Life of Sri Andal !! Part III !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

As the years passed by, Periyalwar continued to serve Lord Vatapatrasayee with fresh flower garlands every day.  As usual, one day Periyalwar kept ready fresh garlands for Vatapatrasayee and rushed to attend his chore.  Andal furtively hurried to the place where her father kept the fresh flower garland and took it in her hand.  She stood dreamingly before the mirror and wore the garland around her neck.  She imagined herself marrying to Lord Vatapatrasayee and kept the garland back on its place.  Periyalwar naively took the garland and went to temple.  He handed over the garlands to the temple priest.   The temple priest inspected the garland and called back Periyalwar  ‘ Your garland is not fresh today, there is a long hair entwine with this.  So please take it back.’  Periyalwar shocked to hear this.  His face reddened with anger, he came rushing to home.  There he found his lovely girl anxiously waiting to see his father back.  Thus, Andal has another name too ' soodikodutha Sudar Kodi'.   She was waiting to hear from her father that the garland she had already worn by her was accepted by Lord as a sign of acceptance to the marriage between them.  She was fully engrossed with the thoughts of   Lord; she envisioned her marriage with Lord Vatapatrasayee. 

 

 

All of a sudden, there appeared Periyalwar in a rage questioned her in harsh words and yelled at her.  Abruptly, Periyalwar went to take bath, moved to collect fresh flowers from the garden and started to construct garland all over again. 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Life of Sri Andal !! Part II !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Sri Andal was found by Periyalwar in his Tulsi Garden; he used to pick flowers from this garden to make beautiful garlands for Lord Vatapatrasayee. Sri Andal was born in 9^th century – Adi Month – with the birth star Pooram – An incarnation of Sri Boodevi Thayar.    Periyalwar was an ardent devotee of Lord Ragamannar and a self-less devotee of Lord Vatapatrasayee.  He makes beautiful garlands for Lord on daily basis and present before Him.  One day, while plucking flowers from his garden, he happened to listens the cries of a baby.  He rushed towards the Tulsi shrubs.  There he found a stunningly beautiful baby girl.  Periyalwar took the baby affectionately and brought up her.  He named her ‘Andal’ (Godha).  The baby girl assisted her father in plucking flowers and making garlands for Vatapatrasayee.  Andal grew up listening to the glories of Lord Krishna.  She attentively listens to His childhood pranks and she imagined herself as one of the gopis – childhood friends of Lord Krishna.  Slowly and steadily Andal’s undivided devotion towards Lord turned into desire to attain him as her husband.  She imagined herself as Gopi, Srivilliputhur as Gokulam and the villagers as Gopis.  Her yearning for Lord Krishna had no bounds.  She composed ‘Nachiyar Thirumozhi’ and ‘Thiruppavai’ out of her longing for Lord Krishna. 

 

Once, there arrived an orator to give speech about Lord Krishna and happened to describe the ‘Markazhi Nombu’ (fasting) to attain Lord Krishna’s grace.  The little girl Andal earnestly paid attention to the rules for fasting should be followed and assembled her friends encouraged them to   observe Markazhi Nombu. During the Month of Markazhi , Andal raise in the early morning and enthusiastically knock at the doors of her friends to take bath in the river.   Her ‘Thiruppavi’ beautiful and divine compositions are exciting and it grabs the attentions of everyone.  The thirty songs under the title ‘Thiruppavai’ is totally mesmerizing and enthralling.   Witnessing the vivacious acts of Andal, her father started to worry about the girl.  Whenever Periyalwar remind her about her marriage, she replies with innocent remarks ‘I want to marry only Lord Krishna’. It added Periyalwar’s worries about his dearest daughter, eventually   people started criticizing at her devotion to Lord. 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Life of Sri Andal !! Part I !!

Jai Sriman Narayana!!

