man and looked at him with envy and jealousy.
By this time, the king had lost his hope on the Yagna and avoided Yagnavalkya's entry to the palace and did not take the prasada.  Yagnavalkya told the King that he will ask three times to take the prasada, if he is not accepting the prasad, that he would leave.  The King said that he would not accept any prasada from a vidyarthi who was wearing clothes in violation of common codes of apparel.  The king then challenged Yagnavalkya to prove the efficacy of the prasada on a dry log of wooden pillars in the horse stable.
Yagnavalkya pitied the king and to prove the potency of the prasada and establish that he was far different from the other pupils, observed the japa of the mantra  and reciting the mantra he sprinkled the sacred manthraksha and holy water on the stable pillars and hurried back to the ashram.
Vomition of the learnt vidya by Yagnavalkya
As soon as the manthraksha and theertha sprinkled by Yagnavalkya fell on the dry and moth eaten pillars of the stable, they began to spring back to life, transforming themselves into graceful trees, flagrant flowers and ripe fruits, presenting an inviting and pleasing sight. The king and ladies in the palace were wonder struck in witnessing the miracle and the king repented his foolish and impulsive behaviour in refusing to accept the prasada from Yagnavalkya and regretted for losing a divine opportunity of having his disease cured in a trice.
The King then sent his servants to bring back Yagnavalkya, who refused.  Then Vaishampayana interfered and asked Yagnavalkya to help the King.  Yagnavalkya again refused.  Then Vaishampayanaru got angry and told Yagnavalkya to leave the ashrama immediately.  He also told Yagnavalkya to unlearn every bit of Yajurveda which he had studied from Vaishampayana by vomiting the entire Yajurveda.  Yagnavalkya, by his yogic powers, gave a shape and form to the Yajurveda taught by Vaisampayana, gathered it together and spewed it on to the ground. Huge tongues of flames of smouldering fire leapt from the emitted Vedas and began to blaze the entire place in frightening fury, as the fire of Yajurveda mantras, shining bright and brilliant, would spread and envelop the entire world.
Taittareeya
By that time Sri Vedavyasaru came there from his Theertha Yatra, on the request from Vaishampayanaru to help, Vedavyasa Devaru sprinkled Theertha from his kamandala on some of the sishyas of Vaisampayana, namely, Apasthamba, Bodayana, Oukya, Kandiya, Kada, Dupuka, Sathyashada, Hirenyakesa etc., who happen to be present there and transformed them to the form of tittri birds i.e. ostriches and instructed to lap up the flames of the Yajurveda. It is said that because of this incidence this branch of
Vedic knowledge has come to be known as "Taittreeya."
Yagnavalkya vomited only the Yajur Veda taught by Vaisampayana and that he retained the other Vedas, the Rig, Sama and Atharva Vedas which he had earlier learnt from different gurus.
King Supriya's refusal to take the Prasad led to Shukla Yajurveda and Taittreeyam.   This served as the means for the subsequent revelation and exposition of the Shukla Yajur Veda through Yagnavalkya.  But for the behaviour of king Supriya, Yagnavalkya's refusal to cure the king and the indignation of Rishi Vaishampayana mankind would not have had the benefits of the treasures of Shukla Yajur Veda.
Shukla Yajur Veda was revealed to the sage Sri Yogeeswara directly by Lord Surya.
 
knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

 Every moment, thank God

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Rudram & Chamakam -Meaning



Courtesy: Sri.P.Krishnan
====================

TALKS ON RUDRAM- PART 1

P.Krishnan

I would like to discuss several basic aspects of Rudram to all of you who attend

the 3rd Sunday Ekadasa Rudram chanting. I will talk about the following:

Types of Chanting

Nyasam

Definition of Rudram

What is covered in Rudram?

Reason for 11 anuvaka of Rudram

Mrithyunjaya Mahamantram

Representation of 11 th Anuvaka of Chamakam

Reason for reciting 3rd Anuvaka of Chamakam

Types of Chanting

Rudram is also known as Namakam as it represents the glorification of Siva.

Chamakam basically is asking Rudra for granting phalams for having recited the

Rudram. Chamay is the main phrase used in Chamakam.