Srimathey Nigamandha Desikacharyaya Nama:

 

 

Sri Vishnuchitha Kula Nandana Kalpavallim

Sri Rangaraja Hari Chandana Yoga Drushyam

Sakshath Kshamam Karunaya Kamalami Vanyam

Goda Ananyasarana: Saranam Prapadhye

 

Thiruvadipuram is the birth star of Sri Andal, an incarnation of Sri Boodevi Nachiyar.  Andal was born in Thiruvilliputhur (Shembakaranya Kshetram) in Madurai, it is situated  in Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu.   This is one of 108 Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu.  Significance is that, this is the birth place of Sri Periyalwar and Sri Andal (Godha).   Periyalwar (Vishnuchithar) was born in 9^th Century – Aani Month – with the birth star Swathi and was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu’s celestial vehicle – Garuda - Nithyasuri.

 

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vatapathra Sayee – in His reclining posture with His consorts Sridevi and Boodevi Nachiyars.  Sage Brigu and Sage Markandeya also presents on the Head and Feet of the Lord respectively.  At the time of deluge (Pralaya) Lord Vishnu undergoes Yoganidra on a Banyan tree leaf. Thus the Lord Vishnu came to known as ‘Vatapatra Sayee’.

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Shravan Amavasya on 30th July, 2011 !!Varaha Puranam - Vamana Dwadashi Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes 'Vamana Dwadashi Vrutham'.

Worship of Lord Vishnu's fifth incarnation as Vamana (Dwarf) on this day.  The austerity begins on the 12th day of bright half of the month - Chaithra.  Worship of Lord Vamana on this day with utmost faith and devotion, following austerities and fast on this day protects the worshipper from all the dangers.   

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mira Ke Prabu............Giridhar Nagar !! Part VIII !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!

                                  

Mira continued her Satsang and singing bajans of Lord.  Her glories were widely known.  One day Vikramaditya arrived to have dharsan of the saintly woman (not as his sister-in-law) he repented at his malevolence and begged to pardon him.  He requested her to return to Mewar once again and revealed his willingness to accept her as the princess of Mewar with due honor.  Mira gracefully refused all the possessions and honor.  Later, Mira visited Mewar to sanctify the Krishna Temple constructed by Kumbha Rana and returned to Dwaraka.

During the day of Janmashtami, the entire Dwaraka was immersed in the bajans and singing the glory of Lord Krishna.  Mira was transcended totally in to a world of Her Kanha.  She was also one amongst them deeply absorbed in Bajans, with Tampura in one hand and Chipla on the other. She gracefully danced in front of her Kanha and her movements were flawless.  Abruptly, she moved closer to the idol of Kanha as somebody was calling her and she was answering to it.  She fell on the flowered feet of Lord Krishna.   In a moment a mysterious blue light engulfed Mira, the doors were closed as its own.  The entire crowd was watching awe stricken.  When the doors were opened they could listen to her beautiful enchanting melodious voice singing the bajans and her clothes were enveloped the idol of Lord Krishna.

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mira Ke Prabu............Giridhar Nagar !! Part VII !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Mira continued her spiritual search with the ‘Tambura’ which was offered by her husband  with a promise to continue her divine journey of spreading the devotion to Lord by Bhoj Raj while in his death bed.  She moved out of the palace and spent her day with the Sadhus immersed in Bajans.  She made use of the opportunity to spread the essence of Bakthi among the villagers.  She continued her journey to nearby villages with her childhood friend Lalitha.   Mira’s open demonstration of the essence of Bakthi to Lord Krishna irritated Vikramaditya.  He ordered his men to put her in jail.  But he had to give a reasonable answer to her followers. 

One of the most significant incident happened in Mira’s life was, Mughal Emperor Akbar made a visit to Chittorghar Palace in disguise.  He was followed by his prominent musician in his court, Tansen.  They were warmly welcomed at the place where Mira’s Bajans took place.  Akbar was deeply moved at the devotion of Mira, while leaving he presented her with a diamond jewel necklace as a gift.  Mira gracefully refused to have anything from her devotees, after seeing his earnest desire to adore Her Kanha made Mira speechless.  Vikramaditya came to known about Akbar’s visit to Chittorghar in disguise.  He insulted Mira and abused her that she brought disgrace to family and forced her leave the palace.  She followed the order of the King; she went to deep in the river to put an end to her life with the constant chanting of ‘Govinda, Giridhari, Gopala’.  Amazingly, she was pulled by two hands affectionately, there stood Her Kanha with full of love. He whispered to her ears ‘Mira you are mine.  You are free from material bondages and continue your spiritual journey at your free will.’