Regular worship: Recite rudram followed by chamakam

Rudra Ekadasani

: Recitation of 11 Rudram and one chamakam. One anuvaka

of chamakam followed by one rudram represents a set. 11 such sets are recited

(2

nd Anuvaka of Chamakam followed by another Rudram until all anuvakas of

chamakam are completed).

Laghu Rudram

: Recitation of 11 Rudra Ekadasani (121 Rudrams and 11

Chamakams)

Maha Rudram

: Recitation of 11 Laghu Rudrams (1331 Rudrams and 121

Chamakams)

Adhi Rudram

: Recitation of 11 Maharudrams (14641 Rudrams and 1331

Chamakams).

Nyasam:

It is the normal practice to recite Nyasa mantra for invocation of the deity in our

body. There are two forms of Nyasa. The short form is Laghu Nyasam and the

long form is Mahanyasam. In our Pradosha pooja, we recite Laghu Nyasam. In

our 3

rd Sunday Rudra Ekadasani, we recite Mahanyasam.

Definition Of Rudram

Several meanings are available for Rudram. The most important are Rudh

Dukham( One who drives off all sorrows and causes of sorrow) and

Dukha Nivavartvam (one gives ananda and mangalam upon removal of sorrow).

Rudra represents the fierce form and peaceful form is that of Siva.

All of us are familiar that Rudra represents anger and infact the Rudram starts

with salutations to his anger (

Namaste rudramanvaya…)

What is Covered in Rudram?

Three aspects are brought in Rudram.

Sarvesvaratvam: Siva is portrayed as iswara of all gods (intelligent cause

or Nimitta Karanatvam)

Sarvatmakatvam or Sarva Sariratvam: Lord alone is appearing in the form

of the world.

Sarva Antaryamitvam: Exhibiting the inner essence of Nirguna Brahman

All the three aspects are indicated in 2

nd to 9th anuvakas.

Reasons for 11 Anuvakas in Rudram

Our scripture mentions that there are 33 devatas. 8 vasus, 11 Rudras, 12 Suryas

(Adityas), one Indra and one prajapati. In Bhagavad Gita Vasus, Rudras,and

Suryas(Adhityas) are mentioned in the 10 th Chapter,Verses 21 and 23. In

Amavasya (New moon) tarpanam, our departed parents, grandparents and great

great grand parents are referred to as Vasus, Rudras and Adhityas.

Eleven anuvakas represent eleven Rudras .

Vasus

are Agni, Prithvi, Vayu, Antariksha (atmosphere), Adhitya, Dyaus ( sky),

Chandramas and Nakshtrani..

The eleven attributes are mentioned at end of the 1

st anuvaka(from Visveswaraya

to Mahadevaya).

Suryas are Mitra, Ravi, Surya, Bhanava, Gagha, Bhushna, Hiranyagarbha,

Marichi, Adhitya, Savitru, Arghya, and Bhaskara. These twelve names occurs in

Surya Namaskaram.

Mrithyunjaya Mahamantram:

This occurs as the first of sixth mantra at the end of the 11

th anuvaka of Rudram.

This well known mantram asks for release from samsara (cycles of repeated births

and deaths) by giving an example of the cucumber vine (Urvarigamiva

bhandanath…) from which the ripe cucumber is made to separate. This example

indicates that getting rid of attachments to people and objects are essential for

samsara nivritti.

11th anuvaka of Chamakam

11 th anuvaka presents in an unique way various tatvams( principles) by merely

mentioning odd (1 to 33 –

Eka chamay to trayastri chaghum) and even

numbers( 4,8,12 to 48 –

Chathasraschamay to Astachatvarighum chamay).

Odd numbers represent the following: 1- Nature or Prakriti, 3- Three Gunas, %-

Panchabhutas, 7- 5 sensory organs, mind and intellect, 9- Nava dwara of the body,

11- Ten Pranas and sushumna, 13- devas, 15- Nadis of the body, 17- all limbs of

the body, 190- medicinal herbs, 21- important vulnerable parts of the body, 23-

Devas contolling serious diseases, 25- Number of Apsaras in heaven, 27-

Ghandarvas, 29- Vidhyut devas, 31- Worlds, 33-Devas.

Even numbers represent the following: 4- Purushartha (artha,kama,dharma and

moksha), 8- Vedas and upavedas, 12- six angas and six sastras, 16- Knowledhe to

be gotten from gods, 20- Mahabhutas, 24- Letters(24) of Gayathri, 28- Letters

(28) of Ushnik meter, 32- Letters (32) of Anustup meter, 36- Letters(36) of

Bruhathi meter, 40- Letters ( 40) of Pankthi meter, 44- Letters(44) of Rrustup

meter, and 48- Letters (48) of Jagathi meter.

Attributes represented by odd numbers are for receiving blessings from devas

known as deva santham. The even numbers denotes the well being of living

beings as manushya santham.

My subsequent talks will cover the reason for reciting the 3 rd anuvaka of

Chamakam twice in Rudram chanting and also will summarize the details of each

Rudra anuvakas.

DISCLAIMER:

My talk is based on summary of information obtained from

various sources. Any error or omission is entirely mine.

TALKS ON RUDRAM- PART 2

P. Krishnan

Reason for chanting 3

rd anuvaka of Chamakam Twice

It is a tradition in Upanishad reciting to start with a shanti pata. Rudram occurs in

Krishna Yajur veda Taittriya Samhita (four parts of veda are

Samhita,

Brahmana, Aryanaka and Upanishad

). I will digress a little bit from my main

point about the shanti pata of Rudram and say a few words about Vedas and

shanti patas of upanishads. More than 1000 upanishads used to exist but now only

ten are considered important for the simple reason that commentaries have been

written on these by Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhva. These ten Upanishads are

Aitareya(Rig Veda), Isa and Brihadaranyaka (SuklaYajurVeda), Katha and

Taittariya(KrishnaYajur Veda), Kena and Chandogya (Sama Veda) and Mundaka,

Mandukya and Prasana (Athatva Veda).

Each Upanishad belonging to a particular veda has its own shanthi pata. The

shanthi pata of Rigveda is

Vang May Manasi Prathisthita---. Yajur veda has

two subdivisions-Sukla and Krishna and each has its own shantipata. For sukla

yajur veda, it is

Poornamadham poornamidham--. For KrishnaYajur veda it is

Sahana Bhavathu

and for TaittriyaUpanishad has an additional shantipata

(

Sanno mitra Sam Varunah…). Both Sanno Mitra and Shana Bhavutu occur

within the Taittriya text and therefore cannot be used for Rudram which occurs in

the Samhita portion

The reason for using

Sanchamay Mayaschamay as the shanti pata before

reciting the first as well as reciting the fourth Rudram is simply one of arithmetic.

Remember that we recite one anuvaka of Chamakam before reciting the Rudram

and reciting 11 Rudrams are completed after the 10th anuvaka of Chamakam

(Note that we recite the 11

th anuvaka of Chamakam after completing 11

Rudrams).

This method of reciting requires that we use one anuvaka of Chamakam as the

Shanti pata (similar to that used in Taittriya Upanishad where it occurs within the

text). The choice of that anuvaka is the 3

rd anuvaka of Chamakam (Sanchamay,

Mayaschamay

) because this anuvaka among all others represent that all our well

being are with Rudra. This anuvaka mentions that pleasures in this world and

other worlds, desire, security, great fame, courage etc are because of Rudra.

Now I will discuss some interesting aspects of each anuvaka of Rudram. I will

cover first to fifth anuvakas in this talk. I will highlight what is covered in each

anuvakas of Rudram to highlight the three aspects of Rudram that I mentioned in

my opening talk.

Generally, most slokams have a palasruthi at the end (for Rudram, it is

Chamakam) and it basically states the benefit that will come to the person reciting

the sloka. There are two types of devotees-

Sakama and Niskama Bhaktas. The

desire of the first type is to obtain personal benefits from Iswara for his family

and himself. The second type prays to Iswara not for obtaining any personal

benefits but asks for benefits for mankind (

Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavanthu).

Therefore, I am including the efficacy of Rudram chanting for curing diseases as

indicated by some commentrators for sakama bhaktas.

First Anuvaka

It is necessary to imagine that a devotee sees anger in Rudra and also sees bows

and arrows in his hand and start fearing what will happen to him. Thus he starts

with saluting his anger (

Manvaya) and the bows (thanvane). After this, the

devotee is requesting Rudra to relinquish his fierce exterior and not to use his

weapons. Some of the interesting thing mentioned in this anuvaka are: Untie the

strings connecting the ends of his bow and put away arms in his hand

(

Pramuncha dhanvanastra---- Isatvah parato bhagavo rapa), to break the

sharp ends of arrows and slacken the bow string (

Avastatya----sumanbhava),

Bow string be loosened, quiver become empty and arrows loose the power to hurt

(

Vijyanthanu-----Abhurasya nishangati).