She wrote a letter to Goswami Tulsidas stating her present situation at the palace and seeking advice from him.  She immediately received a reply saying that to abandon the relatives who have no devotion to Lord.  She decided to leave Chittorghar Fort with her intimate friend Lalitha.  Mira once again met her Sadguru and mentor Goswami Raidas seeking his blessings.  It is believed that he was died at the ripened age of 118 years.

Mira continued her spiritual journey through the hot sand beds of Rajasthan with bare footed.  She happened to meet many Sadgurus and Sadhus on her way to Vrindavan.  She was recognized by the people with great respect.  Mira wanted to have Dharshan of Jiva Gosain who was the head priest of Vrindavan.  But he refused to meet Mira, as a woman has no right to meet him or worship inside the temple.  This made Mira to taught him the eternal truth ‘Lord Krishna – Paramatman is the only one Purusha, rest of us are Jivathman – the female form.’  The message nailed hardly on him and Jiva Gosain begged for pardon.

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mira Ke Prabu............Giridhar Nagar !! Part VI !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!

In a battle with the Mughals Bhoj Raj lost his life and Mira's father in law narrowly escaped with serious of injuries.  This incident turned Mira’s life upside down.  Her in-laws forced her to accept ‘Sati’.  But, she was miraculously saved by her Kanha.  Her living condition in the Chittorghar palace became worse than before.  The entire relatives treated her as a bad omen and waited to see find fault in her, she had to often meet with the sharp criticisms of them.  She took all the ill treatment of her family members calmly. 

 ‘Vikramaditya’ was step brother Bhoj Raj’s and wanted to become the next heir to the Kingdom.   After Bhoj Raj’s sad demise, Vikramaditya was very keen to take up the position as the King of Mewar.   He was dead against to see Mira as next heir to the throne after Bhoj Raj.  Now, Mira had to face another trouble too.  Vikramaditya was unscrupulous and had no qualities in him to be a ruler of Mewar.   Mira was worried about the people of Mewar and their welfare.  She vehemently opposed him to intervene in the royal matters.   Vikramaditya misused the wealth of the country lavishly with the support of his mother.  Mira’s mother-in-law was the only support to her in those difficult days, but she was also under strict inspection of Vikramaditya and his mother.    In the initial days he tried to torment Mira with his physical force.  Each of his attempts was failed and it irritated him to the extent that he decided to take away her life.  He offered Mira with the poison, she was astoundingly escaped.  He invited the out casted to infect her with the venomous snakes; she was amazingly saved by her Kanha. Vikramaditya played another trick; he spread rumors about Mira’s chastity.    Many such incidents were repeated to torture Mira; she calmly embraced Krishna – Her savior.  During this period of time, Mira’s father Ratan Singh Rathore died in a war with the Mughal Emperor.  She was too philosophical by the time to receive the sad news.  The tragedies in her life continued, fortunately nothing could destroy her firm devotion to Lord.

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mira Ke Prabu............Giridhar Nagar !! Part V !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Mira spent her days closed in her suite weeping to the idol of Krishna and keep questioning him ‘Kanha, why you want to send me off.  Why don’t you keep me as your servant, although not like your princess?  I want to serve you in all my life.  I beg you don’t separate me from yourself.’  It was heart breaking sight for her Grandfather Dudaji Rao at the devotion of his granddaughter.    One night Mira had a dream in that Krishna was convincing her to follow the instructions of elders and marry Bhoja Raj.  He taught her that the happenings in her life would turn out to a motive for spreading the essence of ‘devotion’.  Lord Krishna also promised her that she will be back with Him soon. 

In the following days, Mira was once again regained her original form.  She spent her days with the company of Krishna and her intimate friend Lalitha.  Once again she occupied the hearts of the people in the palace with her Bajans and devotion to Lord.  She affectionately holds the parrots in her hand, feed them and asks them to chant ‘Radhey Krishna’.  She was such a lovely girl attracted the hearts of people around her.  The sudden changes in Mira provided big relief to the family members; they were so concerned about upcoming royal wedding.   