Having asked to take care of the bow, quiver and arrows for his sake then the

devotee is asking Rudra that his quiver be kept ready for use against his enemies

(

Atho ya ishudhistavare asmin nidhehitam).

This anuvaka is chanted as a shield (kavacha) for virulent fever, to cure diseases

and fetal disorders.

Second Anuvaka

Sarvesvaratvam aspect of Rudram is mentioned in this anuvaka. Rudra is part of

nature in all its glories and Lord good things by pervading the earth as green

foliage (

Vrikshanam) and medicinal herbs (Aushadhinam) and requests Rudra

to loosen the bonds of samsara(

bhavasya hetayay jagatam pataye).

Second anuvaka chanting has also been mentioned for the cure of diseases.

Third Anuvaka

This anuvaka describes that Rudra is present as thieves (

thaskaranam). Varities

of thieves are mentioned in this anuvaka: those who cheat occasionally

(stayunam

), those who move guardedly with intention to steal (aranyanam),

those who protect themselves in armor (

mushnatham), and those who kill and

seize others possession (

prakrunthanam).

The glorification of Rudra continues and identifies his presence in the form of

those who are asleep and those who are awake (

svabhadbyo Jagrad bhyascha)

and present in the form of horses and those who command them (

ashvebyo

asvapati).

This anuvaka is chanted for the cure of tuberculosis, diabetes and leprosy.

Fourth Anuvaka

Sarvatmakatvam is mentioned in this anuvaka. Rudra is described as the creator

and worker of all kinds. He is the cause of both significant and minor. Rudra is

described as Ganas and their lords (

ganebhyo ganapati bhyascha), present as

great ones and small ones (

mahatbhyah kshulakebhya), in the form of

carpenters and fashioners of chariots (

kulalebhya karmarebhya) and as makers

of arrows and bows (

ishukrithabhyo thanvakrudhabyascha).

Fifth Anuvaka

Rudra's

existence in running waters is praised and his five

activities are described (creation of the universe, preservation of it,

destruction at the time of Pralaya, bondage in ignorance and the release of

moksha).

Salutations to Siva as the source of all things and destroyer of all ills

(

bhavaya cha rudraya cha), saluations to Siva who has 1000 eyes and hundred

bows (

shasraksahayayacha satadhanvanecha) as present in fast moving

streams and in cascades

(shgriyayacha shibyayacha), and present in floods and

in the island (

srotasyayacha dvipyayacha).

I will continue with the remaining anuvakas of Rudram in my third and final talk.

DISCLAIMER:

My talk is based on summary of information obtained from

various sources. Any error or omission is entirely mine.

TALKS ON RUDRAM- PART 3

P. Krishnan

This will be the third and final talk on Rudram. I will highlight the significance of

Rudram from the sixth anuvaka.

Sixth Anuvaka

Many aspects of Rudra are presented in this anuvaka. Examples are:

Salutations to Him who is senior and who is junior (Jyestayacha,

Kanishtayacha

)

Salutations to Him who was born before all and who will be born after

(

Poorvajayacha, Parajayacha)

Who is praised by vedic mantras and Upanishads (Slokyayacha, Vasanyayacha)

Who is in the form of trees in the forest and creepers in the shaded area

(

Vanyayacha, Kakshyayacha)

Seventh Anuvaka

Sarvaantaryami is brought out in this anuvaka and also in anuvakas eighth and ninth.

Examples are:

Present in drums (Dhundhubyayacha)

Present in narrow paths (Sruthyayacha) and broad highways (Pathyayacha)

Present in marshy and muddy places and in lakes (Sudhyayacha, Sarasyayacha)

Present in flowing waters and in still waters of mountain lakes (Nadhyayacha,

Vaishantayacha

)

Present in the clouds and in the lightning (Meghyayacha, Vidhyutyayacha)

Eighth Anuvaka

This anuvaka is considered very important because Panchakshari mantra Namasivaya

(

Na Ma Si Va Ya) occurs in this anuvaka. Atleast this anuvaka should be chanted by

those who do not have time to chant the Rudram fully.