Finally, the big day has come, Mira married to Rana Kumbhaji – Bhoj Raj in the year 1513, when she was just 15 years old.  She left to Chittorghar – Mewar with her newlywed husband Bhoj Raj.  She continued her life in the same manner as she was used to be in her home town.  She engrossed herself in singing bajans, serving Lord and performed her duties as an ideal daughter-in-law to Chittorghar royal family.  Unfortunately, she was not an ideal wife to Prince Bhoj Raj.  She was reluctant to share her feelings, thoughts or anything with him.   They slept in different bed in the same suites, hanging curtains in between them as a wall. Though, she did perform well as a ‘Daughter-in-law’ to Chittorghar royal family, her mother-in-law could sense the difference in her behavior as a wife to Bhoj Raj.  Mira was not at all willing to open up with him, it made her mother-in-law worried about their marriage.  She was expecting an heir to throne through Bhoj Raj and Mira that was seemed to be remote.  It made her mother-in-law to treat Mira harshly with her sharp criticism.  It was very clear that she did not reveal her face to Bhoj Raj till he dies. (In those days, Rajaputana women used to cover their faces with their cloth, they are supposed to show their face only to their husband)  She always treated herself as a bride of her Kanha.  Initially it was irked Bhoj Raj, soon he also changed his mind treated her as friend and a great devotee of her Kanha.  The indifference between Mira and Bhoj Raj annoyed her mother-in-law.  She had to undergo severe punishments at the palace for not performing the responsibilities of an ideal wife.  In one occasion, Mira was unwilling to worship their family deity Goddess Durga, Her mother-in-law punished her severely.  This incident made Bhoj Raj to become more compassionate to Mira.  He was a loyal husband and intimate friend to her.  Mira had to go through many such harsh punishments while Bhoj Raj was alive. Moreover, Mira had to face harsh treatments from Bhoj Raj’s step mother and step sister Udhabai too. 

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mira Ke Prabu............Giridhar Nagar !! Part IV !!



Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!



Whoever loves Krishna He will definitely gives back His love. The eternal truth is that nothing is permanent in this world.  We are not born together and   not sure how long will cling on to each other.  One day everybody has to leave this world. There is no assurance that we get back the love we have shared with our beloved ones.  Mira says, keep unconditional love towards Him, undeniably He will be there to return back all the love.  Mira persistently surrendered herself to Lord.  She offered Him Deepam, Dhoopam, Naivedyam along with her heart.   She had great knowledge in arts, music and painting.  Mira spent her precious time in the thoughts of Krishna’s pastimes with Gopis in Vrindavan, she imagined herself as one amongst them, she invites her childhood friends to join with her and they created a beautiful Vrindavan like atmosphere in her palace garden.  Her mind was overflowing with the thoughts of Krishna; she performed Joola Utsav, Dolostav, etc...With her friends gathered.  Seeing Mira’s excessive obsession with the Lord Krishna made Dudaji Rao to worry about her future.

Dudaji informed the members of the family about his decision of seeking alliance for Mira.  They all agreed to it and started looking for a suitable bride-groom for Mira. At this point of time, The King of Mewar – Rana Sangram Singh known as Rana Sangha approached Dudaji Rao for asking Mira’s hand to marry his son Bhoj Raj ( Rana Kumbhaji).  Both the royal families were delighted at the union of two.  Bhoj Raja was highly impressed at the beauty, piousness and at her affectionate nature.  The two families fixed a date for the grand royal wedding.  

Dudaji was under great pressure now.  He wanted to convey the happiest news to his granddaughter, but how?  Whenever Dudaji Rao approaches Mira with the news of her marriage she simply slips out of the subject and diverting her grandfather’s attention to something else.  She may start talking about the decorative/jewels required for her Krishna or His tantalizing beauty.  Many a times Dudaji Rao found it difficult to convince her about marriage.  Today, Dudaji Rao felt that the time is passing quickly and it is high time to sort out the serious issue with Mira.  He approached Mira; she was completely into a different world with the thoughts Krishna.  Dudaji Rao without any introduction to the subject informed Mira that they found a suitable bride-groom for her.  Mira was dumb founded at her grandfather’s message.  She cried to Dudaji Rao ‘I have already married to Krishna.  How can I marry somebody else in this life?’  She was uncontrollable and in a miserable state.  Dudaji Rao could not see any happiness in Mira for the next few days, suddenly she started to behave like lost child, she was not in her usual form, and she refused to eat or wear stately dresses.  She lost her happiness and interest in everything.  The abrupt changes in Mira made everyone in deep distress. On the other hand, the two royal families were eagerly waiting for the union of beautiful couple.

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mira Ke Prabu............Giridhar Nagar !! Part III !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!

                                

It was just the beginning of perpetual happiness in Mira’s life.  Seeing the child safely back with Goswami Raidas made the entire family thrilled with happiness.  The whole palace was under great shock at the missing of the child, seeing the child safely back with the idol of Lord Krishna created a festival atmosphere among the villagers.  Her grandfather Rao Dudaji ordered to build a temple inside the fort to worship Lord Krishna.

Mira’s love for Krishna grew day by day.  She spent most of her time with Lord Krishna talking to him, singing and praising his beauty. The intimacy towards lord Krishna cemented as the days passed by.   One day Mira requested her mother to perform her wedding with Lord Krishna.  Her mother was alarmed at the request of her one and only daughter.  She tried to withdraw Mira from her desire, she tried to make her convince that He is Supreme Lord, He cannot be physically present to fulfill her desires, He cannot be her husband etc.. But, all the philosophies were not getting into her mind.  Mira was unyielding in her decision to marry Krishna.  Her mother spoke to her husband and finally obtained permission to perform marriage of Mira with Lord Krishna.  They have arranged a beautiful dais in their garden for the bride and bridegroom.  Mira was beautifully decorated in her bride attire and with all her childhood friends assembled in the garden, marriage of Mira with Krishna was took place.  She was stunningly walked with the idol of Krishna close to her chest.  Her parents performed all the rituals for the happiness of their one and only daughter Mira.   .  This joyous event made her mind to confirm that she is the wife of Lord Krishna and belonged to Him only. Afterwards she treated herself as ‘Mira Ke Prabhu Giridhar Nagar’. 

Mira grew into a beautiful young girl.  Her day begins with Krishna and ends with Him.  She composed many beautiful songs about Lord Krishna.  Her life and thoughts were occupied by Krishna only Krishna.  During one of her joyous moments with Krishna, she lost her mother.  After this incident, her father Ratan Singh Rathore was isolated himself away from his private life.  Mira had to go through all the suffering at a young age all alone.  During her difficult days, Krishna embraced her and made her stronger.  Later, her life in the palace was very difficult.  She had to face sharp criticism of her relatives about her devotion to Lord Krishna. She was ill treated by her Aunt.  She patiently handled all the difficult moments in her life.  She had her childhood friend - Lalitha and Her Grandfather Rao Dudaji was the only solace for her.    She was close to her only cousin ‘Jaimal’, who was very close to; they spent their childhood in the same palace.   Above painful incidents made Mira to get closer to Krishna more and more. It was impossible to see her without the idol.  She had to work hard in the palace and undergo severe punishments from her aunt sometimes.  Her closeness towards Krishna, brought her into an ecstasy resulted in singing and dancing with the villagers outside the palace praising the glory of the Lord. 

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!



Mira Ke Prabu............Giridhar Nagar !! Part II !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Mira felt lonely at the separation of her Kanha that night.  She locked herself in her room, refused to take food, spend the night sleepless and she was totally restless in the absence of the idol of Krishna.  She made up her mind; in the middle of the night she started to follow Goswami Raidas who was left to Vrindavan by walk through the deserts of Ajmer.   Mira left the palace without the knowledge of security people and walked through the hot sandy desert to Goswami Raidas’s worship place at Vrindavan.

At Vrindavan, Goswami Raidas started his daily rituals with lightening lamp  in front of deity,  but the lamp did not lit properly got off many times, Goswami Raidas offered flower garlands to the deity that was not accepted by the Lord, He offered Bhog to Him that was also not accepted by the Him.  The continuous bad omen made Goswami Raidas distressed.   Goswami Raidas cried out in front of the deity to forgive him for any mistakes happened unknowingly.  All the Sadhus witnessed the incident and felt deeply disappointed at this.  