Rudra is described as present in:

Holy places and on banks of rivers (Thirthyayacha, Kulyayacha)

As tender grass and as foam on waters (Shaspyayacha, Penyayacha)

As in sands and flowing water (Sighatyayacha, Pravahyayacha)

Ninth Anuvaka

This anuvaka describes the unfancied and hard to live places where Rudra is present as:

In green leaves and dried leaves (Parnayacha, Parnasatyayacha)

In deep waters and in dew drops (Hradhyayacha, Niveshpyayacha)

In dry things and green things (Shuskyayacha, Harityayacha)

Tenth Anuvaka

It should be noted that this anuvaka

does not end in Nama after every description. Rudra

is prayed for:

Not afflicting the elders in our midst, tender babies, procreating youth, the child in

the womb, neither the father nor the mother etc

(Manao mahanto mutamano---

priya ma nastanuvo rudra ririsha

)

Rudra is asked not to show his furious fear form by getting angry at our

transgressions that hurts our children, our sons in particular, our servants

(

veeranmano) but also our cattle (ghoshu) and horses (asveshu) and our warriors

(

Manastoke tanaye- Mano ashveshu ririsha---)

Many weapons you have be turned away from their hurtful faces from us

(

Tasamishano bhagavah parachina mukha krudhi)

Let your many weapons not destroy us but destroy our enemies (Yaste

shasraghum hetayan yamas manniva pantutah

)

This anuvaka is chanted for cure of diseases and for other benefits.

Eleventh Anuvaka

In this anuvaka Rudra's army called Ganas are praised and wherever they exist are

beseeched to protect (

Shasrani Sahasrashoso ye Rudra ---yojhane Vadhanvani

Tanmasi)

After this the devotee offers his salutation to Ganas by bowing to them in the

east, the west, the north and upwards (

Dasaprachir Dasadakshina Dasapradheeshir

Daso Dhishir).

The last line of this anuvaka says that whom we hate and he who hates us, we consign

them into your yawning mouths (

Dvish moyascha nodh veshti thamvo

jambhedadhami).

This line actually refers to internal enemies all of us have in various

proportions (

kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsaryam) and not to external

enemies.

After the eleventh anuvaka, six mantras follow. The first is Mrityunjaya Mahamantaran

which I addressed in my first talk.

Second Mantra

: Yo Rudro Agnau----- Rudraya namo asthu. Salutations to Rudra

who is present in fire, who is in water, in plants and trees and in everything in this world.

Third Mantra

: Tamushtihi--- Namobhir deva masurandhuvasya. Rudra has the best

arrows, best bow, who is in medicines that cure all diseases and who destroys asuras.

Fourth Mantra

: Ayam Me Haste---- Sivabhi marshana. My head is god, higher than

god to me, this is the medicines for all sickness to me and for this I touch Siva and

worship him.

Fifth Mantra: Ye they Sahasra----- Mrithyuve svaha.

God who destroys the world

and I pray to Him to kee

p away from me the 1000's of nooses which is used by you to

kill all beings, we shall loosen them by our worship. I offer this sacred food offering in

sacrifice to Rudra the destroyer.

Sixth Mantra

: Om Namo Bhagavate------ Rudro Ma Vichantaka. I offer salutations

to the omnipresent Rudra for seeking protection from death. I pray to Rudra who destroys

everything to be within me and due to that be satisfied with the food that I take as your

offering.

The last line

Namo Rudraya Vishnave mrithyur may pahi is very interesting as it

mentions both Rudra and Vishnu to protect the devotee from death. Mention of Rudra

and Vishnu are to point out that only as a personal God there is difference in form and

name but there is no difference when viewed as

Visvarupa. A similar thought is brought

out in

Vishnu Sahasranam where it is mentioned as Sarva Sarva Shiva Sthanu--.

There is a statement in

Kaivalya Upanishad (Verse 24) that even sanyasi should recite

Rudram (

Athyasrami Sarvada Sakrutva Japeth). It is also stated in the same

Upanishad (Verse 25) that knowing Brahman one attains nondual status or moksha

(

Samsararnavam nashanam----Kaivalyam ) This is the same concept as mentioned in

Mrithyunjaya Mahamantaram .

DISCLAIMER:

My talk is based on summary of information obtained from various
sources. Any error or omission is entirely mine.

knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

 Every moment, thank God