Little Mira was walking through the hot sandy desert bare footed.  Her little feet were swollen with the unbearable heat and walked with innumerable heat blisters on.  Her legs were bleeding with the thorny bushes pricked on her soft tissues.  She was frail and tired of walking on the scorching heat.  Finally she arrived at the Goswami Raidas Mutt, she sensed the anguish amongst the Sadhus and Goswami Raidas.  Goswami Raidas was looked miserable, turned to Mira and informed about the unpleasant incident happened from the morning rituals.  Mira lit the lamp and offered flowers and Bhog to Lord.  Seeing her sincerity and devotion to Lord, Goswami Raidas replied to Mira that she can have the possession of the idol; it is belonged to her to worship in her palace.  Under the strict supervision of Goswami Raidas the idol was brought to Merta Fort from Vrindavan. 

 Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mira Ke Prabu............Giridhar Nagar !! Part I !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Mira  – A Rajaputana princess was  born in the year 1498 in Kurkhi/Merta, a small state in Mewar – Rajasthan.  She was not just a princess; a real Gem captured the entire attention of the world for her heartfelt ‘Bakthi towards Lord Krishna.  At a small age she had to go through lots of sufferings in her life, unexpected death of parents, and ill treatment from her own relatives, death of her husband etc., all made her strong throughout her life.  Thus, the harsh realities in life made her grew stronger and bolder. 

Her father was Ratan Singh Rathor, son of Dudaji of Merta.  The Ranthores were great devotees of Lord Krishna. The constant bajans of Sadgurus and Satasang at the palace had a great influence of Krishna Bakthi in the life of Mira.  A lovely girl child who had lot affection towards everything she met with.  Once she was closely watching the wedding ceremony from her palace window, her curiosity raised in a level she enquired her mother ‘Who is going to be my Bridegroom’.   Her mother earnestly replied her ‘Kanha is going to be your bridegroom’.     From childhood she had lot of opportunities to spend her time with the Sadus and Satsang, Singing and dancing praising the glory of Lord Krishna.  Once Goswami Raidas with a  group of Sadhus  arrived from the Vrindavan to celebrate Janmashtami in the Palace of Rathores, they brought an idol of Lord Krishna which was worshipped by Goswami Raidas.  She had fallen in love with the idol of Lord Krishna.   Once the bajans got over, Mira left to be with the idol of Krishna which magnetized her attention towards him.  She moved towards the idol and was keenly observed the mesmerizing beauty of Him.  Talking to him and praising the beauty of Lord - His lotus eyes, beautiful hair locks decorated with the feathers of peacock and jewels, His Tilak, attractive lips, neck, shoulders, hands, chest, Kaustubam, jewels, flute, waist, thighs, legs and feet.  She was enthralled at His irresistible exquisiteness.  She spent her whole night watching at his alluring charisma.  All those gorgeous facial appearance made her to fall for Him with lots and lots of love for Him.  Her heart was aching to touch and feel for Him.

Mira’s attraction towards the idol of Krishna was strong made her to plead for it.  Goswami Raidas did not take it seriously, as it was a mere request from a girl child to have a possession of a beautiful doll in her custody.  Her parents tried their best to make her understand about the importance of worship of Lord and follow daily rituals with certain procedures like ritual bath of Lord, Harati, Bhog, offering flowers and incense etc….  She was wholeheartedly willing to follow any rituals for Him.  The time has arrived for Goswami Raidas to leave the palace with his precious idol of Lord Krishna to Vrindavan.  Mira was uncontrollable with the sorrow and pain at the thought of separation of Lord Krishna. 

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Omkareshwar/Amaleshwar !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Omkareshwar is one of Dwadasha (twelve) Jyothir Linga Temple located 77 km south of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.  This temple is situated 2o kilometer from Mortakka, Madhya Pradesh, on the convergent point of river Narmada and Kaveri.

Shiva Puranam describes the glory of Lord Omkareshwara and Lord Amareshwar.  This temple is closely linked with the legends from sacred Puranas.  The legend has that King Ambarisha and Muchukunda from the Sun Dynasty in the lineage of King Mandata – Ikshvaku dynasty, underwent severe penance and pleased Lord Shiva in this place.  They also observed severe austerities and performed several Yagnas.

Maharishi Narada visited Mount Vindyachala and praised the glory of Mount Meru.  At this, Mount Vindyachala disappointed and prayed to Lord Shiva, in order to attain fame and glory as Mount Meru.  Lord Shiva blessed Mount Vindyachala with His presence as Lord Omkareshwar & Lord Amareshwar in this place and provided with a boon to grow to the size unimaginable without making any hindrance.  Immediately, after receiving the boon Mount Vindyachala started to grow bigger and bigger in size, also caused disturbance to Lord Surya and Lord Chandra.  Finally, Sage Agastya intervened and arrested its growth.

The Omkareshwar Temple was built in Nagara style.  There are shrines for Lord Ganesha and Goddess Annapurna.  The presiding deity Lord Omkareshwar is worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga surrounded by water.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Life of Sant Gora Kumbhar !! Part VI !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

In Pandharpur, Sant and Sadhus like Namdev – ardent devotees of Lord Panduranga realized the absence of Lord in the Temple.  These Sant and Sadhus could envision Lord Panduranga and used to converse with Him.  Now, the panic stricken Sant Namdev along with other Sadhus went in search for Lord Panduranga in all the villages.  Finally, they arrived at the Goroba’s village too.  Goroba was known Sant Namdev previously during their visits to Pandharpur on Ekadashi days.  They met each other once again, they spoke little to each other; they were fully engrossed in singing Bajans of Lord Panduranga.  Sant Namdev could sense the situation very well and realized the truth that Panduranga was with Goroba only.  Sant Namdev asked Goroba ‘Where is Ranga?’ Goroba sincerely replied to him ‘Ranga is at home only’.  Sant Namdev rushed to Goroba’s house; there he could not find Ranga, Tulsi Bai and Shantu Bai called for Ranga many times in loud voice.  There came no response.  They did not see any trace of Ranga and Rukma Bai in their house.  Sant Namdev replied to them that Ranga was none other than Lord Panduranga himself and Rukma Bai was Goddes Rukmini Devi; they were at the service of Goroba and family throughout their difficult days.  Goroba could not bear the pain he was going through, he cried out loudly longing for the presence of Lord once again.  Sant Namdev comforted Goroba who was irrepressible at the separation of His son Ranga - Lord. 

Goroba along with Sant Namdev and group of devotees arrived to Pandharpur to have Dharshan of Lord Panduranga.  Goroba entered into the temple with unsteady steps with lots and lots of emotion flickering through his eyes, the thought of Ranga working on his muddy grounds, earning livelihood by selling pots, Rukma Bai performing all household chores everything made him weak, tears pouring down uncontrollably on his cheek.  They all sat down on the main hall for singing the glories of Lord, the leader of the Bajan group Sant Namdev distributed the musical instrument called –Jalara (used to increase the tempo of music) to all the devotees.  Sant Namdev moved closer to Goroba who was sitting helpless with no hands to clap or rise in the sky to the tunes of Bajan.  Sant Namdev offered a jalara to Goroba too, Alas ! To everyone’s amazement Goroba’s hands started to grow at a length, as teeny tiny plant sprout up from its seeds.  In a sudden moment, Tulsi Bai with a lot of emotions ran inside the Sanctum Sanctorum and fallen at the feet of Lord Panduranga and begged ‘Give me back my son - Hari, Lord’.  She continued to weep ‘You are the saver of your Bhakthas, Why don’t you listen to my cries.  You have saved the life of son of your Acharya at his request.  I am your servant, why don’t you give back my son to me?’. 

At this point of time, the people gathered there could hear the cry of a child.  Everyone’s attention turns to the side from where the sound was echoing.  Tulsi Bai also turned her face to look for it.  It was an incredible sight for everyone gathered, Tulsi Bai ran towards to pick her son Hari.  It was just a remarkable moment of boundless joy. Later, Goroba returned to his village along with family and lived happily ever after.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!